Our Story

From One Balloon Artist to
Pittsburgh's Premier Entertainment

What started as one passionate balloon artist bringing smiles to local events quickly grew into a full-service entertainment company trusted by families, schools, corporations, and community organizations across the region.

The Mike Evans Story

Mike the Balloon Guy & Company was founded in 1996 by Mike Evans in Pittsburgh. What began as one man with a passion for balloon art and entertaining quickly grew into a trusted full-service entertainment company serving the greater Pittsburgh region and beyond.

As identical twins, Mike and his brother Arthur needed distinct identities. Their grandmother gifted Arthur a model rocket kit and Mike a magician's bag of tricks. Before his teens, Mike was performing sleight-of-hand at birthday parties. One day at a magic shop, the owner showed him how to twist a balloon dog — and he walked out with a bag of balloons, an instruction book, and a new obsession.

He loved the one-on-one joy of turning ideas into reality for kids and adults alike. That spark became a lifelong calling. A longtime Squirrel Hill resident, Mike has been bringing smiles to Pittsburgh for three decades — from restaurant tableside performances to thousands of events across Western Pennsylvania.

Our work creates lasting memories for families and strengthens community ties. Every event receives the same care, professionalism, and heart Mike brought from day one.

Today, the company remains proudly family-owned and operated. Mike's wife, Abbie — the heart and soul of the operation — runs things behind the scenes. Their eldest son, Nathaniel, is a music teacher who uses balloon art to connect with students. Their son Ari serves as Operations Manager, helping carry the family legacy forward.

Our reputation rests on three decades of consistency: showing up on time, performing with energy and heart, and leaving behind memories families talk about for years.

Our Journey

1996

The Beginning

Mike Evans starts twisting balloons at Pittsburgh restaurants and events, turning a childhood passion into a business.

2000s

Growing the Team

From solo balloon artist to a team of skilled performers — face painters, magicians, caricature artists join the family.

2010s

Pittsburgh Institution

With a 25+ year run at spots like Bado's, Mike becomes a Squirrel Hill fixture and beloved part of Pittsburgh's cultural fabric.

Today

Onward & Upward!

MTBG remains family-owned and operated, continuing to grow in impact and size every year!

1998
Voices East newspaper feature
2001
Local Vocals newspaper interview
1998
Voices North newspaper feature
1999
Post-Gazette North newspaper feature

Your Party is Our Party

We treat every event like it's our own, because to us — it is.

Quality First

Tight quality control and personally handled bookings ensure excellence.

Family-Owned

Proudly family-owned and operated since 1996.

28+ Years

Thousands of birthday parties, school events, corporate picnics and more.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

We Believe That Your Party is Our Party!

Ready to create some magic together?

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