20 College Frat Party Themes and Ideas
Lauren Miolene
Editor
School is back in session and that means homework, projects, and of course, unforgettable college parties. Whether you're looking for a fun theme for an upcoming fraternity mixer, formal, or maybe just a last minute dorm party, you can’t go wrong with these great frat party themes that are more than epic.
The traditional luau fraternity themed parties are fun but get repetitive pretty quickly, especially over the course of four years in school. How many times can you post pictures wearing that same floral Hawaiian print shirt? We’re here to help you and your brothers choose the best frat party theme so people aren’t saying, “ugh, that one, again?”
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1. ‘80s in Aspen
Après ski, hit the slopes, or whatever else you want to call it, a ski party makes a great frat party theme. As soon as it gets chilly enough outside, pull out your puffy winter coat and ski pants because the proper attire is one of the most important components for this theme. Make the snow day even more memorable by booking live music to perform at the ski-themed frat party.
2. Casino Night
Every fraternity formal needs an awesome theme, and a casino party promises a one-of-a-kind experience. The glitz and glamor will make everyone feel like a high roller spending a night in a Vegas-style casino. If you want to take the party to the next level, bookable casino games will hopefully have everyone feeling lucky.
3. Shrek
There has been a major resurgence in the Shrek movie series in anticipation for Shrek 5. Invite your friends to Far, Far Away for this frat party theme by transforming your space into Shrek’s Swamp. Encourage people to dress up as their favorite characters and even book a cover band to play all of the movie hits like “All Star,” “I’m a Believer,” and “Livin’ La Vida Loca.”
4. Euphoria
If you’re in college, chances are you already binge-watched all of the seasons of HBO’s Euphoria. Haven’t you wanted to jump through your screen and party with the students of East Highland High School? Now you can. Copy the character’s bold styles, serve Euphoria-inspired food and drinks, and book a DJ to spin all the latest beats, maybe featuring a few songs by Labrinth to really set the Euphoria aesthetic. Euphoria makes one of the best frat party themes that are memorable and easy to put together.
5. Country Club
Khaki pants, tennis skirts, and polo shirts are part of the preppy dress code for this country club fraternity party theme. Play a few rounds of golf using this indoor golf net from Amazon so everyone can practice their swing. Complete the country club experience by booking a caterer or bartender to serve delicious hors d'oeuvres and cocktails throughout the night.
6. Risky Business
When choosing frat party themes for the semester, take inspiration from the classics. Tom Cruise’s role in Risky Business was iconic, to say the least, and also makes a unique and easy theme for a last-minute party. Who doesn’t have an extra button-up shirt, tall socks, and sunglasses lying around to recreate the scene where he slides across the floor? In the chance you don’t, borrow these pieces from a frat brother for a Risky Business style party.
7. Toga
An oldie but a goodie, and a definite contender for your next frat party theme; the toga party. Grab your extra bed sheet and tie it around your body to party like the Greek gods. If you really want to step up this fraternity tradition, shop Amazon for Greek god and goddess headpieces. Read here for instructions on how to securely tie your toga.
8. New York City
The “City That Never Sleeps” makes one of the best frat party themes for college, don’t you think? Decorate the party space with iconic New York sites like the Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty, and street signs. Book food carts to serve the street favorites like pretzels and hot dogs, and get ready to party all night long in New York City.
9. Great Gatsby
If your executive board is stuck on a formal theme for this year, take inspiration from the modern film starring Leonardo DiCaprio for a classy Great Gatsby soirée. Dress in a formal black, white, and gold color scheme and make sure there is plenty of champagne available for party goers. Book 1920s entertainment that Jay Gatsby would approve of including a jazz band, swing dancers, and an old school photographer to capture it all.
10. Fratalina Wine Mixer
Take inspiration from Step Brothers for this hilarious college frat party theme. Fraternity and sorority chapters on your campus can meet and mingle at the Fratalina Wine Mixer. Dress up in your best attire and sip on wine to host your own version of this unforgettable party.
11. Disco Night
You need to go to at least one disco themed party at some point in your life, so why not make it a fraternity party theme? Don your ‘70s-inspired attire of floral shirts and bell bottoms, or turn it into a decades event by having people choose their favorite time period. Play plenty of classic, grunge, and alternative throwback tunes, and don’t forget a disco ball to tie it all together.
12. Oktoberfest
Plan one of the best frat party themes for the first semester by hosting an Oktoberfest celebration in September or October. First things first, you’ll need plenty of beer or hard cider to go around. People can dress in traditional outfits like lederhosen or as a beer maid, have a stein holding competition, and of course, you’ll want to have a German or polka band for an authentic experience.
13. Rumble in the Jungle
Get wild and crazy because it’s time to unleash your inner party animal! This jungle-themed frat party is easy to accomplish. All you have to do is dress up like your favorite wild animal, but get creative! If you don’t want to commit to a full costume, wearing any type of animal print or camo will work just as well.
14. 2000’s Throwback
You know it, you love it, and you grew up during it. Throw things back with a 2000s-themed party for total nostalgia. Sing along to Y2K classics by booking a karaoke DJ that will bump your favorite songs. Dress like famous celebrities, taking inspiration from their 2000’s style, and have plenty of your favorite childhood snacks like pizza rolls and Fruit Roll Ups for guests to munch on.
15. Fake Wedding
Great frat party themes can be hard to come by, so get creative! Partner with one of your school’s sororities for this one and have members vote for a bride, groom, and wedding party for a fake wedding event. Gather in a large area with plenty of space for the ceremony and listen to the couple recite their vows. Seal the deal with a wedding officiant to make it even more realistic, but don’t worry, no one is actually getting married! Just prepare for an unforgettable fake wedding reception.
16. Margaritaville
Party just like Jimmy Buffet for one of the best frat party themes—Margaritaville. In your best Hawaiian shirt, mix up plenty of drinks like margaritas and hurricanes, put a few brothers on grill duty to make cheeseburgers in paradise, and don’t forget to book a Jimmy Buffet tribute artist to make the frat theme party unforgettable.
Find a Jimmy Buffet Tribute Act
17. Gym Bros
Sometimes the easiest ideas make the best frat party themes, in this case, gym clothes. Dress in workout shorts, muscle tees, and sneakers for not only a comfortable party outfit, but also a fun night—just make sure you grab them from your clean pile of laundry! Pour your drink of choice into a reusable water bottle to look like you are headed straight for a workout session.
18. Western Hoedown
Put on your favorite flannel button-up and cowboy hat because it’s western night at the frat! Book a country band to put on a memorable performance that will make everyone want to hoedown and throw down.
19. Woodstock
Before there was Coachella, there was Woodstock—the music festival of the 1960s. Channel all things groovy for this frat party theme by recreating this iconic concert for a memorable night. Use classic and bold colors from the decade, encourage a tie dye dress code, and even find local Woodstock tribute artists to bring this piece of history into the 21st century.
20. Paint Party
Neon paint, black lights, and old clothes will help create a fun paint party. Prepare to get messy by filling paint in balloons and squirt guns to cover each other from head to toe. Wear old white clothes for this party theme to turn your outfit into a unique work of art.
Find more ideas and inspiration for events here on The Bash.
