When you’re planning the perfect party, food and music are crucial—but nothing brings everything together like some amazing games. If you’re searching the far corners of the internet for the best things to do at a party, your hunt is over.
Whether it’s a birthday party, an engagement party and even a corporate event – or just a casual garden gathering – your guests will appreciate something more than just the standard music & drinks. From interactive games and live acts, to thoughtful touches that elicit giggles and spark conversations with strangers, here’s a full list of 27 activities to make your party stand out.
No element of a party does more to set the mood than music. A live band would make it all knowledgeable and sexy. Whether you’re after some smooth jazz, lively pop covers, or genre specific performances, a live act provides an unforgettable centrepiece. Tribute acts are further possibilities for a lively touch; think Freddie Mercury, say, or an ABBA impersonator kicking up the party vibe.
Looking for trusted performers? UK Live Entertainment have handpicked only the best tribute acts and live bands for your event.
Guests love capturing memories. Create a basic photo booth with a background, props and lighting. You don’t need equipment for professionals to use — a decent smartphone and a tripod will suffice. Include your own party hashtag and print-out station to provide guests with a favor.
A DIY photo booth is one of my favorite party ideas. It is fun. It is easy. And it always brings people together. I have seen shy guests turn bold in seconds once they step in front of a cute backdrop.
You do not need fancy gear. A phone, a stand, and good light will do the job. I once used a lamp with a soft cloth over it, and the photos still looked great. Simple tricks like this help you save time and still make your party shine.
Pick a small spot with space for two or three friends. A blank wall works well. You can hang a sheet, some lights, or even a few balloons. Think of it like setting the stage for a tiny show.
Set the tone by selecting a playful theme — be it 2000s fashion, masquerade or retro disco. Give prizes for “Most Realistic Attire” or “Silliest Get-Up.” Promote early registration in your invites to create excitement leading up to the big day.
For 2000s-themed ideas, have a look at our guide to what to wear to a 2000s party.
A themed dress-up contest is one of those party ideas that feels bold at first but ends up being pure joy. People love a chance to play, even if they act shy at the start. I’ve seen guests walk in nervous and then, an hour later, pose like stars once they see everyone else join in. A good theme sets the tone and helps the whole room light up.
Blacklights, neon paint and glow-in-the-dark decorations can turn any area into a Blackout environment. Great for younger guests, or for a late-night birthday party, this sort of setup brings the dance floor to life, making dancing an extravaganza.
A glow-in-the-dark dance floor feels like pure magic. The moment the lights drop and the neon comes on, people loosen up in ways you would never expect. I’ve watched whole groups go from quiet to wild in seconds once the room starts to glow. It feels like stepping into a tiny world where everyone can breathe, move, and just have fun.
Create a bar with pre-cut mix-ins, mixers and recipe cards. Guests can even mix their own drinks, which adds another playful (and interactive) dimension to the evening. For a less boozy gathering, provide fresh fruit and herbs to keep it inclusive and inventive.
A cocktail or mocktail station is one of those party ideas that feels fancy but is actually very simple. Guests love it because they get to play, taste, and try new things. I’ve seen even the quietest friend light up when they mix their first drink and say, “Hey, this is pretty good!” It turns a small moment into a sweet memory.
An outdoor movie screening feels like a tiny getaway right in your own yard. The air gets soft, the lights glow low, and everyone settles in with blankets and snacks. I love how calm it feels. It’s like the whole party takes a slow breath and leans into the moment.
In the great outdoors, consider showing a classic movie or romantic comedy on a big screen. Hand out picnic blankets, popcorn bags and fairy lights. It’s a casual but unusual party suggestion, suitable for groups of any size.
A silent disco feels strange for the first few seconds, but then it turns into pure joy. The room looks calm, but each person is lost in their own little world of music. I love watching that moment when someone hears a favorite song and lights up. It feels like a secret only they can hear.
You only need wireless headphones and a few music channels. It is simple to set up. I once tried it with two playlists—one pop, one old-school—and it worked so well. People switched back and forth to find the beat that felt right for them.
Provide wireless headphones with different music channels. Perfect for parties within noise-sensitive places And tastes are catered to by it as well! And did I mention it’s surprisingly funny to see your friends grooving in silence?
Party bingo is one of those games that sounds simple but brings so much joy. It gets people moving, talking, and paying attention in a fun way. I love how it breaks the ice without trying too hard. Even the quiet guests join in because the game does the work for them.
Make your own bingo cards with funny prompts. Things like “someone spills a drink” or “a big laugh from the corner” always get smiles. I once added “someone sings off-key,” and it filled fast. Little moments like that turn into shared jokes for the whole night.
