Thirty, Flirty and Thriving! 40 Fun 30th Birthday Ideas for a Celebration To Remember
A 30th birthday is an exciting milestone to celebrate! After all, you're entering a whole new decade of your life. It's not something to take lightly—you're out of your 20s and into your more mature 30s. If your 21st birthday was fun, it's time to blow it out of the water with your 30th birthday bash. Organizing a birthday party can be tricky, though. You want to give your guests a memorable, fun experience while you also enjoy yourself.
Not sure where to start? We've gathered 40 of the most fun and memorable 30th birthday ideas for your big celebration. Between party themes and various venues to host at, you'll be sure to find a 30th birthday party idea you love.
It doesn't matter if you identify yourself as more of a homebody and prefer a night in, or if you're a social butterfly that's eager to spend their 30th birthday out and about. Fancy dinner parties at home, game nights, cooking classes or a pub crawl...what will you choose?
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Related: Here Are 50 of the Best Birthday Gifts 30-Year-Olds Want to Receive in 2023
40 Best 30th Birthday Ideas
1. Park Picnic
If your birthday falls during a time of the year with nice weather, consider a picnic party. You can make it as casual or formal as you want by attaching a theme to it and deciding on the cuisine you want to munch on.
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2. 80s Party
Nostalgia for the 80s can be so real—the music, the clothes and the overall good vibes. The good news is that you can replicate it with your very own 80s party. Big hair and neon are a must for this one!
3. Host a Fancy Dinner
Splurging on a fancy dinner can be fun, but why not put your cooking skills to the test and host a fancy dinner party instead? You can dress the place up to the nines to really make it feel like you're at a high-class restaurant.
4. Staycation
Be a tourist in your own town or city for the weekend with a 30th birthday party staycation. Rent a house or a few hotel rooms for your friends and do all of the tourist bucket list items you can think of.
5. Amusement Park
Not everyone lives close enough to an amusement park to reap the benefits of this 30th birthday party idea. Plus, amusement parks can be pricey these days. However, if you can get a group to agree, it's one of the most fun ways to celebrate your birthday.
Related: These Are the Best Amusement Parks in the U.S. to Visit in 2023
6. Tea Party
Stay classy. Tea parties may seem like a birthday party for a child, but tea party birthdays have no age and are the perfect option for a 30th birthday party idea. Decorate your home eloquently and serve your guests delicious pastries and teas.
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7. Art Class
Do you love creating? Further your skills or learn a new one by taking an art class. You could paint, do pottery or even take a photography class.
8. Cooking Class
OK, so you're not into the arts. What about cooking? You can choose your cuisine and opt for a group cooking class.
9. Slumber Party
When did you last have a slumber party with your closest friends? Queue up the movies, get the pillow fort and snacks ready for an enjoyable night in.
Related: 40 Things To Do at a Sleepover for the Most Epic Overnight Party
10. Photoshoot
Give yourself and your friends something to remember your 30th birthday by! Hire a photographer and set up an in-person photoshoot event. Get glammed up, put on your most chic outfits and pose!
11. Beach Day
Anyone that lives close to a beach or in a tropical environment should be taking advantage of beach day birthdays. The costs to account for are gas, parking, food and drinks. The rest of the day is all yours to lounge in the sun.
12. Country-Themed Party
Yee-haw! Who's bringing the mechanical bull? It may not seem like much, but you can do a lot with a country-themed birthday party. From dressing up to fun activities, it's certain to be a hoot.
13. Night At The Museum
Many museums have select evenings where they are open later, where you can reap the benefits of a night at the museum birthday party. You may also be able to inquire about renting out a space in the museum to host.
14. Murder Mystery Party
Take your 30th birthday to a whole new level with this unique party game. One player is secretly playing a murderer, while the other players must solve the mystery of who it is. Everyone dresses up and plays a role different from themselves!
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15. Bonfire
Bonfires are awesome choices for fall or winter birthdays. Head to a beach and enjoy smores while the sun goes down or host it in your backyard if you have a large enough spot.
16. Casino Night
You may not have slot machines (although you could definitely rent them), but you can play all the casino favorites from blackjack to craps! Invite everyone to dress for the event. The more, the merrier!
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17. Karaoke
Everybody has a go-to karaoke song! What's yours? Rent a room at a karaoke bar for your own private concert or put on a show at a local karaoke night.
