Summer is here, and it's time to start planning your next outdoor party! Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, corporate event, or pool party, having a unique theme can make all the difference. In this article, we've compiled 20 amazing summer party ideas to help you inspire your next event theme.
20 Unforgettable Summer Party Theme Ideas
When it comes to creating the perfect summer party, picking the right theme can make all the difference. With a theme in mind, you can select decorations, party favors, and food that work perfectly. Check out the best summer party ideas to inspire your next celebration and create lasting memories with your guests.
1. Pool Party
A pool party is perfect for cooling off and relaxing on hot summer days. Set up pool floats, toys, and water games to entertain guests of all ages. Serve tropical cocktails and refreshing lemonade. For food, craft a menu that’s light and easy, like mini ham and cheese sandwiches and chips, salsa, and guacamole as a snack. Offer plenty of shaded seating areas and sunscreen for sun protection.
2. Beach Bonfire
Head to your favorite beach destination for a cozy evening of roasting marshmallows, playing beach games, and enjoying great company. Play beach-themed party music and share stories around the fire for a memorable night under the stars.
Don’t live near the shore? Host a beach-themed party in your backyard! Put up inflatable palm trees, beach balls, and a sand pit with buckets and shovels to give your bonfire beachy vibes. Don’t forget to grab hot dogs you can roast over the fire for a tasty treat.
3. Luau
Bring the spirit of the Hawaiian Islands home with a festive luau complete with tropical party decorations, leis, grass skirts, and island-inspired foods and drinks. For a fun twist on a traditional hot dog, serve a Hawaiian hot dog. Grill some regular hot dogs, place them on brioche buns, then grill fresh pineapple slices, too. Then create a tasty sauce using teriyaki, mayonnaise, lime juice, and sea salt. Yum!
You can also invite guests to take part in traditional Hawaiian games and activities like hula dancing and limbo. Have everyone dress up in their favorite Hawaiian shirts, or provide some themed attire like sunglasses and leis for everyone to wear.
4. Backyard BBQ Party
A backyard barbecue is a summer staple. Grill up your favorite mouthwatering main dishes and offer plenty of sides. Burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, coleslaw, kebabs, and potato salad are all great ideas. Encourage guests to bring a dish to share for a potluck-style feast. Don’t forget ice-cold drinks like flavored water and soda for everyone to stay cool.
Cover tables with gingham tablecloths, write what’s on the menu on a chalkboard sign, and provide plates, cups, napkins, and plastic silverware. With this, you’ll have the quintessential summer soiree.
5. Outdoor Movie Night
Set up an outdoor movie screen or projector and host a movie night under the stars. Add plenty of comfy seating with bean bags, blankets, and pillows. Complete the cinema experience by serving popcorn in red and white buckets, candy, and refreshing beverages.
For added fun, make your guests feel like movie stars with a photo booth! Tell them to pose for the paparazzi against a cinematic backdrop with silly photo booth props.
6. Ice Cream Social
Sweeten your summer party with an ice cream social! Set up an ice cream bar with cups, spoons, and a variety of flavors and toppings, such as sprinkles, hot fudge, nuts, and whipped cream. Provide ice cream floats, sundaes, and cones to put a smile on everyone's face.
7. Picnic
Pack a picnic basket filled with gourmet sandwiches, cheeses, and refreshing salads, and head to a picturesque park or scenic spot for a leisurely summer picnic. Make sure to bring plenty of red gingham plates, napkins, cups, and disposable utensils to match the theme. Take a frisbee or ball to play fun outdoor games and enjoy the beauty of nature.
8. Obstacle Course
Feeling competitive? Set up a backyard obstacle course to challenge you and your guests! Include activities like tire runs, rope swings, and balance beams. Offer prizes for the winners and have drinks close by, like water and juice, so your guests can refuel. You can also have healthy snacks on stand-by, like granola bars and fresh fruit.
9. Tea Party or Brunch
Arrange a classy afternoon tea party or weekend brunch outdoors. Serve delicacies like finger sandwiches, scones, cookies, and a variety of teas. Decorate your outdoor space with beautiful table settings, floral decorations and tableware, fairy lights, and flower arrangements for an elegant gathering.
10. Magic of the Seas
Embrace aquatic vibes with a "Magic of the Seas" party. Use ocean-inspired party decorations, such as seashells, sea creatures, and nautical items. Serve seafood dishes alongside colorful drinks, like blue Kool-Aid and cocktails with blue curacao. Encourage guests to dress in beachwear or as their favorite sea creature.
11. A Day at the Fair
Recreate the thrill of a summer fair in your backyard with games like ring toss, balloon darts, and bean bag toss. Serve traditional fair foods like cotton candy, funnel cakes, and corn dogs, and have a station that serves fresh-squeezed lemonade. Complete the experience with an inflatable bounce house or slide. When night falls, light up the fair with string lights.
12. Neon Night
Illuminate your party with a neon-themed extravaganza. Use blacklights, colorful decorations like neon balloons and lights, and glow sticks to create a vibrant atmosphere. Encourage guests to wear neon costumes and offer colorful cocktails served in bright cups. Try serving adult guests a rainbow paradise cocktail. All you need for these drinks is crushed ice, pineapple juice, grenadine, coconut-flavored rum, blue curacao, and an orange slice for garnishing!
