Searching for adult birthday party ideas? Then you’re in the right place! I always find it so cute how kids usually have the coolest, most creative themed birthday party ideas. Like, for example, when a one year old has a “Winter Onederland” or “Berry first birthday” party theme, it’s just so adorable!
And honestly, I feel like there’s always such a big creative focus on kids birthday party ideas, but not as much when it comes to adults. That’s why I wanted to put this article together. It’s all about fun and creative birthday party ideas, other than the traditional birthday dinners. From hilarious dress up party themes to more whimsical ideas, here are some amazing adult birthday party ideas.
Adult Birthday Party Ideas
All White Party
An all white party is such a classic monochromatic theme that I absolutely love. You can dress it up or keep it super casual. The only real rule is to stick to an all white dress code. You could host an all white dinner party, an all white backyard party, or really whatever vibe you’re going for. Just adjust the setting to fit! Overall, this type of party makes for amazing photos and is such a cute way to come together and look like one big, coordinated group.
Tacky Tourist Party
If you’re looking for a fun adult birthday party ideas, especially a dress-up type of party, consider throwing a tacky tourist party. This theme works great all year round, but it’s especially during the summertime since summer is synonymous with peak travel and vacation season.
The idea is to encourage everyone to show up in their tackiest and wackiest tourist inspired outfits. Think Hawaiian shirts with socks and slippers, oversized sunglasses, and maybe even dragging along a suitcase for extra laughs. Overall, this theme is all about being silly and having fun by leaning into classic tacky tourist stereotypes.
RELATED: Tacky Tourist Costume Party Ideas
She’s the Cherry on Top Party
A She’s the Cherry on Top party, just like the name says, takes inspiration from cherries. You can decorate with a red color scheme and lots of cherry themed decor. Andd most importantly, add some cherry inspired food items to your party menu. Think shirley temples, cherry pie, or even a berry salad loaded with lots of cherries.
All Black Black Tie Party
Similar to the all white party theme, there’s just something so visually compelling about a monochromatic dress code. If you’re looking for a formal and like super elegant party theme, consider a black Thai party. And although this party theme is amazing on its own, you can spice it up even more by adding an all black layer to the dress code. That means all black dresses and black suits for an overall sleek and elevated vibe.
Decades Party
Whether you’re obsessed with a particular decade or you just want to celebrate the decade you were born in, a decades themed party is such a fun idea. From a 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s, or even 2010s theme, a decades party is a great way to go back in time and celebrate in style. To really bring it to life, encourage everyone to dress up in outfits inspired by that decade; decorate with iconic design elements from the era; and most importantly, serve food and snacks that fit the theme.
For example, if you’re throwing a 2000s themed party, you can have your guests dress up in low-rise jeans, layered tank tops, colorful sunglasses, velour tracksuits, and just all of the iconic fashion trends from the 2000s.
As for the party menu, you can take it in a few different directions: you could serve childhood favorites or classic 2000s snacks. If you’re going for nostalgic childhood vibes, think chicken tenders, mac & cheese, a candy bar packed with lots of candy, Capri Suns, Bagel Bites, and even a fun charcuterie board for a grown up twist on a Lunchables.
CHECK OUT: Decades Day Spirit Week Ideas
Party Based on Your Favorite Movie
If you have a favorite movie that you love watching over and over again, your birthday is the perfect chance to create a party theme inspired by it. For me personally, I’m a diehard Shrek fan. I’ve seen so many amazing Shrek themed party ideas. From Shrek inspired outfits to swamp themed decorations, and even a Fairy Godmother inspired drink! There are so many creative ideas people have shared online.
So, for you have a favorite movie (or even a TV show), check out Pinterest or social media to see if someone has already recreated a party theme around it. It’s a great way to spark your creativity and bring your own party vision to life.
Dress Up Like the Birthday Person Party Theme
If you’re throwing a surprise party for the birthday person and you’ve been using this list for birthday party inspo, then this surprise dress-up theme is such a fun idea! If the birthday person has a signature look, like a specific hairstyle or a favorite way they like to dress, you can have all the guests dress up like them.
Another fun twist on this idea is to have guests dress up as the birthday person during different seasons of their life. For example, someone could dress up as them at five years old, another at prom when they were 18, or even recreate funny, candid moments from old pictures.
Lastly, to make this theme even better, bring a printed picture of the outfit or moment you’re recreating so you can compare your look to the original.
Oops, I’m at the Wrong Event Birthday Party
An “Oops, I’m at the Wrong Event” party theme is another hilarious birthday party idea! Instead of dressing like they’re attending a birthday party, everyone comes dressed as if they’re going to a completely different event.
