How Much Do Clowns Cost? (2026 Prices)
Typically $100–$300 an hour, per published rates (GigSalad and Bubbles Productions, 2026). Planning your budget? Explore what affects the price of a birthday clown, then ask about options for your party. Local rates appear here as entertainers list them.
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What clowns cost across the US
Professional clowns typically cost $100–$300 for a one-hour booking (GigSalad); one Maryland company lists $275 for the first hour and $175 for each extra hour.
Market data: published rates from other companies (GigSalad and Bubbles Productions, 2026), not Yombu prices. Yombu shows its own entertainers’ real listed rates wherever we have them.
- Typical US range
- $100–$300/hr
- Show length
- 45–60 min
- Typical tip
- 10–20%
| Company | Booking | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| GigSalad (US average) | 1 hour | $100–$300 | |
| Bubbles Productions (Bowie, MD) | Clown, first hour | $275 | +$175 each extra hour |
| Bubbles Productions (Bowie, MD) | Clown show, 1 hour | From $400 | |
| Phillips Celebrations (Atlanta) | Party clown | $150–$200 an hour |
Sources: GigSalad, 2026-09; Bubbles Productions (Bowie, MD), checked 2026-09; Phillips Celebrations (Atlanta), 2020-05-08.
What moves the price up or down
Clowns price by the hour, and the act you're buying varies more than with most performers — comedy, magic, balloons and face paint can all be in the mix. Quotes differ with what the clown brings and how long they stay. Here’s what actually moves the number.
How long you book for
Clowns price by the hour, and one-hour appearances are the most common booking. A second hour costs less than the first at some companies, so a longer party can be better value than two short acts.
Travel and location
Every entertainer sets their own travel radius. A party inside their normal area is usually covered by the listed rate; a venue at the far edge of town — or outside it — can add a travel charge. Booking someone genuinely local is the easiest way to keep the quote clean.
Add-ons and extras
Extras — an extra performer to halve the line, premium designs or materials, party bags, a longer finale — all move the total up. They’re listed upfront on Yombu, so you can see exactly what each one adds before you decide.
Weekends and peak dates
Saturday and Sunday afternoons are prime time, and around holidays the best-reviewed pros book out weeks ahead. Prices on Yombu don’t secretly surge — but the cheapest entertainers’ calendars fill first, so on a peak date the remaining options may simply start higher. A weekday or morning party often books the same pro for less demand-pressure.
Experience and reviews
A seasoned pro with years of parties and a wall of verified reviews usually lists a higher rate than someone building their book. Both can be great bookings — the difference is polish and predictability, and with real reviews on every profile you can decide what that’s worth to you.
Five easy ways to keep the total friendly
- Book the length your guest list needs — an hour covers most smaller parties.
- Pick a pro whose service area comfortably covers your venue, so travel never enters the quote.
- Consider a weekday, morning or early-afternoon slot; peak Saturday slots go first.
- Skip add-ons at booking — you can always keep the party simple and spend on cake instead.
- Book early: the widest choice of rates is available before the local calendar fills.
How to book kids’ party entertainment
Tell us about your party
Share your city, date and the entertainment you have in mind, from face painting and balloon art to magic shows and party characters.
Choose your entertainer
We’ll check availability with local entertainers. Compare their profiles and prices, choose your favorite, and book securely online.
Enjoy the celebration
Your entertainer brings the fun. You enjoy the birthday moments, with your payment held until after the party.
How much does a birthday clown cost in 2026?
Typically $100–$300 an hour (GigSalad and Bubbles Productions, 2026). Those are other companies' published rates, not Yombu prices; Yombu shows real listed rates here the moment local birthday clowns join, and you always see the exact total before you pay.
Do birthday clowns charge by the hour or per party?
By the hour, almost always. Most set a minimum booking length. Extra time runs about $175 an hour at Bubbles Productions in Maryland, after $275 for the first hour. On Yombu, a birthday clown's hourly rate and minimum are on their profile, and the exact total for the time you pick shows before you pay.
Why do prices for a birthday clown vary so much between entertainers?
What the act includes. A clown who only performs a comedy set costs less than one who also twists balloons, paints faces and runs games, and a scripted clown show with props sits above a strolling hour. Extra hours and travel move a quote too. On Yombu a clown's real hourly rate shows on their profile.
Are there any hidden fees on top of the listed price?
No. The total you see at checkout is the total you pay — and your money is held safely until after the party, so you're never paying upfront and hoping. If an entertainer charges for travel or add-ons, it's itemized before you book.
Do weekend parties cost more?
Not automatically — Yombu prices don't surge. But weekend afternoons are when the most-booked local pros fill up first, so booking a peak Saturday late can leave only higher-rate options. Booking a few weeks ahead, or choosing a weekday or morning slot, keeps the full range open.
When do I actually pay, and what if plans change?
You pay online when you book, and your payment is held until after the party. Cancel 7 or more days before the party for a full refund. From 7 days to 48 hours before, you get 50% back and can still reschedule or move indoors free of charge; within 48 hours of the start time, the booking is final.
Is it cheaper to book a birthday clown directly with the entertainer?
Usually not in any way that matters. Quote marketplaces add client service fees on top of quotes, and going fully direct means chasing availability by phone and paying by cash or transfer with no protection. On Yombu you see the entertainer's real listed rate, we confirm genuine availability in about two hours, and your payment is protected until the party's done.
How much should I tip a birthday clown?
If you choose to tip, 10–20% of the booking or $15–$20 per performer is the norm GigSalad's 2026 party-budget guide suggests. Tipping is optional and never added to your Yombu total. A clown who also twisted balloons or painted faces did two jobs — round up if the act covered more than you booked.
More on booking a birthday clown
- All clowns entertainers
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- Face Painting cost guide
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- Yombu vs GigSalad
- Full party cost calculator
Their best birthday starts here.
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