8 Prom Night Entertainment Ideas

Prom night is one of the most anticipated events of high school life. It's a night when students get to dress up, socialize, and make memories that will last a lifetime. To make prom night unforgettable, it is important to plan the right entertainment, music, and activities.


In this article, we'll explore some creative ideas to help you plan the perfect prom night entertainment.

1. Prom music

Music sets the tone for any event, and this is especially true for a high school prom. Music is the heart and soul of any prom night. One of the best ways to ensure that the prom music is lively and enjoyable is to hire a DJ or live band.


Whether you choose to have a live band or a DJ at your prom, make sure to provide a mix of musical genres to cater to the tastes of all student attendees. Also, you’ll need to have a good sound system, lighting, and a dance floor to create an unforgettable experience.


Music plays a crucial role in setting the mood and creating a memorable experience for everyone at the event. For this reason, it is important to plan and play a variety of types of music at a high school prom to ensure that everyone has a good time and feels included.

Cater to different tastes

Teenagers have different tastes in music, so it is important to cater to these tastes to ensure that everyone has a good time. A prom playlist that includes a mix of genres, from pop and hip-hop to rock and country, will ensure that there is something for everyone in terms of music. Playing a variety of music will encourage students to get on the dance floor and have a good time, regardless of their music preferences.

Create an inclusive environment

Playing a variety of music types will create an inclusive environment and make everyone feel welcome. A prom is an event for all students, regardless of their background or culture. By playing a mix of music genres, you can create an atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable and included.

Encourage dancing and participation

The goal of any prom is to get students to dance, participate, and have a great time. A mix of music genres will encourage more students to get on the dance floor and show off their moves with their friends.


It is important to choose music that will appeal to the majority of prom attendees, but also include a few songs that may not be as popular but will still get people dancing.

Reflect the prom theme

The theme is an important part of the prom and often relates to the type of music that will be played. However, a variety of music genres can still be incorporated throughout the evening.


For example, if the prom theme is “A Night in New York,” playing Frank Sinatra’s 1977 classic “New York, New York” will connect to the prom theme and help create a unique and memorable experience.

Set the mood

Music has the power to set the mood and create a memorable experience. A variety of music genres can create different moods, from upbeat and energetic to romantic and emotional. It is important to plan the music carefully to create a flow that will keep the party going and create a memorable experience for everyone.


The right mix of music is the key to creating a flow that will keep the party going and make your high school's prom a night to remember for your students!

Should you have live music or a DJ at prom?

A live band can add a touch of elegance to the event and is always a crowd-pleaser. On the other hand, a DJ can keep the music going non-stop, cater to the different music preferences of the student attendees, and provide a more interactive experience.


Disadvantages of a live band include higher costs associated with the more elaborate sound and equipment setup required as well as the need to compensate all of the band members for their time. Also, a live band probably won’t be able to offer as much musical variety as a DJ can.


For all of these reasons, planning and playing a variety of types of music at a high school prom is essential to ensure that everyone has a good time and feels included. By catering to different tastes, creating an inclusive environment, encouraging dancing, setting the mood, and reflecting the prom theme, you can create a memorable experience that students will cherish for years to come.

2. Prom night games and contests

While music and dancing is a big part of any prom, adding games to the entertainment mix can make your event even more fun and memorable. Here are some ideas for prom night games and contests that can help create a unique and unforgettable prom experience for all students who attend.

Prom bingo

Create a prom-themed bingo card with spaces that include things like "slow dance," "group photo," or "get a drink from the punch bowl." As students complete each task, they can mark off the corresponding space on their card. The first person to get a full line of completed tasks can win a prize.

Prom trivia

Create a prom-themed trivia game that includes questions about popular songs, fashion trends, and prom traditions. Divide the students into teams and award points to the team that gets the most answers correct. This game can provide a fun way for students to bond over shared experiences and memories.

