How to set up a successful freethought booth at your local event

A freethought booth or table at a local festival, farmers market, university fair or community event is a great way to meet like-minded individuals, engage with the public, and educate your community about secularism, atheism and freethought. Whether you’re part of an FFRF chapter, another local secular group or just a passionate individual, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan and host a welcoming, informative and impactful booth.

1. Choose the right event to spread freethought

Start by identifying local events that welcome community groups or nonprofits. Think:

• Street fairs
• Pride festivals
• Earth Day or science-related events
• College campus activities fairs
• Local markets or cultural festivals
• Book fairs or human rights rallies

You don’t need to limit yourself to “atheist-friendly” events — many secular booths thrive in diverse spaces where they offer a fresh and unexpected perspective.

2. Get permission and register early

Reach out to the event organizer to learn how to register, what fees are involved, and what materials or rules apply (e.g., tent sizes, electricity access, nonprofit discounts). Be transparent about your purpose: promoting secularism, freethought and the separation of state and church.

3. Plan your message and materials

Your booth should clearly reflect your mission. Consider focusing on one or more of these themes:

• Separation of state and church
• Promoting critical thinking and science
• Normalizing atheism and agnosticism
• Building community for nonbelievers

Must-have materials:

• Brochures or flyers
  • FFRF online brochures are available here 
  • Nontracts available here
  • Student Rights Brochure (business card version)
  • Purchase nontracts and brochures here (bulk rates are available with sufficient notice)
  • Free buttons are popular and promote messaging (FFRF offers bulk rates)
• A clear sign or banner with your group’s name and message.
• Business cards or info sheets for local meetups or social media.
• Freethought quotes, fact sheets, or FAQs (e.g., “What is secularism?” “Why are we here?”). Try FFRF’s “Is America a Christian Nation?”

4. Make it fun and approachable

The goal is engagement — not argument. Here are ways to make your booth inviting:

• Interactive elements: trivia games, quizzes (“Which Founding Father said it?”), or a whiteboard where people can write what they’re “free from” or “grateful for (besides God).”
• Giveaways: buttons, stickers, bookmarks, or candy. Check out our shop for swag ideas.
• Conversation starters: Have volunteers trained with welcoming intros like, “Hi! Are you familiar with our group?” or “We’re here to talk about the importance of keeping religion out of government — what are your thoughts?”

5. Staff your table with friendly volunteers

Select volunteers who are:

• Friendly, open and respectful (not confrontational).
• Prepared to answer common questions about atheism, secularism and church/state separation.
• Willing to listen more than lecture.

Diversity in your volunteers can also help reflect the broad spectrum of people who identify as nonreligious.

6. Know how to handle pushback

Not everyone will agree with your message, and that’s okay.

• Stay calm and polite. Say, “We respect your right to your beliefs — we’re just here to advocate for a government that treats everyone equally, regardless of religion.”
• Don’t engage in lengthy debates unless others seem genuinely open.
• If someone becomes aggressive, walk away or call event staff if needed.

7. Follow up

Have a sign-up sheet or tablet where interested people can join your email list or follow your group on social media. Offer to connect with local groups, online communities or future events.

After the event, thank your volunteers and post a photo or recap on your group’s social media. This encourages others to join next time!

8. Keep evolving

After your first few booths, take time to evaluate:

• What materials worked best?
• What questions did people ask most?
• Did you get sign-ups or grow your group?

Keep improving your setup, messaging and outreach over time.

Remember: Just by showing up, you’re making a difference. Your booth might be the first time someone realizes they’re not alone in their doubts or values. Keep it welcoming, informative and kind.

Let’s bring freethought into the public square — one booth at a time.