Turning 60 is a remarkable milestone that deserves a celebration as memorable and unique as the person being honored. Whether the guest of honor is youthful and adventurous or prefers something more classic and cozy, there are countless ways to mark the occasion in style. Themed birthday parties add a layer of fun and personalization that can reflect their passions, memories, or dreams. A 60th birthday party can be nostalgic, elegant, silly, or even a little wild—it all depends on the personality of the celebrant and the kind of experience they’ll cherish most.
To help you plan the perfect celebration, here are 30 fun birthday party ideas and themes for someone turning 60. Whether you’re hosting a large event or something more intimate, these themes can be adapted to suit any budget or style of party. Dive in and discover a concept that fits your guest of honor like a glove!
1. “Cheers to 60 Years” Wine Tasting Party
Transform your party space into a classy wine bar with tasting stations featuring reds, whites, and rosés from around the world. Provide tasting cards so guests can jot down notes on their favorites. You could even invite a sommelier to guide the tasting or set up a blind wine challenge for a fun twist. Complement the wine with cheese boards, chocolate pairings, and artisan breads. Décor should include lots of candles, grapevine centerpieces, and elegant glassware. This party is ideal for wine lovers who enjoy savoring the finer things in life.
2. Vintage 1960s Bash
Celebrate the decade they were born with a retro ’60s-themed party. Think tie-dye, peace signs, vinyl records, and groovy music. Encourage guests to come in ’60s attire like bell bottoms, go-go boots, and mod dresses. Decorate with psychedelic patterns and lava lamps, and play a playlist full of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Motown hits. Serve retro foods like deviled eggs, fondue, and classic cocktails. This theme is great for someone who wants a nostalgic nod to their roots while enjoying a fun and colorful vibe.
3. Casino Night
Turn your home or venue into a mini Las Vegas with card tables, roulette, and blackjack. Use play money or poker chips and offer prizes for those with the biggest winnings at the end of the night. Hire a dealer or ask friends to dress up and man the tables. Serve cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and use dramatic lighting and rich, dark décor to set the mood. It’s an exciting and classy way to celebrate a 60th with a bit of risk and reward (without the actual losses).
4. Backyard BBQ Bonanza
If the birthday honoree loves the outdoors and good food, a backyard BBQ is a perfect casual celebration. Set up a grill station, serve BBQ classics like ribs and burgers, and offer lawn games like cornhole, horseshoes, or bocce ball. Use picnic tables with gingham tablecloths and string lights for a cozy atmosphere. Invite local musicians to play live acoustic music or create a playlist of their favorite country or rock hits. This theme is low-stress, fun, and perfect for gathering with friends and family in a relaxed setting.
5. Around the World Party
Create a global celebration by decorating different areas of your venue to represent different countries. Serve cuisine from various cultures—sushi from Japan, tacos from Mexico, pasta from Italy—and offer drinks like sake, margaritas, and sangria. Guests can “travel” around the party, getting a taste of each destination. You could also include trivia, cultural games, or a photo booth with international props. This is a fantastic theme for someone who loves to travel or has an adventurous palate.
6. Garden Tea Party
Host an elegant and peaceful afternoon tea in a beautiful garden or backyard. Decorate with floral arrangements, lace tablecloths, and pastel colors. Serve finger sandwiches, scones, petit fours, and a variety of teas. Add vintage china and classical music to complete the experience. Encourage guests to wear tea dresses and fancy hats. This is a charming and relaxed way to celebrate someone who loves nature, tradition, and meaningful conversation with loved ones.
7. Black & White Ball
For a formal affair, a black-and-white-themed party adds instant elegance. Ask guests to dress in black and white attire and decorate with monochromatic balloons, table settings, and floral arrangements. Serve gourmet canapés and signature black-and-white cocktails. Hire a string quartet or a jazz band to provide entertainment, and maybe even include a ballroom dancing segment. This classy theme is perfect for someone who appreciates refinement and timeless style.
8. Movie Star Night
Roll out the red carpet and celebrate like a celebrity. Set up a photo backdrop with props for a paparazzi-style entrance. Ask guests to come dressed as their favorite movie stars or in glamorous Hollywood attire. Project classic films on a screen and serve popcorn in gold bowls, themed cocktails, and “Oscar-worthy” hors d’oeuvres. Give out fun awards or “Oscars” for Best Dressed, Best Dance Moves, or Best Impersonation. It’s a star-studded way to celebrate someone who loves the limelight.
