Happy Birthday to you!
Are you looking for fun ways to celebrate, whether it’s about to be your 30th, 40th, 50th, or higher? Do you and your siblings wish you could relive your happiest birthday memories, or make even greater ones? Do you think adult birthday parties should rival kid birthday parties, at least for the fun factor?
We agree.
It’s your party and you can cry if you want to, but with these 40 adult birthday party ideas, you won’t need to.
Let us provide you with some serious inspiration! Have fun, and remember that you’re never too old to pin the tail on the donkey.
Here are our top 40 picks for the best adult birthday party ideas, including themes, venues, supplies, favors, and games.
40 Best Adult Birthday Party Ideas
1. ‘Young AF’ Cake Topper
This glittery AF cake topper tells the world that you are still young! You’re not old yet. And your cake topper agrees.
(Z Create Design, $18)
2. Mimosa Bar
Smarty Had a Party suggests setting up your own mimosa bar by assembling fresh fruit, delicious juices and bubbly champagne.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
3. Funny Candy Station
We spotted this clever candy decor to help you celebrate your 40th (or really, a party for any age) with tongue (and candy) in cheek signs.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
4. Taco Bar
You don’t have to wait for Taco Tuesday to celebrate with this taco bar, which is perfect for a birthday party fiesta. Wedding Chicks shared this fun idea on Pinterest.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
5. Donut Game
We found this fun idea on Pinterest, which came from Lauren McKinsey’s blog for a Hello School party. But you could easily do this as adults at a birthday party. So much fun!
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
6. Boho Backyard Brunch Birthday
Looking for a boho chic birthday theme? Love brunching? Okay, who doesn’t love brunch? Here’s another fun party idea you will love.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
7. Glamping Party
With this fancy trail mix bar, you’re going to be asking for s’more fun. Kara’s Party Ideas featured this elaborate glamping party that is sure to delight (no bug spray required!).
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
8. Adult Slumber Party
This adult slumber party concept integrates Brit & Co DIY Kits from Target. When was the last time you had a sleepover? It’s been too long.
9. “Stranger Things” Themed Party
Tara of Spot of Tea Designs styled this party for Wholesale Party Supplies, integrating thoughtful details from the hit show “Stranger Things”. What a fabulous party for fans of the show!
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
10. Jack and Coke Party Favors
Nina Healy made these clever Jack and Coke party favors, a great way to add the classic cocktail to a special today. Cheers to another great birthday party!
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
11. Glitter Birthday Girl Crown
Celebrate your birthday in style with this glittery pink birthday crown. This crown can be customized to your specifications since it’s handmade. You’re queen of the day, so you might as well show it off with royal headgear.
(Do it yourself via Etsy)
12. Spa Party At Home
Pretty Mayhem designed this indulgent at-home spa party that is as beautiful as the occasion being celebrated. Treat yourself! You deserve it.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
13. “How I Met Your Mother” Themed Party
Hostest with the Mostess designed this party, celebrating the hit sitcom “How I Met Your Mother.” Laugh, cry and enjoy treats from that funny show at your birthday party celebrating your next episode.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
14. Marilyn Monroe Themed Party
This Marilyn Monroe-inspired birthday party was featured on Catch My Party and will have you singing “Happy Birthday, Mr. President!”
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
15. “Survivor” Party
The tribe has spoken! This “Survivor”-inspired party food looks great! Wearing a make-shift loin cloth is optional.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
16. DIY Donut Wall
The Merrythought featured this DIY Donut Wall as a fun way to serve treats at your next birthday party. You can make it yourself, which is pretty sweet! There are no holes in this plan for fun food (just in the donuts themselves!).
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
17. Nacho Bar
Fantabulosity styled this delicious nacho bar, complete with all the fixings. The party fun builds like the flavors in this yummy DIY appetizer. Spice up your next party with salsa and more.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
18. Kate Spade Themed Party
What’s black and white and gold all over? A Kate Spade themed birthday party, like this one featured on Shelterness.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
19. Wine Bottle Guest Book
A Day To Remember featured this fun idea to remember a special day. Have your party guests sign a wine bottle and you can use it to toast next year (or save it for the memories). Talk about a toast with the most!
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
20. Cake Smash Photo Shoot
Before your guests arrive, stage a photo shoot. You might have missed out on your first birthday party, but it’s never too late!
