32 Summer Birthday Party Ideas for Kids and Adults
Lauren Miolene
Editor
Is there anything that can make the summertime even more magical and memorable? The answer is: celebrating a special birthday! Get outside and ring in another year with unforgettable summer birthday party ideas for adults and kids.
You’re probably thinking this is going to be your generic pool party with hotdogs and hamburgers. Absolutely not! Although those are summer classics and we do love them, you’ll need extra special summer birthday party ideas for this celebration. In addition to the pool party, you’ll want to choose a unique summer inspired theme, lively entertainment, and delicious food and drinks. Luckily for you, we’ve put all of the best summer birthday party ideas together right here.
1. Beach Bonfire
Of course a cool summer night calls for a bonfire! Gather your guests to head down to the beach for an oceanside bonfire to end the birthday festivities. If you can’t make it to the beach for this birthday bash, a bonfire in your backyard is just as fun. Just don’t forget the makings for s’mores!
2. Mamma Mia Theme Party
Audiences of all ages seem to enjoy Mamma Mia, so it makes one of the best summer birthday party ideas. Guests can dress in their best 70s bohemian attire, eat delicious Greek food, and book an ABBA tribute band to perform all the hits from the movies and the musical. Plan the ultimate theme party with our Mamma Mia party guide.
3. Food Truck Fiesta
Arrange for a lineup of food trucks to cater your event for a unique summer birthday party idea. Offer a variety of cuisines, from gourmet burgers to delicious donuts, and let guests indulge in a delicious culinary experience. Set up seating areas with colorful decorations and twinkling lights for a trendy and tasty celebration. Start your search for local food trucks on The Bash.
4. Memorial Day Birthday Party
Combine your birthday party with the kick-off to summer, Memorial Day! This May holiday signals the start to warmer weather and outdoor parties for the rest of the season, so if you’re a May baby, this one’s for you! Book a performance from an Americana band, decorate your space in red, white, and blue, and of course you’ll need a patriotic birthday cake to match.
5. DJ
Don’t leave the fate of your party up to your cell phone and aux cord, leave it to the professionals! DJs can play a wide variety of songs ranging from oldies throwbacks to today’s top hits. When you book a DJ on The Bash, they’ll also bring the necessary equipment, so all you have to do is save a space for them. For inspiration on song requests, check out our summer party playlist.
6. Water Park Party
Invite party guests to gather at your local water park to help celebrate. Take turns going down the waterslide, lounging in the lazy river, and relaxing in the wave pool. Many water parks include group rates for special events, so make sure to contact yours for special birthday deals!
7. Mermaid Theme Party
We like to stay on top of all the latest trends, and this summer is Mermaidcore everything. Feel inspired with these mystical creatures of the sea by hosting a mermaid themed birthday party this season. Decorate with a blue and green color scheme, book costumed characters to make an appearance, and have plenty of mermaid inspired food and drinks.
8. Summer Karaoke
Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with birthday party ideas for the summer, but who doesn’t love a good karaoke party? Book a karaoke DJ to bring all the equipment you’ll need to host an unforgettable karaoke party for your summer birthday. Sing classic summer songs featuring “Summer Nights,” “Party in the USA,” and other songs featured in our summer party playlist.
9. Margaritaville Theme Party
Can you think of a more iconic summer theme than Margaritaville? If you’ve been on any social media platform recently, you’ll know that Margaritaville is making a comeback, and we’re here for it! Channel your inner Jimmy Buffet by booking a tribute band, making fun cocktails, and of course grilling up Cheeseburgers in Paradise!
10. Brunch
Everyone loves brunch! From pancakes to avocado toast and mimosas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this get-together. Bring this party outdoors to celebrate the summer birthday party and make sure to include all the favorites like bagels, waffles, and all the toppings for guests to dress up their meal.
11. Comedian
Live entertainment is a summer birthday party idea that will make the event extra special. Guests will be laughing along to a variety of jokes told by a professional comedian on The Bash. Browse clean comedians, stand up comedians, or even comedy hypnotists to get your summer birthday party started.
12. Outdoor Movie Night
There is something magical about watching a movie outside, don’t you think so? You can rent an outdoor movie screen on The Bash, find local food carts to serve popcorn and other movie goodies, and pick your favorite movie to rewatch with friends. Some of our favorites include The Parent Trap, Princess Diaries, or Moana.
Pro Tip: Check out these outdoor movie party ideas for even more inspiration.
13. Luau
If you couldn’t take a tropical Hawiian vacation this year, this is your sign to bring the traditional luau to you! Book a performance from Hawiian dancers, host your own pig roast, and invite guests to wear grass skirts, leis, and all the Hawiian garb.
14. Live Music
The summertime is meant for listening to live music outdoors. Create your own private concert for a unique summer birthday party idea by booking groups like:
15. Lawn Games
Lawn games are a must for any type of outdoor summertime party, so let the games begin! Get guests of all ages involved in the fun with rounds of cornhole, badminton, and bocce that will help break up the day. Plus, who doesn’t like a little friendly competition?
