A 60th birthday is no ordinary occasion. It’s a time to celebrate life’s achievements, family, friendships, and everything that’s still to come. Whether the guest of honour wants a sophisticated dinner, a lively party, or something unique, turning 60 deserves a celebration that’s meaningful, fun, and unforgettable.

So if you’re searching for 60th birthday themes and unforgettable 60th birthday party ideas, we’ve pulled together inspiration that blends elegance with entertainment, perfect for Australians looking to mark this milestone.

Why 60 is worth celebrating big

By 60, you’re looking back with pride at what you’ve achieved, whilst also looking forward to the new adventures that will come. 60 is the perfect age for a party that feels personal and sophisticated.

Unlike milestone birthdays like 18ths or 21sts - a 60th tends to be about quality over quantity, focusing on creating memories with loved ones, rather than all-night parties. Still, entertainment and atmosphere matter, and that’s where themes and professional entertainers come in.

15 themes for your 60th birthday party

1. Vintage 1960s 

A retro celebration of the decade you were born in, think flower power, mod fashion, and vinyl grooves. How to bring it to life:

• Décor: lava lamps, tie-dye, vinyl records, peace signs, and bold colors.
• Music: live 60s tribute band or DJ spinning Beatles, Motown, and The Rolling Stones.
• Professionals: hire a vintage-style photo booth company, and a retro cocktail caterer (martinis, sidecars, and classic canapés).

2. Back to where it all began

A nostalgic theme centered around your hometown, childhood memories, or first big milestones. How to bring it to life:

• Décor: recreate your childhood street, school memorabilia, or family photo displays.
• Activities: “memory lane” slideshow or guests sharing funny stories of the guest of honour. 
• Professionals: event planner, storytelling videographer, and caterer serving hometown favourites.

3. Golden years

An elegant, warm celebration of life’s best decades, literally “golden” in tone and spirit. How to bring it to life:

• Décor: gold, white, and cream palette; candlelight and metallic accents.
• Dress code: gold or white.
• Professionals: jazz band for a sophisticated mood, and a florist for lush arrangements.

4. Around the world

A travel-inspired theme celebrating adventures taken (or still to come). How to bring it to life:

• Décor: passport stamps, globes, suitcases, map table runners.
• Activities: travel-themed quiz or “passport” where each food station represents a different country.
• Professionals: international caterer, world-music DJ or band. 

5. Route 66

A nostalgic Americana road-trip theme symbolizing freedom and the journey of life. How to bring it to life:

• Décor: neon signs, diner booths, classic car props, and maps of Route 66.
• Food: burgers, milkshakes, and fries served from a retro food truck.
• Professionals: car hire service for vintage vehicles, rockabilly band, and caterer to serve up classic american diner dishes.

6. Hollywood in the ’60s

Step into the glamour of mid-century Hollywood; red carpets, paparazzi flashes, and vintage movie stars. How to bring it to life:

• Décor: Oscars-style backdrop, gold stars, spotlights, and film reels.
• Activities: mini “awards” ceremony or movie trivia.
• Professionals: event photographer in paparazzi style, vintage makeup artist, and cocktail mixologist for Old Hollywood martinis.

7. The story so far…

A reflective, personal journey through the celebrant’s life chapters. How to bring it to life:

• Décor: timeline walls, framed photos, and storytelling installations.
• Activities: video montage, friends/family toasts, or “memory books.”
• Professionals: event producer for narrative flow, video editor for a life highlights film, and stationery designer for personalized menus and storyboards.

8. Aged to perfection

Like a fine wine, celebrating maturity, richness, and full flavour. How to bring it to life:

• Décor: wine barrels, deep reds, candles, and rustic wood.
• Food & Drink: wine or whiskey tasting bar, paired menu.
• Professionals: sommelier or mixologist, charcuterie caterer, and jazz trio for an indulgent mood.

9. Born to sparkle

A bold, fun, glitter-filled celebration of life and confidence. Bringing sparkle to celebrate their 60 years.  How to bring it to life:

• Décor: sequins, neon lights, disco balls, and glitter confetti.
• Dress code: sparkle, metallic, or glam.
• Professionals: DJ or live pop band, and glitter-bar makeup artist for guests.

