Step Into the Upside Down With Stranger Things Birthday Party Ideas
Sadiyah Qureshi
Contributor
Are you ready for a wild ride through Hawkins, Indiana? If you’re a fan of the beloved show Stranger Things, you’re probably eager to recreate all the thrills of the series. With these Stranger Things birthday party ideas, you can turn your home or venue into the Upside Down and relive the spooky adventures of Eleven, Mike, Lucas, and the rest of the Hawkins gang.
A Stranger Things themed party is a great choice because it offers guests a unique and nostalgic experience. Fans of the show will love the chance to recreate the spooky adventures of the Hawkins residents, while others can enjoy an evening filled with ‘80s-themed decor and activities.
Get your guests in the mystery-solving spirit with vintage posters, decorations, and costumes. With these party ideas, you’ll be able to take your Stranger Things themed birthday party to the next level. From decorations and costumes to food and favors, we’ve got you covered to make this occasion extra special.
Here are 22 Stranger Things birthday party ideas:
Dungeon Photo Booth
Book a photo booth and get props inspired by the show, such as a box of Eggos, a Demogorgon mask, or a "Friends Don't Lie" banner. Having a photo booth at the party would allow your guests to take pictures of themselves and their friends in a variety of fun and creative poses. Using props that are inspired by the show gives your guests a fun and interactive way to engage with the theme, and create lasting memories.
Hawkins Lab Pizza
Serving pizza inspired by Hawkins Lab is a fun and delicious idea. The pizzas could include toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and onions to represent the equipment found in the lab.
You could also get creative using a black olive and olive oil mixture to create a slime-like topping inspired by the Demogorgon's skin. Another fun option is to create a pizza station and let your guests make their own delicious Hawkins lab pizzas.
Stranger Things Inspired Games
Play party games, such as Stranger Things trivia or a scavenger hunt inspired by the series. Why not create DIY Mystery Boxes filled with funny or spooky objects for your party guests to find to make things even more interesting?
Another great idea is to set up a screening of one or more episodes of Stranger Things for guests to enjoy during the party. It also allows people who haven't seen the show a chance to get to know the show and get excited about it.
Guess Who Said It - A Stranger Things Quiz
Trivia about the show is a great option as it allows fans to test their knowledge and compete against each other. Add an element of mystery with a guessing game in which players have to guess which character said a certain line from the show.
An “Upside Down” Basement Venue
An underground venue is a great choice for a Stranger Things themed birthday party. It is ideal to help create a unique atmosphere reminiscent of the show. To take it a step further, you could choose to decorate the space so it resembles iconic locations from the show, helping to immerse your guests into the theme. Being in an underground location is sure to help you create that eerie atmosphere that characterizes much of the events that take place during the show.
Dustin's Chocolate Nougat Shake
This is a delicious and creamy treat that you can serve at your party. Combine chocolate ice cream with nougat spread, cocoa powder, and milk. Add sugar and vanilla and blend until smooth. You could also try this Stranger Things themed milkshake recipe.
Escape From the Mind Flayer
Set up an activity where guests have to find clues or answers to escape from the Mind Flayer. Bonus points if you have a giant prop or poster of the terrifying creature to make the game even more fun and immersive! This is a great way to get guests to interact with each other as they work together to escape from the Mind Flayer.
Rad Costumes
No Stranger Things party would be complete without characters and costumes. Costumes like Eleven's dress and the boys' iconic outfits, as well as things like a replica of the Demogorgon or a Hellfire Club t-shirt will be perfect.
Guests can also dress up as their favorite Hawkins citizens, from Joyce to Hopper! Have guests take it a step further and dress as one of the cast of the successful series such as Millie Bobby Brown or Winona Ryder.
Hamburgers
Hamburgers are a great choice to serve at your Stranger Things themed party because they are a food that the characters in the show enjoy. You could make burgers with an “Upside Down” bun or top them with “Demogorgon” ketchup and mustard. This can be done by creating custom labels for the ketchup and mustard bottles with the name "Demogorgon" and an image of the monster from the show.
Nostalgic Catering
Transport your guests back in time and create a memorable experience. Foods like French fries, pizza, and nachos are perfect for recreating the iconic snack foods that the characters in the show enjoy. Set up a table with a selection of 1980s-themed snacks, such as Tang, Pop Rocks, and Warheads.
