Book the talent, secure the venue, protect the event
Professional event contracts for artists, promoters, venues, coordinators, and organizers. We've got you covered at every step, from the first booking to the final settlement.
Every contract has been drafted and reviewed by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.
What are you trying to do?
Find the situation that matches your deal and go straight to the contract that fits.
- I want to book an artist, performer, speaker, DJ, or entertainer.
- I want to rent or use a venue.
- I want to promote a live event.
- I want to hire production, sound, lighting, staging, or technical services.
- I want to plan a tour.
- I want to hire an event coordinator.
- I want to hire catering or vendors.
- I want to sponsor an event.
- I want to record, livestream, or broadcast an event.
- I need confidentiality before discussing an event or tour.
Browse every live events contract below.
Search by name or scroll the full catalog. Each contract is $50.
Artist Booking Agreement
Book a performer for a concert, festival, private event, or corporate show — flat fee, guarantee + backend, or door deal in one contract.
Tour Manager Agreement
Hire a tour manager — per-diem, commissions, day-off policies, and settlement duties.
Concert Promoter Agreement
Hire a promoter to market and produce a live show — guarantees, backend splits, ticket pricing, settlement, and cancellation terms.
Stylist Agreement
Hire a wardrobe stylist, hair stylist, or makeup artist — rate, kit fee, credit, and cancellation terms.
Appearance Agreement
Book a performer or guest for a one-time appearance — signings, charity galas, store openings, and speaking engagements.
Merchandise Licensing Agreement
License your name and brand to a merchandise vendor that designs, produces, and sells branded goods on your behalf — royalty splits, product approval, quality standards, and leftover inventory.
Merchandise Manufacturing Agreement
Produce festival or event merch — branded T-shirts, hats, posters, and accessories for the venue or tour, with licensed-IP warranties for any third-party logos. You'll own and sell the goods.
Event Sponsorship Agreement
Bring on a sponsor — naming rights, logo placement, VIP activations, and reporting.
Event Coordinator Agreement
Hire a coordinator — responsibilities, timeline, vendor management, and emergency decisions.
Social Media Manager Agreement
Hire someone to manage your social media accounts — posting schedules, content calendars, analytics, and account access.
Catering & Vendor Agreement
Hire a caterer or vendor — menus, staffing, guest counts, cancellation, and insurance.
Venue & Facility Rental Agreement
Rent a venue — capacity, load-in/load-out, sound curfew, security, and damage deposits.
Hired Services Agreement
Hire a photographer, videographer, designer, or other creative professional for event coverage, recap videos, signage, or marketing collateral.
Need more than one live events contract? Get unlimited access to all 16 live events contracts for one year for $150.
See the Industry PlanKey Terms To Understand
- Deposit
- Money paid up front to hold a date or booking, often credited toward the total or kept if the deal falls through.
- Guarantee
- A fixed amount a performer is paid regardless of ticket sales.
- Backend or percentage compensation
- Pay based on a share of ticket sales, the bar, or profits, often on top of or instead of a guarantee.
- Cancellation
- The terms for calling off the booking, including deadlines and any fees or refunds.
- Force majeure
- A clause covering events outside anyone's control, like severe weather or emergencies, that may excuse performance.
- Venue access
- When and how parties can get into the space for setup, the event, and breakdown.
- Load-in and load-out
- The scheduled times for bringing equipment in before the event and removing it after.
- Technical rider
- A document listing the sound, lighting, staging, and equipment a performer needs.
- Hospitality rider
- A document listing food, drink, and backstage requests for the performer and crew.
- Insurance
- Coverage that pays for certain injuries, losses, or damage tied to the event.
- Indemnity
- A promise by one party to cover certain losses or legal costs the other party faces because of the first party's actions.
- Recording and livestream rights
- Who may record, stream, or broadcast the event, and how that footage can be used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What contract do I need to book a performer?
What should be included in a venue rental agreement?
How should cancellation terms be addressed?
What is a technical rider?
Who is responsible for insurance at a live event?
What is the difference between a guarantee and a door deal?
How much deposit is typical for booking a performer?
What happens if an event is cancelled because of weather?
Do I need a separate contract for each vendor at my event?
What are common warning signs in live event agreements?
These are common issues to watch for in any live event agreement:
- No clear cancellation terms
- No deadline for payment
- Deposit or refund terms left unclear
- Production responsibilities are vague
- No force majeure clause for events outside anyone's control
- No insurance requirements
- Venue access times are not spelled out
- No rules for recording, livestreaming, or broadcast rights