These Cute-as-Hell 30th Birthday Party Ideas Are So Fun You'll Want to Do 'Em All Again Next Year
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As if you didn't already know, turning 30 is a Really Big Deal. That's not to put pressure on you—we don't subscribe to those antiquated societal expectations over here!—instead, it's actually meant to be celebratory...because finally exiting the slums that are your 20s is worthy of popping several bottles.
I've been 30 for all of six months now, but I *can* vouch that it's quite similar to being in your 20s, actually—except you have more money, more sense, and less tolerance for bullsh*t. There's also a deeper sense of self-assuredness and a comfort in who you are. So, in lesser words, it's lit over here (I would, however, give my left arm to be able to drink how I did when I was 24, but that's neither here nor there!), and there's a lot to look forward to, starting with the way you're gonna celebrate.
Whether you want to ring in this milestone year with aaall the pomp and circumstance, or if you want a super low-key vibe to reflect and future-plan (I see you, Virgos), I've got a boatload of cute and fun 30th birthday party ideas for every mood. No, like, for real. Wanna get debaucherous on a yacht with expensive alcohol and all your BFFs? Duh. Opting for a no-stakes solo trip with little hassle? I'm giving you the tools on how to make it happen. Regardless of your energy, there's something here that will speak to you (or, if you're crushing the best friend game and planning a party for your bestie, we're here for you too!). Now, let's get to party planning, shall we? (Oh, but before I forget, might I suggest making an entire registry of 30th birthday gifts because You! Deserve!).
Visit a Lipstick Lab
Start your new decade with a new signature shade after visiting a lipstick lab (most major cities have one!), where you can craft the perfect lippie for your coloring. You should also absolutely bring your friends and make it a party with pre-drinks.
Write Yourself a Letter
Party for one! Grab your cutest stationery and pen a letter to your future self, and don't be afraid to get all up in your feels about entering a new decade. You can address the letter to yourself at 35, 40, 50, or any other age—just make sure you appreciate where you are now and think about your goals down the road.
Do Something That Scares the Sh*t Out of You
Prove to yourself that you're still young, cool, and daring despite your new age group by doing something super adventurous and maybe even a little scary. Think: skydiving, rock climbing, bungee jumping, or even just going to therapy.
Buy Yourself the Bag
You know, *that* bag you've been eyeing for all of your twenties? Splurge on yourself. You deserve it. Especially if you're still obsessed with it after all these years.
Book a Cool Getaway
Get your best pals together and book a stay at a cool rental. Bonus points if it's somewhere you've always wanted to go, like maybe this Joshua Tree VRBO.
Throw a 13 Going On 30-Themed Party
If the bday babe is 30, flirty, and thriving, then you absolutely must throw a party inspired by the iconic 2004 film. We're talking glitter, Y2K fashion, and "Thriller" bumpin' on the speakers. Get a themed card. Dress in the iconic lewks. It'll be a night to remember!
Have a Slumber Party
Throw it back to the sleepover parties of yore and host a grown-up one of your own. Eat snacks, watch movies, sip on cocktails... whatever you do, just make sure you're doing it in a chic set of jammies, like this silky set.
Throw a "Dirty Thirty" Party
Ah, the power of a good rhyme (lol). Deck yourself out in punny balloons or simply pressure everyone into a few too many shots. There's no reason not to get messy one last time.
Make Trendy Jewelry
Get you and some pals a couple of jewelry-making kits so you can DIY your own beaded necklaces, bracelets, and maybe even those phone straps that are all over Instagram.
Host a '90s Throwback Party
Part of turning 30 is getting sentimental about your past, so break out your chokers, butterfly hair clips, and jelly sandals, and don't forget to feed your Tamagotchi. It's time to host the '90s throwback party of your dreams.
Take a Mixology Class
Vodka sodas may have been your jam in your twenties, but it's officially time to level up. Book a real-deal mixology class with your best girlfriends, and emerge anew with a whole roster of slinky, hot cocktails.
Host a Film Screening
Turn your apartment into a movie theater with this under-$100 projector (I mean, you could add in a screen, too, if you wanna get fancy). Now all you'll need is to dim the lights, grab some snacks, and throw on WandaVision.
Go to Vegas
If you opted out for your 21st birthday, senior week, or any other time in your twenties, you'll want to get in on the Vegas experience now. Chances are 30-year-old you has more $$$ to gamble with, anyways.
Book a Spa Day
I don't need to tell you that you deserve it. Stack a couple of spa services, set your OOO reply, and spend an entire day pampering yourself to prepare for the next decade. Or, you know the drill, get your own spa kit.
Play Retro Board Games
For a night of good, clean fun, invite your crew over for old-school games, like Twister, Monopoly, or Chutes and Ladders. For more modern inspo, check out this full list of actually not lame adult board games.
