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July 07, 2025Now Trending

20x20 pole tent

When you’re planning an outdoor celebration, you probably start by picturing the perfect day including sunny skies, happy guests, and memories that last. But the reality is, the weather is unpredictable. Whether it’s unexpected rain, harsh sun, or strong wind, having a sturdy tent can make all the difference for your event’s success.

Renting a tent is a common solution for family weddings, graduation celebrations, community festivals, and backyard get-togethers. It’s flexible and convenient for one-time use. But if you find yourself hosting events year after year, those rental fees can add up faster than you think. For many businesses, venues, and homeowners, owning a quality tent outright can pay for itself after just a few uses.

In this guide, we’ll cover typical party tent rental prices, what factors affect those costs, and why investing in your own tent could be a smarter long-term move.

What Affects Party Tent Rental Prices?

pole tent

No two events — or tents — are exactly the same. That’s why rental costs can vary more than you might expect. Here are a few key things that can make your final price higher or lower, so you can plan with fewer surprises.

  • Tent Size and Style: It’s probably no shock that bigger canopies cost more. They take more material, a larger crew, and more time to set up properly. The tent style matters too — frame tents, clear top tents, or custom options look stunning but usually come with a higher price tag than a classic pole tent.

  • Time of Year: When you’re hosting your party matters almost as much as what you’re hosting. Spring and summer are the busiest seasons for graduations, backyard weddings, and festivals. High demand means prices often climb, and the most popular dates go fast. If you can, lock in your rental early to get better rates and peace of mind.

  • Location and Delivery: Where you’re setting up can add costs you might not expect. If your venue is in a busy city, labor costs and permit rules can make delivery and installation more expensive. On the flip side, a beautiful rural setting might come with travel fees if the rental crew needs to haul everything a long distance.

  • Condition of the Tent: Not all tents are equal — or equally well cared for. A crisp, spotless tent is a must for weddings or corporate events, so those tend to cost more. Shelters that have seen plenty of festival use might be cheaper, but always ask about the condition to make sure you get what you’re expecting.

  • Setup Crew: A great crew can make or break your setup. An experienced team handles unexpected site issues, sets up safely, and gets you ready on time — which is worth paying for, especially for big or tricky installations.

  • Add-Ons and Extras:  It’s easy to forget that a tent is just the start. Sidewalls to block wind, clear panels for views, string lights, draping, fans, heaters, dance floors, or extra tables and chairs all add to the final bill. Before you sign your contract, check exactly what’s included — and what’s not — so you’re not surprised later.

What Do Party Tent Rentals Cost on Average?

While party tent rental prices can vary a lot from one rental company to the next, it helps to have a clear ballpark when you’re planning your event budget. We’ve gathered some average costs for commercial-grade party tents so you can get a realistic idea of what to expect and feel more confident deciding if renting or buying makes sense for you.

So what can you expect? 

Average Pole Tent Rental Prices

20x60 pole tent

Here’s a general idea of typical rental pricing for different pole tent sizes. We’ve also included the purchase price to help weigh your options:

Tent Size

1 Rental

3 Rentals

5 Rentals

10 Rentals

Purchase

20 x 20

$450

$1,350

$2,250

$4,500

$2,700

20 x 30

$600

$1,800

$3,000

$6,000

$3,500

20 x 40

$750

$2,250

$3,750

$7,500

$4,500

20 x 60

$1,050

$3,150

$5,250

$10,500

$6,900

20 x 80

$1,250

$3,750

$6,250

$12,500

$9,000

30 x 30

$900

$2,700

$4,500

$9,000

$5,900

30 x 45

$1,100

$3,300

$5,500

$11,000

$8,300

30 x 60

$1,350

$4,050

$6,750

$13,500

$10,500

30 x 75

$1,500

$4,500

$7,500

$15,000

$12,800

30 x 90

$2,025

$6,075

$10,125

$20,250

$15,100

40 x 40

$1,400

$4,200

$7,000

$14,000

$7,500

40 x 60

$2,100

$6,300

$10,500

$21,000

$10,500

40 x 80

$2,400

$7,200

$12,000

$24,000

$13,500

40 x 100

$3,000

$9,000

$15,000

$30,000

$16,500


Reach Out to Us for Your Next Event Tent

Chat with our team to determine if buying or renting is right for you. We're here to ensure your event is a success. Contact us today to buy your top-of-the-line party tent, complete with comprehensive post-sale support for hassle-free installation. We’d love to help!

Average Frame Tent Rental Prices

first

Here’s the breakdown between renting and buying a frame tent:

Tent Size

1 Rental

3 Rentals

5 Rentals

10 Rentals

Purchase

20 x 20

$600

$1,800

$3,000

$6,000

$3,600

20 x 30

$675

$2,025

$3,375

$6,750

$4,600

20 x 40

$900

$2,700

$4,500

$9,000

$5,600

20 x 60

$1,350

$4,050

$6,750

$13,500

$8,300

20 x 80

$1,800

$5,400

$9,000

$18,000

$10,500

30 x 30

$1,050

$3,150

$5,250

$10,500

$6,100

30 x 45

$1,500

$4,500

$7,500

$15,000

$8,300

30 x 60

$2,025

$6,075

$10,125

$20,250

$10,500

30 x 75

$2,300

$6,900

$11,500

$23,000

$12,800

30 x 90

$2,550

$7,650

$12,750

$25,500

$15,100

40 x 40

$1,800

$5,400

$9,000

$18,000

$10,900

40 x 60

$2,700

$8,100

$13,500

$27,000

$15,000

40 x 80

$3,600

$10,800

$18,000

$36,000

$19,100

40 x 100

$4,500

$13,500

$22,500

$45,000

$23,300



It’s important to remember that these ballpark figures usually cover just the tent itself and standard installation. Extra costs can add up fast. Delivery fees based on distance, site prep or setup challenges, and must-have add-ons like sidewalls, flooring, lighting, heaters, or furniture rentals will all affect your final price.

