When planning a party, no matter how many afternoons you spend crafting decorations or hours dedicated to curating the perfect playlist and determining a party theme, there’s one lingering question that always hangs over the host’s head: Will my guests have fun? That’s where party entertainment comes in.
Now, we don’t know your friends, but we’re pretty sure they’ll appreciate your party ideas and planning efforts no matter what. If that’s not enough to silence your pre-event anxiety, we’ve got a few party entertainment ideas to balance the scales in your favor while not breaking the bank.
From caricaturists to balloon twisters to bouncy castles, bookable event entertainment is way less expensive than you may think and will definitely help to create a memorable experience for your guests.
We did a little digging and found the most affordable party entertainment ideas bookable for any event—all starting at (or under) $100 an hour.
Here are some affordable party entertainment ideas that you can book right now.
Tarot Card Reader (from $100 an hour)
Stage performances are great, but maybe you don’t have the space for that. A one-on-one experience is just as special, and with a tarot card reader each guest will walk away with their own unique story. To avoid any long cues, consider putting a sign-up sheet in the tarot area, so guests can sign up for a time slot and won’t have to miss any of the party while waiting in line.
Find a Tarot Card Reader
Caricaturist (from $100 an hour)
Photo: Jac & Jules
Before there were photo booths, there were artists drawing by hand. (So vintage, right?) Our favorite thing about caricaturists is that the drawings double as a take-home party favor! Leaving with a personalized portrait is a great way to remember any event. Guests can pose with a friend or have solo portraits drawn.
Find a Caricaturist
Psychic (from $100 an hour)
Different from tarot card readers, psychics may bounce back and forth between palm reading, handwriting analysis or tapping into clairvoyant abilities. Guests can have individual sessions, but it’s also fun to pair up or have small group sessions if there’s a large crowd.
Find a Psychic
Acoustic Guitarist (from $100 an hour)
Acoustic guitar can complement any type of event or theme. Whether you’re looking for soft music in the background while guests arrive, or a jazzy ambience for a co*cktail party, a professional guitarist can ebb and flow to whatever the environment requires. Not only that, but they can also cover your favorite tunes.
Find an Acoustic Guitarist
Bounce House (from $75 an hour)
Photo: Emmanuel J. Lopez/shutterstock.com
What do kids love at a party more than a bounce house? This affordable party entertainment idea will keep the kids active for hours. Bouncy castles and trendy white moon bounces have become popular at weddings too. Who says this popular activity is just for kids?
Find a Bounce House
Harpist (from $100 an hour)
Have you ever been to a party with a harpist? Probably not—those parties don’t just happen on any old Friday night. Treat guests to an outrageously cool experience at your next afternoon tea party or late-night dinner party by serenading them with this enchanting instrument. These days, harpists play renditions of the latest pop songs, so you can even play “name that tune”.
Find a Harpist
Temporary Tattoo Artist (from $100 an hour)
For a summer event, kids party or even a festival-themed party, temporary tattoos break the ice between strangers and allow everyone to show off their personal style. It’s also a perfect option for family events that will have lots of kids or teens in tow. This art form can vary between airbrush, crystal application or flash tattoos, so ask the temporary tattoo artist if they have a preferred speciality.
Find a Temporary Tattoo Artist
Balloon Twister (from $100 an hour)
Photo: Smiles Entertainment, NYC
Not just an amazing kids party entertainment idea, a talented artist will have guests of all age groups in amazement with their balloon twisting skills. From photo booth or dance floor props at a corporate event to favors for a children’s birthday party, balloon creations are just fabulously fun.
Find a Balloon Twister
Henna Artist (from $70 an hour)
From belly mandala for a baby shower to temporary body art for a sweet sixteen birthday, a henna artist can really dazzle the crowd. These intricate designs can last for as long as three weeks—meaning guests will have a reason to talk about how awesome your party was, long after it's over.
Find a Henna Artist
Accordionist (from $50 an hour)
If you’re throwing an event that celebrates a regional culture or holiday, book a musician that can perform music specific to those traditions. The accordion has roots in many parts of Europe, such as Italy, Germany, France and Poland.
Find an Accordionist
Violinist (from $50 an hour)
From classical to contemporary, violins have a way of making any tune sound enchanting. If you’re trying to make your event seem more formal, the addition of live string music is a foolproof way to achieve the ambience you’re after.
Find a Violinist
Bartender (from $20 an hour)
And the number one spot of most affordable party entertainment goes to... bartenders! You may not immediately think of a bartender as a form of entertainment, but mixology skills coupled with flair bartending is unbelievably captivating.
Hiring a professional high-quality bartender service is way less expensive than people think, and it relieves you of multiple hosting duties. Worth it? 100 percent.
Find a Bartender
There are more party entertainers where these come from. From circus performers and fire dancers to mind readers and puppet shows, the right party entertainment company for your event can fit within your budget.
Find more party entertainment ideas here on The Bash.
