Looking for 30th birthday party themes for your milestone birthday? Here are 36 ideas to inspire your soiree!
You only turn 30 once so why not go all out for the milestone birthday and let the good times roll? Gather your best friends and ring in your new decade with one of these 30th birthday ideas.
I turned 30 during the height of the pandemic and was supposed to celebrate with a trip to Turks and Caicos with some of my best friends. Instead, I celebrated at home with my husband and toddler with a fanciful 30th birthday sprinkle cake I made myself.
Truthfully, it was a bittersweet birthday for me (and all of my other friends who were celebrating turning 30 on that trip as well). Due to our conflicting schedules, we still haven’t been able to reschedule that trip… but one day we will go!
If you want to celebrate your 30th birthday in style and throw a big bash (which I totally think is worth doing, by the way), here are thirty six 30th birthday party themes to ring in your next decade of your life!
36 Fun and Inonic 30th Birthday Party Themes
1. A Roaring 20s Party:
Bring the 1920s back with flapper costumes and lots of bubbly! Decorate with Art-Deco-inspired designs and set up a nice champagne bar to add to the vintage atmosphere.
For entertainment, you can hire a jazz band or play some classic tunes from the era to get your guests up and dancing!
Make sure you tell the guests the dress code as well! Set up a photo booth to really capture everyone’s outfits.
2. A Wine Tasting Party:
Get a few bottles of different wines and let your guests do the tasting!
This is a great idea for a 30th birthday party that is not only fun but also sophisticated! It’s a great option if you don’t want to do too much party planning to celebrate your big milestone birthday.
You can also offer small bites and hors d’oeuvres that pair well with each wine along with your birthday cake, of course!
You can even make the occasionextra special withsame day flower deliveryfrom Jodie McGregor flowers to give your wine tasting a special touch. Fresh flowers add such beauty and life to an event – don’t forget to order some for yours!
3. Pub Crawl:
Make this 30th birthday one to remember by visiting all your favorite bars and pubs! It’s almost like a throwback to college.
Celebrate your big 3-0 by making a list of the best places to go and then heading out to each one. And don’t forget to get out on the dance floor as you hop from bar to bar.
You can make it more fun by assigning a different drink or challenge for each location. Hit up your favorite places and have everyone wear a party hat.
I would say to keep the guest list to a reasonable amount for this one (maybe under 20 people or so), but let’s be real, when it comes to pub crawl, the more the merrier leads to a good time!
4. The Great Gatsby Party:
You’ll feel like you stepped back in time to the roaring 20s with this glamorous party theme. Host a party inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.”
You may have to transform your space into a luxurious mansion with art deco decorations, sparkling chandeliers, and lots of gold accents.
You can also ask your guests to dress up in flapper dresses and three-piece suits for the ultimate Gatsby experience.This is a fun way to celebrate your birthday with a theme!
5. A Double Decade Dance Party:
Celebrate not just your 30th, but also 10 years since your 20th birthday! Play the hits from both decades and decorate your space with memorabilia from each era.Relieve your other milestone birthdays like turning 18 and 21 with some throwbacks to those years.
6. Throwback Party:
Relive your childhood with a party dedicated to all things throwback. Choose a specific decade or theme from your childhood and decorate your space accordingly. You can even serve classic snacks and drinks from the era for added nostalgia.
7. Decadent 30th Birthday Dinner:
Make your 30th birthday dinner one for the books! Focus on gourmet dishes, delicious desserts, and fancy wines – especially favorites of the guest of honor!
Host your dinner at your favorite restaurant or hire a personal chef to cook for you and your guests. You can also decorate your space with elegant centerpieces and candles for added ambiance.
Click here to read some of our favorite dinner party themes and ideas!
8. Casino Night:
Get the dice rolling and host a casino night with your friends! It is the perfect excuse for a night of gambling and fun!
Set up different casino games such as poker, blackjack, and roulette and offer prizes for the winners.
You can also decorate your space with Las Vegas-inspired decor.
9. A Night at the Museum:
Have your 30th birthday party at a local museum, zoo, or aquarium for a truly unique experience.
Many museums offer private event spaces for parties and allow guests to explore the exhibits after hours.
This is a really memorable 30th birthday party idea!
