Rad Hatter, an events entertainment company, is approaching 40 years, marking a creative breakthrough in delivering experiences that transform simple paper grocery bags into enduring interactive art activations in live events. The company brings hands-on self-expression to children, adults, corporate workers, and entire communities. "It's an activity for all ages, there's no exception," says artist, entrepreneur, and founder Tony Melendez. "Often, I'll hold the event at children's parties, in designated kids' areas, but I'll find the adults there making the first hat."
During the interactive art experience, guests are invited to step up to the Hat Bar, select a hand-painted paper bag hat, and customize it using a wide range of embellishments. The activity tends to Rad Hatter's broader goal of encouraging creativity and conversation among people, while offering a collaborative outlet for collective self-expression.
As caregivers and guardians join in to help the younger participants, the event transforms into a shared creative ritual. "Everyone's working together. No one's on their cellphones or taking calls," Melendez notes. "They're talking, connecting, laughing, and showing each other their creations. They may not know it at the time, but they're actively making treasured memories."
By driving that connection, Rad Hatter positions itself as a catalyst for invigorating corporate events, trade shows, festivals, bar mitzvahs, children's parties, cruises, school events, branded activations, and private gatherings alike. Melendez emphasizes that Rad Hatter parties are highly customizable, serving small groups of five to massive crowds exceeding thousands, with the ability to match themes, color palettes, or brand identities.
Over the decades, Rad Hatter has curated an extensive collection of hat styles and themes. "Each hat begins as a hand-painted grocery bag. It's then shaped and prepared to provide a creative foundation," Melendez explains. The embellishment materials used are either sourced from recycling processes or donated, reinforcing Rad Hatter's commitment to sustainability. "We're transforming disposable items into wearable keepsakes, and people don't just cherish the hats, but cherish the memories that remain long after the event ends," he explains.
Anchored by trust and consistency, some of Rad Hatter's clients have stayed with Melendez for more than 25 to 30 years, returning for festivals and corporate programs. Melendez believes that people often hold back from indulging in creative pursuits or activities because they believe they aren't creative enough. At Rad Hatter, he notes that mindset often shifts quickly. "Many guests return multiple times during day-long festivals, and they bring friends and colleagues back with them," he states. "Everyone is an artist. Sometimes they just need the space to start believing it."
Ultimately, Rad Hatter's events act as a powerful tool for corporate engagement and team building. As companies look to restore in-person connection, the Rad Hatter experience creates a creative, low-pressure space for people to interact, problem-solve, and express themselves together. After 37 years, Rad Hatter continues to prove that creativity is a universal language and that a simple paper bag, guided by imagination, can bring people together in ways they remember for a lifetime.