Personalized bingo cards that include prompts such as “someone spills a drink” or “someone starts a conga line” help get guests to pay attention and come up with things to do during the event. It’s a wonderful conversation piece, and it plays at all ages.
Giant board games are an instant hit at any party. They are playful, silly, and impossible to ignore. I’ve seen adults get just as competitive as kids when a giant Jenga tower wobbles. There’s something about oversized pieces that makes everyone giggle and dive into the fun.
You don’t need much space—just a flat area indoors or outdoors. Giant versions of Jenga, Connect Four, or chess are easy to set up. I once set up a giant tic-tac-toe on the lawn, and it became the center of the party for hours. People kept coming back just to play another round.
Oversize Jenga, Connect Four or chess can be played indoors or out. Both children and adults love these old-fashioned games, giving them something fun to entertain themselves with also during the party.
A caricature artist adds a playful and creative twist to any party. Watching someone turn into a fun, exaggerated version of themselves is always a hit. I remember a friend’s wedding where the artist captured everyone’s quirks perfectly—guests were laughing, pointing, and sharing their portraits like little treasures.
Hiring musicians for your party can lift up the spirit of your party. Classical ensembles, harpists, acoustic guitarists, pianists and more can string together a magical atmosphere for your rustic garden party.
Fire performers and LED jugglers bring instant wow-factor to any party. The moment someone breathes fire or spins glowing hoops, the room feels electric. I remember a backyard gathering where an LED juggler turned a quiet evening into a mini spectacle—people couldn’t stop cheering or filming.
Hire professional entertainers to provide that extra “wow” factor at your outdoor evening get-togethers. Having a fire breather, LED hula hoopers or juggling act provides something different and spectacular.
A karaoke station is a classic for a reason. It invites people to step out of their comfort zone and have fun. I’ve watched shy friends transform into rock stars in front of the mic, and the whole room lights up with laughter and applause.
Set up a simple mic, speaker, and screen with lyrics. You can make it casual or competitive, depending on the vibe. Fun props—like hats, wigs, or inflatable instruments—always add to the laughs.
Let guests sing their hearts out. Install a decent mic, speaker system and lyric screen. And you can make it competitive, or keep things casual. It does wonders for fostering unity.
A magic mirror selfie wall is like a next-level photo booth. Guests can pose, play with digital props, and instantly see their photo come to life. I tried this at a friend’s birthday, and people queued for half the night just to see themselves on the interactive screen.
It’s fun, modern, and endlessly entertaining. You don’t need to be tech-savvy—most mirrors come with simple instructions. Add some themed props or lighting, and the mirror becomes a centerpiece of the party.
An improvement on your standard photo booth, these full-length, interactive mirrors allow guests to pose, edit and print all in one place. You can even throw in some touch-screen animations and digital props for good measure.
Hosting a mini game show brings energy and friendly competition to any gathering. You can go digital with apps like Kahoot, or hire a quizmaster to guide a live game. I once ran a “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” style round at a family party—it had everyone laughing, cheering, and guessing together.
Include teams or let individuals play for fun. Quick, lighthearted rounds keep the energy up. Funny prizes or silly awards make it even more enjoyable.
Employ a trivia app like Kahoot or hire a quizmaster to guide games of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” or “Family Feud.” This is an especially popular format at corporate events and family occasions.
A chocolate fountain or candy table is pure indulgence. Watching people dip strawberries, cookies, or pretzels into flowing chocolate is oddly mesmerizing—and irresistible. I’ve seen even the most “I’m on a diet” guests give in with a grin.
Set up a few trays of dippable treats and maybe a mix of candies. Theme it with colors or seasonal sweets for extra flair. It becomes both a dessert station and a playful activity.
Make dessert interactive. Offer items that can be dipped such as marshmallows, cookies, strawberries or pretzels. You can also theme the sweets bar with custom colours or go for a retro candy feel.
Guests love temporary body art. It’s low-investment, cute and a great conversation starter. You could even book a henna artist for cultural affairs, or a trendy tattoo station at festivals or music gatherings.
You don’t need a big setup. A small table, a few chairs, and a professional artist are enough. Kids and adults alike can enjoy it, making it versatile for any party. It’s interactive, low-cost, and gives guests a keepsake they can wear home.
An escape room challenge brings teamwork and excitement to your party. Whether it’s a portable kit or a digital setup, solving puzzles together gets people talking, laughing, and collaborating. I remember one party where a group worked frantically to find a hidden key—it became the highlight of the evening.
Portable escape room kits or digital escape rooms where participants can solve puzzles and complete challenges side by side. It is particularly fun for team-building parties or crowds that love games.
A murder mystery dinner turns dinner into a thrilling game. Assign characters, clues, and let guests solve the crime. I once attended one where even my usually quiet cousin couldn’t stop laughing as he played detective. It’s immersive, playful, and unforgettable.
