If you want to throw an awesome beach bash, you’re going to need something a little extra to make it truly memorable. Turn your special occasion from just another day at the beach to an epic celebration with these beach party entertainment ideas every guest will love.
A Paradise Escape
All beach-themed parties are great, but feeling like you’re actually at a beach in a tropical paradise is even better. From Hawaii to the Caribbeans, take your beach party entertainment to the next level with authentic island performers.
Say aloha to fun
Turn your beach party into a traditional Hawaiian luau with live performers who will wow any crowd. Just don’t forget to bring fun Hawaiian props like leis, grass skirts, and coconut bras!
🌺 Hawaiian entertainment: Book a full Hawaiian show complete with live music, costumes, and dancers to give your audience an amazing tropical experience.
💃 Hula dancers: These talented performers can burn up a stage with their swaying hips, dance their way through a mingling crowd, or even teach your guests a few moves.
🔥 Fire performer: Turn up the heat at your Hawaiian luau! A fire show is a great beach party idea, especially if you plan to keep the party going after sunset.
🎶 Ukulele player: For a low-key Hawaiian-themed event, fill your beach party with the beautiful sounds of a ukulele. Lay out the beach towels, sit back, and relax with easy-going background music.
Add an island vibe
You don’t have to go full luau to find beach party entertainment ideas that achieve that tropical feeling. Island music on its own will have your guests movin’ and swayin’ in the sand.
🏝️ Caribbean/island music: Bring the sounds of the Caribbean to your beach party with vibrant rhythms and energetic performances that will get the crowd on their feet.
🥁 Steel drum band: A steel drum show is a great way to add a lively Caribbean feel to your beach party. For a budget-friendly option, book a solo steel drum player instead.
🎵 Calypso band: With calypso music, you get a bit more of a folksy Caribbean style with rhythmic storytelling that’s perfect for creating a festive and tropical atmosphere.
Live Concert at the Beach
You can never go wrong with live music. No matter what type of beach party you’re throwing, a concert will be a surefire hit with your guests. From solo musicians to bands to tribute artists, there are performers to enhance any atmosphere.
Make it a dance party
If you’re throwing a big event or wedding reception on the beach, give guests music to kick off their flip flops and boogie to. Just be sure your event space has room for a stage and a dance floor!
⛱️ Beach Boys tribute band: Talk about perfect for a beach party theme, right? A Beach Boys tribute show will give the audience plenty of opportunities to dance and sing along!
🦜 Jimmy Buffet tribute: If you’re more of a “Cheeseburger in Paradise” person, a Jimmy Buffet tribute can get your beach party started. Serving margaritas is a must, of course.
🎸 Cover band: If you wanna hear songs from lots of artists, hire a cover band to play all the greatest hits. They can even throw in some of your favorite beach tunes!
💿 DJ: If space is limited or you want to keep the setlist more diverse, a DJ is always a great choice. From ballads to dance tracks to sing-along jams, they’ve got you covered.
Keep it laid back
If you want the music to be an enhancement rather than the main event, hire a solo musician. They can create a beautiful soundtrack in the background of your beach party.
🎤 Singing guitarist: A singer with an acoustic guitar is perfect for a chill beach party. Your guests can sit and enjoy the music or mingle as they listen.
🎻 Classical duo: For a more sophisticated but subtle sound, hire a classical duo. This is a perfect choice for beach weddings and corporate mixers.
🎷 Saxophone player: Who doesn’t love a little jazz mixed with the sounds of the ocean? Create a cool and romantic atmosphere with some relaxing saxophone music.
Beach Fun for the Whole Family
Partying at the beach is often a family affair, so you’ll want some fun activities to keep everyone engaged. Trade the water balloon fights and beach volleyball for something more exciting. There are plenty of kid-friendly options that adults can enjoy, too!
Perfect for kids
Let the kiddos get silly on the sand or along the boardwalk with live entertainment. You can choose something performance-based, like a show, or get interactive with live characters.
🧜 Mermaid entertainment: Bring mythology to life with a visit from a mermaid or merman. They can pose for photos, toss around beach balls, host fun games and activities, or read magical stories.
☠️ Pirate party: Add some swashbuckling fun with an interactive pirate adventure. Your little explorers can embark on a treasure hunt with the help of a real pirate!
🫧 Bubble show: Perfectly suited for an outdoor party, a bubble company can provide a full party experience with dancing, music, and, of course, giant bubbles.
🧒 Children’s music: Let the kids release some of that energy with a concert just for them. Children’s bands perform interactive and engaging songs perfect for singing along.
Great for all ages
You can’t forget about the older kids or adults who want to join the excitement. Several beach party entertainers will delight the young and old alike.
✏️ Caricaturist: These talented artists will create hilarious portraits for the whole family, complete with a fun beach theme for a perfect memory and party favor to take home.
🎩 Strolling magician: Sleight of hand and card tricks are always a hit with every age! If you want more geared toward kids, choose a performer who specializes in children’s magic.
✨ LED performer: If your beach party is happening after dark, an LED show with light-up batons and hula hoops will light up the night and provide family-friendly entertainment at the same time.
With the best venue possible, beach parties are always a guaranteed good time. But you should enhance those beautiful surroundings with beach party entertainment your guests will be talking about for years to come. 🎉
Ready to book something awesome for your beach party? Find the best musicians and performers on GigSalad.
Heather is the Content Manager and a GigSalad veteran of 15+ years. She loves helping event planners create unforgettable celebrations and talent make a living doing what they love. When not at work, she enjoys reading romance and fantasy books, bingeing TV shows, playing board games, and spending time with friends.