9. “This Is Your Life” Tribute Party
Create an emotional and heartwarming event with a tribute-style party. Gather photos, home videos, and stories from friends and family to showcase the life and achievements of the birthday person. You could produce a slideshow or even a short documentary-style video. Invite people to speak or share memories, roast-style or sincerely. Decorate with timelines, memorabilia, and personal touches. This deeply meaningful theme makes the celebrant feel truly loved and appreciated.
10. Roaring Twenties Party
Transport guests to the age of jazz, flappers, and speakeasies with a 1920s-themed celebration. Think Gatsby-style glitz and glamour with feathered headbands, pearl necklaces, and pinstripe suits. Decorate with art deco motifs, gold accents, and plenty of sparkle. Serve Prohibition-style cocktails in vintage glassware and play jazz or swing music. Add casino games or a Charleston dance contest to liven things up. This theme is perfect for someone who loves vintage style and upbeat energy.
11. Cruise Ship Party (Docked or Dry Land)
Bring the ocean breeze to your backyard or a rented venue by turning it into a mini cruise ship experience. Decorate with nautical themes—think anchors, navy stripes, and portholes. Offer tropical cocktails like piña coladas and mai tais, and set up buffet-style dining with seafood and island fare. Include cruise-style entertainment like limbo contests, bingo, or a steel drum band. For an extra touch, hand out “boarding passes” as invites. This theme is ideal for someone who loves to travel or dreams of being at sea.
12. Karaoke & Cocktails Night
Celebrate with music and laughter at a karaoke party with a fully stocked bar or curated cocktail menu. Set up a stage with lights and a mic, and have a screen for lyrics. You can rent a karaoke machine or use apps that connect to your TV. Choose songs from the celebrant’s favorite decades—’70s, ’80s, or even golden oldies—and let guests perform solos or duets. Themed cocktails named after famous singers or songs will add a cheeky twist. It’s a great choice for outgoing, fun-loving individuals who don’t mind being the star of the show.
13. Sports Fan Celebration
Tailor the party around the birthday person’s favorite sport or team. Use team colors for décor, hang banners or flags, and serve stadium-style snacks like hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn. Rent a projector to stream a classic game or play highlight reels of their favorite team. You can also organize mini games or a friendly competition—whether it’s backyard baseball, cornhole, or trivia. Encourage guests to wear jerseys. It’s perfect for sports lovers who live and breathe the game.
14. Sunset Beach Party
If you’re near the coast or have access to a lake, a beach party at sunset creates an unforgettable experience. Think bonfires, tiki torches, acoustic guitars, and cozy blankets. Serve tropical drinks and fresh seafood, and set up tiki bars and surfboard signs. Play relaxing music or invite a local acoustic band. You can even have a sandcastle contest or release paper lanterns. It’s a tranquil yet magical way to celebrate someone who loves the sea and the serenity of nature.
15. Country Western Hoedown
Bring on the boots, hats, and line dancing! A country-western party includes hay bales, rustic décor, and a dance floor with country hits. Hire a line-dancing instructor or create a boot-scootin’ playlist. Serve BBQ, baked beans, cornbread, and sweet tea. Use mason jars for drinks and decorate with bandanas, denim, and burlap. Great for folks who love country music or have a western spirit, this theme promises tons of energy and laughs.
16. Travel Memories Party
Celebrate six decades of life’s journeys by turning the party into a visual travel diary. Use maps, suitcases, and passport props. Create zones for places they’ve visited, with photos, souvenirs, and foods from each destination. Guests can “travel” through each station and hear a story tied to the destination. You could even have a guestbook styled as a passport for friends to leave messages. This thoughtful and personalized theme is ideal for well-traveled individuals with rich stories to share.
17. Cooking Class Party
Turn the celebration into an interactive culinary experience by hiring a chef to lead a cooking class. Choose a cuisine the celebrant loves—Italian, Thai, French—and invite guests to participate in making (and eating) the meal. Set up individual cooking stations and offer wine pairings. Provide guests with personalized aprons or recipe cards as party favors. It’s a perfect idea for a foodie who enjoys learning new things and values quality time with others.
18. Slumber Party for Adults
Who says slumber parties are just for kids? Invite a small group of close friends or family for a cozy night in with comfy clothes, movies, wine, and snacks. Set up air mattresses or tents inside for a nostalgic feel. Do face masks, play board games, or host a storytelling session. Breakfast the next morning can include pancakes, coffee, and fresh fruit. It’s intimate, relaxed, and ideal for someone who values bonding time over big crowds.
