Event business ideas you can start in the US

118 ideas

These 120 event business ideas cover planning, equipment hire, venues and on-site services. Some are light on startup cost, like a wedding day-of coordinator, where your skills and reputation matter most.

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1k to 5k5k to 20kOver 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOwn premisesOnline
Florist arranging colourful cut flowers into a bouquet at a shop counter.

Wedding and event florist

Design flowers for weddings and events, from bridal bouquets to ceremony and table arrangements.

  • $2k-10k
  • Part-time
  • From home
11,834 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.4% in a year
Bride trying on a wedding dress during a fitting in a bridal boutique.

Online wedding dress rental

Rent out a curated range of wedding dresses by mail, with video or home try-on appointments.

  • $4.5k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
681 US businesses with employees in this field, -7.0% in a year

Wedding dress rental boutique

Open a small boutique where brides try on and rent gowns and accessories for their big day.

  • $15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
681 US businesses with employees in this field, -7.0% in a year
Wooden stalls at an outdoor Christmas market with festive lights at night.

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
6,270 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.0% in a year

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
6,270 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.0% in a year
Technician operating an audio mixing desk and cameras at a live event.

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
10,248 US businesses with employees in this field, +6.8% in a year

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
10,248 US businesses with employees in this field, +6.8% in a year
Elegant event hall set up with tables for a wedding reception.

Small rentable event space for parties and meetings

Lease a hall, loft or storefront and rent it by the hour or day for parties, showers, workshops and small gatherings.

  • $15k-60k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises
34,559 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.0% in a year

Barn or backyard venue for weddings and gatherings

Turn land, a barn or a large yard you already have access to into a seasonal venue for weddings and outdoor events.

  • $5k-25k
  • Side hustle
  • Own premises
34,559 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.0% in a year
Stage lights hanging over a theatre stage during a live performance.

Stage lighting rental for events and shows

Rent out stage lights and controllers to bands, churches, schools and event planners, delivered to the venue.

  • $5k-25k
  • Side hustle
  • Own premises
10,248 US businesses with employees in this field, +6.8% in a year

Online stage lighting reseller for churches and schools

Sell stage lighting packages online to churches, schools and bands, with advice and no big stock to hold.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
10,248 US businesses with employees in this field, +6.8% in a year
A large white marquee tent being set up on a grassy lawn for an outdoor event.

Event tent rental company with a yard

Rent large frame and pole tents with flooring and lighting to weddings, festivals and businesses, with a small crew.

  • $30k-120k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
2,725 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.8% in a year
A magician performing a close-up card trick for an audience at a party.

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
38,677 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.6% in a year

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
38,677 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.6% in a year
A pedal rickshaw waiting for passengers on a busy city street.

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
2,285 US businesses with employees in this field, +5.2% in a year
Evening night market with food stalls lit by string lights and shoppers.

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
6,270 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.0% in a year

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
6,270 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.0% in a year
Band members performing on stage under coloured lights in front of a crowd.

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
5,681 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.7% in a year
Camera operator filming a video with lighting equipment on a film set.

Event videographer

Film conferences, weddings, parties and community events, then deliver edited highlight videos.

  • $3k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
17,366 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.8% in a year
Wedding planner reviewing details with a clipboard beside a decorated table.

Home-based event planner

Plan birthdays, showers and small weddings for local clients from your home office.

  • $300-2.5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
6,270 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.0% in a year

Corporate event planner

Organize team offsites, conferences and client parties for local businesses.

  • $500-4k
  • Part-time
  • From home
6,270 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.0% in a year

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
6,270 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.0% in a year
A large banqueting hall set with round tables for a wedding dinner.

Small banquet hall in a leased space

Lease a large room and rent it by the event for weddings, parties and dinners, with caterers you approve.

  • $20k-100k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises
13,222 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.4% in a year

Event hall on land or a building you own

Turn a barn, outbuilding or large hall on your own property into a rentable venue for weddings and celebrations.

  • $15k-75k
  • Side hustle
  • Own premises
13,222 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.4% in a year

About these ideas

Others need stock, storage and a vehicle, such as bounce house rentals for backyard parties or a small AV equipment rental with delivery. If you like a creative side, backyard and private event movie nights may appeal. Before choosing, think about weekends and evenings, since most events happen then. Consider how seasonal demand is where you live, how much storage space you have, and whether you want to work alone or manage a team. Check local permit rules, insurance needs and venue requirements early, because they differ between states and cities.

More ideas

Questions

What should I think about first when choosing an event business?

Start with the schedule you can realistically keep, since events often run on weekends and evenings. Then compare startup costs, storage needs and transport. A service business like coordination usually needs less equipment than rentals, which tie up money in stock.

Do I need insurance to start an event business in the US?

Often it is worth having, and some venues or clients may ask for proof of liability coverage. Requirements vary by state, city and business type, so check with a licensed insurance agent and the venues you hope to work with before taking bookings.

Do I need licenses or permits for event services or rentals?

It depends on your state, city and what you offer. You may need a general business license, and some activities, such as security work or events in public spaces, can have extra rules. Check with your local city or county office and state agencies.