21 Epic Small Backyard Birthday Party Ideas for Adults
Alanna Lawlor
Contributor
Whether you're approaching 30, 50, or ringing in 21, any birthday milestone deserves to be celebrated! Why not let loose with a small backyard birthday party? After all, home is where the heart is (not to mention the good vibes and bottomless margaritas!).
We’ve got all the small backyard birthday party ideas for adults right here on The Bash. You don’t need acres of perfectly manicured gardens for a backyard soirée. A more intimate space makes for the best party vibes, and you can let your personal style shine without breaking the bank. So, light those sparklers, smash that cake, and let the good times roll.
Here are 21 small backyard birthday party ideas for adults:
'90s Theme Party
Let your millennial flag fly high with a tribute to the best decade of all. Set the mood with a 90s band to play throwback songs to host a 90s themed party beneath the stars. Tap the keg and challenge your besties to a round of beer pong or "never have I ever." Slip on your platform shoes, and party like it's 1999!
Mobile Bar
Bring the party vibes to your backyard by hiring a professional bartender that’ll let you savor every last moment. Get creative by setting up a stylish bar cart or booth adorned with fairy lights and fresh flowers.
Your bartender can keep the drinks flowing all night with prosecco, craft or pre-mixed cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. In lieu of a birthday cake, you can request a dazzling signature cocktail with sparklers for an unforgettable toast!
Tropical Luau
Invite your nearest and dearest to a tropical luau themed party in the sun. Decorate with strings of pineapple lanterns, DIY flower garlands, and tiki torches for a laid-back vibe. Dance the night away in your coconut bikini, hula skirt, and soak up the sun. So, if you like piña coladas and getting caught in the leis, prepare to hula all birthday long!
Throwback Trivia
Why not spice up your birthday bash with a spirited—and inevitably competitive—game of themed trivia? Take inspiration from pop culture like Friends and Mamma Mia trivia, or play "name that song." Go with classic pen and paper, or save the trees with a mobile app like Kahoot!
Impersonator
You might not be able to get Cher or Elton John to perform at your party, but get the next best thing—an impersonator. These event professionals are seasoned artists that have mastered their craft into recreating some of the most iconic stars. From Madonna, to Dolly Parton, and Johnny Depp, you can find the perfect impersonator to surprise guests on The Bash.
Birthday Rave
Break out the glow sticks and black lights for a birthday rave! You’ll want all things bright, neon, and have guests dress to match the vibe. If you’re worried about the volume during the backyard party, you could always make it a silent disco and rent some headphones. A local DJ or entertainment company can help you with all the necessary supplies.
Pool Party
If you’re lucky enough to have a pool in your backyard, don’t just tempt guests with a good time! Invite your friends and family over for a day of swimming, pool games, and relaxation that makes the perfect way to celebrate. Take advantage of the nice weather and good vibes to celebrate your special day with an epic pool party.
Game Night
What better way to level up the party than with a video game night beneath the stars? Pick up an outdoor screen and projector, arrange for some prizes, and dust off your Wii or PlayStation. A Super Mario Kart tournament will make for plenty of laughs, as will Pac-Man, Tetrus, and Street Fighter.
Sweets Cart
A birthday cake is a lovely choice, but have you ever indulged in a whimsical candy cart? Sweeten up the celebration with classic treats like rock candy, gummy bears, Twizzlers, and lollipops for a delicious dessert cart.
Garden Party
Transform your backyard into an elegant garden oasis, Bridgerton style. Picture dreamy flowers, luxurious linens, and vintage teapots to complete your aesthetic. Picnic style seating will add a whimsical touch and save space for plenty of fun lawn games. Indulge in decadent desserts and classic high tea sandwiches, all served on tiered trays. Don your finest attire, pop the bubbly, and toast to a bloomin' fabulous birthday bash!
Photo Booth
Every birthday is a milestone that you’re going to want to remember forever. Browse The Bash to find a local photo booth to provide backdrops, props and all the necessary equipment to capture your special celebration. Guests will even be able to get printouts of their pictures or digital downloads sent right to their phone.
Nostalgic Bites
Indulge in a culinary blast to the past with some childhood favorites. Cook up some mouth-watering bagel bites and pizza rolls, or get handy in the kitchen with homemade pop tarts. Wash it down with some Sunny D and Capri Sun, and you've got throwback bites everyone will enjoy!
Lawn Games
A backyard bash calls for a round of spirited summer games. Catch some rays while playing croquet, or opt for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, Corn Hole. Hold your own summer Olympics with giant Jenga, classic Kan Jam, or lawn darts. As always, epic prizes add a healthy dose of competition to inspire your backyard party warriors!
Après Ski Party
Winter babies deserve some love too! For an un-burr-lievable birthday, escape the winter blues and get cozy by the firepit with your besties. Roast marshmallows, set up a s'mores station, and sing—however badly—your favorite tunes. With outdoor heaters, blankets, and a crackling fire, your guests will keep snug as a bug in a rug. Even better, prepare some mulled wine and hot toddies to keep the spirits high! A final toast with sparklers wraps up the fun with an Instagram-worthy shot.
Flower Power
No outdoor party is complete without bushels of peonies, roses, and a sprinkle of daisies! Handpick some beauties for table centerpieces and your drinks table, or splurge on a flower wall or installation for the perfect Instagram photo.
Dessert Bar
If you're a cake lover but also a sucker for cookies, have it all with a decadent dessert spread! Order some of your guests' not-so-guilty pleasures, or find a caterer to think up something entirely unique. While an elegant soirée calls for macarons and truffles, consider cupcake towers, gourmet donuts, and cake pops. Or, why not an elaborate make-your-own sundae station? That'll seriously take the cake!
Campfire Vibes
There's nothing like cuddling up by a warm campfire and roasting marshmallows! Invite your guests to get cozy by the fire and celebrate another fabulous year by the flickering flames. All wrapped up in your warmest garb, you can sip hot apple cider, tell ghost stories, and belt out some tunes with a guitar. Rent an enclosed fire pit or some portable heaters to keep guests warm and comfy.
Tea Party
Calling all tea lovers! Toast to the guest of honor with a whimsical and magical tea party theme. Serve tea infused cocktails like earl gray tea accented with lavender and gin, chamomile with honey and bourbon, or green tea with mint and vodka. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs or an edible flower for the finishing touch. Make this tea party even more memorable with a live band or our tea time playlist.
BYO-Board Party
One of the biggest TikTok trends this year, get creative with a sharing board extravaganza! The classic charcuterie board is a must have at any get-together, so bring on the cured meats, warm brie, crackers, and olives. For a dessert twist, you can throw together a movie night board complete with gourmet popcorn, pretzels, chocolate, and gummy worms. This list of clever sharing boards is sure to get the inspiration flowing.
Tropical Cocktails
Keep the good times rolling with a sunset toast and tropical libations! Try classic mojitos, piña coladas, and mai tais, or mix things up with a blue Hawaiian made with pineapple juice and coconut cream. For guests who aren't drinking, swap rum with a non-alcoholic spirit or try pineapple juice or coconut milk for the ultimate mocktail. Serve in fresh pineapples or coconuts to enhance the tropical vibes.
Backyard BBQ
A casual BBQ among your nearest and dearest will always be in style. Warm up the grill or rent one for the day, and stock up on burgers, hot dogs, skewers, and some vegetarian alternatives. Whip up some delicious sides—from classic potato salad and grilled corn on the cob to grandma's coveted summer panzanella. If you're no whiz in the kitchen, perhaps a potluck!
Find more birthday celebration ideas on The Bash.