Paranormal Props
Vintage posters and movie prop rentals are a great way to embrace the Stranger Things theme. Try sourcing themed furniture and decorations, such as life-size cutouts of characters, replica trailers, and signs, along with a variety of wacky signs and lights to embrace the theme.
Adding a vintage touch to your event will definitely help to transport your guests back in time to the 80s and create a fun and playful atmosphere.
Upside Down Daiquiri
Create the perfect drink for your party with this recipe for an Upside Down daiquiri. It’s the ideal thing to sip on while soaking up the mysterious adventure theme at your party. Combine rum, lime juice, simple syrup, fresh blackberries, and crushed ice. Don’t forget a mini eggo for a garnish!
Pro Tip: You can always hire a local bartender to create and craft a variety of Stranger Things themed cocktails and mocktails.
A Vintage Bowling Alley or Arcade Venue
A vintage bowling alley or arcade venue will help capture the spirit and nostalgia of the show. These venues also provide plenty of games and entertainment options for your guests, making them great choices for larger parties.
Bowling alleys and arcades were also popular hangout spots in the 80s and provide an authentic, retro setting that will transport guests back in time. The sound of bowling pins and the neon lights would add to the overall atmosphere while encouraging socializing and a little friendly competition.
Retro Karaoke
Get everyone in the party mood by hiring a karaoke DJ with popular songs from the decade. You could also play 1980s music and have a dance party, with retro-inspired decorations like balloons and streamers.
A professional DJ could be another cool addition, helping you to curate the perfect playlist and keeping guests grooving all night for a totally tubular celebration.
They can play a mix of 80s hits, from classic pop and rock to new wave and synth-pop, that will get everyone on the dance floor.
Eerie Decor Touches
Set the mood with decorations inspired by the Upside Down, Hawkins's iconic lab, and the '80s. Hang up vintage posters, use string lights to guide your guests, and add touches of Eleven's signature pink. You could even have lab-themed decorations such as beakers, test tubes, and lab coats as costumes.
Or, add some fun and interactive elements such as a microscope to view some interesting specimens or a telescope to stargaze. These decorations can be used to create a lab-like atmosphere and will evoke the sense of mystery and science fiction that is central to the show's premise.
Eggo Waffle Bar
Nothing is more iconic than Eleven’s love of Eggos. You could have both sweet and savory toppings and sauces to choose from, along with a handy toaster to heat the waffles. Some popular options for sweet toppings could include maple syrup, honey, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit. For savory toppings, you could offer cheese, bacon, avocado, or even fried eggs.
Demogorgon Cake
A cake is a must at a Stranger Things birthday party. Why not have a Demogorgon-shaped cake or maybe an ice cream cake with Eleven’s Eggos? A professional baker can help you design a truly impressive cake with multiple layers to look like the Upside Down or help bring your other creative-themed ideas to life.
You could have a Demogorgon-shaped cake made to look like the terrifying monster from the show. The baker could use different colored fondants and edible decorations to create the details of the Demogorgon's face, tentacles, and other features.
The “Eleven” Cocktail
The Eleven cocktail is a unique and delicious blend of flavors featuring lemon juice, club soda and candied ginger. Packed with unexpected sweetness and a hint of kick, it is delicious and refreshing. You can find the recipe here.
Mystic and Spooky Decorations
Put up a wall of colorful Christmas lights with a hidden message to get your guests in the mystery-solving spirit. A vintage alphabet banner is another great creative touch. Upside Down-inspired décor such as fog, eerie lighting, and cobwebs can add an unsettling touch.
Twinkling lights paired with streams of fake "slime" hanging from the ceiling is another idea to help your party space look like the Upside Down.
Arcade Games
Play classic arcade and video games from the ’80s to get everyone involved with the party theme. Classic arcade games such as Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Donkey Kong were favorites during the era.
Hawkins’s Themed Goodie Bags
Delight your guests with a Stranger Things themed party favor to take home at the end of the night. You could include things like plush characters from the show, themed board games, mugs or posters, retro arcade games, or ‘80s-style snacks.
Items like stickers or pins featuring iconic scenes or quotes from the show would be a great option for guests who are fans of the series.
Find more themed party ideas and inspiration here on The Bash.
