Parties aren’t just about gathering friends, they’re about creating moments you’ll remember forever. The secret to an unforgettable celebration? A theme. Whether you’re hosting a birthday, engagement, milestone event, or corporate bash, the right theme sets the mood, guides the décor, and inspires entertainment.

If you’re searching for party theme ideas, unique celebration theme ideas, or fun themes for parties - look no further, this is our ultimate list of 100 creative themes, it has everything you need to plan a night your guests will never forget! 

100 themes for your next party

Classic party theme ideas

1. White Party Chic, elegant and simple. Dress all in white and add glowing candles or fairy lights for sophistication. A splash of metallic silver or gold can add an extra touch of glamour.

2. Murder Mystery Give guests character cards and let them solve the crime over dinner. Encourage everyone to stay in character all night for maximum laughs.

3. Garden Soirée Fresh florals, fairy lights and cocktails under the stars. Set up a dedicated gin or spritz bar for a perfect sundowner session.

4. Casino Night Poker, blackjack, roulette tables and red-and-black decor. Hand out personalised 'funny money' at the door for guests to gamble with.

5. Masquerade Ball Glamour, mystery and masks. Dim lighting, velvet drapes and candlelight set the tone.

6. Gatsby Party The roaring 1920s at its finest, gold decor, jazz music and champagne towers. Don't forget the flapper dresses, feather boas and sharp suits.

7. Pool Party Floaties, cocktails and upbeat music. Keep the snags and burgers coming straight from the barbie.

8. Games Night Friendly competition with board games, trivia or even poker. Prepare a mix of classic favourites and new indie games to keep things fresh.

9. Under the Stars Outdoor movie night or candlelit dinner beneath the night sky. Provide plenty of cosy blankets, cushions and maybe a fire pit if restrictions allow.

10. Tea Party Elegant and calm. Vintage China, finger sandwiches and floral arrangements. A selection of bubbles or Pimm's makes for a lovely 'tipsy' high tea.

Throwback themes for parties

11. 1920s New York Speakeasy Jazz, feathers and secret passwords. Serve classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Bee's Knees in teacups.

12. 1930s Flapper Glam Pearls, sequins and swing. It's all about art deco lines and a sophisticated, old-Hollywood feel.

13. 1950s Grease Lightning Think diners, milkshakes and rock’n’roll. A dance-off to "Hand Jive" is absolutely mandatory.

14. 1960s Groovy Baby Tie-dye, peace signs and psychedelic lights. Create a playlist loaded with The Beatles, The Doors, and Jimi Hendrix.

15. 1970s Disco Fever Mirror balls and funky beats. Platform shoes, ABBA and polyester flares are the uniform for the night.

16. 1970s Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebel Leather jackets, guitars and classic rock tunes. Think AC/DC, Cold Chisel, and classic Aussie pub rock vibes.

17. 1980s Neon Nostalgia Bright colours, synth pop and arcade games. Tease that hair high and break out the fluoro leg warmers.

18. 1990s Hip-Hop Party Baggy jeans, sneakers and iconic tracks. A playlist full of Snoop Dogg, Salt-N-Pepa and Tupac is essential.

19. 2000s Pop & R&B Revival Glitter, flip phones and throwback hits. Prepare for lots of double denim, low-rise jeans, and Destiny's Child.

Movie themes for parties

20. Harry Potter Floating candles, wands and butterbeer. Sort guests into their houses with a "Sorting Hat" as they arrive.

21. Lord of the Rings Rustic feasts and medieval decor. Book live folk musicians or a fantasy caterer. Serve hearty stews, crusty bread and plenty of ale for a true Hobbiton feel.

22. Star Wars Galactic lighting and costume duels. Create a 'cantina' corner with brightly coloured "space" cocktails.

23. Barbie Dream Party All pink everything! A life-sized "Barbie Box" photo booth is a must-have for guests.

24. Twilight Dark forest decor and moody lighting. A brooding playlist and a strict "Team Edward" or "Team Jacob" entry poll will divide the room.

25. Spiderman Urban vibes, red-and-blue decor. Think New York-style pizza slices and webbing draped in the corners.

26. Crocodile Dundee Aussie outback theme. You'll need plenty of cold tinnies and a "that's not a knife" competition.

27. Mamma Mia! Greek island decor, dancing and ABBA music. Blue and white tablecloths, bougainvillea, and maybe some (safe) plate-smashing action.

28. Bollywood Bash Bright colours, spices and dancing. Hire a dance instructor to teach everyone a simple, energetic routine.

29. Marvel Madness Superheroes unite! Encourage guests to come as their favourite hero or an inventive, lesser-known character.