16. Fresh Fruit Picking
Coming up with birthday party ideas for summer can be tough, but summer is the prime time for picking fresh strawberries and blueberries. Arrange a visit at your local farm for your own chance to walk through the fields and pick fresh fruit right off the vine. Afterwards, you can head home to bake a pie, mix up sangria, or just snack on them! Plus this allows everyone to go home with their own fruit after the party is over.
17. Summer Carnival
How much fun is the annual summer carnival? Bring the excitement to your birthday party by using this tradition as a theme. Book real carnival games on The Bash, serve iconic treats like candy apples, cotton candy, and popcorn, and even rent signature carnival rides.
18. Water Games
Cool off throughout the birthday festivities with plenty of water games in the event space. You’ll want to book party inflatables like water slides and obstacle courses, organize water balloons, and fill water guns. This will keep guests of all ages occupied and cool while out in the heat. A variety of water games are perfect birthday party ideas for summer.
19. Camping or Glamping
Summer means using any excuse to be outside, so if you’re feeling adventurous, consider going camping or glamping! Either set up base at your favorite camp site, or arrange tents throughout your backyard for guests to spend the night in.
You’ll want to recreate all the staple summer camp activities while you’re at it. This includes water balloon fights, potato sack races, and tie dye crafts just to name a few. Whether you choose to sleep in the tents or not, camping always creates a fun and nostalgic atmosphere for everyone.
20. Pool Party
This one might seem obvious but a summer birthday calls for an epic pool party! Book time at your town pool or host it at your own that is sure to make a splash. Get fun floats, pool noodles, and plenty of water toys to keep people entertained. Check out our pool party guide for more summer birthday party ideas.
21. 4th of July Birthday
Celebrate your birthday along with America’s by joining the two occasions together! Have a red, white, and blue birthday cake, book variety entertainers like caricaturists or jugglers, and end the night with breathtaking fireworks. Swap out the birthday candles for sparklers to make the 4th of July birthday party even more fun.
22. Picnic
This is your opportunity to plan the picture perfect picnic you’ve always dreamed about. Gather plenty of outdoor blankets, pack a basket full of goodies, and celebrate with friends in the park, your backyard, or on the beach. For more ideas on your picnic party, The Bash has everything you need.
23. Boat
Charter a boat for the day to spend the birthday at sea. This fun surprise is the perfect way to enjoy all the summer has to offer; the sun, ocean, and good vibes. Make sure there are plenty of snacks on board, sunscreen, and life jackets.
24. Variety Acts
Keep guests entertained throughout the duration of the party with variety acts available on The Bash! Browse local vendors in your area to do everything from making balloon animals to painting faces. Start your search to book exciting entertainment for your summer birthday party:
25. Backyard BBQ
Summertime and a barbecue go hand in hand, so it only makes sense to serve up the classics hot off the grill. You’ll want to feature hotdogs, hamburgers, and veggie burgers at this summer birthday party so there is something for everyone. To make sure the little guests fuel up in between pool games and trips down the water slide, you can even feature chicken nuggets, pigs and blankets, and more kid-approved party food.
26. Paint and Sip
If you’re feeling artistic, let your creative juices flow (and the wine) with a paint and sip! Guests can paint their version of a selected picture, or create whatever their heart desires. The best part about this activity is that it’s just for fun! This can also be done with guests under 21 because the wine is completely optional. Swap for sparkling cider or other non-alcoholic beverage so everyone can take part in the paint and sip.
27. Caprese Salad Skewers
Caprese salad is a staple during the summer made with vibrant red tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and plenty of fresh basil. Enjoy this as a fun summer birthday food idea by skewering cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and a basil leaf together. Assemble these sticks and serve them on a platter with a balsamic drizzle.
28. Poke Bowls
Poke bowls are made with rice, your choice of fish or meat, and plenty of toppings and sauces. This is a delicious summer party option because they can be customized for guest’s preferences and made into miniature versions. Consider booking a catering service to prepare plenty of poke bowls for the summer birthday party.
29. Summer Birthday Cake
Everyone is required to blow out a candle on their birthday—we don’t make the rules! Feel inspired by the season by incorporating summer flavors into the birthday cake like pineapple or coconut. Take your cake to the next level by decorating it with a beach scene, seashells, or whatever else screams summer to you.
30. Ice Cream
An ice cream social is always a good idea, especially because flavors can easily be customized. Serve a variety of traditional kinds of ice cream, gelato, and vegan alternatives for everyone to enjoy. Then you’ll want plenty of toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top! Guests will have tons of fun building their own special sunday at this birthday party.
31. Fresh Lemonade
Nothing says summer more than hand squeezed lemonade. The best part about this sweet beverage is that it can be customized with different fruit flavors or even spiked with different liquor for the adults. Our favorites include a raspberry lemonade or a classic vodka lemonade.
32. Aperol Spritz
Crisp citrus liqueur with prosecco and club soda mixes together to make the perfect drink for the summer. Whip up a big batch of these spritzes to keep on tap during the summer birthday party, or book a bartender to keep ‘em coming.
Find more summer party ideas and inspiration here on The Bash.
