Some are saying turning 30 is the new 20, but is that true? Scientific research conducted by psychologist Donna Dawson points to yes! Over 70% of subjects in the study reported feeling their happiest by 33. This was due to a variety of things such as higher instances of financial stability, support and social network available, higher self-esteem and career mobility, and more.
With that being said, it seems like your best years are ahead of you and I think we can all agree that’s a great reason to celebrate! As the classic film 13 Going on 30 puts it, you're now officially ‘thirty, flirty and thriving!’
So how should one go about throwing a 30th birthday party? The options are endless! We've got you covered with a few fun ideas that will make this birthday celebration memorable.
1. Wine Weekend
Gather a group of close friends and book a wine weekend to celebrate! Some locations even offer shuttle bus tours between various vineyards and on-site lodging so you're fully taken care of from the moment you arrive.
2. Spa Getaway
A spa getaway would not only make for a great 30th birthday outing but would also be a good gift idea. Whether you're planning this outing for yourself or a friend, consider setting up an online gift registry to have loved ones contribute towards a day of pampering and relaxation!
3. Garden Party
This fun party theme has risen in popularity and it’s easy to see why. Lean into the theme with an attire guide for attendees, tea party-inspired food and beverages, and ethereal decor! Having recently thrown a garden party myself, I can also attest to the fact that splurging on a croquet set is a great idea to bring out an activity and competitive edge in your guests!
4. Costume Party
While we're on the topic of themed parties, we can't forget the classic and favorite -- costume party. Consider favorite TV series, movies, and video games and have your friends come dressed in character! Once you decide on a party theme for your costumes, you can brainstorm related games and activities. It's not a birthday party without dessert, so go wild and splurge on a themed cake! Lean into the good feelings that come with having your friends sing to and celebrate you!
5. Glamping
While not everyone is best suited to the 'great outdoors,' glamping is made for anyone. This luxury style of camping offers amenities and comforts not typically included when pitching a tent. The recent interest in this activity has made for some beautiful accommodations to pop up across the country. Whether booking a glamping trip to stay in an upscale yurt, a renovated airstream trailer, or a glass cabin under the stars, there are some seriously cool options. Many of which are situated in absolutely stunning natural landscapes!
6. Backyard Movie Night
Are you looking to keep things a little more cozy? A backyard movie night could be just the kind of laid-back celebration you want for your 30th birthday! Order a movie projector, grab some pillows and blankets, and get crafty with snacks and drinks themed to your showing! Use this as a night to stream your favorite film with your closest friends. Better yet, make it a double feature!
7. Take a Road Trip
If you'd prefer to get out of town to celebrate, consider taking a road trip with a close friend! Chart your course through nearby cities or look online for popular road trips in the US to get inspired. Kick off a new decade with a spark of adventure!
8. Ski Lodge Weekend
Dust off your winter coat and pack your bags for a mountain ski lodge getaway! You don't have to be sporty for this idea to be fun. There are so many relaxing elements of a ski lodge outside of the typical outdoor activities! Hit the spa for some pampering, unwind in the lodge hot tub, or curl up in your cozy clothes with a good book. This weekend away can be anything you want it to be, with the bonus of an extra gorgeous view!
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9. Bar Crawl
Ring in your 30th year with a personalized bar crawl of all your favorite spots! Get a group together, create a custom itinerary, and get crawling! Better yet, set up an online registry prior to your birthday celebration, so your friends and family can contribute to buying your drinks for the night!
10. Game Night
Are you a fan of games? Have all your friends bring their favorite board and card games to play! Come up with prizes for each game winner and if you're feeling really competitive, you can create a bracket or tier system for the evening! At the night’s end, have everyone leave their games as a perfect gift or do a game swap and trade with another person for a party favor. We guarantee that everyone will have a good time!
11. Cooking Class Experience
For your 30th, even if you love or hate to cook, book a cooking class for you and your friends! Whether it's making carbonara in an Italian kitchen, sushi rolling, or mastering French pastries, you'll leave with new skills and a full stomach. Many classes include wine pairings and let you enjoy the meal you've created together!
12. Decade Dance Party
A decade dance party is a fantastic way to celebrate three decades of life with music from each one! Divide the night into three sections featuring hits from the 90s, 2000s, and 2010s. Encourage guests to dress in their favorite decade's style and create playlists that take everyone on a nostalgic journey through your lifetime. Make sure your playlist includes plenty of Flo Rida & the Black Eyed Peas.
13. Brunch Party
Be sure to start your birthday celebration the classy way with a brunch party! Set up a mimosa bar with various juices and garnishes, serve delicious breakfast fare, and enjoy quality conversation, perfect for those who prefer to party before noon!
14. Escape Room Challenge
If you’re looking for something challenging yet rewarding, test your problem-solving skills with friends by booking an escape room experience! Many venues offer multiple rooms, so you can split into teams and compete to see who escapes fastest. Follow up with dinner and drinks to celebrate your victories (or laugh about your defeats)!
