Every party needs some entertainment. No matter what event you’re hosting, whether it’s an office party, birthday, anniversary, baby shower or dinner party, throwing some entertainment or games into the mix is essential.
But what is the best party entertainment idea?
We’ve put together this list of the top 20 party entertainment ideas so you can make it an event to remember! Here are the categories we’ve split this list into.
If you’re looking for some more party planning advice, then head over to our other blog poststo keep the planning process as stress free as possible!
- Party Planning Timeline
- 20 Best Party Themes
And here are some other party entertainment and game posts we’ve written for more inspiration!
- 10 Outdoor Party Games
- 10 Drinking Games for Large Groups
- 10 Drinking Games for Small Groups
- Best House Warming Games
- 12 Dinner Party Games
1. Comedian
If you’re hosting a formal or large event with a big guest list or at a hired venue, then hiring a comedian could be the answer to your party entertainment.
Professional comedians are pretty expensive, but they’re sure to put on a great show and make sure your guests have a hilarious nights. But if you want a cheaper alternative, then look for an amateur comedian looking to get their name out there.
Why we think it’s a great idea:
Hiring a comedian is perfect for making the entertainment the centre of attention at a large event.
Average Price
Starting from around £250 / $250. Professional comedians charge anywhere from £500 / $500 to tens of thousands depending on how well-known they are.
2. Live Band
A live band is brilliant for creating an amazing atmosphere at your party or event. You can choose any type of live band to suit any kind of event or party theme, from pop tribute band, to an authentic cèilidh band.
They are one of the more expensive entertainment ideas on the list, but it’s hard to match the atmosphere that a live band creates. You can either have a band as the focus of the party or in the background to create the perfect ambience.
Why we think it’s a great idea:
They’re great for keeping your guests entertained for a long period of time and creating an amazing atmosphere.
Average Price
Professional bands cost upwards of £1000 / $1000, but newer, less well-known bands looking to get their name out there will be significantly cheaper.
3. Dancers
Hiring some professional dancers is a great way to add some entertainment to a large party, especially if you’ve gone all out and hired a venue.
From flamenco dancers to street dance acts, it doesn’t matter what theme the party is, a dance act is sure to provide some great entertainment. It’ll add a touch of authenticity to your party and will definitely give it the wow factor!
Why we think it’s a great idea:
It’s one of the most affordable entertainment ideas that can hold it’s own even in large events and venues.
Average Price
Starting from around £300/ $300
4. Classic Party Games
If you’re on a budget and are looking for a super cheap party entertainment option, then you can always go for some classic party games.
They’re really popular with guests and you can play as many as you’d like, depending on the length of the party. Here are some of the best party games.
- Charades
- Pictionary
- Joking Hazard
- Cards against Humanity
- What do you Meme?
- Celebrity Who am I?
Why we think it’s a great idea:
It’s the best form of party entertainment for planners on a budget looking for an inexpensive but popular option.
Average Price
Free!
5. Magician
Magicians are a very popular party entertainment idea. There are plenty of magicians around so you’ll have no trouble finding one to entertain at your party, as long as you don’t leave it too last minute!
Magicians are also very reasonably priced party entertainer, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank. They don’t have to be cringey either, there are loads of professional illusionists and magicians that are sure to impress your guests.
Why we think it’s a great idea:
Hiring a magician is a classic party entertainment idea that doesn’t cost a fortune but is sure to put on a great show!
Average Price
Starting from around £250 / $250.
6. Fortune Teller
This is a really unique event entertainment idea that’s great as a side-attraction for large events. There are loads of different types of fortune tellers, from palm readers to tarot-card readers. Fortune teller rates are often one of the most affordable party entertainment ideas too.
Why we think it’s a great idea:
It’s a really unique idea for some side-entertainment as large events and parties.
Average Price
Starting from around £100 / $100
7. Circus Performers
Hiring a circus performer is a classic party entertainment idea. It’s an essential if you’re hosting a carnival themed party and you want to make it really authentic and special.
You don’t have to just go for the classic clowns, there are plenty of other options too. Our favourites are, firebreathers, unicyclists, balloon artists, jugglers and gymnasts. So you’ve got plenty of choice!
Why we think it’s a great idea:
It’s a classic party entertainment idea with loads of options that make it suitable for a range of ages and party themes.
Average Price
Starting from around £75 / $75 per hour
8. DJ
If you’re looking for a classic event entertainment idea that’s guaranteed to get the party started, then you can’t get a much better idea than a professional DJ.
They’re great at getting the guests up off their seats, dancing and having fun. There are plenty of DJs out there too, which makes it a lot easier to find one in your local area.
Why we think it’s a great idea:
It’s guaranteed to get the guests having fun and enjoying themselves and is suitable for every party theme.
Average Price
Starting from around £50 / $50 per hour
9. Funfair Stalls and Games
If you’re hosting an outdoor party, then hiring some funfair stalls and games is one of the best entertainment ideas. It’s perfect for carnival themed parties, but suits a range of different themes too.
You can hire as many different funfair stalls as you’d like, and there are loads to choose from, like hook-a-duck, coconut shy, high striker and many more!
Why we think it’s a great idea:
It’s the perfect idea for an outdoor party that gets all the guests involved.
Average Price
Starting from around £100 / $100
10. Photo Booths and Shoots
Photos are one of the best ways to remember a great party or event. That’s why hiring a photo booth or professional photographer is a great party entertainment idea.
A photo booth is perfect for a birthday party, whilst hiring a professional photographer to do a photo shoot is great for formal or large events.
Why we think it’s a great idea:
It’s a fun party entertainment idea that suits a range of different event types.
Average Price
Starting from around £200 / $200
11. Murder Mystery
Murder mystery nights have become a really popular adult party idea over the past couple of years.
