Down here in Louisiana we have combo pinball parties with tournaments. We try to coordinate in advance to set dates that work out for several members of two regional pinball clubs we are in.
Players earn points that count towards IFPA State Championship Series. Members with large enough collections take turns hosting the parties. Someone else serves as tournament director. And guests pitch in to bring snacks and drinks.
So sometimes players have a short drive to get to the party/ tournament, other times they may have a 2 to 5 hr drive each way to get there.

Are we there yet!