30. Alice in Wonderland Tea party whimsy and playing cards. Label snacks and drinks with "Eat Me" and "Drink Me" tags.

31. James Bond Casino Royale Black tie, martinis, and glamour. It’s the perfect excuse for sophisticated suits and stunning evening gowns.

32. Pirates of the Caribbean Nautical decor, treasure maps and rum punch. Scatter gold chocolate coins on tables and play sea shanties.

Party theme ideas from favourite TV shows

33. Home & Away Beach vibes, surfboards and barbecues. A Summer Bay-themed trivia quiz is a great way to test long-time fans.

34. Neighbours Backyard BBQs and nostalgia. Celebrate Ramsay Street with a toast to legends like Harold and Madge.

35. Gilmore Girls Coffeehouse decor and cosy charm. Serve endless coffee and takeaway-style food just like Luke's Diner.

36. Friends Central Perk vibes, coffee cups and 90s references. Set up a comfy orange couch and serve Joey's favourite: "two pizzas."

37. Stranger Things Neon lights, retro music and mystery. An Eggo waffle bar and a Dungeons & Dragons corner are non-negotiable.

38. Bridgerton Regency romance and elegance. Send out formal invitations and encourage guests to practice their best "promenade."

39. Breaking Bad Science lab cocktails and blue decor. Serve drinks in beakers and snacks in plastic "evidence" bags.

40. Game of Thrones Medieval banquet style. Dim the lights, use candelabras and serve mulled wine in rustic goblets.

41. Star Trek Futuristic outfits and LED decor. Assign guests to Starfleet divisions (red, blue, or gold) for team games.

42. The Walking Dead Post-apocalyptic fun. Set up a "safe zone" with snacks and a "danger zone" with zombie-themed games.

43. Sherlock Mystery-solving games. A "mind palace" bulletin board with clues and red string makes a great centrepiece.

44. Grey’s Anatomy Medical-themed humour. Serve jello shots in syringes and name cocktails after the characters.

Music themes for parties

45. Silent Disco Everyone dances to their own beat. Have three channels: one for pop hits, one for rock and one for classic 'guilty pleasures'.

46. Dance Party Non-stop movement and strobe lights. A killer playlist that builds through the night is the most important element.

47. Karaoke Night Sing your heart out. Make sure to have a good mix of power ballads, cheesy duets and rock anthems.

48. Taylor Swift Era Party Dress as your favourite “Era.” Don't forget the friendship bracelets and a playlist mixing all the albums.

49. Rockstar Bash Guitars, band tees and loud music. An inflatable guitar or air guitar competition is a must.

50. Grammy Awards Night Dress like celebs, hand out mock awards. A "red carpet" entrance and mock-paparazzi make for great photos.

51. Country Hoedown Boots, hats and line dancing. Hay bales (if you can find them) and checkered tablecloths set the scene perfectly.

52. Disney Party Magical music and nostalgia. A singalong of the classics is mandatory, from The Lion King to Frozen.

53. Festival Vibes Boho outfits, food trucks, and live acts. Think Splendour or Coachella in your own backyard with flower crowns and glitter stations.

Fancy dress party theme ideas

54. Alphabet Party Come dressed as something starting with a chosen letter. This works great for milestone birthdays, like 'F' for Forty or 'T' for Thirty.

55. Comic-Con Superheroes and cosplay. Guests can go all-out as their favourite anime, gaming or movie characters.

56. Circus Spectacular Jugglers, clowns and acrobats. Serve popcorn, fairy floss and hot dogs for that big top feel.

57. Toga Party Ancient Greece vibes. A classic for a reason – just grab a white sheet, some gold sandals and a leafy crown.

58. Superheroes Night Dress as your favourite hero. Or challenge guests to invent their own superhero with a unique, silly power.

59. Emoji Party Bright, silly and social-media inspired. A photo booth with emoji props is an easy and fun addition.

60. Space Party Stars, planets and silver outfits. Cover the walls in foil and hang planet models from the ceiling.

61. Under the Sea Blue lighting and mermaid magic. Decorate with nets, shells and maybe a bubble machine.

62. One Colour Only Everyone wears one shade! Even the food and drinks should match the chosen colour for full effect.

63. Wig or Hat Party Get creative and silly. This is a low-pressure dress-up idea that always delivers hilarious results.

64. Make Believe Fantasy and fairytale characters. Think elves, fairies, goblins and mythical creatures.

65. Wild West Cowboy hats, saloon decor. Set up a 'saloon' bar and play some classic country tunes.

66. Old People Party Dress up as your future self. Cardigans, reading glasses and slippers are key accessories for this comfy theme.

Gaming themes for parties

67. Board Game Party Classic games come to life. Set up different stations: one for strategy (Catan), one for laughs and one for classics (Monopoly).