Have a Meme-Worthy Party
If there's one thing all millennials love, it's a good meme. So make that the theme! You could even kick it up a notch and ask everyone to come dressed as their fave internet icon.
Go Abroad
Treat yourself to a dream vacay abroad! The continent is up to you. Oh, and take a seriously luxe carry-on along with ya (trust me, it'll make traveling so much easier).
Go Glamping
Book a woodsy cabin or a beach yurt and lean into your secret wanderlust vibe and get away for a restful but glam few days. Just imagine the Insta content. At-home alternative: Buy a big ol' tent.
Have a Roaring *30s* Party
Celebrate the end of your ~roaring 20s~ with a Gatsby-themed shindig. This kit of party decorations from Amazon will help you pull it off.
Book a Dreamy Staycation
Sign off without going anywhere with a hotel staycation. Cancel all your plans for a full 24 hours and settle in for a night of robes, room service, sparkling wine, and of course, a poolside photoshoot.
Host a Grown-Up Tea Party
If alcohol's not really your thing (or if you just really love finger sandwiches), why not host a cute tea party? And if your birthday happens to fall on a warm, sunny day (jealous!), then a lil garden party—with this cute tea cup set—is a must.
Throw a Tarot-Reading Party
You're already on Co-Star every day, so why not throw an astrologically-inclined party?! Hire a psychic to do palm readings or simply break out your tarot cards.
Hit the Club
There's nothing wrong with a classic night of balls-to-the-wall partying. It's your 30th birthday, babe! "Go big or go home" has never been more appropriate.
Rent a Karaoke Room
Relive (and say sayonara to) all the high-highs and low-lows of your second decade with a karaoke night. Pro tip: Book a private room for a fully no-shame night of off-key Blink-182. Or, buy your own karaoke machine and do it at home.
Have Fahncy Drinks At Home
If you're done with ye olde bar-hopping days (or can just make a mean cocktail), invite some pals over for drinks at home! Buy this luxe drink-maker and get to work. A set of stunning coupe glasses will really elevate the experience, too.
Host a Breakfast at Tiffany's-Themed Party
Whether you host an adult tea party at the actual Tiffany's cafe or just demand everyone come over in their best Audrey-inspired 'fits, this theme remains timeless (just like you 😘). So break out that thematic confetti (no really, you need to see this)!
Go Wine Tasting
This activity is "basic" for a reason: It's the best way to feel fancy and get tipsy at the same time. If you haven't done a vineyard crawl yet, 30 is a good time to start. Or just DIY it with a buncha bottles at home.
Host a "Kiss Your Twenties Goodbye" Party
We love a cheeky theme. Kiss your twenties goodbye with red lipstick, kissy face-inspired everything, spin the bottle, and mistletoe (who cares if it's not Christmas!).
Do a Pedal Tavern
It's probably been a while since you've partied while also biking, right? Not only are pedal taverns a blast, but they're also a $$$ saver: drinks AND spin class for the price of one.
Run a Marathon
Easy peasy, right? Or, okay, if a marathon is too much, a half marathon...or a 10k, or a 5k, or a run around the block. Whatever it is, setting, training for, and achieving a major goal will make you feel so powerful. You'll usher in a new year of health and self-love.
Go for a Golden-Birthday Party
Regardless of your actual bday date, 30 is the perfect opportunity to throw yourself a golden-birthday level party. Scour the interweb for gold outfits, cake, balloons, everything.
Throw a Surprise Party
Okay, so maybe this one isn't for you to achieve for yourself, but the BFFs among us will know how to step in and plan a surprise party for their ride or dies. Just make sure you get a good decoy, acquire spare keys, specify that it's hush-hush on the invite, and DO NOT skimp on any decorations.
Go on a Shopping Spree
If you've been thrifty all decade long, it's time to break that streak. Get a little reckless and welcome the next decade with a brand-new wardrobe. Or, if that feels like too much, sign up for a clothing rental subscription.
Go on a Solo Trip
Coordinating a big shindig with all your loved ones can sometimes be taxing and time consuming, so if this bday is making you want to be alone, reflect, goal set, and manifest for the coming years, I get it and so love that for you. Besides, prioritizing yourself, your wants, and frolicking through a city at your own pace sounds like a top-tier way to enter into a new decade if I do say so myself.
Throw a Boat Party
Nothing says you’re entering your grown and hot era more than an opulent yacht party. Grab a bunch of bottles of booze, your loudest speaker, and book a fly-as-hell boat on boatsetter.com. And if you reallyyy wanna get extra (ofc you do!), give all your friends a color scheme to follow for the inevitable enviable ‘gram pics.
Go Back to Sleepaway Camp
One of my colleagues did this and it was genius! Especially since getting older sometimes naturally makes you a little nostalgic. If that’s the case for you, may I suggest some 1998 Parent Trap vibes? Book your stay at a cute cabin, round up your friends, and make sure someone brings loads of s’mores ingredients and card games.
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