15 Fun 21st Birthday Party Themes For Your Best Shindig Yet
Brittany Barber
Contributor
Throwing a 21st birthday party is all about celebrating this milestone with style, fun and pizzazz. First and foremost, you’ll want to start by choosing a fun 21st birthday party theme. Whether it’s a trendy Brat summer party, a laid-back wine tasting or an epic masquerade ball, make sure to go all out on this one — 21 is a big deal, after all.
Once you’ve decided on your theme, choosing a party venue, entertainment and decor will all fall into place. Same goes with your food and drink menus, too! So, if you’re ready to start planning your 21st birthday party, have a look through these party themes to get the ball rolling.
Casino Night
Create a glamorous casino-themed party with poker, blackjack and roulette tables, complete with dealers and an Elvis impersonator.
Serve finger foods and elegant cocktails as guests play and mingle, and decorate with playing card motifs, velvet tablecloths and golden accents.
Wild West
Transform your 21st birthday party venue into a wild west saloon with cowboy hats, hay bales and country music. Serve BBQ dishes, cornbread and whiskey cocktails to set the scene.
Party entertainment can include line dancing, a mechanical bull and games like horseshoe toss or kubb.
Murder Mystery Party
Set the stage for a thrilling 21st birthday party by throwing a murder mystery party with themed invitations, decor and costumes (don't forget the fake blood).
Provide guests with character roles and clues to solve the mystery, and serve appetizers and drinks while guests mingle and piece together the clues.
FIND MURDER MYSTERY ENTERTAINMENT
Disco Fever
Transform your venue into a disco haven with glittering mirror balls, colorful lights and 70s-inspired decor. Play classic disco hits and set up a dance floor for guests to show off their moves.
Serve retro snacks and cocktails for a groovy time, and maybe even invite a 1970s dance band or DJ to play for the disco party.
Masquerade Ball
Host an elegant 21st birthday party with a masquerade ball. Think opulent decorations, chandeliers, velvet drapes and a champagne tower.
Guests should don masks and formal attire while enjoying a live DJ or band on the dance floor. Offer a variety of hors d'oeuvres and themed cocktails for a sophisticated touch.
Wine Tasting
If you’ve always been intrigued by wine, why not organize a vino tasting party? Hire a sommelier to set you up with a selection of red, white and sparkling wines, and pair them with gourmet cheeses and charcuterie.
Lay out cozy, vineyard-inspired decor with fairy lights and comfortable seating. Provide tasting cards and encourage guests to share their favorites!
Decade Theme
Choose a favorite decade, like the 70s, 80s, or 90s, and deck out your 21st birthday party venue with era-specific decor and costumes.
Play music hits from the chosen decade and set up a dance floor. Serve popular snacks and drinks from that time period for an authentic feel.
Brat Party
When it comes to party trends of 2024, you can't go wrong with a Charli XCX Brat party. Channel her style with neon green, punk-inspired decor and a playlist of her hits.
Offer simple snacks and signature drinks to keep the energy high all night, along with party games like music-related trivia or karaoke.
Bridgerton Themed Party
Throw a Bridgerton-inspired party with Regency-era decorations, elegant table settings and classical music. Encourage guests to dress in period costumes and offer a high tea menu with delicate sandwiches, pastries and champagne.
Consider hiring a caterer to help you finesse your menu, as well as a string quartet to set the tone of the evening.
White Party
Host a chic and sophisticated all-white 21st birthday party with white decorations, including flowers, drapes and fairy lights. Invite guests to dress in white attire and serve light appetizers and white-themed cocktails.
When it comes to party entertainment, consider hiring a live DJ or band to keep the energy upbeat, as well as a photo booth to commemorate the special occasion.
Tropical Party
Whether you host your 21st birthday at the beach, a pool or right at home, you can create a tropical-themed party with palm leaves, tiki torches and vibrant flowers. Serve fruity cocktails, grilled skewers and fresh fruits like pineapple and mango.
Entertainment can include limbo contests, hula dancing and a lively playlist of beach tunes.
High Tea
Host an elegant high tea party with vintage tea sets, floral arrangements and delicious pastries. Offer a selection of teas, finger sandwiches and scones, along with drinks like champagne, mimosas or kir royales.
Decorate with lace tablecloths and pastel colors to create a sophisticated look, and don’t forget to tell your guests to wear their Sunday best! Hire a photographer to capture the event in all its glory.
Carnival Theme
If you want to turn 21 with a bang, why not host an exciting carnival birthday party? Curate the vibe with bright colors, fun games and festive balloon decor.
Set up booths for activities like ring toss, face painting and cotton candy. Serve classic carnival treats like popcorn, hot dogs and lemonade-based cocktails.
Speakeasy Party
Transport guests back to the Prohibition era with a speakeasy-themed 21st birthday party. Decorate with vintage decor, dim lighting, and, if you can swing it, a venue that features hidden entrances (think sliding bookshelf doorways).
Serve classic cocktails and have a jazz band or DJ playing 1920’s music to set the mood.
Festival Theme
Bring a Coachella vibe to your 21st birthday party with funky decorations, floral crowns and plenty of outdoor seating.
Set up stages or areas for live music, a DJ or even karaoke. Offer festival-style food trucks or food stands with a variety of trendy eats and drinks to keep the party going strong all day long.
Find more birthday party ideas here on The Bash.