18. Game Night
Homebodies, unite! Not everybody wants to go out for a big event for their 30th birthday. If that's you, why not host a game night? Have everyone bring their favorite board or card game and enjoy a night of competition.
19. Disco Party
Shake your groove thing! If you're not feeling nostalgic for the 80s, how does a little peace and love sound? Dress up and dance the night away to all the hottest tunes of the 70s. Hang that disco ball nice and high!
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20. Camping Trip
Camping trips are budget-friendly. It's also an enjoyable way to unplug from the everyday grind and routine. Even if you don't have the most nature-loving bunch, most folks could benefit from the peace.
21. Bowling
The best part about bowling is that it can be a last-minute plan, or something you reserve far in advance. There are food and beverage options right at your fingertips, and everyone can get down with a friendly game of bowling.
22. Sailing Day
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience gliding along the water while the wind blows in your hair with a 30th birthday sailing adventure. Breeze along the waterways and enjoy the sights while you munch on snacks and sip champagne. You may even be inclined to learn how to man the sails yourself!
23. Gatsby Party
The Great Gatsby takes place in the 1920s. Use inspiration from both the book and movie to inspire decorations and outfits. It will feel truly feel like you're stepping back in time!
24. Alcohol Tasting
Are you a wine person? Do you prefer beer or liquor? Try out an alcohol tasting for your 30th birthday party. They're typically very affordable and accommodate larger groups. Check out a wine tasting, beer tasting or whiskey tasting.
25. Sports Game
Take advantage of local, nearby teams by indulging in a sports game for your 30th birthday bash. Football, hockey, soccer or baseball? The options are limitless.
26. Pub Crawl
Hit the downtown bar scene with your closest buddies for a fun pub crawl. Spend designated time at each location and enjoy the different atmospheres and drinks each spot offers.
27. Tropical Luau
As long as you can remain respectful of the inspired culture, luaus are a fun, tropical and casual 30th birthday party theme idea to enjoy with family and friends! It's easy, as it can be done in your backyard or by the beach.
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28. House Party
You can never go wrong with an old-fashioned house party. Consider renting a fun activity for everyone to enjoy, like a photo booth or karaoke stage!
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29. Skydiving
If you and your friends are a bunch of adrenaline junkies, ring in your 30s with a skydiving venture. At the very least, you'll have funny pictures to show off.
30. Pool Day
Late spring or summertime birthday? Set up lounge chairs and tables for a warm day in the sun. Just make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen!
31. Thirty, Flirty and Thriving
If you've seen the movie 13 Going On 30, you're familiar with this phrase that's repeated: "Thirty, flirty and thriving". You can either mimic parts of the popular movie, or just make it 30-themed and have fun with your friends.
32. Black & White Party
Black & white parties are elegant events that allow everyone to dress in their most glamorous outfits. The color coordination ensures nothing is clashing and makes for an overall cool, calm atmosphere.
33. Sports Tournament
Are you a sports lover or former athlete? Host a small-sided sports tournament or friendly scrimmage for some good-hearted birthday competition.
34. Paint and Sip
Paint-and-sip events are always a huge hit because you don't have to be artistic to enjoy your time. Plus, even if some of your invitees are not fans of the arts, they may be fans of wine.
35. Masquerade Ball
Mysterious masquerade balls are advertised to be all the rage in movies and TV shows. If you never got to experience one yourself, why not throw one? Be the belle of the ball and invite everyone to dress in their most formal attire. Mask up!
36. "RIP to My 20s"
Throw a party with the theme "RIP to My 20s." Have guests wear all black, as if in mourning.
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37. A.B.C. Party
A.B.C. stands for "Anything But Clothes". All you have to do is make outfits out of unique items. The only rule is it can't be real clothes!
38. Helicopter Charter
Enjoy the sights of your city by indulging in a helicopter charter trip. Whether you're zooming over the water, mountain tops or a beautiful city, it's sure to be a 30th birthday to remember.
39. Rooftop Party
Rent out a rooftop at a hotel or bar in your local area. Or, if you live in a high-rise apartment complex, utilize the rooftop and luxurious views.
40. Brunch
What better way to ring in your 30s than with a tasteful brunch? Go the extra mile by finding a restaurant that offers unlimited mimosas or all-you-can-east deals.
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