They work for any event type, whether it’s large or small. It’s also great because it barely costs anything, you just need some equipment and supplies to set it up, but you don’t need to hire any event services. It just takes a little bit of planning but it’s well worth it!
Why we think it’s a great idea:
It’s a super cheap but really entertaining party idea that works for both small and large parties.
Average Price
Very cheap if you organise it yourself!
12. Mr and Mrs Competition
If you’re looking to introduce some friendly competition to your party or event, then a Mr and Mrs game might be the best entertainment idea. It works best for smaller groups, but can be adapted to suit large parties.
You just need to think of some good questions and have some different rounds and then crown the winning couple at the end. The best thing though, is that this party entertainment idea is pretty much free, except for some props and a prize!
Why we think it’s a great idea:
It’s a really inexpensive party entertainment idea that is perfect for smaller events.
Average Price
Super cheap!
13. Open Mic
This idea is a bit of a different one. It won’t suit every type of party, but it’s good for some kinds of events that are a bit more relaxed and informal. Open mic nights are a greatidea if you want some free entertainment that’s really varied.
You can get comedians, singers, poets and many different people involved. You’ll just need a good microphone and sound system to be able to set it up.
Why we think it’s a great idea:
It’s one of the best ways to provide some very inexpensive and varied entertainment.
Average Price
Starting from £50 / $50 for equipment hire.
14. Caricaturist
This is a brilliant idea for a range of party types. Caricaturists can be the focus of the party entertainment or make up part of the birthday fun.
They’re not the cheapest party entertainer on this list, but hiring a caricaturist is a great idea because all the guests can take home a personalised drawing to keep from the party.
Plus is a unique idea that is likely to get copied by some of your friends!
Why we think it’s a great idea:
It’s a unique idea and gives each of the guests a personalised gift to take home.
Average Price
Starting from around £150/ $150
15. Silent Disco
Silent discos have definitely grown in popularity over the lastfew years and make a great party entertainment idea.
If you’re hosting a party for a range of different age groups, this can really help you keep everyone happy with the music as you can have multiple channels that listeners can choose from.
Pick some different kinds of music, like chart, rock or EDM to keep it varied. There are plenty of websites that allow you to hire headphones for silent discos at very reasonable rates.
Why we think it’s a great idea:
It’s a great way to provide varied entertainment for a range of different age groups.
Average Price
Starting from around £25 / $25 per headphone, but as little as £2 / $2 if you hire a lot.
16. Inflatables
You’re never too old for some fun. That’s why inflatable obstacle courses and games are perfect for outdoor parties. If you’re looking for something that gets everyone involved and enjoying yourself.
There’s loads of choice too. You can go for any size inflatable obstacle course, or even a sumo ring and suits! Whatever theme your party has, there will be some inflatable games to go with it that you can hire out online!
Why we think it’s a great idea:
It’s a great outdoor party entertainment idea with loads of variety that gets everyone involved.
Average Price
From £75-100 / $75-100
17. Karaoke
Karaoke parties are the ultimate way for guests to get involved and have fun with the party entertainment. Karaoke machines are really easy to set up at home, you just need some basic equipment.
Head over to our list of the top 20 karaoke machines which includes the best party karaoke machine options. It’s great for any age group and can be set up at home or in a hired venue. Take a look at our karaoke party tipsfor some advice.
Why we think it’s a great idea:
It’s easy to set up and is perfect to entertain guests without costing a fortune.
Average Price
Karaoke machines cost from £50/ $50
18. co*cktail Masterclass
Drink tasting and masterclasses are a great entertainment idea for adults. There are loads of great bartenders that offer masterclasses for events and parties.
They’ll bring all the equipment and ingredients to make sure everyone can have a try at making their favourite co*cktail. This idea works great for smaller parties or events as the focus of the entertainment, or as a side activity for large parties.
Why we think it’s a great idea:
It’s a reasonably priced and unique party entertainment idea that works for both formal and casual events.
Average Price
Starting from around £25 / $25 per person
19. Outdoor Cinema
An outdoor cinema is perfect for longer and more casual parties. It works really well for any age group too, just pick a film that everyone enjoys.
To help you decide which film to choose, you can ask everyone to vote from a few different choices before the party. You’ll just need a projector and some seating to get setup and ready!
Why we think it’s a great idea:
It’s a fun outdoor party idea that can be adapted to suit all ages.
Average Price
The equipment will cost upwards of £100 / $100.
20. Giant Outdoor Games
Giant games are a great party entertainment idea for outdoor events. They’re really good value and can be picked up easily online, so are great if you’ve left it too late to book an entertainer.
There’s plenty of choice too. Our favourites are jenga, twister, beer pong and bowling. Head over to our list of 10 outdoor party game ideas for instructions on how to play, plus a list of all the equipment you’ll need.
Why we think it’s a great idea:
It’s a great idea if you’re hosting an outdoor summer party and are looking for some casual and fun entertainment.
Average Price
Starting from around £20 / $20 depending on the game.
Don’t forget to take a look at ourparty planning timelineto make sure you’ve got everything covered.
It’ll tell you everything you need to do at each stage of the party planning process so you can create an amazing event without any stress or worry about forgetting anything! It even includes a free printable party planning checklist to make sure you stay on track.
If you’re looking for some more party planning advice, then head over to our other blog poststo keep the planning process as stress free as possible!
- Party Planning Timeline
- 20 Best Party Themes
And here are some other party entertainment and game posts we’ve written for more inspiration!
- 10 Outdoor Party Games
- 10 Drinking Games for Large Groups
- 10 Drinking Games for Small Groups
- Best House Warming Games
- 12 Dinner Party Games
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