Turning 36 isn’t just another candle on the cake—it’s a celebration of all the wisdom, strength, and joy you’ve gained on your journey so far. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate gathering or a larger-than-life bash, your birthday is a chance to express yourself, reconnect with friends, and create unforgettable moments. With your career more defined, your friendships deeper, and your personal style more refined, your 36th birthday deserves a celebration that feels just as dynamic and unique as you are.
From nostalgic throwbacks to grown-up glamour and playful experiences, this list of 30 fun birthday themes is designed to help you mark your special day with meaning and flair. Whether you’re craving a wellness weekend, a dance-all-night party, or a relaxed dinner with your favorite people, you’ll find ideas here to suit every personality and budget. Let the countdown to 36 begin!
1. Garden Glam Soirée
Host an elegant garden party filled with blooming florals, string lights, and champagne toasts. Whether in your backyard or a local botanical venue, focus on soft pastels, vintage glassware, and nature-inspired décor like butterfly accents or hanging florals. Create a mimosa bar, serve fresh salads and charcuterie, and consider a live acoustic set to complete the atmosphere. Add a touch of glam with a flower crown station or a mobile prosecco cart. This theme is perfect for daytime and early evening and offers a blend of grace and fun that’s ideal for 36.
2. Pajama Party for Adults
Reclaim childhood joy with an upscale pajama party. Invite your besties to come in their cutest loungewear, and deck out your home with plush blankets, fairy lights, and cozy snacks. Offer spa-style touches like face masks, slippers, and a hot cocoa or tea bar, alongside bubbly and wine. Add games like “Truth or Dare,” a rom-com movie marathon, or DIY vision board crafting. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and perfect for quality time without needing to step outside.
3. Champagne & Charcuterie Night
Bring sophistication to your celebration with a tasting-focused evening featuring bubbly and beautifully curated boards. Mix traditional cheese and meat spreads with creative options like Mediterranean bites, fruits, and sweet pairings. Offer a variety of champagnes and sparkling wines with tasting cards and food pairing suggestions. Set the mood with candlelight, jazz or soft house music, and gold-accented décor. Ideal for those who love the finer things, this theme is perfect for both small gatherings and larger social affairs.
4. ’90s Throwback Bash
Throw it back to your formative years with a party inspired by all things ’90s. Think neon colors, lava lamps, posters of pop icons, and a playlist full of NSYNC, TLC, and Nirvana. Encourage guests to dress in classic ‘90s outfits—overalls, chokers, and jelly shoes—and provide themed snacks like Dunkaroos and pizza bagels. Set up a retro video game station, slap bracelet favors, and a DIY photo booth. It’s a fun and lighthearted way to celebrate your roots while dancing to your favorite teenage hits.
5. Bubbles & Brunch Party
Start your day with sunshine and celebration with a luxurious birthday brunch. Think eggs benedict, mini waffles, fruit parfaits, and a flowing mimosa or bellini bar. Decorate with cheerful florals, soft linens, and handwritten place cards. Add fun extras like DIY coffee art, personalized pastries, or even a live waffle station. Whether at a local bistro or at home, this morning-to-midday party is full of warmth, style, and laughter—the perfect low-key yet memorable way to celebrate.
6. The “Vision 36” Party
Turn your birthday into a manifestation celebration. Host a party focused on vision boarding, future goals, and personal growth. Provide supplies like magazines, scissors, glue, and canvas boards, along with wellness snacks and mocktails. Invite a life coach or mindfulness speaker for a short session or offer guided journaling prompts. It’s a soul-nourishing way to begin another year with clarity, surrounded by supportive friends who uplift and inspire.
7. Gatsby Glam Night
Turn your 36th into a dazzling affair with a 1920s-inspired Great Gatsby party. Think gold, black, and crystal décor, feathers, jazz music, and flapper-style attire. Offer Prohibition-style cocktails, canapés, and a champagne tower. Hire a jazz trio or DJ to keep the energy up, and include a dramatic photo backdrop with vintage props. This glamorous theme is perfect for lovers of drama, elegance, and classic style, and it promises a truly roaring night to remember.
8. DIY Pizza & Wine Night
Bring friends together for a fun and interactive evening where everyone builds their own gourmet pizzas. Set out a pizza bar with different sauces, cheeses, and toppings—from traditional to bold options like figs and prosciutto. Pair each pizza with curated wine selections and offer a cozy atmosphere with music and candles. Add chalkboard menus, chef hats, or custom aprons for a playful twist. It’s a low-pressure, high-fun way to gather around food and creativity.
9. Private Pool Party
Book a pool for a luxurious swim party or host one in your own backyard with floaties, loungers, and tropical drinks. Go for a cabana-inspired vibe with beach towels, fruity cocktails, and a chill DJ playlist. Provide inflatables, sunscreen stations, and frozen treats like popsicles or ice cream cones. For added flair, hire a bartender to make custom poolside drinks. It’s a splashy and carefree celebration that channels your inner vacation mode.
