40+ Creative 30th Birthday Party Ideas and Themes
Brittany Barber
Contributor
What are good ideas for a 30th birthday party? Let’s face it: coming up with unique 30th birthday party ideas can be tricky, especially when you’re celebrating such a big milestone. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering with close friends or deciding on a creative 30th birthday party theme for a big bash, there are plenty of factors to consider when it comes to throwing an unforgettable 30th birthday party.
From trendy themes and acitivities to bold entertainment and vendor options, we have tons of 30th birthday ideas for party planners that you're going to want to use. Here are over 40 birthday ideas—including themes, decorations, invitations, and entertainment—that’ll help you throw a stellar 30th birthday party. And to make things even better, we also have a checklist to help you every step of the way.
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30th Birthday Party Ideas and Activities:
1. Cocktail Party
You can never go wrong with one of the classic ideas for a 30th birthday party: cocktail hour. Dress up in your new outfit, head to your favorite restaurant, or easily host this happy hour at home. To add to the list of 30th birthday party ideas, consider hiring a bartender to make your soiree extra special with signature birthday drinks for you and your guests.
2. Dinner Party
Feel all grown-up and gather your favorite people to host a classy dinner party for your 30th birthday. Make it a more formal multi-course feast complete with toasts to the guest of honor. For a larger guest list, you may want to hire a caterer to make things even easier (and fancier).
Pro Tip: If this is your first time hiring a caterer, check out these 14 helpful questions to ask your prospective caterer.
3. BBQ
When thinking of what are good ideas for a 30th birthday party, keep it casual and invite your friends and family to a backyard BBQ this year. Burgers, hotdogs, veggie skewers, and sangria should definitely be on the checklist — along with your favorite birthday cake, of course.
4. Backyard Movie Night
If you’re looking for a more relaxed 30th birthday party idea, think about renting an outdoor movie screen to have friends and family join you for a backyard movie night. You can queue up your favorite movies, provide snacks (popcorn is a given) and get comfy with your own personal drive-in movie theater in your backyard!
Make the night extra special by using your favorite movie as a theme for snack, decor, and other party activities. Some of our favorites incluse The Parent Trap, The Princess Diaries, and Star Wars.
5. Birthday Brunch
Whether you're looking for 30th birthday party ideas for him or her, a tried and true low-key birthday idea is brunch. Make a reservation at a favorite restaurant or host it at home with your very own spread. Include ideas like waffles, a build a bagel station, and DIY mimosas.
6. Surprise Party
If you’re jonesing to host your best friend’s birthday bash, why not make it a surprise? Planning a surprise party definitely takes some careful planning, but the effort is well worth it for a milestone like a 30th birthday.
7. Brewery Trip
What better way to celebrate your big day than with beers and your buddies? Find a local brewery to rent a space for your 30th birthday party while tasting different stouts, sours, and IPAs. You can also easily host your own beer tasting at home by picking up your favorite brews or even hiring a bartender to lead the group.
8. Slideshow
Put together a slideshow of the guest of honor and prepare to laugh and cry together. Don’t skip out on any particularly embarrassing photos you might have — those are usually the best ones to include and a fun way to celebrate your shared history.
Pro tip: Make sure to prep for future slideshows by hiring a photographer or renting a photo booth to commemorate the 30th birthday party.
9. Dance Party
Turn up the music and celebrate together with a bumpin’ dance party. Unless you’re going out to a club, you might want to find a venue that’ll allow you to hire a DJ or a live band to take the 30th birthday party to the next level.
10. Karaoke
For a fun 30th birthday bash, how about a karaoke party? Enjoy a night of laughter and maybe even discovering some of your friends' hidden talents. To make this 30th birthday party idea even better, book a talented karaoke DJ on The Bash and check out our karaoke playlist to start practicing your performance.
11. Bonfire
30th birthday ideas don't need to be over the top. If having an outdoor party, definitely consider finding a space that allows campfires and have yourself a birthday bonfire. Set up a s'more station complete with graham crackers, marshmallows, and a variety of chocolate for a nostalgic birthday dessert.
12. Slumber Party
When thinking of ideas for a 30th birthday party, you can never go wrong with a sleepover. Throw it back to your childhood and throw a slumber party to celebrate your 30th. All you’ll need is a rom-com, pajamas, plenty of snacks, and enough birthday cake to last you the whole night.
13. Game Night
Whether you go with classic party games like charades and Pictionary or delve into a niche board game, you can’t go wrong with a birthday games night. If you’re planning on having a big turnout, set up multiple board games across your venue so people can hop from game to game.
14. Pool Party
If the weather’s nice and you have your own pool, why wouldn’t you host a poolside 30th birthday party? Shake up some mojitos, grab your SPF and have some fun in the sun to ring in your new decade.