68. Gaming Night Consoles and VR battles. Link up multiple screens for Mario Kart or hold a retro Street Fighter tournament.

69. Talent Show Let guests perform! Have a panel of 'judges' and some novelty prizes for categories like "Most Enthusiastic".

70. Pub Quiz Competitive and social. A classic for a reason – include a picture round and a music round for variety.

71. Arcade Night Retro machines and neon. You can hire classic machines, or just hook up an emulator to a big screen.

72. Escape Room Challenge DIY or hire mobile escape rooms. This is a brilliant icebreaker for a group that doesn't know each other well.

73. Minute to Win It Fun 60-second challenges. All you need is a stockpile of simple household items like cups, ping pong balls and sticky notes.

74. Fairground Games Carnival vibes and prizes. Set up a ring toss, a coconut shy or a tin-can alley in the backyard.

75. Scavenger Hunt Hide clues around your venue. Make the clues personal with in-jokes or photos relevant to the group.

76. Classic Fete Old-school games, food stalls. A "cake walk", a "guess the lolly" jar and a sack race add to the charm.

Outdoor celebration theme ideas

77. Beach Party Sand, cocktails and acoustic tunes. A game of beach cricket or volleyball is a perfect arvo activity.

78. Tropical Luau Leis, tiki torches and hula dancers. Serve bright, fruity cocktails in coconut or pineapple-shaped cups.

79. Backyard BBQ A classic Aussie celebration. It's not a real barbie without a pavlova and an Esky full of drinks.

80. Camping Under the Stars Bonfires and stories. Toasting marshmallows and making s'mores is an essential, cosy activity.

81. Harvest Festival Rustic food, wine and acoustic music. Focus on local produce, cheese boards and a relaxed, communal feel.

Travel and country-inspired themes for parties

82. Around the World Food stations from different countries. Give guests a "passport" to stamp at each food or drink station they visit.

83. At-Home Pub Bar snacks, trivia and beers. Serve up some parmas or meat pies and have the footy playing on the TV.

84. Oktoberfest Beer tents and live oompah bands. Pretzels, bratwurst and giant steins of beer are the holy trinity here.

85. Italian Feast Pasta, pizza and romance. Set up a long, communal table and serve everything "family style".

86. Middle Eastern Nights Rich fabrics and spices. Floor cushions, lanterns and a soundtrack of atmospheric music create the perfect mood.

87. Australian Outback Party Rustic BBQ and line dancing. Akubras and flannel shirts are welcome, with classic Aussie rock on the playlist.

88. Safari Adventure Animal prints and themed cocktails. Khaki and binoculars are the look, with a "watering hole" for drinks.

89. French Riviera Night Chic seaside vibes. Think crisp white and navy blue, champagne and sophisticated canapés.

90. USA Diner Party Milkshakes and burgers. A jukebox playlist and checkered floors complete this retro American theme.

91. India Spice Night Bollywood beats and curries. Rich jewel tones like saffron, magenta and teal set a vibrant scene.

92. Brazilian Carnival Samba dancers and drums. Bright colours, feather, and plenty of Caipirinha cocktails are a must.

93. Scottish Highlands Kilts and whisky tasting. A "flight" of different whiskies is a great centrepiece, along with some hearty snacks.

Bonus party theme ideas!

94. Pyjama Party Comfy, casual fun. A pancake or waffle bar and classic sleepover movies make it perfect.

95. Graffiti Party Neon paint and blank walls. Hand out white t-shirts and fabric markers for a legal, creative outlet.

96. School Formal Throwback Nostalgic and fun. Dig out that awkward formal photo and play all the cheesy hits from your high school years.

97. Melbourne Cup Celebration Champagne, fashion and fascinators. Run a "fashions on the field" competition and a friendly sweepstake for the big race.

98. Enchanted Forest Fairy lights, greenery and magic. Use lots of moss, fake vines and green uplighting to transform your space.

99. Vineyard Party Wine tasting and rustic decor. Set up tasting stations with scorecards and cheese pairings for each wine.

100. Bake Off Challenge Guests compete for best dessert. Provide a "technical challenge" ingredient that everyone must use.

What you'll need to host the best party ever

Regardless of which party theme you choose, food, drinks and entertainment are what turn your party into an unforgettable experience. Consider hiring some help to make your party effortless!

• DJs to keep the dance floor alive
• Band entertainment for energy and atmosphere
• Magicians or roaming entertainers for interactive fun
• Photo booth hire for themed memories
• Marquee hire for outdoor flexibility
• Catering and bar staff for professional service
• Event photographers to capture it all
• Limousine hire to arrive in style