10. Hollywood Movie Premiere Party
Make yourself the star of your own movie night. Roll out the red carpet, dress in glam attire, and host a “screening” where you showcase a slideshow, video montage, or even a spoof trailer featuring moments from your life. Serve popcorn in gold foil bags, themed cocktails, and gourmet treats while guests walk the step-and-repeat for photos. Add award-style speeches or fun party superlatives for your friends. This is a unique, creative, and star-studded way to toast to 36.
11. Wine & Paint Garden Party
Bring out your inner artist with an alfresco wine and paint session. Set up easels, canvases, and art supplies in a backyard or garden space, and pair it all with a curated selection of wines and grazing boards. You can hire an instructor or let everyone freestyle their own masterpieces. Add soft acoustic music, fairy lights, and floral décor for a serene vibe. Guests leave with their artwork as a personalized party favor, making it a creative and memorable way to celebrate with friends, especially on a warm evening.
12. Disco Fever Dance Party
Go all out with a retro-inspired disco bash. Think glitter balls, colorful lights, and funky ’70s dance music. Encourage guests to wear bell bottoms, sequins, and platform shoes, and decorate your space with silver streamers, vinyl records, and glowing neon. Hire a DJ or make your own playlist of throwback disco hits and modern dance bangers. Offer themed cocktails like “Boogie Nights” punch and disco-themed cupcakes. Add a light-up dance floor or glow sticks to keep the energy going all night long. It’s a bold, high-energy way to celebrate your 36th with flair.
13. Travel the World Dinner Party
Take your guests on a culinary journey by hosting a “Taste of the World” dinner. Create stations or courses inspired by different countries—tapas from Spain, sushi from Japan, pasta from Italy, or tacos from Mexico. Decorate each area with country-specific décor and include little facts or fun games tied to each culture. You can also invite guests to dress in attire inspired by different destinations. This theme is perfect for food lovers and travel buffs alike and turns dinner into an immersive global adventure.
14. Masquerade Cocktail Gala
Add mystery and elegance with a masquerade ball-style cocktail party. Ask guests to wear formal attire and ornate masks, and decorate the space with rich jewel tones, candles, and chandeliers or string lights. Serve elegant cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and maybe even set up a champagne tower. Consider hiring a jazz trio or classical musicians for live background music. Include a “reveal” moment or a mask contest to keep the party interactive. This sophisticated theme blends drama and decadence for an unforgettable evening.
15. Outdoor Movie Under the Stars
Host a cozy backyard movie night with a projector, lawn chairs, and picnic blankets. Choose one of your favorite films—or a few—and screen them outdoors as the sun sets. Provide popcorn buckets, candy bars, and hot cocoa or sangria, depending on the season. Add string lights, lanterns, and a cozy fire pit if possible. Bonus points if you make it pajama-themed! It’s a chill yet thoughtful way to celebrate while relaxing with your closest friends.
16. Tropical Luau Bash
Bring the beach vibes to your party with a vibrant Hawaiian luau. Decorate with palm leaves, pineapples, tiki torches, and colorful leis. Serve tropical drinks like mai tais and piña coladas, and offer grilled skewers, coconut shrimp, and fresh fruit platters. Include beach games like limbo, coconut bowling, or a hula hoop contest. If possible, add a sand or pool element for added immersion. Whether indoors or outdoors, this party theme turns your 36th into a mini vacation.
17. Retro Roller Rink Revival
Rent out a roller rink or transform your garage or driveway into a skating space for a retro roller party. Invite guests to wear funky ’80s or ’90s outfits, and blast a playlist filled with hits from those decades. Add neon decorations, glow sticks, and classic rink snacks like nachos and slushies. Set up a DIY photo booth with throwback props, and offer fun challenges like a limbo-on-wheels contest. It’s an energetic, nostalgic party perfect for letting loose and laughing with friends.
18. Book Club Brunch Bash
If you love literature, host a brunch with a twist—everyone brings a book to swap, and you chat about favorite reads over lattes and mimosas. Create cozy reading nooks with blankets and pillows, and offer book-themed décor like centerpieces made of stacked novels or bookmarks as party favors. Pair the event with a menu of quiches, croissants, fresh fruit, and artisan coffee. You can even have each guest write a personalized note inside the cover of the book they bring. It’s a warm, thoughtful way to celebrate through meaningful conversation.
19. Glamping Night Under the Stars
Level up a traditional camping trip with a glamorous twist. Think cozy tents with fairy lights, outdoor rugs, plush bedding, and a s’mores bar. Rent a backyard glamping setup or DIY it with stylish picnic spreads, ambient lighting, and comfort-first touches. Offer campfire cocktails, a gourmet cookout, and late-night storytelling or card games. You could also add a stargazing session or hire someone to guide a constellation tour. This idea blends outdoor adventure with luxurious comfort—perfect for a relaxed and magical birthday celebration.
20. Sip & Solve: Escape Room Party
For a brainy and interactive birthday bash, host an escape room-style challenge at home or at a professional venue. Choose a theme—spy mission, haunted mystery, or sci-fi adventure—and split guests into teams to solve clues and beat the clock. Pair the activity with a cocktail bar and themed snacks (e.g., “mystery margaritas” or “detective donuts”) to keep the vibe fun and festive. It’s an immersive and thrilling party idea that gets everyone involved and makes your birthday feel like an exciting team adventure.