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
21. Chili Bar
Your guests can add what they like to their warm bowl of chili at your next hot party. (And you can get fun Chili Bar signs for your next shindig on Etsy.)
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
22. Backyard Beer Bash
The Hostess with the Mostess styled this backyard beer bash with a photo booth, beer pong and tons of delicious food. This party had a Coast Guard theme that was really well done. Business in the front, party in the backyard!
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
23. 1980s Prom Themed Party
The Dating Divas threw a fun 80s prom party complete with authentic and hilarious costumes, a photo booth, and vintage vinyl records for decor. This is a party theme that will spin you right round, baby, right round (like a record).
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
24. Murder Mystery
Find out how to do a Who Dunnit party. Host a murder mystery party like the one Kara’s Party Ideas featured, right in your own Holmes. You’re sure-lock to have a good time!
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
25. Fall Coffee Bar
By Stephanie Lynn styled this gorgeous coffee bar full of fall treats for warm beverages to serve at your hot birthday party. Your party will be so fun you can taste it! Drink it all in.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
26. Redneck Party
You might be a redneck if … Well, even if you’re not, this is a pretty fun birthday party theme.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
27. Bohemian Backyard Dinner Party
Camille Styles styled this backyard Bohemian dinner party adventure with low seating, fresh flowers, and a family style celebration. This long table experience will be remembered for a long time.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
28. Beer Party
This beer-themed bash was featured on Catch My Party. It featured beer, sliders and a BBQ bar. Raise a stein with your friends at a craft celebration.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
29. “Guardians of the Galaxy” Themed Party
This gorgeous “Guardians of the Galaxy” party was featured by Kara’s Party Ideas. It featured cassette tape place cards, a Baby Groot cake, glitter dipped drink bottles, and more! As far as parties go, it was out of this world.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
30. Hot Sauce Favors
You’ll still be hot at 40, and you can personalize your hot sauce to make favors that say so. AllWomensTalk featured these fun favors as a hot and spicy takeaway for your party guests.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
31. Guest Book Wall
Birthday graffiti! Your guests can write their best wishes on the wall as a fun guest book alternative. Stylecaster suggests this “off the wall idea” to remember a fun night!
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
32. Farmers Market Themed Party
Kara’s Party Ideas featured this shabby chic farmers market themed birthday party that’s fresh and fun. With flower plant favors, yard games, floral signage and tented food tables, this party is a growing sensation. Originally designed for a child, this theme is totally do-able for hipster types who love to their fresh market veggies.
33. Waffle Bar
PopSugar featured this fun party idea you won’t waffle about. Set up a waffle bar so your guests can top their own brunch favorites. You can get this party ironed out in no time.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
34. Jimmy Buffett Party
You don’t have to go all the way to Margaritaville for a great party, you can throw one like this in your own backyard. Featured by the Hostess with the Mostess, this Jimmy Buffet themed party is a fun way to nibble on sponge cake and say “It’s five o’clock somewhere.”
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
35. Bowling Party Invitation
Let the good times roll with a bowling party. Sure to be a lucky strike, your party can be a ten-pin success. Lace up for some fun!
(Do it yourself via Etsy)
36. “The Great Gatsby” Themed Party
Catch My Party featured this “Great Gatsby” themed bash. A celebration of the Roaring 20s promises to be a roaring good time. Glitz and glamour make for a fun party like Gatsby might have had.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
37. Marie Antoinette Party
“Let them eat cake!” Kara’s Party Ideas featured this regal occasion that will be the crowning glory of all parties. With tasty macarons, elegant place settings and candelabra place cards, this party is sure to go down in history.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
38. Glow Sticks in the Pool
Loafers and Hot Cocoa suggest this as a summer bucket list idea, we think it would be great for party lighting. Dive in for some fun and bask in the glow of a great birthday!
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
39. Brunch After Dark
The Celebration Stylist suggests a glittery brunch buffet to remember. Brunch it up with your best girls, enjoying great food and bling-y decor. Getting older never tested so great!
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
40. Creative Drink Serving Ideas
CraftGossip has some great ideas of fun ways to serve drinks at your party like in a canoe, a wheelbarrow or even a planter. If you’re thirsty for creative drink ideas, CraftGossip has you covered.
(Do it yourself via Pinterest)
Penelope Norton is a freelance writer and celeb gossip columnist who feels like her life is together when her fingers and toes match.
