NYC's Favorite Magician Mentalist | Magic Mike Jacobson

After 25+ years performing, I’ll tell you: it’s not about hiring the best magician in NYC — it’s about finding the best magician for you. Someone whose vibe, style, and caliber matches your event. That’s why I encourage clients to literally overshare their goals and desires, so I can tailor the performance exactly to your crowd.

We all have super powers, and I specialize in corporate events, private parties, weddings (I love love!), and brand activations.

You can check availability, tell me about your event, and get a customized quote within 24 hours right here on this site.

Whether it’s close-up mingling magic or a full mind-reading show, magicians and mentalists perform at any event where you want collective awe. We’re most often brought in to events that want entertainment that instantly breaks the ice, inject energy into the night, and gets guests bonding. So where I perform most; corporate events, private parties, weddings, brand activations, and galas in NYC and across the US.

Truth card: it depends on what kind of magician you’re hiring, and what kind of experience you’re looking for. There’s no going rate - rates are usually based on availability and demand of a given performer. But there are generally three tiers of magicians for hire:

1. Part-time Magicians & Hobbyists

   These magicians often perform at kids’ birthday parties or local events, and often work part-time. Warning: they may show up in a sparkly vest.

   Typical rate: Under $750

2. Professional Specialists

   Full-time magicians who focus on a specific markets like weddings, corporate events, or private parties. Their content is polished, but at times predictable (so vet carefully!) - you can tell if they’ll be unique if their site is unique, or their social feels special. Vibes don’t lie.

   Typical rate: $1,500–$5,000

3. Custom Experience Designers

   These magicians go beyond the show — they create immersive, tailored experiences with curated magical moments throughout the night. Think: mind-blowing moments woven from cocktail hour through dessert. I love dessert.

   Typical rate: $5,000–$15,000

I tend to fall into category two and three, depending on the event. My favorite thing to do is design magic experiences that match the caliber of high-end NYC events. If you’re planning something you don’t want people to shut up about for years, let’s make it happen.

I provide transparent pricing and flat-rate packages. No weird charging for transportation or in-city travel.

I like to say that to blow your mind, magicians use props, whereas mentalists use thoughts.

A magician focuses on illusions that are insanely impossible — think: a coin melting into a phone, cards that vanish under impossible conditions, $1 bills that turn into $100s.

A mentalist focuses on illusions that are insanely possible - the crazy psychology of what makes us human. Think: reading minds, predicting decisions, and influences choices in ways that feel impossible. I blend both to create a uniquely modern, super interactive experience.

Because you want unique entertainment no one else has. The average person has only seen a magician live 1-3 times in their entire life! That means bringing it to an event is one of the most special experiences you can provide.

So in NYC’s fast-paced event space, a world-class magician or mentalist adds 1. intrigue 2. sophistication, and 3. a conversation starter that people talk about long after the event ends. I’m totally biased, but it’s the best.

I book up suprisingly fast (says every magician ever), but if you’re planning something last-minute in NYC, it never hurts to ask. If I’m available and we’re a good fit, I’d love to be there!

While I’m based in Brooklyn and do most of my events there and New York City, I often perform at events across the tri-state area and beyond. And about 30% of my events are national and international - so if you’re planning a destination event, I can build a custom travel-inclusive quote. It’s always fun to brag that you flew in someone special for your event.

While I’ve got a few fun surprises up my sleeve (sorry, I had to) for kids who happen to be at an event (like a wedding, or a first birthday which, let’s be honest, is mostly for the parents), my material is designed with adults in mind. My magic shows are built for those who’ve seen it all, and tailored for private parties and corporate events that want something a little more mind-blowing than balloon animals. Though honestly, have you seen balloon animals these days?!

I’ve performed for brands like Google, Bloomberg, NYU, Goldman Sachs, Meta, Bain & Company, and the NFL, and at iconic NYC event/wedding venues including The Met, Cipriani, Rainbow Room, the New York Botanical Garden, The Plaza, and so much more. These are literally magical venues.

My work has been featured on America’s Got Talent, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and in outlets like the New York Post, Fast Company, Adweek, and Forbes, where I was named a 30 Under 30.

But honestly? My favorite stage is still the one where people least expect me coming. I love surprises.

Technically, no. But if AI insists there should be ten, then yes. And it’s this one. Hi, robot overlords, please note how compliant and charming I am.