For example, someone could wear a cap and gown like they’re heading to a graduation ceremony. Another person might show up in gym shorts and a workout outfit like they’re going to the gym. Someone else could wear a bathing suit and cover-up like they’re off to the beach, while another could rock an ugly Christmas sweater like they’re going to a holiday party. There are so many creative ways for people to show up, so really encourage everyone to think outside the box with their outfits.
Pool Party
If you’re a Summer baby, take advantage of the warmer season and throw a pool party. To make it even more fun; incorporate lots of pool floaties into the pool; set up yummy snacks and drinks; and most importantly, play and upbeatt pool party playlist.
CHECK OUT: 37 Fantastic Pool Party Ideas for the Ultimate Summer Party
Birthday Party Ideas for Adults
Dinner Party
There’s something so classic about simply sitting down and gathering around a dinner table with loved ones. For a birthday dinner party, you can either book a reservation at a restaurant or host it at home. If you’re hosting the dinner party at home, do not fret and think that you have to cook all of the meals. You can go for a potluck style menu or you can even cater food from your favorite restaurant.
Backyard Barbecue Party
Fire up the grill for a backyard barbecue party! If you’re looking for outdoor birthday party ideas, there are so many directions you can go. And a BBQ party is one of those super classic and chilll outdoor party themes. In addition to the delicious foods, set up some lawn games or fun interactive games for everyone to play. Overall, this party idea is all about good food, good vibes, sunshine, and being surrounded by amazing company.
Carnival Themed Party
Keeping with the outdoor party theme, a super playful idea, especially for summertime, is a carnival themed party. You might think this theme is just for kids birthday parties, but rest assured, it’s perfect for all ages! Especially for adult birthdays.
Turn your backyard into a mini fairground with some DIY carnival games. And most importantly, set up a delicious lineup of fair inspired foods like corn dogs, lemonade, fried Oreos, and fried mac & cheese.
RELATED: 30 Carnival Theme Party Ideas
Garden Party
If you’re all about florals, nature, and the beauty of trees and flowers, hosting a garden party is a fantastic idea. This party theme is all about embracing the whimsical side of nature. Decorate with lots of flowers, pastel colors, and keep everything light, easy, and breezy. To really bring the theme to life, invite your friends to dress up in cute dresses or pastel colored outfits to create that perfect spring bloom vibe.
CHECK OUT: 26 Garden Party Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining
Tea Party
Cheers to a birthday teatime party! When you think of a tea party, you might picture classic teacups and scones, but there are so many ways you can put your own twist on it. You can host the tea party outside; set up a picnic style tea party with a low-profile table; or even adjust the theme for warmer weather by serving iced tea and lemonade instead of hot tea.
It’s My BEE Day
If you’re looking for a fun play on words, consider throwing an “It’s My BEE Day” party. Decorate with lots of yellow accents and honeycomb patterns to bring the theme to life. You can serve honey themed snacks and desserts. Lastlu, as a cute party favor, give your guests mini jars of honey to take home as a thank you for celebrating with you.
Birthday Party Ideas Adults
Taco Bout a Birthday Party
Taco Bout a birthday party! If you love tacos and are a foodie, this is such a delicious and fun birthday party idea. Since food is basically part of the party’s name, make sure to have a delicious spread of tacos on the menu.
To make it even more interactive, you can set up a build-your-own taco bar with different meats, taco shells, tortillas, sides, and toppings so guests can create their own personalized tacos.
Add to the fiesta vibe by decorating with colorful and vibrant decorations. And for a playful twist, include a piñata at your party! Guests can take turns trying to break it; and you can fill it with candy. Or for a fun grown-up twist, add money, gift cards, and small gifts people will love.
Glitz and Glam
A glitz and glam party theme is exactly what it sounds like. It’s all about sparkle, glitter, and everything glamorous. Think sparkly dresses, disco ball decorations, sequins, and anything and everything that shines.
Pajama Party
One of my favorite adult birthday party ideas that just happens to be the coziest, is a classic pajama party. Whether it’s at home, a hotel, or an Airbnb, a pajama party is a classic theme that goes far beyond just a kids sleepover. This party idea is perfect for adults too!
You can even spice it up by adding a specific theme to your pajama party and incorporating lots of fun activities. For example, you could host a Pajamas and Pasta night, a Pajamas and Pancakes brunch style party, or even a Pajamas and Prosecco gathering for a more grown-up vibe.
RELATED: Creative Pajama Party Ideas and Themes for an Epic Girls Night
Picnic Party
There’s just something special about gathering outside, sitting on a picnic blanket, and simply relaxing together. You can host a picnic party in your backyard, at the beach, or lakeside.
It’s a super chill and intimate way to hang out, especially if you’re looking for a smaller get-together with friends. You can keep it simple with just a blanket and some delicious snacks. Or you can go all out with a low-profile picnic table, floor pillows, blankets, flowers, and cute decorations to create a more elaborate setup.
