Embrace 2026 Side Quests - Challenge Friends to Side Quest Bingo!
by Lu, OTL Seat Fillers
Whenever someone new joins OTL Seat Fillers, we always ask how they heard about us. After all, we have to keep things relatively quiet, as we can't promote our entertainment partners to preserve their regular ticket sales, so we're curious. And, the answers to the question are sometimes really intriguing. For example, in the last few weeks, some of our new London friends advised that they learned about us by searching "side quests."
Side quest is a relatively new term, or at least one that's quickly gaining popularity. And, after researching, I can see why. Most people are on the quest to save money while also wanting (needing) to be more social and do more than what a smartphone can provide. So, side quests are just the ticket - sometimes literally!
B-I-N-G-O!
I created this post so you can get inspired with dozens of side quest ideas AND a unique "Side Quest Bingo" game. You can use it to challenge your friends, family, or co-workers, or just keep yourself motivated. We'll even provide a prize if you live in an OTL city and have four or more participants!
Enjoy 2026 - you deserve it!
TL;DR
- Side quests = mini-adventures that make ordinary weeks more fun.
- Use the bingo card to track progress and challenge friends.
- Side quests are perfect for 2026: budget-friendly, IRL, and a great mental reset.
- Bonus: kid-friendly ideas included.
Side Quest Bingo - Click to "Dab"
treat
show
night
(one set)
show
hour
bookstore/records
market
sampler
street food
outdoor
event
event
golf/bowling/arcade
night
sports
game
Printable Bingo Card
How To Play Side Quest Bingo (& Who To Play With!)
This isn’t “5-in-a-row and done.” The goal is to cross off every square on the card by the end of your challenge period (a month, a season, or all of 2026).
Step 1: Choose your challenge timeframe
Pick what fits your crew:
- Weekend Sprint: 48–72 hours (chaotic good)
- 30-Day Challenge: perfect for friend groups
- Season Pass: finish by the end of spring/summer/fall/winter
- All of 2026: slow-and-steady, maximum story collection
Step 2: Choose how you’ll track
- Clickable card: Tap a square when you complete it. (Your progress saves on your device/browser unless you clear your cache.)
- Printable version: Print the board and mark it up with a pen, highlighter, or stickers.
Group idea: Print a few boards and post them where everyone can see—office breakroom, club meeting spot, or even a shared bulletin board at home.
Step 3: Set the ground rules (keep it simple)
A few easy rules make it more fun:
- Counts when you actually go. Planning doesn’t count. Nice try.
- Time cap: most side quests are meant to be 30–90 minutes.
- Budget cap (optional): keep it affordable (example: under $25).
- Photo proof (optional): snap a pic of the treat / ticket / sign / bingo square moment.
Step 4: Play with a group (friends, clubs, or the office)
This works ridiculously well as a shared challenge:
- Start a group chat: “Side Quest Bingo 2026”
- Each week, pick one square that the group will aim for
- Or split up and let everyone chase their own squares, then compare progress
Office-friendly version: “Side Quest of the Week” — everyone tries one square, then shares a quick recap (or photo) on Friday.
Step 5: Add prizes (because prizes are motivation in disguise)
Here are easy prize formats:
- Winner-takes-all pool: everyone pitches in $5/£5, and the first person to complete the full board wins the pot
- Tiered prizes: first to complete a row, then two rows, then full board
- Most squares by deadline: great for busy groups
- Best story award: because someone will absolutely have one
Prize ideas:
- Coffee/dessert gift card
- “Winner chooses the next side quest” trophy (silly is encouraged)
- Lunch on the group
- A small experience fund for the next outing
Bonus: Want an OTL-sponsored prize?
If you're organizing a group challenge (minimum of four people), and you’re in one of our OTL cities, send us a message to request a prize. We’ll sponsor your Side Quest Bingo challenge by sending an OTL Seat Fillers gift certificate you can award to the winner.
>> Request a Prize - include the name of your group, location, and number of participants
Step 6: Go for the full blackout (finish every square)
The best part is the momentum. Because once you’re halfway done, you’ll start looking for reasons to go out (in a good way).
Tip: Save the “easy wins” for busy weeks (farmers market, dessert, bookstore + coffee). Also, plan 1–2 bigger squares (comedy show, live music, escape room) ahead of time.
Why Side Quests Are Essential in 2026
Because 2026 needs a little more real life.
- Budget-busting is real. Side quests are the “do more, spend less” antidote—small adventures, big payoff.
- IRL fun is underrated. The best stories rarely happen on your couch (even if your couch is iconic).