10. Reflections

Thoughtful and elegant 60th birthday idea,  a party to look back at the past while celebrating the present and the future. How to bring it to life:

• Décor: mirrors, candles, and calm neutral tones.
• Activities: reflective speeches, gratitude “mirror wall” where guests write memories.
• Professionals: portrait photographer, and a string quartet for an introspective tone.

11. Gatsby glamour

A Roaring ’20s soirée filled with Art Deco glitz, champagne towers, and jazz - offering your 60th birthday celebration a vintage feel. How to bring it to life:

• Décor: black and gold, feathers, geometric patterns, pearls.
• Dress code: flapper dresses, tuxedos, and headpieces.
• Professionals: swing band, flapper dancers, cocktail caterer, and a bartender to serve up classic speakeasy cocktails. 

12. Garden of life

A nature-inspired celebration symbolizing growth, beauty, and renewal. How to bring it to life:

• Décor: lush greenery, floral installations, twinkling lights.
• Food: seasonal garden-to-table menu.
• Professionals: marquee hire, acoustic guitarist, and outdoor event planner with expertise in marquee or botanical settings.

13. Milestone mountain

A metaphor for life’s climb, and one for someone who loves the outdoors and going on walks or hikes. A 60th birthday idea that celebrates life’s achievements and it’s new peaks. How to bring it to life:

• Décor: earthy tones, mountain silhouettes, hiking motifs.
• Activities: storytelling wall of “life’s milestones,” custom “summit” cake.
• Professionals: photographer for dramatic portraits, and motivational MC or speaker for a memorable toast.

14. Teenage years relived

A nostalgic rewind to their teenage decade, keeping the guest of honour and the guests carefree, rebellious, and fun. How to bring it to life:

• Décor: posters, jukeboxes, teenage bedroom nostalgia.
• Music: their favorite high-school hits playlist or live cover band.
• Professionals: retro band or DJ, photo booth with vintage props, and costume stylist for era-specific fashion (’70s, ’80s, etc.).

15. Diamond jubilee

A regal and refined theme marking 60 years. Diamonds symbolize strength, rarity, and brilliance - what’s better than that to celebrate a 60th birthday milestone?  How to bring it to life:

• Décor: silver, crystal, and icy blue palette with elegant lighting.
• Food & Drink: champagne, fine dining, and sparkling desserts.
• Professionals: event planner specializing in luxury events, string quartet or harpist, and lighting designer for shimmering reflections.

Now you have your theme, think about the kind of party you want to plan… 

From intimate dinners, to lavish affairs - organise a party that reflects the personality of the guest of honour to a T.  Here are some 60th birthday ideas to bring your theme to life: 

1. Black Tie Ball

Hosting at home? Transform your space with a marquee and turn it into a formal affair with hired drapes, uplighting, and a dance floor. Use gold, silver, or black linens, elegant place settings, and a small live jazz trio or string quartet.

Hosting at a venue? Booking a hotel ballroom, or hiring a local events hall, or stately home. Include red carpet entry, champagne reception, and dinner with live entertainment or an awards-style presentation.

Best themes for a Black Tie Ball: 

• Golden Years
• Gatsby Glamour
• Diamond Jubilee
• Hollywood in the ’60s

Event professionals for extra help: Event planner, lighting designer, band or DJ, formal catering team, and a luxury décor stylist.

2. Garden party

Hosting at home? Decorate your garden with floral decor, vintage china, string lights, and parasols. Offer afternoon tea or a buffet.

Hosting at a venue? Hire a space in a nearby botanical garden, winery, or outdoor marquee with elegant seating and live acoustic music.

Best themes:

• Garden of Life 
• Golden Years
• Aged to Perfection
• Reflections

Event professionals for extra help: Florist, acoustic musician, or marquee hire company.

3. Intimate dinner party

Hosting at home?  Make it special with lavish tablescapes and hire a private chef for a 3–5 course meal. This removes the stress on the night and makes sure you don’t need to do the cooking!  Use candles, soft lighting, and meaningful table décor (photos, keepsakes) to make it even more special. .

