10 Cool Event Ideas You May Have Missed From Apple TV+, eBay, ABC and More

To celebrate its wildly popular new series Ted Lasso, Apple TV+ brought a fun marketing activation for the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 4. Designed as a massive tailgate for the LAFC versus Sporting KC match, the brand took over a large area outside the stadium for the event, which featured on-theme surprises like Ted Lasso merchandise, a “biscuits with the boss” station, photo installations, freestyle soccer performers, food, live contests and a live DJ. There was also bleacher seating with the word “Believe,” a nod to the show’s opening credits.

Also on-site was the double-decker “Believe Bus,” which traveled around Los Angeles—making stops in Santa Monica and at The Row in downtown LA—from Aug. 7-8.

The latest brand to launch its own vending machine is eBay, which recently debuted its new luxury handbag machines. Popping up in New York and Los Angeles on Aug. 12 and 13, the activation invited shoppers to play a trivia game testing their knowledge of all things handbags for a chance to win one of six bags from luxury brands like Hermès Birkin, Chanel Classic, Prada Diagramme and Louis Vuitton Nano Speedy Monogram. Consumers could also enter for a chance to win a bag via eBay’s Instagram and Twitter accounts.

Stella Artois teamed up with Sofar Sounds, a music startup that focuses on small performances in unique locations, for Solstice in the City. The three-city outdoor concert series came to New York on Aug. 14, taking place on the roof deck at Williamsburg’s newly opened The Dime Residences; electro-pop singer-songwriter Evan Gila performed, among others, and guests enjoyed complimentary Stella Artois Solstice Lager. It also traveled to a private residence in Los Angeles in late July, and to Miami’s Palapa on Aug. 21.

Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer research hosted its Angel Ball Summer Gala in Southampton, N.Y., on Aug. 20. The fundraiser, hosted by Denise Rich and her daughters, raised $2.3 million for blood cancer research. The stylish event featured a circus-themed cocktail reception with music by DJ Mad Marj and DJ Kyle Kxtz; guests then moved into the dinner and reception under the Big Top-inspired tent, where they enjoyed performances from DJ Cassidy and Flo Rida along with a live auction.

ABC hosted a fan experience at the Santa Monica Pier in mid-August. Open to the public as a three-day fan experience, the activation celebrated Bachelor in Paradise and The Ultimate Surfer. On-theme giveaways included single-long stem roses, along with fans, sunscreen, chapstick and custom silk-screen tote bags. There was also a surf school, silk-screening printing, photo ops, a live DJ and more. CHCre8tive handled production.

ABC also hosted an evening screening for the premieres of Bachelor In Paradise and The Ultimate Surfer at the Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica.

The 200-guest private event featured themed photo ops, branded coconuts and food stations, and was also produced by CHCre8tive.

To celebrate the U.S. Open, American Express built six pop-up tennis courts at Pier 76 in New York. U.S. Tennis star Coco Gauff (pictured) was on hand to celebrate the opening night on Aug. 24. In addition to the courts, American Express card members could enjoy tennis-themed photo ops, complimentary bag check, a dedicated radio station and access to the new outdoor Amex Patio.

The Psycho Las Vegas music festival took over Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino from Aug. 20-22. More than 80 bands took over four stages across the casino for the event, now in its fourth year, with highlights including the official pre-party Psycho Swim (pictured), where guests could enjoy live music from the pool. The festival also included the inaugural Pyscho Classic Golf Tournament.