Turning 31 is that sweet spot between still-young and confidently grown. It’s a time when you’ve gathered some wisdom but still know how to party — and your birthday bash should reflect that. Whether you’re planning something big or intimate, silly or sophisticated, themed or timeless, your 31st birthday is the perfect chance to celebrate the person you’ve become (and the fun you still know how to have). From cozy dinners to outrageous costume parties, there’s something here to spark excitement.
This list of 31st birthday party themes balances nostalgia, elegance, pop culture, and creative twists on classic ideas. Each one is customizable, so you can scale it up or down depending on your vibe, budget, and guest list. No matter what mood you’re going for — glam, chill, adventurous, or hilarious — you’ll find an idea here that fits. So pick your favorite, grab your friends, and get ready to make your 31st your most fun birthday yet.
1. Thirty-FUN and Thriving
Celebrate being 31 with a high-energy bash that screams “fun over everything.” Rent out a rooftop bar or host a backyard soirée with neon lights, upbeat music, and party games. Think confetti, glow sticks, karaoke, a DIY taco bar, and colorful cocktails. It’s a vibrant party that reminds everyone that life doesn’t slow down after 30—it only gets better.
2. Retro Roller Rink Bash
Bring back the vibes of the ’80s and ’90s with a nostalgic roller-skating party. Encourage guests to wear retro clothes—leg warmers, bright spandex, or flannel shirts—and create a playlist of throwback hits. Add in arcade games, pizza, and a vintage photo booth for maximum fun. Bonus points if you include prizes for best outfits or skating tricks.
3. Private Chef Dinner Party
Turn your home or Airbnb into a gourmet experience by hiring a private chef for the night. Invite close friends to enjoy a customized multi-course meal, complete with wine pairings. Set a classy table, add candlelight, and dress up for the occasion. It’s a luxurious way to celebrate your 31st year in style and savor a night of fine food and great company.
4. The 31 Club: Casino Night
Transform your space into a swanky casino with blackjack tables, poker chips, and a roulette wheel. Give everyone play money at the door and let the games begin. Dress code? Vegas-glam or Monte Carlo chic. Include a bar with themed drinks and snacks, and offer a prize for the biggest winner. It’s classy, exciting, and totally unforgettable.
5. Tropical Tiki Party
Escape to paradise—no passport required. Host a backyard luau or beachy bash with tiki torches, leis, fruity cocktails in coconuts, and plenty of tropical decor. Encourage guests to wear Hawaiian shirts, sundresses, and flip-flops. Add limbo contests, hula dancing, and a grilled pineapple station to bring the island vibes to life.
6. Pajama & Pancakes Party
Who says birthday parties have to be late-night affairs? Host a cozy brunch bash in your comfiest pajamas. Serve stacks of pancakes, waffles, mimosas, coffee cocktails, and plenty of toppings. Add board games, movies, or a spa corner with face masks and slippers. It’s a laid-back and delicious way to celebrate with your besties.
7. Glamping Getaway
Book a weekend in a chic cabin, yurt, or luxe tent setup. Decorate with fairy lights, fire pits, and cozy blankets. Spend the weekend hiking, stargazing, playing card games, and roasting marshmallows. It’s the perfect combo of nature and comfort—and a unique way to bond and relax with friends for your birthday.
8. Hollywood Red Carpet Night
Roll out the red carpet for a glam evening where you and your guests dress to impress. Set up a photo wall, serve champagne, and hand out “awards” for best dressed, funniest entrance, or best couple look. You could even have a mini film screening of your favorite movie or birthday video montage.
9. Murder Mystery Dinner
Host a night of intrigue and fun with a themed murder mystery party. Choose a setting—1920s speakeasy, haunted mansion, or yacht party—and assign characters to guests. Follow the script, serve a themed dinner, and solve the crime together. It’s immersive, hilarious, and something everyone will talk about long after.
10. Sip & Paint Party
Invite a local artist or set up DIY painting kits for an artistic twist on your birthday. Provide canvases, paints, brushes, and a few bottles of wine. Whether at home, in a studio, or outdoors, this party lets everyone tap into their creative side while sipping and socializing.
11. Game Night Gala
Level up your typical game night with a stylish twist. Set up tables for card games, board games, trivia, and even giant Jenga or Connect 4. Provide snacks, drinks, and fun prizes. Theme it like a casino or retro arcade—or just keep it classy with wine and charcuterie.
12. ’90s Throwback Party
Take a trip down memory lane with a party inspired by the best decade ever. Think slap bracelets, Tamagotchis, pop music, scrunchies, and grunge. Create a playlist of hits from Britney to Blink-182, serve nostalgic snacks like Dunkaroos and pizza rolls, and have a costume contest.