Prom scavenger hunt

Create a scavenger hunt that includes tasks like finding a certain type of shoe or getting a picture with a specific chaperone. The first team to complete all the tasks can win a prize. This can be a fun way for students to explore the prom venue and interact with their peers.

Prom Pictionary-style game

Create a prom-themed Pictionary-style game where students draw prom-related objects or events. Divide the students into teams and award points to the team that guesses the most drawings correctly. This can be a fun way for students to show off their artistic skills and work together as a team.


Including games and contests in the prom night lineup can make the event even more memorable and fun for students. Prom bingo, prom trivia, a prom photo booth, prom karaoke, prom scavenger hunt, and a prom Pictionary-style drawing game are just a few ideas for games that can make the night fun and inclusive.


With a little creativity, you can come up with even more ideas to make your prom night unique and unforgettable!

3. Prom night activities

Still looking for ideas for prom night entertainment and activities? Read on for even more ideas for keeping all students engaged and having fun throughout the night!

Dancing competitions

Dancing competitions can add a fun and competitive element to prom night. You can organize a dance-off or dance competition and award the best dancers. Dancing competitions can be fun and engaging, and they can get students out of their seats and onto the dance floor.

Karaoke

Karaoke is a fun and interactive activity that everyone can enjoy. You can set up a karaoke station with a microphone, screen, and a variety of your students’ favorite songs.


Karaoke provides a fun way for students to showcase their singing talent and encourages interaction among students. You might even want to include a competition to see who can sing the best!

Photo booths

Photo booths are a popular form of entertainment at proms because they provide a fun and interactive way for students to take pictures with their friends and capture prom night memories. Renting a photo booth is easy, and there are many options available, from traditional enclosed booths to open-air setups. You can even customize the booth with props and backdrops to match your prom theme.


Finding photo booth props and supplies to go along with your prom theme is easy. For example, Oriental Trading Company sells inexpensive photo booth props and supplies.


To make it even more fun, you can have a photo booth competition and award the most creative or entertaining photo. You can even provide a digital frame where students can upload their photos to a virtual gallery.

Closing recommendations for prom night entertainment

As you make plans for prom night, remember that prom night means different things to different students. Not all students will attend prom with a date and want a night of romance, so make sure your event offers something for all prom attendees.


Just as we do in our classrooms, you’ll want to have separate areas for different activities. If having separate spaces for different activities is not an option, you can do different things in short time intervals because different activities will interest different students.


Remember, our goal is to provide a delightful and festive prom experience as well as to encourage students to stay at prom for as long as possible—preferably until the very end of the event! When students remain on-site at the prom venue, we can rest assured that they are safe and supervised.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planning the perfect prom night requires creativity, organization, and attention to detail. By incorporating these ideas for entertainment, music, and activities, you can create an unforgettable experience for everyone attending. Remember, the goal is to make your high school's prom a night that students will remember for the rest of their lives.

Need more help planning your prom?

Our other articles will give you additional help as you plan your prom.


For example, 42 Things for a Prom Planning Checklist keeps you focused on the most important things for your event. Also, 10 Things to Consider When Choosing a Prom Venue gives you all the help you need to find the perfect location for your high school's prom.


When you're ready to choose a theme, 12 Prom Theme Decoration Ideas gives you a list of trending prom themes as well as decorating ideas for each theme.


Also, you'll want to develop a clear, inclusive, and well-articulated prom dress code. The article 10 Steps to Develop a Prom Dress Code shows you exactly how to develop a dress code in keeping with your students' and school's best interests, and Prom Night Party Fuel provides ideas for refreshments to fit any budget.


If you're looking for a start-to-finish, all-inclusive prom planning handbook, I have one for you!


The Ultimate Prom Planning Handbook takes you through the prom planning process one step at a time and provides you with pro tips and prom checklists to use every step of the way!


  • Easy to Follow 5-Step Process
  • 20+ Prom Checklists
  • Clear Action Steps
  • Innovative Ideas
  • Time Saving Tips

The Ultimate Prom Planning Handbook is available on this site as well as in my TPT store.

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