19. Art & Sip Night
Host a paint-and-sip party where guests follow a guided painting session while enjoying wine or mocktails. You can bring in a local artist or use online tutorials. Provide all the supplies—canvases, paints, aprons—and encourage creativity. Choose a subject meaningful to the celebrant, like a favorite landscape, pet, or abstract design. At the end, everyone leaves with their own artwork. This artsy theme is perfect for creative souls or anyone open to trying something new.
20. All-White Party
Ask everyone to dress in white for a fresh, stylish, and summery vibe. Host it outdoors with flowing white drapery, soft lighting, and white floral arrangements. Serve light foods like shrimp cocktail, sushi, and fresh salads. Drinks can include white sangria and clear cocktails. The minimalist color palette feels modern and chic, and it makes for stunning photographs. This theme is great for someone who appreciates elegance and understated beauty.
21. Backyard Movie Night
Set up a projector and screen for an open-air movie experience. Lay out blankets, lounge chairs, and fairy lights to create a cozy cinema under the stars. Pick the birthday person’s favorite films, and serve classic movie snacks like popcorn, candy, and soda. You could also have a themed dinner based on the movie—like Italian food for a “Godfather” screening or burgers and shakes for a ’50s flick. It’s ideal for film buffs or those who love relaxing outdoor evenings.
22. 60s Glam Rock Party
Channel the glitz of glam rock with sequins, metallics, big hair, and outrageous outfits. Set up a karaoke stage or air guitar competition. Decorate with neon lights, disco balls, and posters of David Bowie, Queen, and T. Rex. Serve retro snacks and colorful cocktails. It’s loud, fun, and ideal for someone who’s still rocking hard at 60.
23. Tropical Luau
Bring Hawaii to you with a luau featuring leis, tiki torches, and island music. Serve tropical foods like pineapple chicken, coconut shrimp, and fruity punch. Include a hula show or fire dancing performance if you want to go all out. Decorate with palm leaves, coconuts, and beachy colors. This theme offers a festive and relaxed atmosphere for anyone who dreams of island life.
24. Comedy Roast (With Love!)
Host a lighthearted roast where close friends and family share funny stories and gentle jokes. Make sure everyone knows the tone is warm and celebratory. Offer a stage setup with a microphone and have a trusted friend emcee. Serve cocktails and snacks, and cap off the night with a heartfelt toast. This is great for someone with a sharp sense of humor and a good sport attitude.
25. Rustic Barn Party
Rent a barn or outdoor venue and decorate with string lights, lanterns, and wildflowers. Include hay bale seating, a live folk band, and hearty farm-to-table fare. Offer pies for dessert and mason jar cocktails. Include dancing and simple games like sack races or a photo booth with cowboy props. This theme is perfect for someone who loves a relaxed, nature-inspired setting.
26. Decades of Memories Party
Decorate different areas of your party space to represent each decade of the honoree’s life—1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and so on. Use photos, music, and iconic décor from each time period. Include memory boards and invite guests to write messages or stories tied to each decade. Serve foods popular in each era and offer decade-themed trivia games. It’s a heartfelt journey through the years and ideal for someone sentimental.
27. Elegant Dinner Party
Host a formal dinner with a multi-course meal, candlelight, and live music. Hire a private chef or caterer to provide a fine dining experience. Use personalized place cards, fine china, and floral centerpieces. Offer wine pairings and a signature dessert. The focus is on sophisticated conversation, elegance, and good food—ideal for someone who enjoys classic luxury.
28. Book Club Birthday Bash
If the celebrant is a bibliophile, turn the party into a book-themed event. Choose one of their favorite books as a theme, or create stations for several genres. Encourage guests to bring a book to swap, and use quotes as décor. Serve literary-themed snacks like “Green Eggs & Ham” deviled eggs or “Tequila Mockingbird” cocktails. It’s a cozy, thoughtful celebration for any book lover.
29. Flashback to High School Party
Create a party that feels like a high school dance or reunion. Ask guests to dress in the fashion of the year the birthday person graduated. Play music from that era, serve cafeteria-style or retro food, and crown a prom king and queen. Include photos and yearbook quotes from the past. This theme is great for reminiscing and laughter.
30. Bucket List Adventure Party
Turn the party into a surprise adventure or celebration of one of the honoree’s bucket list dreams. It could be a hot air balloon ride, a mystery trip, a themed escape room, or a skydiving excursion followed by a party. Even if it’s symbolic, like a travel-themed party for a dream destination, the spirit is about celebrating life’s dreams. Perfect for someone who embraces bold, new experiences.