From party themes to games, step back in time with these totally rad 80s theme party ideas.
Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, a costume party, or just want an excuse to rock some cute retro outfits; grab your scrunchies and shoulder pads and party like it’s the 1980s.
80s Theme Party Ideas
Before diving into the ideas, if you’re someone like me who didn’t grow up or were born in the 80s, finding inspiration for your 80s theme party is easy.
Explore popular content from that era like music videos, movies, shows, magazines, and draw inspiration from the vibrant pop culture of the time.
1. 80s Prom Theme
Get dolled up and dance the night away with an 80s prom party.
2. 80s Workout Party Theme
Break out the spandex and sweatbands for an aerobics-inspired 80s party.
3. 80s Neon Glow Party Theme
Turn down the lights for a glow-in-the-dark 80s neon party.
Think fluorescent clothing, glow sticks, and blacklight decorations that will make your party shine.
4. 80s TV Dinner Party theme
Add a fun twist to your typical dinner gathering by throwing an 80s themed TV dinner party.
To set the vibe, encourage your guests to dress in their usual dinner party attire with a hint of 80s flair; think teased hair and bold accessories.
For the menu, serve up retro frozen dinner inspired dishes such as:
- Chicken pot pie
- Salisbury steak
- Mashed potatoes
- Mixed vegetables
- Corn
- Mac & cheese
- Apple cobbler
To complete the dinner ambiance, have a playlist of throwback 80s commercials playing in the background throughout the party.
5. 80s Arcade Party Theme
Channel your inner gamer with an 80s arcade-themed party.
Decorate your space with popular arcade games from the 80s such as PAC-Man and Space invaders.
6. 80s Neon Party Theme
Highlight the 80s neon craze with a vibrant neon-themed party.
Deck your space with a variety of bright neon decor and encourage guests to sport neon outfits.
7. 80s Cartoon Theme Party
Bring out the feel good vibes with a cute 80s cartoon TV show night.
To capture the essence of Saturday morning cartoons, consider serving breakfast meals while watching some popular 80s cartoons like:
- The Care Bears
- She-Ra: The Princess of Power
- Beverly Hills Teens
- The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show
RELATED: List of 80s Cartoons
8. 80s Holographic Party Theme
Embrace the futuristic side of the 80s with a holographic-themed party inspired by movies like “Tron”.
Decorate with holographic/metallic streamers, serve “futuristic/scy-fi” foods, and encourage guests to dress in metallic/silver outfits.
9. 80s Party Invitation
Create a catchy party invite that reflects your theme and gets your guests excited.
Consider designing invitations with retro elements like neon colors, cassette tapes, or iconic symbols from the 80s such as Rubik’s Cubes or boomboxes.
Lastly, be sure to include essential details like the date, time, location, and dress code for the party.
10. Paint Cassette Tapes
Provide blank tapes, paint, brushes, and stencils for guests to paint cassette tapes .
Not only is this a cute arts and crafts but can double as a unique party favor.
11. Play 80s Music Videos
Keep the party rocking all night long by playing popular 80s music videos on the tv in the background.
12. Have a Candy Table
Set up an 80s themed candy table bursting with sweet treats.
Enhance the 80s vibe by decorating the table with a themed tablecloth and various party decor.
- Pop Rocks
- Airheads
- Pixy Stix
- Snickers
- Nerds
- Resse’s cups
- Fun Dips
- Fruit roll ups
13. Have a Dance Party
Turn up the music and encourage everyone to bust a move with an epic 80s dance party.
Clear out some space for a dance floor and blast hits from the 80s to get everyone grooving.
Most importantly, hype everyone to break out iconic dance moves like the moonwalk, electric slide, and running Man.
14. Serve 80s Inspired Food
Serve a variety of 80s inspired food and snacks such as:
- Mini sliders
- Pigs in a blanket
- Potato skin
- Cheese fondue
- Jell-O cups
- Pizza rolls
- Shrimp cocktail
80s Themed Party Ideas
15. 80s Makeup Look
Invite your guests to embrace bold colors and dramatic looks with 80s inspired makeup.
16. Guess the 80s Song
Test everyone’s knowledge of 80s music with a fun game of “Guess the Song.”
Play short clips of iconic tracks and see who can name the artist and song title first.
This is an easy party game and a great way to spark some friendly competition.
17. 80s Themed Party Tableware
Set the scene for your party with 80s themed party plates, cups, and napkins.
18. Play Table Games
From Uno to Pictionary and Rubik’s Cube, keep the entertainment rolling with a selection of fun table games.
19. Enjoy a Game of PAC-Man
Create an arcade game station and set up PAC-Man on the computer for guests to play.
20. Watch an 80s Movie
Pop some popcorn, turn down the lights, and watch a popular movie from the 80s.
RELATED: How to plan the Perfect Movie Night
21. Take Pictures With a Disposable Camera
For that vintage touch to your pictures, capture memories throughout the party with a disposable camera.