10. Beach Bonfire Bash:
Celebrate your 30th in style with a beach bonfire and s’mores-making station.
Set up a cozy fire pit and provide blankets and chairs for your guests.
You can also have a barbeque or beach games like volleyball and frisbee.
11. Murder Mystery Party:
This theme is the perfect excuse to get your friends together for a night of suspense and mystery.
You can buy a murder mystery kit or hire an event company to organize the party for you. Encourage your guests to dress up as their favorite sleuth or villain for added fun.Have a family member help plan this for you so you don’t know who-dunnit!
You could also just go to escape rooms and do it that way!
12. Harry Potter Party
Are you a Harry Potter fan? Step into the wizarding world of Harry Potter and celebrate your 30th.
Your guests can dress up in their favorite wizarding costumes and be sorted into their respective Hogwarts houses through a Sorting Hat ceremony.
You can serve themed food and drinks, such as butterbeer and pumpkin pastries.
This is one of those unique 30th birthday party themes people will remember for years to come!
13. Sports Night
For sports enthusiasts, a sports night is the perfect way to celebrate your 30th birthday with close friends.
Whether you prefer playing sports or watching them, you can organize a variety of games and activities to keep your guests entertained throughout the night.
You can also serve up some sports-themed food and drinks like hot dogs and beer.
14. Masquerade Ball
For an elegant and sophisticated celebration, consider hosting a masquerade ball.
Guests can arrive dressed in their finest outfits and be greeted by the sight of beautiful masks and decor.
You can decorate the space with luxurious fabrics and lighting, and create a romantic atmosphere with soft live music and dimmed lights.
15. Costume Party
A costume party is a classic and versatile theme that can be tailored to suit any interest.
Whether it’s a specific era, movie, or TV show, guests can dress up as their favorite characters and have a blast exploring their creativity. The possibilities are endless!
Do not forget to decorate to fit the chosen theme and serve food and drinks that are in line with the costumes.
16. Karaoke Night
Gather your closest friends and family and prepare for a night filled with laughter, music, and fun.
Karaoke night is the perfect opportunity to showcase your singing talents, or simply sing along to your favorite songs.
Serve up some drinks and snacks to keep everyone fueled for the night!
17. Tropical Luau
Bring a touch of Hawaii to your 30th birthday party with a tropical luau theme.
Leis, hula skirts, and fruity drinks will create a festive atmosphere that will transport you and your guests to a warm and sunny paradise!
18. Paint and Sip Party
Unleash your inner artist and enjoy some wine at the same time with a paint-and-sip party.
You and your guests will have a blast creating a work of art while enjoying each other’s company and sipping on some delicious wine.
It is a great way to explore your creative side and create a memorable experience for everyone involved.
19. 80s Dance Party
Get ready to travel back in time to the 80s with a dance party filled with neon colors, leg warmers, and retro decor.
Play some of the most popular hits from that decade and dance the night away with your closest friends.
20. Beer Tasting
If you’re a beer lover, why not celebrate your 30th with a beer-tasting party? Gather a variety of local and international brews for you and your guests to sample and compare. You can even make it a blind tasting to add an extra level of fun and mystery.
21. Glamorous Hollywood Party
Roll out the red carpet and put on your best Hollywood glam for a party like no other.
Dress up like your favorite celebrities, serve fancy co*cktails and hors d’oeuvres, and make your guests feel like stars.
22. DIY Party
Get your craft on with a DIY party where your guests can create their own candles, jewelry, or other crafts to take home.
This is a great way to get creative and spend some quality time with the people you care about.
Provide the supplies and some guidance, and if your guests are open to it, ask them to bring whatever they would like to use to create unique creations.
23. Foodie Party
If you’re a food lover, host a foodie party where you can share your favorite recipes and indulge in delicious treats.
This can be a cooking competition, food tasting, or even a trip to a local restaurant!
24. Outdoor Adventure
Get your adrenaline pumping with an outdoor adventure like a hiking trip, camping, or a day at the amusem*nt park.
This is a great way to celebrate your 30th birthday with some fun and excitement while also creating memories that will last a lifetime.
25. Game Night
Host a game night with board games, card games, or video games for a night of friendly competition.
