How Much Does It Cost to Hire Dueling Pianos in Chicago?
Planning a wedding, corporate event, fundraiser, or private party in Chicago? Dueling pianos can turn your celebration into a memorable, interactive experience. But how much does it cost to hire dueling pianos?
At Lo-Fi Jukebox, a two-hour dueling piano performance starts at $2,400 for Sunday through Thursday events and $2,800 for Friday or Saturday events. Your final price depends on several factors, including performance duration, event date, location, and additional entertainment services.
Want to know how much dueling pianos will cost for your event?
Typical Rates and Packages for Dueling Pianos in Chicago
Dueling piano rates in Chicago vary by entertainment company. Some providers offer standard packages, while others create custom quotes based on your event’s requirements.
At Lo-Fi Jukebox, we offer straightforward pricing so you can compare options before requesting a quote.
The table below compares our published standard rates with other dueling pianos entertainment providers serving Chicago.
Price disclaimer: Prices shown reflect publicly listed rates, starting prices, or package estimates from the referenced providers. Contact each entertainment provider directly for actual quotes and exact pricing.
Entertainment Provider | Package Type | Package Summary | Variations | Price Range |
Standard Package (2-3 hours) | Dueling pianos, stage lighting, PA system, and beautiful 40" baby grand piano shells | Sunday to Thursday | $2,400 - $2,800 | |
Friday & Saturday | $2,800 - $3,200 | |||
Wedding Package (2-3 hours) | Dueling pianos, professional drummer, full MC services, upgraded lighting, two subwoofers, DJ gig bar, dinner hour music | Sunday to Thursday | $3,300 - $3,900 | |
Friday & Saturday | $3,700 - $4,300 | |||
Solo Entertainer (2-3 hours) | One baby grand piano shell, light tree, 2-speaker PA system | Sunday to Thursday | $1,000 - $1,200 | |
Friday & Saturday | $1,400 - $1,600 | |||
Add-On | Drummer, subwoofers, uplighting | $150 - $600 | ||
Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos | Wedding | Dueling pianists, sound equipment, MC services, stage lights, and cocktail music | ||
Corporate party | $3,250 - $3,750 | |||
Fundraisers | $3,150 - $3,650 | |||
Howl2Go Dueling Pianos | Standard Package | Two Pianos | ||
Trio | Two Pianos (+ Vocalists) and Drums | |||
Quartet | Two Pianos (+ Vocalists), Drums and Guitar OR Sax | $5,500 | ||
Quintet | Two Pianos (+ Vocalists), Drums, Guitar and Sax | $6,000 | ||
Chip & Cupcake Dueling Pianos | Full Day Package | Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception | ||
Flat Rate | Reception with Dueling Pianos + Drummer or three-piece band (Piano, Drums, Guitar, 2 Singers) + all gear | $2,700 + travel | ||
Add-On | Ceremony + Cocktail Hour Add-On | $400 | ||
Ted Oliver Dueling Pianos | Standard Rate | Dueling Pianos | ||
Price disclaimer: Prices shown reflect publicly listed rates, starting prices, or package estimates from the referenced providers. Contact each entertainment provider directly for actual quotes and exact pricing. Sources:
What Factors Affect the Cost of Hiring Dueling Pianos?
The cost of hiring dueling pianos involves more than the performers’ time on stage. The type of event, number of musicians, venue requirements, and booking date can all affect the final price.
Event Type and Booking Requirements
Not every event needs the same entertainment setup. A private birthday party might call for two hours of interactive dueling pianos, while a wedding reception may need announcements, background music during dinner, and coordination throughout the reception.
Corporate events may involve scheduled presentations or transitions between entertainment and speeches, while fundraisers may benefit from a performance that encourages audience participation and supports fundraising activities.
Before booking, consider whether your event requires live music alone or a more comprehensive entertainment package.
Performance Duration and Number of Musicians
Your event’s length is one of the most direct factors affecting dueling pianos pricing.
Many standard packages offer two-hour or three-hour performances. Longer bookings generally cost more because they require additional performance time.
The final cost also depends on the number of musicians.
A traditional dueling pianos show features two performers who take song requests and interact with guests. Adding a drummer can create a fuller sound and bring more energy to the performance, but it also typically adds to the cost.
Some entertainment providers also offer a separate solo piano performer option for smaller gatherings with a tighter entertainment budget.
Event Date and Booking Availability
Your event date can also affect entertainment pricing.
Friday and Saturday performances typically cost more than Sunday through Thursday bookings because of higher demand.
Seasonal demand can also affect pricing. December is a popular booking period, particularly for corporate holiday parties and seasonal celebrations. At Lo-Fi Jukebox, December bookings include an additional $200 charge for standard dueling piano packages, with an extra $100 if you add a drummer. Wedding packages booked in December have a $300 surcharge.
Popular dates may fill up months in advance, limiting your options for specific performers and entertainment packages. Booking early can help you secure your preferred date and plan your entertainment budget more accurately.
Venue Location and Travel Expenses
A venue within Chicago may have different travel requirements than an event in a distant suburb or another city.
Entertainment providers generally start charging a mileage fee when the venue is over a certain distance from Chicago. Depending on the distance and schedule, additional travel-related expenses may also apply. Working with a Chicago-based dueling piano company can help keep costs manageable.
When comparing quotes, provide the exact venue address so the entertainment company can account for location-related requirements.
Sound Equipment, Setup, and Additional Services
A professional dueling pianos performance requires more than two musicians and a set of keyboards.
Depending on the entertainment provider and package, sound equipment, lighting, and baby grand piano shells may be included or carry additional fees.
Larger venues may also require upgraded sound equipment, such as subwoofers, especially when additional musicians are involved.
Get a Custom Quote for Dueling Pianos in Chicago
Every event is different, and your entertainment should fit your celebration, venue, and budget.
Whether you're planning a wedding, company party, fundraiser, or private gathering, Lo-Fi Jukebox offers dueling piano packages that deliver live music and memorable audience interaction.
Our Event Price Calculator makes it easy to explore your options. Select your event details and preferred entertainment options, then submit your contact information to get a personalized price estimate.
Ready to find out how much dueling pianos could cost for your event?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dueling pianos more expensive than hiring a DJ?
Dueling pianos generally cost more than a traditional DJ because you're hiring live musicians rather than a single entertainer playing recorded music.
Are setup and equipment costs included in the booking price?
Yes. At Lo-Fi Jukebox, our standard dueling piano package already includes the essential performance equipment, including baby grand piano shells, stage lighting, and a speaker PA system.
Our team also handles equipment setup and sound checks before the event begins.
Certain additions, such as upgraded lighting, subwoofers, or extra musicians, may come with additional charges.
How far in advance should you book dueling pianos?
We recommend reaching out at least four to six weeks before your event, although booking earlier is especially helpful for weddings, corporate celebrations, and popular holiday dates.
Booking early gives you more flexibility when choosing your preferred date, entertainment package, and performers.
If you're planning an event on short notice, it's still worth checking availability. We may be able to accommodate your booking depending on the date and musicians' schedules.
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