5 Reasons Why Buying a Tent Might Make More Sense

40x40 logo tent

Renting is a great choice if you’re hosting a one-time celebration like a milestone birthday, graduation, or backyard wedding. You don’t have to think about where to store the tent, how to maintain it, or how to set it up. The rental team takes care of all that for you.

But if you find yourself putting up a tent multiple times a year, owning one can quickly turn into one of the smartest investments you’ll make. Think about it: renting a 20 x 30 pole tent for $600 a party means you’ll spend $3,500 after just five uses. A high-quality 20x30 tent typically costs about $3,500 to buy — so by the sixth time you use it, you’re already ahead.

When you own your tent, you’re in full control. No more scrambling for what’s available during peak season or worrying about price jumps. You get exactly what you need, when you need it, every time.

Here are a few reasons buying might make sense for you:

  1. You can pick the perfect size and style for your space — no more settling for what’s left in the rental inventory.

  2. You have the freedom to customize colors (beyond solid white!), add your logo, or match your brand.

  3. Modular or sectional canopies mean you can adjust the tent size as your events grow.

  4. You save money in the long run — your tent can pay for itself in as few as five to seven uses.

  5. You always have a tent ready to go for your next event — no scheduling worries.

If you host regular events, own a venue, or just want peace of mind knowing you’re ready for any occasion, buying your own tent could be one of the best moves you make.

Need a Customized Outdoor Tent? Chat with Us

Interested in purchasing a custom tent? Your search ends here! Call us today and let our team of experts guide you to find the perfect tent that will transform your special day into an unforgettable celebration. 

Discover the many options we offer by calling us: 920-431-0938

4 Things to Look For When Buying

tent material

If you’re thinking about buying your own tent, don’t let price be the only thing you look at. A bargain tent won’t feel like much of a bargain if it falls apart after one windy day. Investing in quality now means you’ll get years of safe, reliable use and save money in the long run.

Here are four things we always recommend checking before you buy:

  1. Durability: Look for strong, commercial-grade vinyl, ideally 16 oz. blockout with 1000 denier strength. This fabric holds up to sun, wind, and plenty of setups without wearing thin.

  2. Frame Strength: A solid frame matters just as much as the tent top. Aluminum frames are a great choice because they’re sturdy but still easy to handle. If you’re buying a large frame tent, go for models with double-tube rafter poles. They add up to 300% more strength where you need it most.

  3. UV Resistance: Sun damage can do a number on cheap vinyl. Quality, UV-treated domestic fabric can last more than three times longer than imported material, saving you the hassle and cost of early replacements.

  4. ISO Certified Fabric:  You want a tent that’s made to the same high standards every single time. Work with manufacturers who source from ISO-certified suppliers. This means third-party testing backs up the quality so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Your Next Step: Should You Keep Renting or Buy?

custom tent

If you only need a tent once, renting is a great choice. But if you see yourself setting up a tent five or more times, buying your own can be one of the smartest investments you’ll ever make. Whether you’re running a restaurant patio, an outdoor venue, or community festivals, having your own tent cuts down on recurring rental costs.

We build all our tents right here in Green Bay, Wisconsin, using the highest quality materials so you get a shelter you can trust season after season. Our team has roots in the rental industry, so we know exactly what works in the real world — and we’re always happy to share that knowledge.

Even though we don’t rent tents ourselves, we’re here to help you weigh your options. We want you to feel confident that buying is the right choice for you. From planning resources to installation guides, our team is ready to help you prepare for a successful celebration every time.

If you’re comparing the pros and cons of renting versus buying, we’d love to chat. Take a look at our Tent Purchasing Guide or get in touch with us by calling 920-431-0938. We’re here to help you find the best fit for your space, budget, and future events!

 

Tony Ehrbar's headshot

Tony Ehrbar

Owner & CEO

Tony's entrepreneurial spirit is woven into the fabric of American Tent (an Inc 5000 company), shaped by his experience running a successful event venue & tent rental service. His recognition as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019 is a testament to his impact & dedication to his community. As the Co-founder and CEO of Renegade Plastics, Tony is leading initiatives in the tent industry to integrate eco-friendly, recyclable materials. Contributing as a board member for the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) & the Green Bay Area Public Schools Foundation and being featured by Entrepreneur, Oracle, & Modern Weddings, Tony plays a pivotal role in enhancing the growth and success of the textile industry.

Order Your Event Tent Today!

If you enjoyed today’s entry, be sure to bookmark our blog page and check back frequently for the latest updates.

We regularly post helpful resources that can help you plan great events and learn more about our event tents.

Our friendly customer service team is always happy to answer any questions you have about pole tents, frame tents, and sidewalls, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need more information!

Find out how much better it is to have Shelter. Simplified.

Give us a call today at (920) 431-0938!

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