Spring and summer weather makes it easy to gather outside with friends and family. Shake off the winter blues with a birthday party, barbecue, reunion, or neighborhood gathering! We have some delightful ideas for outdoor parties to keep your guests entertained.
To make it easy to tell if a performer or service is a good fit for your outdoor party, we’ve created a handy key as well as some pricing information:
??? Great for family-friendly events
? More fun for kids
?♀️ Better for adults
Note: The prices provided here are nationwide averages based only on GigSalad’s booking data. Your personal event quote may differ based on the talent’s experience, travel distance, performance length, and other factors.
Visit the theater
There’s nothing better than enjoying a show from the comfort of your own home. Whether you prefer the latest blockbuster or getting into character with the actors, these service providers can turn your backyard party into a fun theater experience!
??? Outdoor movie: Set up a screen and pull up a chair or blanket for a night in at the movies! A local inflatable movie screen company can accommodate almost any backyard (and film request).
Average pricing: $500 per 3 hours
? Puppet show: From silly hand puppets to ventriloquists, a puppet show can be entertaining for little ones. It’s also a great option for educational purposes if you’re hosting a school fair or church picnic.
Average pricing: $295 per 30 minutes
?♀️ Comedy improv show: Groups that love to laugh will appreciate a comedic troupe at your outdoor gathering! Think “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” when considering this type of hilarious entertainment.
Average pricing: $800 per hour
??? Murder mystery party: Outgoing party guests are a must for booking this interactive performance. Get everyone excited to embrace their part, wear costumes, and solve the mystery!
Average pricing: $1000 for 2 hours
??? Comedy magician: Who doesn’t like magic? A comedy magician is a terrific option for outdoor birthday party ideas! Both parents and older kids will enjoy this type of performer.
Average pricing: $400 per hour
? Read this: How to Plan the Perfect Outdoor Party (with a printable checklist!)
Embrace the arts
A few brushstrokes can add some artistic flair to your list of outdoor party ideas. And no worries about getting paint or ink on your couches when you keep the festivities outside! Book a talented artist for your next outdoor birthday, baby shower, or community festival.
? Face painter: A staple when it comes to birthday party ideas for kids! Most face painters can paint 12-15 kiddos per hour and are up to speed on the latest cartoons and characters that might be requested.
Average pricing: $250 for 2 hours
?♀️ Painting party: Host an outdoor paint-and-sip party to celebrate engagements, new babies, or a big birthday! The paintings can even double as delightful party favors for your guests.
Average pricing: $575 for 2 hours
??? Airbrush artist: From t-shirts to hats to beach balls, these skilled artists can personalize items of all shapes and sizes. This is perfect for pool parties or teen birthdays.
Average pricing: $400 for 2 hours
??? Caricaturist: Send your guests home with a silly portrait! You can ask the artist to center the drawings around a theme or just let partygoers choose what they’d like to see.
Average pricing: $300 for 2 hours
?♀️ Henna artist: For a spring or summer Boho party, your guests will love getting inked with some beautiful semi-permanent pieces of art! These intricate designs take a little longer but are so worth it.
Average pricing: $250 for 2 hours
Don’t stop the music
Every good outdoor party needs a soundtrack, and these talented performers will help take things to the next level. From classy garden parties to nostalgic high school reunions to rockin’ 50th anniversaries in the backyard, live music is always a great addition.
??? Acoustic band: Who needs wires? Book a band that stands alone with a chill sound that still lets folks mingle and talk. Most acoustic bands have 2-3 members which makes them easier on the budget.
Average pricing: $550 for 3 hours
?♀️ Steel drum player: Take your party to the tropics! A solo musician is great for intimate gatherings, or you can book a whole band for big bashes that need beach-themed music.
Average pricing: $450 for 3 hours
?♀️ String trio: Tea parties celebrating Mother’s Day or a quaint bridal or baby shower are the perfect place for some classy melodies. Groups can be tailored to fit your budget and vision.
Average pricing: $775 per hour
??? Cover band: Transform your outdoor space into a concert venue! A cover band specializes in crowd-pleasing tunes and guarantees lots of singing along, making it great for a rockin’ block party.
Average pricing: $1200 for 3 hours
? Children’s music: Include the little ones when thinking about adding a soundtrack to your party. Kids’ musicians specialize in silly songs that get kiddos movin’ and groovin’!
Average pricing: $325 per hour
Add the wow factor
Impress your outdoor party guests with an entertainer who specializes in dazzling their audiences. And when you’re outside, you don’t have to worry about space restrictions cramping your performers’ style! These are great ideas for everything from family reunions to corporate retreats.
?♀️ Fire performer: Turn up the heat at your outdoor party with live fire! While staying safety-conscious, these performers spin and dance with flames to keep your guests mesmerized.
Average pricing: $350 per 30 minutes
? Juggler: A circus-themed party, a community gathering, or a camp event is perfect for a juggler to put on their act! These lighthearted performers can stroll around or stay in one place for their sets.
Average pricing: $400 per hour
??? LED performer: If your space isn’t quite right for a fire show, try an LED performer instead. All the pizazz without the smoke and flames.
Average pricing: $450 per hour
??? Hoop dancer: Who knew that so much flair could be found in a hula hoop? With twirls and whirls, a hoop dancer can add a Boho vibe to your outdoor party.
Average pricing: $300 per hour
?♀️ Sideshow act: For a freaky crowd (or those who just love a good show), book a sideshow act! You’ll see everything from body contortions to sword swallowing to feats of strength.
Average pricing: $500 per hour
Encourage audience participation
Don’t be an idle observer at your next outdoor party! Your back-to-school fair, birthday celebration, or block party will be more fun when they’re hands-on (or feet-on). Jump in and get interactive with these event services!
??? Petting zoo: Kiddos and adults will line up to get to pet some furry friends! Most only need a small amount of space. And don’t worry, they’ll clean up before they leave.
Average pricing: $550 for 2 hours
? Party inflatables: Bounce houses, water slides, and obstacle courses are all possible with a party inflatable company. These are a must-have for your outdoor birthday party ideas!
Average pricing: $350 for 4 hours
?♀️ Mobile games: Get in touch with your competitive side with mobile games like paintball or inflatable Sumo suits. Try team building at your summer corporate event with a mobile escape room.
Average pricing: $495 per 2 hours
??? Bubble entertainment: Far from the little jars you had as a kid, bubble entertainment can be truly next level! Giant bubbles, bubble sculptures, and bubble machines are fun for the whole family.
Average pricing: $300 per hour
??? Carnival games and rides: Trips to amusement parks are a summer rite of passage, so make it part of your outdoor party. Rides and games are best for large parking lots and spaces like schools or churches.
Average pricing: $275 per hour
☔ You might also like: How to Create a Weather Plan for Outdoor Events
Almost any event can be hosted outside in the fresh air, so we hope these outdoor party ideas give you a great start! Your guests will love celebrating with you in the sunshine. ☀️
Ready to book something awesome for your outdoor party? Find the best performers and service providers on GigSalad.
Megan is the Director of Customer Experience at GigSalad and has gained 9+ years of insight on what makes a great event on both sides of the booking process. Her favorite things include books, true crime podcasts, coffee, hiking, puns, and making people laugh.