21. Casino Royale Night
Turn your party into a glamorous night at the tables with a Casino Royale theme. Set up game stations like blackjack, poker, and roulette, and use play money or chips that guests can “cash in” for prizes or raffle entries. Encourage guests to dress in formal wear—tuxedos, cocktail dresses, and of course, Bond-inspired attire. Serve elegant hors d’oeuvres, signature martinis (“shaken, not stirred”), and decorate with gold, red, and black for an upscale vibe. It’s thrilling, interactive, and adds an air of sophistication and fun competition to your celebration.
22. Wellness & Zen Day
If you’re craving calm, throw a birthday that’s all about relaxation and renewal. Host a wellness retreat-style gathering at a spa, yoga studio, or even at home. Include yoga or meditation sessions, aromatherapy stations, herbal teas, smoothie bowls, and massage or Reiki treatments. Add calming elements like essential oil diffusers, soft music, and comfy seating areas. Give guests self-care favors like bath bombs or affirmation cards. It’s a soothing and intentional way to mark your 36th birthday with balance and presence—especially perfect if you’re not into high-energy parties.
23. Karaoke & Cocktails Night
Let loose with a karaoke party where everyone’s inner rockstar can shine. Rent a karaoke machine or go to a private karaoke lounge, and deck out the space with disco lights, a fun stage setup, and mic props. Create a drink menu with punny names like “Pour Some Sugar on Me” or “Whiskey-a-Go-Go.” Add a sign-up sheet or friendly competition with prizes for the best performance, funniest song, or best duet. This theme is all about joy, laughter, and letting go—making it a high-spirited way to celebrate with your crew.
24. Color Party: One Hue, All Night
Pick your favorite color and run with it—from outfits to decorations to drinks and desserts. Whether it’s all pink everything or a bold monochrome in cobalt blue, choose a hue and go big. Ask guests to wear the color, serve matching food and cocktails, and even light the room with matching uplights or candles. This theme is visually striking and easy to execute. It’s perfect for a home party, rooftop gathering, or rented event space—and it guarantees your photos will be stunningly cohesive and chic.
25. Memory Lane Milestone Party
Celebrate the highlights of your life so far with a sentimental “memory lane” theme. Decorate the party space with a timeline of your life—photos, notes, and mementos from childhood to now. Create interactive areas where guests can write memories, blessings, or future wishes. You can even set up a video message booth or ask loved ones to submit short tribute videos. Combine all of it into a keepsake you’ll treasure for years. This heartfelt theme adds deep emotional meaning to your celebration and reminds you just how far you’ve come.
26. “Favorite Things” Party
Curate a celebration around everything you love—your favorite foods, drinks, music, games, and styles. From your top playlists to a menu made up of your favorite snacks, this personalized party is all about sharing your unique tastes with your guests. Decorate with your favorite colors or symbols, and host small games or quizzes based on your life (“How Well Do You Know Me?”). Guests will love getting to experience all your faves in one place, and you’ll love how reflective and joyful the party feels.
27. Live Music Backyard Bash
Host a mini-concert in your backyard by hiring a local band or acoustic performer to set the vibe. Arrange picnic tables, string lights, and a stage area or cozy seating circle. Serve drinks from a DIY bar or cocktail van, and keep the food casual with BBQ, tacos, or a gourmet food truck. Set up lawn games, blankets, and fire pits for a festival feel. A live music party creates an unforgettable ambiance, perfect for connecting with friends and dancing under the stars.
28. Themed Costume Party
Pick a fun or quirky theme—like “TV Characters,” “Famous Duos,” “The Year You Were Born (1989),” or “Fantasy vs. Reality”—and ask everyone to dress accordingly. This type of party invites creativity and conversation, and it instantly elevates the fun factor. Offer a themed menu, playlist, and photo booth props to match. Add a costume contest with categories like “Most Creative,” “Best Couple,” or “Funniest.” It’s a playful and energetic way to bring people together and make your birthday completely unforgettable.
29. DIY Craft & Sip Party
Turn your party into a creative studio with a craft-and-sip setup. Choose an easy, stylish craft—like custom candles, beaded jewelry, clay trinket trays, or seasonal wreaths—and provide all the supplies in an organized, Pinterest-worthy setup. Pair the crafting with wine, mocktails, or mimosas and set a cozy, relaxing vibe with background music and light bites. Everyone leaves with something they made (and loved!), and you get a warm, engaging atmosphere that encourages conversation, creativity, and laughs.
30. Starlit Rooftop Soirée
End your 36th birthday celebration with style—literally—on a rooftop under the stars. Whether it’s your own building or a rented venue, create a luxurious, city-chic vibe with soft seating, string lights, and candlelit tables. Offer elegant small plates, a signature cocktail, and chill music—maybe even a live saxophonist or DJ. Add cozy blankets and heaters for colder weather or parasols and iced drinks for summer nights. A rooftop setting offers stunning views, fresh air, and a magical way to feel on top of the world for your big day.