Home » Uncategorized » Memorial Day Backyard Party Ideas in Knoxville (2026 Guide)

Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner — here’s how to throw a backyard party your neighbors will be talking about all summer.

Memorial Day weekend in Knoxville is the unofficial kickoff to summer. Pools open, grills come out, and every backyard in Farragut, Maryville, and Hardin Valley is fair game for a party. Whether you’re doing a small family cookout or hosting the whole neighborhood, here’s a practical guide to pulling off a backyard Memorial Day party in Knox County — without running yourself ragged.

When to book Memorial Day weekend rentals

Memorial Day weekend 2026 falls on May 23–25. If you’re reading this in early May, you’ve still got time to book — but our most-requested units (water slides, combos, and the mechanical bull) book out 7–10 days before the weekend. Inflatable Office shows live availability when you check out, so it’s easy to lock your date.

Tip: A $50 non-refundable deposit holds your date. If a thunderstorm forces a cancellation, your deposit rolls to a future weekend.

Best rentals for a Memorial Day backyard party

1. Water slides — the Memorial Day MVP

If the forecast says 80°+ (which is pretty much guaranteed for late-May Knoxville), a water slide rental is the easiest way to keep kids busy for 4–6 hours straight. We carry single-lane slides starting at $249 and double-lane racing slides that work great for bigger groups. Most Knox County backyards have enough space for our 18-foot slides; the 24-footers need a deeper yard (we’ll confirm by photo if you’re unsure).

2. Combo bounce house + slide units

Combo units give you a bouncer AND a slide in one footprint. Starting at $289, they’re our most-booked unit for Memorial Day because they handle both little kids (the bouncer) and bigger kids (the slide) without renting two separate inflatables.

3. Tables, chairs, and tents

A 10×20 white event tent ($129) gives the adults shade for cornhole, food, and drinks while the kids do their thing in the bounce house. We deliver tables and folding chairs starting at $9 each — no minimum order. For Memorial Day specifically, a small tent over the buffet keeps the food cool and the flies off.

4. Foam party machine (the wildcard)

A foam party rental at $279 for a 2-hour package turns your backyard into something kids will literally never stop talking about. It’s eco-friendly, ages 4+, and works in any open grass area. Bonus: it doubles as a cooldown station on hot afternoons.

5. Yard cards for the host with the most

A custom yard card — “Happy Memorial Day!” or a birthday message if your kid’s celebrating birthday + holiday weekend in one — runs $89. Delivered, set up, picked up. Great for social media.

Memorial Day party planning timeline

Two weeks out (now, if it’s early-May):– Pick your rental(s) and reserve at partybouncehouserentalsofknoxville.com– $50 deposit secures your date- Send invites with the address + start time- Decide on the food plan (catered, BBQ, potluck)

One week out:– Confirm the guest count with us if your rentals scale with headcount- Mow the yard, stake out where the rentals go (we’ll confirm sizing)- Pull out your coolers, fill up the propane tank, buy ice

Two days out:– Watch the forecast — we’ll reach out 24 hours before delivery if weather looks dicey- Final headcount to caterer (or final grocery run)

Morning of:– Our crew arrives in the delivery window you picked- 20–30 minute setup, anchored safely, blower running before they leave- You enjoy your party

What’s the weather usually like in Knoxville for Memorial Day weekend?

Average late-May Knoxville: highs around 80°F, lows in the upper 50s. Pop-up thunderstorms are common — they usually clear in 1–2 hours. We monitor radar and reach out 24 hours before your delivery if there’s a real storm concern. Light drizzle is no problem for water slides; lightning or sustained winds over 25 mph is when we’ll need to reschedule.

Service area for Memorial Day weekend deliveries

We deliver across the entire Knoxville metro and East Tennessee:

If you don’t see your city, give us a call at (865) 419-0090 — we’ll quote a delivery fee.

Why book with Party Bounce House Rentals of Knoxville for Memorial Day

Lock your Memorial Day date now

Memorial Day weekend always fills up faster than people expect. If you’re thinking about it, book today — the unit you want is much more likely to be available right now than next Wednesday.

Book Memorial Day rentals → or call (865) 419-0090.