Look, I’m a mom. And as clearly evidenced by much of my blog, I focus a LOT of energy on throwing some killer parties for my kids. I turned my house into freaking Disneyland, for crying out loud! I believe many of us parents tend to think of kids when we hear the word “party”, but adult parties are THE BOMB.
As my kids have gotten older (and even when they were younger, to a degree), I would often look for excuses to throw a “no kids allowed” adult party. We deserve a little fun too, right? I’ve managed to squeeze in a few for big events, like my mom’s 60th birthday, or my husband’s Prohibition-era style 35th birthday party.
But honestly, any excuse to plan something new and creative, I’m there!
You don’t need a huge reason—sometimes, it’s just about catching up with friends, making new memories, and having a great time. But let’s be honest: we’ve all been there – that exhausting mental place where planning a party can feel a bit intimidating. That’s where I come in! I’ve put together seven fun adult party ideas to take the stress out of planning and help you throw an unforgettable event.
Psst. I use affiliate links in my posts, such as Amazon - these help me keep the blog going, with no added cost to you! You can ready my full disclosure here.
Why Should You Throw an Adult Party?
I mean, why shouldn’t you?
Sure, you don’t need a reason, but it doesn’t hurt to have one. Are you celebrating a milestone? Maybe you simply want an excuse to gather friends! On the long shot that you can’t think of an excuse, here are a few reasons to host a bash:
- Celebrating a special occasion (anniversary, anyone? I’ll count surviving the work week as special)
- It’s been way too long since you last got together with your friends
- You’re overdue for some real fun (remember fun?)
- It’s a chance to catch up and make new memories
- Parties are the perfect way to bond with your closest peeps
Seriously, any reason is a good reason for a party! And with the right idea, you’ll create memories that’ll have everyone talking for months.
7 Adult Party Ideas to Give a Go
Now, let’s get into the fun part—deciding what kind of party to throw. Whether you’re looking for something simple or more elaborate, these ideas cover all the bases.
Campfire Vibes Only
Sometimes, keeping things low-key is the way to go. A bonfire party is perfect for cool evenings. You don’t have to go all out—just set up a cozy bonfire in your backyard, add some drinks and snacks, and let the good vibes roll. It’s simple, relaxing, and perfect for catching up with friends without the pressure of a big production.
Tip: Set up a s’mores station or bring out hot cocoa for that extra cozy touch.
Create an Outdoor Theater
This is one of my FAVORITE things to do, every since the hubs splurged on a giant inflatable movie screen for our Haunted Movie Theater Halloween theme last year. But you don’t have to go as bougie as all that – if you have the space, set up an outdoor theater in your backyard using the back of your house, or perhaps a large sheet. Grab a projector, some comfy blankets, and pick a crowd-pleasing movie (or two). It’s the perfect mix of casual and unique.
Tip: Don’t forget to include movie-theater-style snacks like popcorn, nachos, and candy. Your guests will love the nostalgia!
Roll the Dice
Ok, this is going to sound familiar, but THIS is one of my favorite things to do – and much more interactive! Games are always a great way to bring people together. We host our own small family game nights constantly, and get together with friends when we can for those adult focused games. I’ve got an entire Amazon Guide for our favorite picks!
Whether it’s board games, card games, or even video games, there’s something for everyone. Set up different game stations around your home, so guests can move between them and find their favorite. You can turn it into a theme too, like casino night! (In which case, stock up on your card game knowledge! Be ready with blackjack, pai gow, spider solitaire, or even a roulette wheel.)
Tip: Want to take it up a notch? Create themed prizes for the winners!
IF YOU FEEL LIKE SINGING, SING
No need to go to a karaoke bar when you can bring the fun right to your living room. Set up a microphone, load up a karaoke playlist, and let your friends show off their (questionable) vocal skills. Trust me, no one needs to be Whitney Houston to have a good time.
Tip: Make it themed—80s, 90s, or even Disney songs. It’s all about having fun. (I vote Disney!)
SHUT UP AND DANCE
I have had some pretty amazing dance parties, all by myself – especially when trying to entertain my children. (At least in their younger years, nowadays it would be a surefire way to mortify them both. Actually, that might be worth it.)
If you and your friends love to dance, why not make it the main event? Pick a theme—whether it’s a decade or a favorite genre—and let the dance-off begin. Bonus points if your guests dress up to match the theme!
Tip: Create a playlist packed with classics to keep everyone moving all night long.
Indiana Jones and the Quest for Clues
A scavenger hunt isn’t just for kids. Maybe it’s the spooky vibes of October, but I think a night time scavenger hunt could make for a fun addition to a Halloween party, don’t you? Take it to the next level by creating a fun, challenging hunt for adults. t’s just a matter of setting up the clues for your guests and then letting them have at it. You can make it a neighborhood adventure or keep it contained to your house, depending on the crowd.
Tip: For an added twist, give each clue a fun, personal touch that reflects inside jokes or favorite memories.
Who Wants to Be a Trivia Champion?
Trivia nights are a classic for a reason—they’re so much fun! I mean, when you can get someone to play with you – as I mentioned in my Family Game Night post, I have a hard time finding takers to spar with me, LOL. You don’t need to head to the local pub for a trivia fix; host one in your home. You can focus on a specific category (movies, pop culture, general knowledge), or mix it up for variety.
Tip: Divide guests into teams and have a small prize for the winning team. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone!
Occasions to Throw Parties for Adults
While you don’t always need a reason to throw a party for adults, it’s worth having one. There can be more than a few occasions where a party would be great, with some standing out more than others. These will be some of the more common ones to go with.
Some of the more notable of these are:
- Having a Birthday – A birthday is probably the most obvious reason to throw any kind of party. These don’t always have to stop once you become an adult. That’s especially true if you’re celebrating a big birthday, like a 40th or 50th. It’s just a matter of investing in a bit of adults-only fun.
- Life Transitions – Significant transitions in your life can often be a reason to celebrate. Graduating from college, retiring, and similar occasions can all be a great excuse to throw a party. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t celebrate these, and they’re the perfect excuse to throw a party. Even divorces are getting parties nowadays!
- Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties – Speaking of life transitions, marriage is one of the more notable reasons to throw a party. You don’t need to wait until the wedding itself to start, though. Bachelor and bachelorette parties can always be a great way to celebrate. You and your partner have no reason not to.
These all offer more than a few excuses to throw a party for adults. And that’s if you still think you need an excuse! After all . . .YOU’RE AN ADULT. 😜
No matter what, there’s always a reason to celebrate.
Wrapping Up Your Adult Party Plans
These adult party ideas are just the beginning. Whether you’re looking to go all out or keep things simple, the most important thing is that everyone has a good time. And, of course, that you have fun planning it. With these ideas in your pocket, I’m confident you’ll throw a party that your friends will be talking about for a long time.