13. Outdoor Movie Night
Rent or set up a projector and screen your favorite films under the stars. Offer cozy blankets, popcorn buckets, candy trays, and signature drinks. Choose a movie theme—rom-coms, action flicks, or classics—and enjoy a laid-back cinematic celebration.
14. Wine & Cheese Garden Party
Host an elegant afternoon of wine tasting in your backyard or at a vineyard. Set up picnic tables or blankets with beautiful cheese boards, wine flights, and fresh fruit. Add floral centerpieces and mellow acoustic music. It’s picturesque, Instagram-worthy, and relaxing.
15. Bar Crawl Bingo
Plan a night out with a twist: each stop on your bar crawl has a challenge or “bingo square” to complete—like singing karaoke, trying a weird drink, or dancing with a stranger. Print bingo cards, hand out pens, and let the games (and drinks) begin.
16. Yoga & Mimosas Morning
Start your birthday with zen energy. Host a private yoga class in a park or studio, followed by a light brunch with mimosas, fruit, and pastries. It’s a feel-good way to energize your day and celebrate wellness and friendship.
17. “Around the World” Dinner
Each course of your meal represents a different country. Serve tapas from Spain, sushi from Japan, pasta from Italy, and finish with French desserts. Decorate each table section with themed décor and even dress the part. It’s a cultural culinary journey right from your dining room.
18. Spa Day Soirée
Pamper yourself with a full-blown spa experience—at home or in a spa. Offer facials, massages, mani-pedis, and cucumber-infused water. Have a dress code of robes and slippers and give guests mini spa kits as favors. It’s calm, refreshing, and absolutely luxurious.
19. Backyard BBQ & Beer Bash
Keep it classic with burgers, beers, music, and lawn games. Set up coolers, string lights, and a playlist. Add beer tasting flights, or turn it into a potluck BBQ. Simple, satisfying, and great for groups of any size.
20. Costume Karaoke Night
Combine two crowd favorites—karaoke and costumes. Pick a theme (superheroes, pop icons, movie characters) and have everyone dress up before hitting the mic. Set up a stage area, record performances, and award prizes for the most dramatic performance or best duet.
21. High Tea & Hats
Host an afternoon tea party with finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, and floral china. Ask guests to wear fancy hats or fascinators. Whether in your garden or a tea room, it’s a charming, classy celebration with vintage flair.
22. Festival Vibes Party
Recreate the energy of Coachella with flower crowns, live music or DJs, and outdoor lounges. Include henna artists, food trucks, and glow paint. Whether in your yard or at a rented venue, it’s a mini music fest for your big day.
23. “Hot Ones” Spicy Food Challenge
Set up a wing tasting challenge modeled after the viral show. Try progressively hotter sauces with each round and film reactions. Include milk, ice cream, and prizes for the last one standing. It’s hilarious, sweaty fun—just keep the napkins handy.
24. Book Club Bash
If you’re a book lover, host a literary-themed party. Pick your favorite novel, dress as characters, and serve themed food and drinks. Add a book exchange and cozy reading nooks. It’s perfect for introverts and deep conversation lovers.
25. DIY Pizza & Prosecco Party
Everyone gets their own dough to make custom pizzas with a buffet of toppings. Pair with prosecco or Italian wine. Play Italian music, decorate with red-checkered tablecloths, and toast to a flavorful night with zero stress.
26. Rent-a-Mansion Pool Party
Go all out and rent a house with a pool for a wild day of sun, music, and floaties. Add drink floats, pool games, and a DJ or Bluetooth speaker setup. Ideal for summer birthdays when you just want to dive into fun.
27. Sustainable Birthday Bash
If you’re eco-conscious, plan a party with zero waste. Use compostable plates, local food, and DIY decor. You could even host a “plant a tree for my birthday” gathering or a clothes swap party. It’s meaningful and makes a positive impact.
28. Enchanted Forest Party
Transform your space into a magical forest with fairy lights, mossy centerpieces, whimsical music, and fairy or elf costumes. Serve floral cocktails, herbal teas, and earthy snacks. It’s dreamy, creative, and full of fantasy.
29. Rent-a-Theater Movie Night
Book a private screening at a local theater and play your favorite movie (or a new release). Provide themed snacks, popcorn buckets with your name, and maybe even a red carpet outside. It’s luxe and laid-back at the same time.
30. The “Level 31” Gamer Party
Perfect for video game lovers. Create a game lounge with multiplayer setups, retro consoles, and tournaments. Theme the decor like a video game level and serve energy drinks, pizza, and pixelated cake. You’ve leveled up to 31—celebrate like a boss.