Innfesting

Innfesting is a term used in some online hobbyist and travel communities to describe the practice of organizing and attending extended gatherings at inns, guesthouses, or other budget lodging that coincide with a larger trip or event. The focus is on staying in close proximity to fellow participants and coordinating shared activities over multiple days, rather than a single evening or day.

Etymology and scope are informal. The word appears to be a portmanteau of "inn" and "fest" (a festival or celebration), with earliest known informal usages arising in online discussions during the 2010s. It is not widely standardized and may be used differently across communities.

Typical practices include selecting a lodging option that accommodates several attendees, booking multiple rooms or an entire property, and creating a loose schedule of activities such as meals, games, talks, or sightseeing. Participants often share costs and communicate through chat groups to coordinate logistics, meals, and transportation. The emphasis is on community-building, collaboration, and affordable accommodation, rather than formal programming.

Social dynamics and considerations vary. Proponents view innfesting as a way to strengthen social ties, reduce travel expenses, and enable longer shared experiences. Critics point to potential issues with noise, capacity limits, privacy, and inclusivity, as well as the impact on local residents and hotel policies. Organizers commonly establish guidelines around consent, accessibility, quiet hours, and respectful behavior to mitigate conflicts.

See also: house party, meet-up, festival, group travel.