If you don’t have a pool but love the idea of throwing a pool party for your 30th birthday, consider renting a venue that has one instead. Rooftop bars, hotels, and outdoor lounges can have beautiful pool areas to rent and provide the food and drinks.
15. Wine Tasting
Whether you’re a wine aficionado or simply a fan of popping bottles, turn your birthday party drinks into a wine tasting experience. You can even hire a sommelier, especially if you are interested in really learning more about wine. Make sure to prepare some cheese and charcuterie boards to pair the wine and complete this 30th birthday party idea.
16. Spa Day
Your 30th birthday definitely calls for some pampering. Take your best friends to a spa or even have your own spa day at home. Massages, facials, and mani pedis are a perfect way to celebrate your 30th year.
17. Picnic Party
For a change of scenery at this birthday bash, bring the festivities to the park or beach for an al fresco picnic. Pack some blankets and chairs to sit on, prepare some light bites, and enjoy a relaxing meal for a 30th birthday idea.
18. Cooking Class
Just because you’re turning 30 doesn’t mean you can’t still learn new skills! For a fun 30th birthday party idea, invite your friends over for a private cooking class. You can host this party at home with the help of a chef, or even find a local cooking class to go out. This 30th birthday idea will let you and your guestslearn new techniques in the kitchen and of course, enjoy a delicious meal afterwards.
19. Poker Night
Celebrate your 30th birthday party by hosting a classic poker night. If you really want to go all out, you could even make it casino themed and offer a variety of games. Rent some classic casino games, serve fancy cocktails, and decorate your space with a red and black color scheme.
20. Potluck
If celebrating and eating are synonymous, you'll love a feast on your 30th birthday by hosting a potluck. Make sure to share a spreadsheet of what everyone plans on bringing, so there aren’t any dish repeats.
21. Murder Mystery Party
If your favorite pastime includes solving mysteries, why not host a murder mystery party for your 30th birthday party? There are two ways to go about this: you can attend a murder mystery event at a venue or book a murder mystery entertaining group to host your own event. Check out our murder mystery party guide for advice on how to get planning.
22. Escape Room
Book a time slot at an escape room so your guest can come together to solve puzzles, discover clues and collaborate on joint tasks. It’s a great way to get everyone involved.
23. Outdoor Games
If you’ve decided to host your 30th birthday party outdoors, make sure to amp up the entertainment by having a few outdoor games on hand. Bocce ball, spikeball, lawn bowling are some of the fan favorites.
30th Birthday Party Themes:
24. Dirty Thirty
If you’re a dirty martini lover, add a creative twist to celebrate entering your 30th year with a dirty thirty theme. Decorate with an olive green color scheme and set up a DIY martini bar where guests can make their cocktail as dirty as they want. Include mixins like olives, pickles, jalapeños, or cocktail onions so your friends can try out different flavors and combinations.
25. 13 Going on 30
You are officially 30, flirty, and thriving! Now is the time to use one of the best 30th birthday themes, 13 Going on 30! Obviously you’ll want to have a dance party featuring moves from Thriller, book a limo for the star treatment, and you’ll definitely want to get your hands on a replica of Jenna Rink’s dress.
26. Love Island Party
A hot new 30 year old bombshell has entered the villa! Host a trendy Love Island themed 30th birthday party to celebrate this milestone year. Incorporate ideas like throwing a glamorous pool party, give out diaries as party favors, and of course, decorate with plenty of bright colors to recreate the villa.
27. In My Thirties Era
Swifties, this 30th birthday party theme is for you! Celebrate this new era of your life with a Taylor Swift themed party that will be absolutely enchanting. Decorate with bejeweled decor and a mirrorball, make friendship bracelets, craft special Swiftie cocktails, and book a Taylor Swift impersonator for your own personal concert.
Find a Taylor Swift Impersonator
28. Kissing My 20s Goodbye
Just because your 20s are ending doesn’t mean it’s downhill from here! Celebrate your new decade and kiss your 20s goodbye. Decorate with plenty of kissy face themed decor and a pink and red color scheme, book a lip print reader or other type of fortune teller, and don’t forget a photo booth with a fun backdrop to capture this memory.
29. Favorite Color
One easiest theme ideas for a 30th birthday party is to use the guest of honor's favorite color. Make it mandatory to dress in only that color, and match your birthday decorations, birthday cake, and even a signature cocktail, too.
Pro Tip: Don't hesitate to hire a caterer or a bartender to help you figure out the best way to include some color on your menu!
30. Golden Girls
Picture this: it’s your 30th birthday, and you just want to enjoy your big day with your best friends. For a funny 30th birthday party theme, stay golden and host a Golden Girls themed party! Make Blanche proud with plenty of gold and pastel decor, play a few rounds of bingo, and of course you’ll want a cheesecake to blow out your candles and make a wish!
