Andre TaylorPlanning a gathering often leaves you feeling stressed, desperately trying to piece together a memorable evening. Finding the best entertainers in Indianapolis can instantly elevate your private party or corporate function into a highly enjoyable event.
That’s why I searched the city for quality local talent worth your budget. I picked ones that are proven to keep guests fully captivated, so you actually get to enjoy your own event too.
And if you haven’t sorted out the food for your event, check out the top catering services in the area.
How Much Does an Entertainer Cost in Indianapolis?
In Indianapolis, hiring an entertainer generally costs between $300 and $450 for a standard one-hour variety show, though prices fluctuate based on the specific act and ensemble size.
| Entertainment Type | Cost |
| Standard Variety Performance (1 hour) | $300 to $450 |
| DJs | $340 to $685 |
| Soloists (Harpists, Violinists) | $301 |
| Jazz Bands | $1,200 to $2,000 |
| Live Bands (Cover to High-End) | $1,462 to $12,500+ |
| Magicians | $275 to $5,000+ |
| Comedians | $550 to $1,300 |
| Visual Artists (Caricatures, etc.) | $125 to $200 per hour |
| Interactive Dinner Theaters | $500 to $2,750 |
1. David Ranalli – Indianapolis Magician & Corporate Entertainer
Website: http://davidranalli.com/indianapolis-magician
Contact: (773) 245-6961
Booking the right act for a high-stakes gala can rattle the nerves of any stressed professional. David Ranalli alleviates that pressure by delivering interactive corporate magic and mentalism experiences that use everyday objects to turn guests into the stars of the show.
I recently attended a leadership conference where he performed, and his ability to read the room was impressive.
He brings fifteen years of professional experience to the stage, effortlessly doubling as a headline performer and a charismatic emcee. His performances consistently feel fresh because he customizes his act for the specific audience in front of him.
That said, keep in mind that his heavy booking schedule means securing a performance date requires significant advance notice.
Customer Review:
Saw David at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael and was mesmerized by his performance. He’s a true master of his craft and his show is an absolute delight. I had the most fun I’ve had in a while; what a treat!
Stella Diver | Google Review
2. Mind Tripping Show
Website: https://mindtrippingshow.com/gmb
Address: Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites, 120 West Market Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Contact: (317) 691-6399
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM; Friday, 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM; Saturday, 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM; Sunday, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Finding an engaging evening activity that appeals to a mature crowd can be quite a challenge. Mind Tripping Show solves this by delivering an immersive, 75-minute cabaret-style psychological comedy and mind-reading performance that relies heavily on audience participation to ensure no two shows are identical.
This husband-and-wife duo provides a polished alternative to traditional theater.
Their intimate venue inside the Hilton encourages direct connection between the performers and the crowd. I love how they skillfully blend clever humor with psychological demonstrations to keep everyone actively guessing throughout the night.
This atmosphere is particularly well-suited for group outings and adult events.
On the flipside, the sophisticated themes and humor are tailored toward older audiences, making this act less suitable for family events with young children.
Customer Review:
Christian and Katalina performed for our company Christmas Party. They were “Mind Blowing”. What a great show. They did a great job. They both are very entertaining, witty and funny. Their ability to mind read and perform magic is outstanding. They definitely had us wondering “How’d they do that?”. We would definitely recommend their show! Thank Christian and Katalina!
Lisa Moore | Google Review
3. Indy Entertainers LLC
Website: http://www.indyentertainers.com/
Contact: (317) 319-8346
Indy Entertainers LLC offers a diverse roster of versatile artists providing face painting and balloon bending alongside magic and caricatures at competitive hourly rates. Their transparent pricing structure makes budgeting straightforward for any event planner.
They employ multiple specialized artists, which allows you to effortlessly mix and match performance types based on your guest count. A friend of mine hired their face painters for a block party, and they were professional regarding strict sanitization measures.
Just remember that high demand during summer and holiday weekends necessitates early booking to secure your preferred performers.
Customer Review:
The most amazing people who bring all the fun! This isn’t your normal face painting…they have so much Talent! And they’re so good with kids of all ages. Did I mention the balloon animals? I highly recommend Indy Entertainers for your next party or event!
Shannon Stearns | Google Review
4. Encore Entertainment
Website: http://www.encoreentertainment.net/
Address: 7816 Forest Ln, Indianapolis, IN 46240, United States
Contact: 317-917-8800
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Encore Entertainment is a premier talent agency that meticulously selects and represents high-caliber musicians, DJs, and variety acts for established venues. They represent an extensive variety of musical genres, giving you options ranging from classical string ensembles to contemporary mixers.
The agency conducts rigorous auditions and interviews to ensure all represented acts maintain a high standard of excellence. They also provide personalized consultations to coordinate the acts so that the details fit the specific needs of your gathering.
This proven track record makes them a trusted partner for high-end country clubs and destination management companies.
However, relying on a curated talent provider naturally involves a higher overall investment compared to hiring independent performers directly.
Customer Review:
We hired the bucket drummers as a surprise activation for a company event. They led our parade of 140 people down the street from the Omni Severin Hotel to Lucas Oil Stadium. It was the perfect touch and made it a very memorable event.
Lacey Sheldon | Google Review
5. FM Entertainment
Website: https://celebratewithfm.com/
Address: 1508 Wellington Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46219
Contact: (317) 354-5983
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Opened by owner Adam Longworth, FM Entertainment focuses on personalized storytelling and comprehensive master of ceremonies services to shape the room’s energy and craft emotionally impactful receptions. They dedicate their time to one couple per weekend, ensuring their host is not rushed or double-booked.
An expert leads the charge by managing delicate room transitions and designing highly customized timelines. Instead of charging by the hour, they operate on a standard six-hour flat rate that allows for a much more relaxed celebration.
This dedicated approach helps build a musical style that strongly diverges from standard event templates.
However, because of this premium level of customization, their higher starting investment might not align with smaller, budget-conscious event planning.
Customer Review:
Without a doubt I’d recommend FM Entertainment for your big day. Adam is the consummate professional with a wealth of experience (over 400 weddings). He customizes anything and everything you want, but also has a lot of recommendations based on his experiences. We had so many guests come up to us and ask, “where’d you find this guy?”
Martin Harrigan | Google Review
