Extra Bar/Bat Mitzvah Entertainment Ideas

I often get to perform at many different types of events, from Corporate functions to private parties and even weddings. But I find that 70% of the events I work are mainly Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. When I chat with my clients about what they want at their child's Mitzvah, I often get asked about other ways they can entertain their guests. I thought it would be beneficial to give you my top five favorite Bar/Bat Mitzvah Entertainment ideas.

Photo Credit: Joy Yagid

DJ Company

Apart from playing music and handing out swag, a professional DJ company can add a lot to the party. Being the first on the dance floor can be a little awkward, but your DJ will have motivators to get the party started and get your guests moving. While the dancers shine during the party, they often are great during cocktail hour. I've seen many of them hanging out with the kids during their cocktail hour, chatting and playing small games with them to win prizes. They can help get everyone excited as they enter the main room to dance the night away!

Trivia and Prize Games

Most Bar/Bat Mitzvahs will have a separate cocktail hour for the adults and the kids. Much of the focus is on the kids, and another great idea is to have someone run trivia or a game where the kids can walk away with great prizes. Most trivia I've seen is customized to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child's interests, and sometimes the child can even run the game themselves. If they get the answers right, they can win a prize. Kids walk away with gift cards, headphones, and even clothing. Sometimes a giant "Spin That Wheel" game is also an option. Either way, the kids will walk away, gaining a special prize and happy.

Photo Credit: Ira Casel

Musicians

While the kids are busy winning prizes and being wowed by the magician 😉, the adults need some entertainment during their cocktail hour. You might want to have a small band or some sort of music playing to keep the energy up. I typically see a trio of musicians playing guitar, piano, or small drum sets. They also play acoustic renditions of popular classic rock songs that get the adults excited for the party. When there isn't a musician present, I've also seen a speaker in its place, playing similar types of music. It can add to the atmosphere of the cocktail hour as your guests enjoy their drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

Caricaturist

When I was a kid, going to Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, I remember how cool it was to have my face drawn in a cartoon style. A caricaturist is an excellent addition to any Mitzvah and allows your guests to walk away with a souvenir that they can keep and will always generate a smile. I've seen many artists stay during the whole evening, drawing the guests that want to take a break from the dance floor.

Last but not least…. a Magician/Mentalist

I get to spend time with guests and ensure they enjoy themselves. When I work a cocktail hour and hear people say excitedly, "We heard there was a magician," I know that I've done my job. When I'm hired to perform at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, the guests usually don't know I'm there. After introducing myself to a group, I create moments designed to be remembered. They get a private magic show just for them. I hope that guests don't just remember when I guessed the name of their best friend or caused a signed card to reappear in an impossible location, but that they remember the event as a whole. While I'm usually booked for the cocktail hour, I've also stayed longer to keep the guests that "left their dancing shoes at home" entertained.