5 Event Food Ideas That Bring in $500/Week

I’ve run businesses, analyzed burn rates, and one sector never fails to deliver fast cash flow: event food. Birthdays, community fairs, school carnivals, office gatherings—people buy on appetite, not logic. With low material cost and high emotional demand, a small operator can realistically generate $500–$2,000 weekly selling just a handful of high-margin foods.

1. Mini Cupcakes or Dessert Boxes

Cost per dozen: ~$3–$6
Sell for $12–$25
Event orders often come in multiples—4 boxes/day hits $500/week fast.

2. Gourmet Popcorn Buckets

10¢ to produce, $3–$7 retail.
Kids + movie nights = recurring volume.

3. Loaded Nacho Trays

High flavor, low ingredient cost.
Perfect for gatherings of 20–80 guests.

4. Grazing Platters & Party Boards

High perceived luxury = premium pricing.
$40–$120 per platter depending on size & toppings.

5. DIY Sundae or Waffle Bars

Interactive = irresistible at events.
One party can generate $200–$600 alone.

Quick Math — How $500 Happens Weekly

• 3 nacho trays @ $60 → $180
• + 4 cupcake orders @ $40 → $160
• + 2 grazing boards @ $90 → $180
Total → $520/week

This isn’t luck—it’s margins + volume.

Final Word — From a Man Who Measures Cash Like Capital

Event food wins because it’s consumable, repeatable, and scalable. Start with one bestseller, price with confidence, market consistently, and every weekend becomes a revenue cycle.