31. Supernatural
Tap into your inner witch and deck out your 30th birthday party with candles, tea-leaf readings, and ouija boards. You could even hire a psychic or a tarot card reader for professional insight into what the future may bring. For a little added magic, you can incorporate ideas from Practical Magic or even Hocus Pocus for a Halloween birthday party.
32. Rock and Roll
Looking for rocking 30th birthday party ideas? Throw a rock and roll themed 30th birthday party to celebrate this new decade! Invite guests dress up as their favorite rock stars, decorate with plenty of red and black edgey decor, and to make this birthday extra memorable, book a rock band to give your guests the ultimate VIP experience.
33. Decades
Whether you're looking for 30th birthday party ideas for him or her, a decade party is always a fun 30th birthday theme. As a new decade starts, why not choose a past decade and give your birthday party a nostalgic feel? The psychedelic '60s, disco '70s, electronic '80s — you name it.
Ask your guests to come prepared to dance and in retro costumes. For music, you might want to hire a band that specializes in a particular decade, like:
Pro Tip: If you’re wondering how to find live music in your area, take a look through our tips on how to book a band.
34. Birthday Rave
For fun 30th birthday ideas for party lovers, use a bold rave theme. As long as you have glowsticks, speakers and some loud music, you can dance the night away with a rave themed 30th birthday party. If you want to go all out for this milestone birthday, consider renting a venue and hiring a DJ to handle the tunes.
35. Superheroes & Villians
Ask your guests to dress as their favorite superhero or villain and celebrate a super 30th birthday together. Take inspiration from Marvel or DC, and book costumed characters to bring this party theme to life and make the perfect photo op.
36. High Tea
If you’re a Bridgerton fan, you’ll love a high tea party to ring in your 30th year. This elegant party theme leaves room for a ton of creativity — including tea-infused cocktails, a silhouette artist, a string quartet, and a classy dessert bar with a variety of sweet treats.
37. Prom Throwback
Frilly dresses, white suits, and spiked punch bowls? Check, check, and check! Turn your 30th birthday party into a stereotypical prom throwback. Laugh and cringe at old memories that’ll remind you how happy you are to be done with high school. Consider including a slideshow of you and your guests’ prom nights, for the sake of nostalgia and comedy.
38. Harry Potter
If you and your guests are super into the magical world of witchcraft and wizardry, embrace the magic of a Harry Potter themed birthday party. Host a mixology workshop under the guise of a potions class and don’t forget to sport your house colors. You could even hire a professional magician to join in on the party and entertain your guests.
39. Black Tie Affair
Celebrate your 30th birthday in style by tightening up the dress code and getting a little fancy together. Paired with champagne and hor d'oeuvres, you really can’t go wrong with a black tie birthday party. Consider renting a photo booth to document how chic everyone looks!
40. Breakfast at Tiffany's
Another glamorous 30th birthday party theme is a Breakfast At Tiffany’s party theme. Think little black dress, satin gloves, and a ‘60s band to complete the aesthetic.
30th Birthday Party Invitatons:
41. Virtual Birthday Invitations
If you want to keep it simple and efficient, send out e-invites letting your guests know they’re invited to your 30th birthday party. You could also try something fun and send them a virtual singing telegram that includes all the details they’ll need to know.
42. DIY 30th Birthday Invitations
Head over to your local craft supplies shop to pick up some cute paper and pens so you can make your own birthday invitations this year. Aside from the who, what, where, and when of it all, be sure to include the dress code, theme, or any other details your guests might appreciate.
43. Store-Bought Birthday Invitations
If you want to get fancy about it, you can order pre-made invitations online at shops on Etsy or Redbubble. Just make sure to send the shop owner any and all details that will need to be included on each invite.
30th Birthday Decorations:
Once you’ve decided on a theme for your 30th birthday party, you’ll want to do your best to find decorations that match.
If you choose the theme-less route, you’ll still want to deck out your space with decorations and other festive 30 year old birthday party ideas. Here's a checklist of items to definitely consider:
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30th birthday balloons
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Happy 30th birthday cake topper
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Birthday streamers and confetti
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Eye-catching centerpieces
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30th birthday themed dinnerware and napkins
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Tissue paper pom poms
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Birthday banners
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Fairy lights
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Disco ball
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LED dance party lights
Check out our 30th birthday party ideas and themes Pinterest board for more inpsiration.
Find even more birthday party ideas on The Bash.
About Brittany Barber
Brittany Barber, lover of books, dogs, and romance, graduated from Bishop’s University with a Communications and Theatre degree. After spending some time working abroad in the theatre world, she is now a freelance writer covering a range of lifestyle topics including event planning for The Bash, WeddingWire, 2life and Fluttr, and shopping for BuzzFeed.