13. Summer Cooking Competition
Put your guests' culinary skills to the test with a summer cook-off! Set up outdoor cooking stations, provide ingredients, and let guests create their best summer dishes. There are tons of fun dishes guests can make, from steak dinners with potatoes to grilled chicken with lemon sauce.
Appoint a panel of judges to determine the final winners and offer prizes to the top chef.
14. Sail Away
Set sail for an unforgettable summer party on the water. Rent paddleboards, kayaks, or canoes, then head to your nearest lake or river. Pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and sunblock, and enjoy a day of aquatic fun. Bring inflatable tubes, rafts, and drink floats to make it a relaxing afternoon.
15. Sports Party
Get your guests moving with a sports-themed party. Choose a sport you all love, or create a mini-Olympics with various games and activities. Think soccer, volleyball, or a friendly game of horseshoes. Provide ample water and sports drinks to stay hydrated.
Alternatively, you could host a sports watch party for your favorite team. Prepare finger foods like veggie trays, chips and dip, wings, and pigs in a blanket.
16. Citrus Summer
A citrus-themed summer party is a bright and flavorful way to celebrate the season. Decorate with vibrant colors like orange, yellow, and lime green. Create a classic lemonade stand and serve drinks like lemonade, limeade, and orange juice with sliced fruits as garnishes.
For dessert, offer lemon or orange sorbet and cupcakes with citrus frosting. Have guests dress in matching colors to coordinate with the theme.
17. Flower Arrangement Class
Foster creativity and beauty at your summer gathering with a flower arrangement class. Hire a local florist to lead a workshop and provide fresh flowers, vases, and supplies. Decorate with floral cutouts, balloons, table covers, and centerpieces to inspire attendees. Offer drinks adorned with flower petals, like raspberry iced tea. Then, send your guests home with their stunning creations as a memorable party favor.
18. Butterflies
Host a whimsical butterfly-themed garden party. Use butterfly decorations and colorful floral arrangements to create an enchanting environment. Serve light finger foods and refreshing drinks garnished with edible flowers, and consider hiring a face painting artist for added fun. Get tiaras, wings, jewelry, and other butterfly costumes for the little ones to immerse them in the theme.
19. Music Festival
Bring the spirit of a summer music festival to your own backyard! Create a summer vibes soundtrack, set up speakers, and encourage guests to dress their festival best. Consider hiring a local band or DJ to provide the tunes. To make your party extra special, offer creative food and drink options, such as a build-your-own burger or taco bar.
20. Tex-Mex Fiesta
Heat up your summer party with a Tex-Mex fiesta. Serve mouthwatering dishes like tacos, fajitas, and loaded nachos, and offer frozen margaritas and ice-cold cervezas. Decorate with bright colors, piñatas, and serapes, and play upbeat Latin music to get your guests dancing.
Summer Party Game Ideas
Once you've chosen your perfect theme, add some exciting summer party games to keep your guests entertained. Providing a mix of activities for guests of all ages ensures a fun-filled summer celebration. Here are some summer party ideas to keep guests entertained:
Lawn twister
Water balloon toss
Giant Jenga
Relay race
Mini-golf
Step your party planning game up with the help of Party City! We have all the party supplies you need to host spectacular summer parties, from pool games and water balloons to luau and BBQ decorations. If you need expert assistance creating the perfect summer vibes, our team can provide tips and party ideas to guide you in the right direction. Find your nearest location to visit us in-store, or shop our summer theme party selection online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you throw a fun summer party?
There are many ways to throw a fun summer party! Here are some tips:
Choose a theme: Whether it's a luau, beach party, or backyard barbecue, having a theme can add a lot of fun to your party. Decorate with colors and props that fit the theme.
Plan outdoor activities: Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors, so play games like volleyball, badminton, or cornhole. Set up a photo booth or arrange fun water games like a sprinkler or Slip N' Slide.
Serve refreshing drinks and food: Make sure to have some cold beverages on hand, like lemonade, iced tea, and fruit smoothies. For food, offer a variety of summery dishes like grilled burgers and hot dogs, fresh fruits, salads, and dessert treats like s'mores.
Keep the music playing: Create a playlist of upbeat summer tunes to keep the party going.
Add some lighting: As the sun goes down, add some outdoor lighting like string lights, lanterns, or candles to keep the party going into the night.
Remember, the key to a fun summer party is to keep things relaxed and enjoyable for all your guests!
What should I name a summer event?
When naming a summer event, consider incorporating words that evoke images of sun, beach, and fun. Here are some ideas to give you inspiration:
Sunsplash Fest
Beach Bash
Summer Soiree
Fiesta del Sol
Shoreline Jam
Fun in the Sun
Sizzling Summer
Waves and Vibes
Summertime Shindig
Island Getaway
Tropical Paradise Party
Endless Summer
What time should a summer party start?
The best time to start a summer party depends on the type of party, theme, and weather conditions in your area. For outdoor parties, it's best to start in the late afternoon or early evening. This way, you can have both sun and shade so guests are comfortable. Starting between 4 and 7 pm is ideal for most outdoor summer parties.
Indoor parties are a different story — you can start at any time. Consider what suits your schedule and your guests' availability.