Hosting at a venue? Book a private dining room at a restaurant for 10–20 guests, with curated wine pairings or a tasting menu. Check whether the restaurant would be happy to make a bespoke menu that reflects the personality of the guest of honour! 

Best themes:

• Reflections 
• The Story So Far… 
• Aged to Perfection 
• Golden Years

Event professionals for extra help: Private chef, sommelier, stylist for tablescaping, and live pianist.

4. Rooftop party

Hosting at home? If you have access to a terrace or high patio, create a chic space with lounge seating, fairy lights, and signature cocktails. 

Hosting at a venue? Choose a rooftop bar or skyline venue; include sunset timing, a DJ, and modern canapés.

Best themes:

• Born to Sparkle
• Golden Years
• Hollywood in the ’60s
• Vintage 1960s

Event professionals for extra help: DJ, lighting designer, cocktail caterer, rooftop event planner.

5. Sunset cruise

Hosting at home?  Recreate the atmosphere of a cruise in your garden or on a balcony, this can be done with nautical decor, ocean-blue palette, string lights, and seafood dining.

Hosting at a venue? Charter a local boat or river cruiser. Offer drinks, live music, and a champagne toast as the sun sets.

Best themes:

• Around the World 
• Golden Years
• Milestone Mountain 
• Aged to Perfection

Event professionals for extra help: Charter company, live band, caterer specializing in seafood, and event stylist for nautical decor.

6. Wine & dine experience

Hosting at home? Set up a tasting area with wine flights and paired canapés. Hire a sommelier to guide guests through each vintage.

Hosting at a venue? Book a local vineyard, wine bar, or fine dining restaurant for a curated tasting menu and wine pairing experience.

Best themes for a Wine & Dine experience:

• Aged to Perfection 
• Golden Years
• Reflections 
• Vintage 1960s 

Event professionals for extra help: Sommelier, caterer or private chef, event stylist, and acoustic duo.

7. Backyard extravaganza

Hosting at home? Turn your backyard into a mini festival with bunting, live music, and food trucks or grazing tables. Include a photo booth or outdoor bar setup.

Hosting at a venue? Hire a private outdoor venue or barn with space for entertainment, lighting, and casual catering.

Best themes for a backyard extravaganza:

• Born to Sparkle
• Garden of Life
• Route 66
• Teenage Years Relived

Event professionals for extra help: Outdoor event company, live band, food truck caterer, and lighting designer.

8. Picnic in the park

Hosting at home? Recreate the picnic feel in your garden with blankets, baskets, and low tables. Offer grazing boards, fresh lemonade, and acoustic tunes.

Hosting at a venue? Choose a local park or nature reserve. Set up styled picnic rugs, umbrellas, and gourmet picnic hampers.

Best themes for a picnic in the park:

• Garden of Life
• Reflections
• Back to Where It All Began
• Golden Years

Event professionals for extra help: Picnic setup company, florist, acoustic musician, and grazing caterer.

9. Lakeside luncheon

Hosting at home? If you live near a lake or pond, set long tables with soft linen, floral centerpieces, and a relaxed, nature-inspired menu.

Hosting at a venue? Book a lakeside restaurant, boathouse, or country estate. Serve seasonal food and light wines, with gentle live music.

Best themes for a lakeside luncheon:

• Golden Years
• Reflections
• Garden of Life
• Milestone Mountain

Event professionals for extra help: Caterer, florist, outdoor stylist, acoustic band, and photographer.

10. Beach day

Hosting at home? Create a coastal vibe with shells, sand, tiki torches, and tropical cocktails. Set up games and a seafood BBQ.

Hosting at a venue? Book a local beach club or hire a section of the shore. Add surf-style drinks, lounge seating, and steel drums for entertainment.

Best themes for a beach day:

• Around the World
• Born to Sparkle
• Route 66
• Golden Years

Event professionals for extra help: Beach event planner, band or DJ, tiki bar service, and seafood caterer.

11. Progressive dinner party

Hosting at home? Host each course in a different room or even with neighbors, giving each space a unique theme or surprise.

Hosting at a venue? Partner with multiple restaurants or cafés in town and move between them for each course.

