Events business ideas you can run out and about in Canada
60 ideas
If you like working at venues, parks and private parties rather than behind a desk, these 60 events business ideas are worth a look. Some are hands-on and performance-led, such as a kids' party magician or a mobile karaoke host.
Wedding day-of coordinator
Run the schedule and suppliers on the wedding day so couples who planned it themselves can relax and enjoy it.
- C$300-2k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Kids' party magician
Perform 45 to 60 minute magic shows at birthday parties and family gatherings in your area.
- C$300-2k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Corporate event magician
Entertain guests with close-up and stage magic at company events, weddings and private functions.
- C$800-4k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Indoor mini festival at a partner venue
Team up with a brewery, hall or market to run a small themed festival, with lower risk than building an event from scratch.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pop-up outdoor movie nights
Run ticketed film nights in parks, farms or car parks with a portable screen and sound system through the warm months.
- C$6k-25k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Outdoor movie nights for hire
Bring the screen, projector and sound to community events, condo buildings, festivals and private parties.
- C$4k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Bouncy castle and inflatables rental
Rent bouncy castles and kids' party inflatables, delivered and set up at homes and community events.
- C$4k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Neighbourhood summer farmers' market
Run a weekly outdoor market in a parking lot, park or street, and earn stall fees from local growers and makers.
- C$1.5k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Indoor monthly makers' and growers' market
Rent a hall once or twice a month and fill it with local food and craft stalls, including through the winter.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Event and wedding videographer
Film weddings, conferences and community events, then edit highlight videos for clients.
- C$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Backyard party tent and chair rental
Rent out party tents, tables and chairs for backyard weddings, birthdays and graduations, stored at home and delivered by trailer.
- C$4k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Weekly rock club night in a rented room
Run a regular rock night in an existing bar or hall, keeping door takings and a share of the bar.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home-based bouncy castle hire
Rent a few inflatables for backyard birthday parties, delivered and set up by you, run from your garage or driveway.
- C$2.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Community craft fair organiser
Run a few craft fairs a year in a hall or church basement, with makers paying for stalls.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Seasonal craft market series
Run a recurring holiday or summer maker market with a loyal base of stallholders and visitors.
- C$2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile karaoke host for parties and events
Bring a karaoke system and your hosting skills to birthdays, weddings and office parties.
- C$1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Weekly karaoke nights for bars and pubs
Run regular karaoke nights at local bars and pubs that want more customers on quiet evenings.
- C$1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pop-up RC car track for events and parties
Bring a portable model car track and hire cars to parties, fairs and community events.
- C$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Seasonal outdoor night market organiser
Run a weekly or monthly evening market in a parking lot or park, bringing local food and craft vendors together.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Wedding décor styling and hire
Style ceremonies and receptions with arches, centrepieces and signage you own and rent out.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Event sound and AV hire with operator
Bring speakers, mics, screens and projectors to local events, set them up and run them on the day.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Live streaming for hybrid events
Film and stream talks, meetings and ceremonies live so remote guests can join in.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Weekend wedding and naming celebrant
Write and lead personal, non-religious ceremonies for local couples and families, mostly on weekends.
- C$200-1.2k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Full-time celebrant with elopement packages
Run a celebrant business built on weddings, elopements and family ceremonies, with a brand and partners.
- C$1k-5k
- Full-time
- Out and about
About these ideas
Others are about bringing in equipment, like an enclosed photo booth and 360 booth rental business or event sound and AV hire with operator. If you would rather organise than perform, a seasonal outdoor night market could suit you. Start by thinking about transport, since you will be loading and unloading gear. Then consider storage, insurance, weekend availability and how Canadian weather affects outdoor bookings. Check what your city or municipality expects for permits, venue agreements and noise, and work out your costs in CAD before you commit.
More ideas
- Stage lighting hire for local events
- Wedding and special occasion chauffeur
- Pop-up box office for festivals and shows
- Audio hire with delivery and setup
- Singles events and speed dating nights
- Weekend party and wedding DJ
- Full-service DJ and lighting company
- Wedding and party DJ
- Bar and club resident DJ
- Backyard party tent hire
- Corporate event planner
- Wedding and event photographer
- Pop-up play sessions in rented halls
- Mobile soft play for parties
- Corporate event management service
- Weekly pop-up comedy night
- AV hire with delivery and event setup
- Wedding and corporate balloon styling
- Singing telegram performer
- Pop-up bag check for events and festivals
- Mobile stall setup and takedown crew
- Small portable toilet and handwash fleet
- Full-service portable toilet rental company
- Restroom trailer hire for weddings and events
- Mobile karaoke host for parties
- Karaoke for weddings and corporate events
- Event airbrush tattoos and T-shirts
- Exhibition stand install and dismantle crew
- Event and venue AV consultant
- Mobile children's party host
- Karaoke hire with delivery and setup
- Portable photo booth hire for weekend events
- Enclosed photo booth and 360 booth rental business
- Event furniture rental
- Mobile arcade hire for parties and events
- Full-service party and celebration planner
Questions
What should I check before starting an events business that works at different venues?
Check whether your municipality or the venue requires permits, licences or proof of insurance. Also confirm how you will transport and store equipment, and whether venues set rules on power, set-up times, noise or outside suppliers.
Do I need insurance for a mobile events business in Canada?
Many venues and clients ask for liability insurance, especially for equipment hire or public events. It is worth checking with a Canadian insurance broker about what cover suits your activity, your gear and any vehicles you use.
How do I handle seasonal demand when running events outdoors?
Look at how bookings rise and fall across the year and how weather could affect outdoor dates. You might add indoor options, offer weather backup plans, or combine seasonal work like markets with year-round services such as party entertainment or AV hire.