Event business ideas for people who work out and about
66 ideas
These 67 event business ideas suit people who like being on location rather than behind a desk. You might travel to weddings, trade shows, festivals or private parties, and no two days look quite the same.
Weekend holiday pop-up market
Run a small holiday market on a few weekends in a borrowed lot, church hall or brewery patio, and charge vendors a booth fee.
- $500-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Multi-week Christmas market series
Run a larger holiday market across several weekends in a rented venue, with 50+ vendors, food trucks, music and sponsors.
- $5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Event AV rental and on-site operator
Bring speakers, mics, projectors and screens to local events, set them up and run them on the day.
- $3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Live streaming for events and hybrid meetings
Livestream conferences, talks and ceremonies with cameras, a switcher and a reliable internet setup.
- $2.5k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Party magician for kids and family events
Perform magic shows at birthday parties, school events and community gatherings for a booking fee.
- $300-2k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Corporate and event magician
Entertain guests at company events, weddings and private parties with close-up or stage magic.
- $500-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pedicab for weddings and events
Offer pedicab rides at weddings, festivals, brewery crawls and corporate events, booked in advance.
- $3.5k-9k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Monthly pop-up night market
Run an evening market in a lot or plaza, with local food, craft and goods vendors paying for a spot.
- $3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Night market at a brewery or venue
Curate a small evening market in a brewery, shopping center or courtyard that already has space and customers.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Wedding and private event band
Offer a polished live band for weddings, parties and corporate events, booked well in advance.
- $2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Event videographer
Film conferences, weddings, parties and community events, then deliver edited highlight videos.
- $3k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Weekend day-of event coordinator
Run the schedule and vendors on the day for couples and hosts who planned the rest themselves.
- $200-1.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Event security guard company
Supply licensed guards for local parties, festivals and venues, hired by the event rather than on long contracts.
- $3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Wedding day-of coordinator
Run the timeline and suppliers on the wedding day so couples can relax and enjoy it.
- $300-2k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
One-day food and makers festival
Run a free-entry local festival in a park or lot, paid for by vendor fees and sponsors.
- $3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Ticketed music or beer festival
Plan a ticketed festival at a rented venue, earning from tickets, vendor fees and sponsors.
- $20k-80k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Party and band sound system rental
Rent speakers, mixers and mics from your garage, delivered and set up for parties, small events and local bands.
- $3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Weekly neighborhood farmers' market
Run a seasonal weekly market where local growers and makers rent stalls and shoppers buy direct.
- $3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Monthly pop-up makers and food market
Host a once-a-month market at a brewery, church lot or event space with local growers and makers.
- $500-2.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Backyard party tent and table rental
Rent pop-up and small frame tents, tables and chairs for backyard parties, graduations and showers.
- $4k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Seasonal craft fair organizer
Rent a hall or park space a few times a year and charge makers booth fees to sell handmade goods.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Event box office and door ticketing service
Run ticket sales and entry at festivals, fairs and shows for organizers who don't have their own box office.
- $1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Bounce house and inflatable rental
Own a few bounce houses and deliver, set up and collect them at kids' parties and school events.
- $3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Bounce house rentals for backyard parties
Own a few bounce houses and deliver, set up and collect them for local birthday parties on weekends.
- $3k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Some ideas are low-cost ways to start, such as an event videographer or a wedding day-of coordinator. Others need equipment and storage, like weekend photo booth rentals or a trade show booth install and dismantle crew. Before choosing, think about how far you are willing to travel, whether weekends and evenings work for you, and how you will carry and insure your gear. Check what permits, vendor licenses or insurance your city, county or venue may require. Start by picking one type of event you already know and talking to a few organizers.
More ideas
- Weekend party and wedding DJ
- Full-time wedding and events DJ company
- Pop-up outdoor movie nights
- Backyard and private event movie nights
- Weekend party and event DJ
- Wedding and event DJ company
- Mobile kids' party host
- Wedding and event photographer
- Pop-up comedy night in a local bar or venue
- Entertainer for weddings and corporate events
- Freelance exhibition and expo coordinator
- Singing telegram performer
- Event furniture rental (lounge and party)
- Portable toilet rental and servicing route
- Event portable toilet and handwash rental
- Weekend photo booth rentals
- Full-time photo booth rental company
- Corporate event management company
- Airbrush tattoos and tees at events
- Mobile arcade rental for parties and events
- AV rental with setup and event tech support
- Full-service party planning business
- Karaoke machine rental with delivery
- Karaoke package for events, with a host
- Astrologer for parties and events
- Wedding décor rental and setup
- Pop-up RC car track for parties and events
- Mobile karaoke host for parties and events
- Weekly karaoke night host for bars and restaurants
- Local singles events organizer
- Weekend wedding celebrant
- Full-time celebrant for weddings and life ceremonies
- Weekly rock club night in a rented room
- Local fireworks display company
- Stage and film pyrotechnic effects
- Freelance fireworks display crew member
- Corporate and group outdoor days
- Pop-up play sessions in rented halls
- Pop-up bag check for events and venues
- Pop-up lesbian bar nights
- Pop-up toddler soft play sessions
- Trade show booth install and dismantle crew
Questions
What should I check before starting a business that works at events in the US?
Check whether your city or county requires a business license, a vendor or temporary event permit, or a seller's permit for sales. Also ask venues what insurance they expect. Requirements often differ by state and by event, so confirm locally.
How do I find my first customers for an on-location event business?
Start with people who already hire for events: wedding planners, venues, caterers, corporate event teams and community organizers. Offer a small trial job or a discounted first event, collect photos and reviews, and ask for referrals. Check each venue's preferred vendor rules.
Do I need insurance to work at events?
Many venues, organizers and trade shows ask vendors to show general liability insurance, and some require extra coverage for equipment or staff. Ask a licensed insurance agent what fits your work, and check whether a certificate of insurance is required before booking.