Party Booking Trends That Will Shape 2026: Insights from the 2026 Benchmark Report

Party bookings continue to be one of the most powerful revenue and loyalty drivers for attractions in 2026. From birthday celebrations to group events, parties generate higher basket sizes, bring in new guests, and create memorable experiences that keep people coming back.

The 2026 Attractions Industry Benchmark Report, built from hundreds of thousands of data points across more than 3,000 venues worldwide, reveals several clear trends around party bookings and how operators can make the most of them.

In this article, we’ll break down the key party-related insights from the report and what they mean for venues planning their growth strategy in 2026.

Online party bookings drive significantly higher order values than POS

Party bookings are often one of the highest-value transactions an attractions venue can sell. But how guests purchase those parties matters just as much as what they’re buying.

According to the 2026 Attractions Industry Benchmark Report, the average online party order value is $64.20, compared to $18.80 for point-of-sale (POS) transactions. That means online party bookings are ~3.4x larger on average.

That gap is a strong signal that online checkout does more than shift transactions from the counter to the web. It makes it easier for guests to build a bigger booking in one go, selecting packages, adding extras, and committing to a higher-value purchase without time pressure at the front desk.

Actionable insight: Make sure your online checkout is optimized. Clearly package what’s included (so guests feel confident spending more) and surface relevant add-ons during checkout (food, merch, upgrades). Also, keep the flow mobile-friendly and fast, so guests complete the booking without friction.

Read more: How to Optimize Your Online Checkout: 5 Key Insights from the 2026 Benchmark Report

Party bookings happen outside traditional business hours

Party planning doesn’t always happen during the day, and the data proves it.

The Benchmark Report shows that 44% of online party bookings are made after 5pm. That’s significantly higher than standard online bookings and highlights how families and groups plan events in the evenings, after work or once kids are in bed.

This has major implications for operators who rely on manual booking processes or limited office hours.

Actionable insight: Your party booking flow needs to work 24/7. An always-on online booking experience ensures you don’t miss high-value party revenue when your venue is closed.

Parties play a major role in repeat visitation

Beyond immediate revenue, party bookings have a lasting impact on guest loyalty. The 2026 data shows that venues offering parties see repeat visitation rates of 40.8%, compared to 25.6% at venues that don’t offer parties.

Parties introduce new guests to your venue (friends, classmates, family members) many of whom are visiting for the first time. When the experience is smooth and memorable, those guests are far more likely to return.

Actionable insight: Think of parties as both a revenue stream and a guest acquisition channel. A great party experience doesn’t just generate one booking, it fuels future visits.

Party demand is seasonal

According to the Benchmark Report, party demand is highly seasonal, with clear peaks around school holidays, weekends, and key celebration periods. These spikes create outsized revenue opportunities, but only for venues that are prepared to capture them.

During peak party periods, operators often see:

• Higher booking volumes
• Larger average order values
• Increased demand for premium packages and add-ons

Venues that rely on manual processes or limited availability during these times risk leaving significant revenue on the table.

Actionable insight: Plan for peak party periods in advance. Ensure your online party booking flow is fully configured, capacity is visible, and add-ons are ready to capture demand when it spikes, especially during school holidays and seasonal peaks.

5 key takeaways for party growth in 2026

1. Prioritize online party bookings: Online party bookings consistently deliver higher order values and reduce operational friction.
2. Design parties with upsells in mind: Clear packages and well-timed add-ons make it easier for guests to build a higher-value booking.
3. Prepare for seasonal demand: Peak periods drive a disproportionate share of party revenue, planning ahead is critical.
4. Tailor party offerings to your venue type: Industry-specific trends show that aligned experiences convert more effectively.
5. Think beyond the initial booking: Parties introduce new guests and fuel repeat visitation long after the event ends.

Ready for the full 2026 Attractions Industry Benchmark Report?

These party insights are just one part of the bigger picture. The 2026 Attractions Industry Benchmark Report includes deeper analysis across bookings, payments, memberships, food and beverage, guest experience, and region-specific performance trends.

Whether you’re looking to grow party revenue, improve guest loyalty, or understand how your venue compares to others in your region, the Benchmark Report gives you the intelligence to plan with confidence.

Download your free copy of the 2026 Attractions Industry Benchmark Report today.