- Date: February 12, 2024
- Topic: Events
- By: Peerspace
Source: Peerspace
Approaching the big “4-0”? It’s time to celebrate! To get you started, here are our top suggestions of 18 extra fun 40th birthday party themes for adults.
Plus—have you thought about where you’re having your party? You may be planning on having it at home, but if you need a real venue, then check out the birthday party venues available for rent near you through Peerspace. It’s the largest online marketplace for short-term rentals of venues and other spaces, so there’s almost certainly a space that’ll be up your alley.
1. Find the perfect escape with a classic movie night
First on our list of 40th birthday party themes for adults is a classic for a reason. If you’re a film lover, a whole night devoted to the movies is the perfect way to celebrate your birthday. Serve popcorn, candy, and other movie snacks, and make sure to play only your favorite films.
2. Feel forever young with a dress-up party
Throw a costume party for a seriously fun and memorable bash. It’s up to you what dress-up theme you choose—whether you go for a retro vibe, a magical and otherworldly feel, or something else entirely!
3. Saddle up for a Cowboy/Western-themed party
If you’ve been watching “Yellowstone”—or maybe you just love old Westerns—you’ll love a cowboy-themed birthday party. The cowboy hats and boots are only the beginning when it comes to bringing this theme to life!
4. Get creative with a DIY craft party
Here’s one of our favorite unique 40th birthday party themes for adults. Make sure your guests have plenty to do to keep their hands busy by throwing a crafting party for your birthday, providing at least a couple of different options of DIY crafts your guests can work on.
5. Sculpt your future during a Vision Board party
Have you heard of vision boards? They’re homemade collages of images that symbolize your goals and dreams—your vision for the future, in other words. As you turn 40, this is a great time to reflect on your goals and how to work toward them, and an awesome way to honor that is with a vision board party.
6. Expand your palette with a wine-tasting evening
Elevate your birthday celebration with a sophisticated wine-tasting event, providing a selection of your favorite fine wines and gourmet snacks to go along with them.
New to wine tasting? Then you need to see 10 of our chicest tips for hosting an amazing wine-tasting party!
7. Go elegant and timeless with a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” party
Are you a big Audrey Hepburn fan? Make her most famous film the central focus of your birthday party using these super helpful tips.
8. Be artsy and host your own paint night
For those who love to be creative and spend time doing art with their friends, hosting a paint night is an unbeatable way to celebrate your 40th.
9. Make 40 extra-sweet with a Candy Land birthday party
You don’t have to be a kid to use the sugary-sweet Candy Land as the inspiration for your party! Using a pastel color scheme and larger-than-life dessert decor turns your party into a truly memorable and festive affair.
10. Celebrate all things Barbie with a “Barbiecore” party
Whether you’ve always been obsessed with Barbie or you got back into the Barbie aesthetic after the 2023 movie came out, a party decked out in hot pink is an awesome choice for lovers of all things girly.
11. Go a little mad with an Alice in Wonderland party
Speaking of children’s media that’s popular with all ages, how about drawing on some whimsical and surreal vibes with an Alice in Wonderland-themed party?
12. Hit the stage by hosting a karaoke night
Make yourself the star of the event for just one night by throwing a karaoke-themed party, and then giving yourself plenty of opportunities to belt out your favorite tunes.
Working with a shoestring? Don’t you fret; simply utilize these creative 40th birthday party ideas on a budget!
13. Improve your kitchen prowess with a cooking class party
For those who love to cook, love to learn, and enjoy digging in and getting their hands dirty now and then, celebrating your 40th with a cooking class led by a talented professional chef is another excellent option.
14. Make it out of this world with a sci-fi/space celebration
This can be inspired by your favorite sci-fi franchise, or simply a general sci-fi aesthetic. Either way, you can feature space-themed decor and costumes to really up the ante on this one.
15. Always a classic: throw a dance party!
Got the space for it? Turn up the volume and host a high-energy dance party while blasting your favorite beats. Here are some engaging games that are ideal for a dance party, in case you’re looking for activities to incorporate (besides general dancing).
16. Snooze under the stars with a backyard camping sleepover
You may not be that into the idea of camping on a campsite in the middle of the woods, but how about in your own backyard? Set up a backyard camping experience with tents, a bonfire, and (if possible) stargazing for a cozy and nature-filled celebration with plenty of opportunities for bonding among guests.
17. Show off your fur bestie during a pet costume parade
Do you and your friends have friendly pets who’ll tolerate wearing a funny costume for a couple of hours? Invite them over for a pet costume parade where everyone shows off their pets’ adorable outfits.
18. Get competitive with a board game party
If you and your friends are fans of playing board games together and getting a bit competitive, make this the central theme of your party to have a total blast. If you’re already into board games and own at least a few of them already, this is also a pretty affordable party theme.
40th birthday party themes for adults: conclusion
Once you’ve chosen your ideal party concept among our suggested 40th birthday party themes for adults, you’ll have an easier time choosing a suitable venue. To get started, check out what Peerspace has to offer in your area.
