Guide

Going Away Party Bingo: Farewell Game Ideas

Going away parties are bittersweet by nature — you're celebrating a friend's next chapter while acknowledging you'll see them less. Bingo keeps the tone celebratory by giving everyone something to do together one last time, and by pointing squares forward (what they'll do next) rather than only backward (what you'll miss).

The Best Format for Farewell Bingo

Observation bingo with a mix of memory squares, prediction squares, and inevitable party moments. The card runs all evening — guests mark squares as conversations unfold, toasts happen, and everyone cycles through the "so what are you going to do there?" conversation.

Going Away Party Bingo Squares

Things People Say

  • "We're so going to visit" (probably won't)
  • "You better come back"
  • "We'll do a group trip to see you"
  • "It's not goodbye, it's see you later"
  • "Don't forget about us"
  • "You're going to love it there"
  • "I'm so jealous"
  • "What are you most excited about?"
  • "What are you most nervous about?"
  • "I still can't believe you're leaving"

Memory Squares

  • A story from the early days of their friendship is told
  • Inside joke referenced that nobody outside the group understands
  • Their most legendary moment is brought up
  • Someone mentions the thing they'll miss most specifically
  • Photos from over the years are shared
  • Something they always did together is mentioned

Future Predictions

  • Makes a new best friend in first month
  • Texts the group constantly
  • Goes silent for 3 weeks then comes back with stories
  • Visits back sooner than expected
  • Falls in love with the new city/job immediately
  • Hates it for the first two weeks then loves it
  • Starts a new hobby nobody predicted
  • Eventually admits the move was the best decision they ever made

Party Moments

  • Someone cries (happy tears)
  • Someone gives a heartfelt speech
  • Group photo everyone keeps forever
  • Gift that's sentimental and perfect
  • Card signed by everyone
  • Someone volunteers to help them move
  • The person leaving says "I'm not going to cry" and then cries
  • Last-minute plan made to see them before they go

Prize Ideas

  • Give the going-away person a prize for "most squares matched about them"
  • A memory book or scrapbook from the group
  • Gift card to a restaurant in their new city
  • Practical moving/travel gift for a guest who wins