Best themes for a progressive dinner party:

• Around the World
• The Story So Far…
• Aged to Perfection
• Vintage 1960s

Event professionals for extra help: Event planner, multiple caterers, transport provider, and sommelier.

12. Art gallery soirée

Hosting at home? Transform a living area into a mini-gallery with photos, artwork, and memorabilia. Include subtle lighting and a classical playlist.

Hosting at a venue? Book an actual art gallery or cultural space for a private viewing. Offer champagne and canapés, and consider hiring a live painter or caricaturist.

Best themes for an art gallery soirée:

• The Story So Far…
• Reflections
• Masterpiece in Motion
• Diamond Jubilee

Event professionals for extra help: Art curator, photographer, catering company, and lighting designer.

13. Private chef’s table

Hosting at home? Invite a chef to create a bespoke tasting menu in your kitchen. Pair with wines and an intimate, elegant setting.

Hosting at a venue? Book a restaurant’s private chef’s table for a behind-the-scenes dining experience.

Best themes for a private chef’s table:

• Aged to Perfection
• Reflections
• Golden Years
• Vintage 1960s

Event professionals for extra help: Private chef, sommelier, tablescape designer, and acoustic musician.

14. Botanical gardens lunch

Hosting at home? Turn your backyard into a mini oasis with greenery, fresh flowers, and garden-inspired table décor.

Hosting at a venue? Book a botanical garden or glasshouse for a light lunch among the blooms. Include fresh, seasonal food and live acoustic music.

Best themes for a botanical gardens lunch:

• Garden of Life
• Golden Years
• Reflections
• The Story So Far…

Event professionals for extra help: Florist, acoustic duo, event stylist, and garden venue manager.

15. Cocktail evening

Hosting at home? Hire a mixologist to serve themed cocktails inspired by the guest’s life. Add candlelight, music, and elegant glassware.

Hosting at a venue? Book a cocktail lounge or private bar area. Include canapés, a signature drink menu, and live entertainment.

Best themes for a cocktail evening:

• Born to Sparkle
• Hollywood in the ’60s
• Vintage 1960s
• Gatsby Glamour

Event professionals for extra help: Mixologist, lighting technician, DJ, and luxury décor stylist.

Food, drinks, and décor to match your theme

Once you’ve chosen a 60th birthday theme, match the menu and styling to complete the experience.

• Décor: Think chandeliers for glamour themes, lanterns and wildflowers for garden parties, or red carpets for Hollywood nights.
• Food: Grazing tables, canapés, or a formal sit-down dinner depending on the tone
• Drinks: Signature cocktails (like a “Fabulous 60” spritz) or local wines to celebrate in style.

Bonus ideas: 60th birthday ideas tailored to men

When planning for men, keep their passions in mind.

• Sports club celebration: Host at a golf, bowls, or yacht club with live entertainment afterwards.
• Whisky and jazz night: Set up tasting stations paired with a jazz trio.
• Outdoor BBQ and band: Hire a marquee, book a band, and create a relaxed atmosphere.

60th birthday ideas tailored to women

For women, many celebrations blend elegance with meaningful touches.

• High tea and harpist: Perfect for daytime celebrations with close family and friends.
• Cocktail evening: Professional bartenders, glittering décor, and a DJ playing dance-floor favourites.
• Wellness and celebration: Start the day with a spa treatment, then move to a marquee dinner with live entertainment.

Make it unforgettable with entertainment

At 60, it’s less about excess and more about creating quality memories. The right entertainment ensures your party is lively, fun, and memorable.

Options to consider:

• Live bands: Great for atmosphere and getting guests dancing.
• DJs: Perfect for mixing nostalgic tracks with modern hits.
• Magicians: Ideal for breaking the ice and keeping guests engaged.
• Comedians: A great way to inject laughter into the night.
• Photo booth hire: Fun for all ages and doubles as a party favour.

No matter the theme, entertainment ties it all together. A great DJ, band, or performer transforms a nice event into an unforgettable one.

With Bark, you can connect with trusted professionals to bring your chosen theme to life. From musicians and DJs to magicians and comedians. That way, you can relax and enjoy the celebration, knowing your guests are entertained.