- It’s a healthy distraction. When the news and politics feel like a never-ending (& stressful) group chat, side quests give your brain a breather.
- They’re low-commitment. You don’t need a full plan. You need a “why not?” moment.
London Side Quests
London is basically built for side quests. One minute you’re “just going for a walk,” the next you’re in a cozy pub, following live music down a side street, or somehow eating dessert at 10:47 pm like it was scheduled.
Easy London side quests to add to your week:
- Pub quiz night (show up, join a team, become legends)
- Comedy night or open mic (the cheapest mood upgrade)
- Street food market mission (split a few bites instead of a full dinner)
- Small theatre / fringe-style night (pick something you wouldn’t normally choose)
- Museum or gallery “one-hour dash” (go for one exhibit and leave on a high note)
- Walk + surprise stop (South Bank-style stroll, then follow whatever looks fun)
London bonus tip: Make it a “two-stop” quest: one cozy thing + one lively thing. Example: bookstore + live comedy. Park walk + dessert. Easy win.
OTL Seat Fillers Pricing & Locations
US & UK Event Calendars (no seat filler status required)
US Quests
In the US, side quests are how you turn “same old week” into “wait… that was actually fun.” Keep it simple, local, and low-pressure.
Great US side quests (works in most cities):
- Farmers market + treat (pick one thing you’ve never tried)
- Street fair / night market (wander first, decide later)
- Trivia night (even if you’re not “a trivia person,” it's still guaranteed fun)
- Local live music (one set counts!)
- Comedy show (instant serotonin, no subscription required - when's the last time you've been in a comedy club?)
- Indie movie night (bonus points for a weird snack)
- Mini golf / bowling / arcade (yes, it counts as self-care)
Side Quests for Kids
Side quests aren’t just for grown-ups. So, we've got quick, easy, and (mostly) low-cost family-friendly ideas.
Easy side quests kids love:
- Library mission: pick one book + one “surprise” book
- Museum “one-hour dash” (keep it short, leave while it’s still fun)
- Park picnic + playground hop
- Farmers market challenge: pick one new fruit/snack to try
- Scavenger walk: find 10 things (mural, funny sign, red door, etc.)
- Dessert side quest: split one treat and rate it 1–10
- Craft/family maker fair or community event
- Mini golf / bowling / arcade
- Matinée outing (kid-friendly show/event in your area)
- “Yes Day Lite” side quest: let the kid choose one stop
More Ideas for Things To Do IRL
Quick hits (30–90 minutes)
- “One exhibit” museum trip
- Sunset viewpoint mission
- Coffee + bookstore + leave with ONE book
- Photo scavenger walk (find 10 quirky things)
Food side quests
- Dessert crawl (two places, one bite each)
- Food hall sampler (3 small bites)
- “Pick a cuisine” night (something you don’t normally order)
Live & local
- Open mic (music or comedy)
- Community theatre night
- Free outdoor concert / park event (seasonal win)
Rainy-day side quests
- Escape room / puzzle room / rage room (yup! it's a thing)
- Arcade night
- Indie cinema
- Karaoke (even if you don’t sing—cheering counts)
Want More Side Quests - No Planning Required?
OTL Seat Fillers helps you turn some ordinary weeks into “we actually went out” weeks with surprise night-out opportunities. They can also serve double-duty - perfect for checking off squares on your bingo card.
FAQs: Side Quest Bingo + Side Quests in 2026
What’s a “side quest” in real life?
A side quest is a small, spontaneous mini-adventure—something simple that turns an ordinary day into a better story.
How do I play Side Quest Bingo?
Click a square when you complete that side quest. Aim for 5 in a row (any direction), or go for a full card over time.
Does the clickable bingo card save my progress?
Yes - your checkmarks save automatically on your device/browser. If you switch devices or clear browser data, it may reset.
Do side quests have to cost money?
Nope. Many of the best side quests are free or low-cost: markets, walks, community events, museum hours, and local happenings.
Can I do Side Quest Bingo with friends?
Yes - share the page, pick a timeframe (week/month/season), and compare progress. Friendly competition is encouraged.
Are these side quests only for London?
No—this post includes ideas that work across the US & UK, plus a London-specific section.
What if I’m busy and tired—how do I start?
Pick one side quest a week and keep it short (30–90 minutes). Consistency beats perfection.
Can kids do side quests too?
Yes! Scroll to the “Side Quests for Kids” section for family-friendly ideas.
How can I request an OTL Seat Fillers Membership prize for my group?
OTL Seat Fillers is happy to provide a gift membership to groups of four or more participating in Side Quest Bingo. To request a prize for your group, email OTL with your name, group count, group name, and location.