This is a great way to bring your friends together for a fun and low-key celebration. All you have to do is provide snacks and drinks!
26. Spa Day
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life with a relaxing spa day.
This is a great way to celebrate your 30th birthday with some pampering and self-care.
Everyone will get to enjoy massages, facials, and manicures, and leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated!
27. Disney Party
Channel your inner child and host a Disney-themed party to celebrate your 30th birthday.
This theme is perfect for Disney fans who want to relive their childhood memories and share their love of all things Disney with their friends and family.
Serve up Disney-themed snacks and drinks and play classic Disney movies in the background to set the mood for the party.
28. co*cktail Party
A co*cktail party is a perfect theme for those who want to enjoy a night of luxury and sophistication with their friends and family.
Serve a selection of delicious co*cktails and appetizers. Also, decorate the space with luxurious fabrics and candles to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
If you really want to go the extra mile for the birthday girl or birthday boy, hire a chef for an intimate dinner and bring in professional musicians for a memorable touch.
29. Champagne Brunch
With a mix of sweet and savory dishes, mimosas, and of course, champagne, your guests will be impressed by this 30th birthday party theme.
Host the brunch in a beautiful outdoor space or a cozy indoor setting with plenty of natural light, elegant decor, and fresh flowers.
It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up, reminisce about the past, and dream about the future.
30. Country Hoedown
Saddle up and get ready for a good old-fashioned hoedown to celebrate your 30th birthday.
Guests can arrive in their favorite cowboy boots and hats. Line dancing, BBQ, and hay bales set the scene for a fun-filled evening.
This theme’s atmosphere is lively and festive, with plenty of opportunities to dance, socialize, and play games.
31. Rock ‘n’ Roll Party
Ask your guests to dress up in their favorite rock-inspired outfits and enjoy classic rock hits from different eras.
You can also set up a stage for a karaoke competition, a band, or a DJ to keep the party going all night long.
Have fun photo booths with different rock and roll-themed props for everyone to take some memorable pictures.
32. Ice Skating Party
If you are a winter baby, this is the perfect way to embrace the season you were born in.
Have an ice skating party with hot cocoa, s’mores, and winter-themed decorations.
Whether you’re an experienced skater or a first-timer, this is a great way to get everyone out on the ice and having fun.
You can rent out a local ice rink or find a frozen pond for a more rustic experience.
33. Disco Party
Bring the 70s back with a disco party theme. Set the tone with a funky disco ball and colorful, disco-inspired outfits for your guests. Play classic disco hits and encourage everyone to get their groove on.
34. Camping Trip
For a more low-key yet adventurous celebration, consider a camping trip for your 30th birthday.
Spend the day enjoying the great outdoors then gather around the campfire at night for s’mores, stories, and good company.
35. House Party
The classic house party is the perfect way to have a relaxed and fun 30th birthday celebration.
You can provide drinks and snacks, and encourage everyone to bring their favorite party games or movies to share.
36. Beach Party
Perfect for summer birthdays, a beach party is an ideal way to celebrate your big day with a bang.
Set up a grill for a barbecue, bring some games, and let your guests enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.
You can also provide beach towels, sunscreen, and other beach essentials for your guests!
My Final Thoughts on These 30th Birthday Party Themes
And there you have it, 36 unique 30th birthday party theme ideas to make your big day an unforgettable one! As you can see, no matter what your hobbies or interests are, there’s something for everyone here. If you’re planning a surprise party for someone, pick things they love for bonus points!
Finally, don’t stress about turning 30. It’s a huge milestone in your life and you should be absolutely proud. Embrace it and celebrate in style! After all, you’re only as old as you feel! Well, until you wake up the morning after your party feeling like you got hit by a train. But hey, that’s what the hair of the dog and leftover cake is for, right? Happy birthday!
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About the Author
Nicole Booz is the founder of GenTwenty and GenThirty. She is an entrepreneur, author of The Kidult Handbook, and most importantly, Mama to two beautiful little boys. She loves reading, organizing her home, and living a simple, less toxic lifestyle. You've seen her in The New York Times, TIME, Insider, Inside Edition, New York Post, NextAdvisor, Forbes, Yahoo, HuffPost, and U.S. News & World Report.
Website: www.genthirty.com
