Halloween and Fall Party Rentals: A Seasonal Opportunity for Garage Rental Businesses

Halloween has become a big decorating holiday, which makes the last weeks of October a useful window for anyone running a party or event rental business from their garage. Haunted yards, school fall festivals, office parties and costume parties all need tables, lighting, inflatables and decor, and many hosts would rather rent than buy and store it all.

How big is Halloween?

In its September 2026 survey, the National Retail Federation (NRF) said Americans expected to spend a record $13.5 billion on Halloween, up from $13.1 billion the year before. About 74% of consumers planned to celebrate, and 78% planned to buy decorations, for an expected $4.3 billion. Decorating was among the most popular activities, alongside handing out candy and wearing costumes. That spending isn’t all available to rental businesses, of course, but it shows how many households and organizations dress up for the season.

Rentals that fit the season

• Tables, chairs and linens for fall festivals, church and school events and office parties.
• Outdoor lighting, extension cords and battery candles for evening events.
• Inflatables and yard decor for neighborhood parties and trunk-or-treat events.
• Fall-themed backdrops or photo booth setups for parties.

If you already rent party equipment, a small seasonal add-on can be easier to test than a new line of business. Buy a few items, list them with clear photos and see what books.

Safety comes first in October

Decorations and fall weather add risks. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has reported that decorations were the first item to catch fire in an average of 860 home fires a year in its 2009–2013 data, and nearly half happened because decorations were too close to a heat source. Candles started 38% of them. NFPA’s tips include keeping dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper away from flames, light bulbs and heaters, using battery candles or glow sticks in jack-o’-lanterns, and keeping decorations clear of exits.

For inflatables, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advises not using bounce houses in windy conditions, putting the maximum safe wind speed at 15 to 25 mph, and anchoring units securely on flat ground away from trees, power lines and fences. Adults should supervise at all times, and only children of similar size should jump together. Fall days can be gusty, so check the forecast and follow the manufacturer’s limits.

• Include written setup and safety instructions with every rental.
• Offer flame-free lighting options instead of real candles.
• Inspect cords, lights and blowers when items come back.

Booking and paperwork

Use your normal rental agreement with clear pickup and return times, since Halloween bookings bunch up on the same weekend. Take deposits to hold dates, and confirm that your insurance covers the items you rent out, especially inflatables. Rules for inflatables, permits and rental contracts vary by state and city, so check locally.

More on Garage Business Blueprint

• How to Start a Party Rental Business From Your Garage
• Home Business Insurance: What Your Homeowner’s Policy Won’t Cover and What to Buy Instead

Sources

• National Retail Federation: NRF Halloween survey shows consumer spending expected to reach $13.5 billion
• Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control: Enjoy a Safe Halloween with NFPA’s Fire Safety Tips
• U.S. CPSC: Don’t Get Swept Away – CPSC Reminds Consumers to Be Grounded in Safety When Using Bounce Houses