Make your dinner party into a performance. There are companies that provide actors, or you can use a DIY murder mystery game. Allocate characters and have the guests solve the crime over an evening's entertainment.
A live painter or speed artist adds elegance and creativity to a party. Watching someone transform a blank canvas into art is mesmerizing. I’ve seen groups gather quietly, captivated by each stroke. It’s interactive in a calm, sophisticated way.
A live painter will be able to infuse the energy of your event into every brush stroke as they’re painting. This is upscale and adds a luxurious touch to sophisticated affairs such as weddings or anniversaries. And the art is yours to keep as a souvenir.
A tarot or palm reading station brings a little mystery and curiosity to your event. Even skeptical guests love peeking into what “the future might hold.” I’ve noticed it sparks soft conversations, laughter, and playful debates.
Up the interest with a fortune teller station. Even the most skeptical like to ogle their “future," so this is a popular stop well into the night.
Classic lawn games like cornhole, ring toss, or mini-golf are casual fun that works for all ages. I’ve watched friends and strangers team up, compete, and laugh together for hours. It’s simple, active, and keeps guests engaged without pressure.
Classic games like cornhole, ring toss and mini-golf work great in bigger spaces. These are perfect for casual summer gatherings and kid friendly parties.
A mini dance workshop gets people moving, laughing, and bonding. Hire a teacher for salsa, swing, or even line dancing. I’ve seen total beginners pick up steps quickly and burst into laughter when someone inevitably goes offbeat.
Hire a dance teacher to do a little routine. Salsa, swing or even line dancing can get strangers out there and raise emotional and physical temperatures.
Speed friending is perfect for gatherings where not everyone knows each other. Quick rotations and fun prompts spark conversation fast. I’ve hosted one where guests left with multiple new friends in just 20 minutes.
And it’s particularly good for networking events or house parties where not everyone knows everybody else. Switch up the groups every couple of minutes and deploy some prompts to inspire conversation.
A craft or DIY corner lets guests take something tangible home. Tote bags, candles, or simple frames are easy and fun. I’ve seen people genuinely excited to show off their creations—they often spark conversations and compliments.
Have guests personalize tote bags, candles or photo frames. This one is great for kids’ parties, and lends itself to a physical takeaway.
A song dedication station is a thoughtful, playful touch. Guests can dedicate songs to friends or loved ones and hear them played during the night. I once watched someone’s face light up when a favorite tune was dedicated—it created a warm, intimate moment in the middle of the party chaos.
Let guests sing a song for another guest at your party. It’s a nice, thoughtful thing to do that adds an intimate touch to your playlist.
A lip sync battle brings energy, humor, and a bit of drama. Guests pick songs, grab props, and go all out. I’ve seen shy friends turn into stars, pretending they are on a real stage—it’s hilarious and full of fun.
Get everyone to mime their best loved songs with props, outfits and stagecraft in overdrive. It’s competitive, dramatic and rollicking good fun.
A surprise performance transforms the energy of a party instantly. Flash mobs, dance troupes, or celebrity impersonators can take everyone by surprise. I’ve witnessed living rooms erupt with cheers when an unexpected act started—it’s a memory people talk about for years.
A flash mob, celebrity impersonator, or surprise dance group can suddenly transform the energy of a party. Keep the tension, then release the performance at just the right second.
For high energy live acts search UK Live Entertainment – their range includes tribute acts, talented wedding musicians and festival headliners.
It’s not the swanky venue, or the fancy menu that make up a truly great party — it’s moments. And with this party to-do list, you’re well on your way to arranging an event no one will forget for some time.
Whether you’re keeping things intimate or going all-out, the key is to mix passive and active entertainment options. That is so that every guest, shy or outgoing, gets something they like.
The best entertainment idea for an elegant garden party is having live instrumental music playing. At UK Live Entertainment, we have a wonderful assortment of instrumental musicians for you to choose from for your next party.
Indoor party games like trivia, karaoke, murder mystery dinners, or themed dress-up contests work brilliantly and require minimal space.
Focus on DIY games like bingo, playlist-based games, or create a potluck and photo zone instead of hiring full acts.
Combine simple lawn games, live music, and a photo booth for a mix of activity levels and preferences across age ranges.
If you want more engagement and atmosphere, go for a live band. DJs offer more flexibility in music but don’t offer the same visual energy.
Ideally, 6–12 months before your event. The most popular bands and tribute acts tend to get booked quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Absolutely. Combining a band with activities like a selfie station, food bar, and interactive games keeps the party dynamic and exciting.
Tribute acts work great for all kinds of parties—from birthday celebrations to themed corporate events. They’re versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