15. Karaoke Night Extravaganza
A karaoke night is one of the most fun 30th birthday ideas that you will likely never forget! Rent out a private karaoke room near you or book a venue with a karaoke setup. You can also create a tournament-style singing competition, complete with judges, scorecards, and ridiculous prizes. It's the perfect way to let loose and create hilarious memories with your favorite people.
16. Sunset Boat Cruise
Craving to be out on the water, but not actually in the ocean? Charter a boat for an evening cruise with your closest friends. Whether it's a sailboat, yacht, or party pontoon, there's something magical about celebrating on the water, even with seasickness involved. Pack champagne, appetizers, and a great playlist for a birthday celebration you won't forget.
17. Weekend City Escape
Looking to do something out of the norm? Pick a city you've never visited before and plan a weekend city extravaganza! Book a trendy hotel, research the best restaurants and cool places to check out, and spend your birthday weekend playing the tourist.
18. Axe Throwing Party
Channel your inner lumberjack at an axe throwing spot! Many locations offer private party packages with instructors, food, and drinks. It's one of the most unexpected and best 30th birthday ideas to celebrate that your guests will be talking about for years.
19. Paint & Sip Class
Have you thought about combining creativity with celebration at a paint and sip studio? Even if you can’t paint, a paint & sip class involves following along with an instructor as you create your own masterpiece while enjoying wine and good company. You'll leave with a painting to remember the night and possibly discover a new hobby!
20. Murder Mystery Dinner
Start the evening off with the over-the-top-announcement: “Last night, there was a tragic murder!”. Then let the murder mystery unfold! host an interactive murder mystery dinner party where guests come dressed as characters and work together to solve the crime. Many companies offer complete kits with scripts, character assignments, and hosting guides. It's theatrical, engaging, and guarantees a night of entertainment.
21. Pottery or Ceramics Workshop
Get your hands dirty and create something memorable at a pottery or ceramics studio. Many studios offer private group sessions where you can learn wheel-throwing or hand-building techniques while sipping wine and chatting with friends. You'll leave with unique handmade pieces that serve as lasting mementos of your 30th birthday celebration—plus you'll have fun comparing everyone's creative interpretations!
22. Vintage Arcade & Bowling Night
Step back in time at a retro arcade bar or classic bowling alley for a night of nostalgic fun. Challenge your friends to pinball tournaments, classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Street Fighter, and a few rounds of bowling with playful competitions. Many venues serve craft cocktails and comfort food, making it the perfect blend of childhood fun and adult sophistication.
23. Charity Celebration
Celebrate your milestone by giving back. Partner with a local charity or nonprofit to host a birthday fundraiser or volunteer event. Whether it’s organizing a beach cleanup, hosting a benefit dinner, or collecting donations for a cause close to your heart, you’ll create a meaningful celebration that leaves a positive impact.
24. Retro Slumber Party
Bring back the nostalgic vibes of your childhood sleepovers, and only this time, make it adult-friendly! Set up cozy air mattresses, order your favorite comfort foods, and binge-watch classic movies or play nostalgic video games from the 2000s. Add themed pajamas, matching slippers, and a “midnight snacks” bar for extra flair.
25. Outdoor Adventure Day
For those who love the great outdoors, plan a day full of adventure! Think zip-lining through a forest, kayaking on a lake, hiking a scenic trail, or going horseback riding. End the day with a picnic at sunset and a celebratory toast to new challenges and new horizons in your 30s.
26. Culinary Tour
Instead of one restaurant, why not try them all? Book a guided food tour or create your own itinerary of the best eateries, food trucks, or bakeries in your city. It’s a delicious way to celebrate while exploring new flavors and hidden local gems.
27. Rooftop Movie Bar
Combine cinema with cocktails at a rooftop movie bar or screening event. Many cities now feature rooftop venues that show classic films or new releases under the stars while serving craft cocktails and small bites. Arrive early to grab the best seats, order from the bar menu, and settle in for a movie experience with breathtaking skyline views. It's a sophisticated twist on movie night that adds an urban, social atmosphere to your 30th birthday celebration.
28. Adventure Photoshoot Getaway
Combine travel and creativity with a birthday photoshoot adventure! Choose a scenic destination, such as the desert, mountains, or coast, and hire a photographer to capture you exploring the landscape. It’s a fun and confidence-boosting way to mark your new decade and walk away with stunning keepsake photos.
29. Concert Trip
Dying to see an artist you love & it just so happens to be the same weekend as your birthday? Plan it around your favorite artist’s concert or a music festival! Gather your friends, grab your tickets, and make it a full weekend trip complete with themed outfits, tailgating, and plenty of dancing. A concert is one of the best things to do for a 30th birthday, starting with music, memories, and good vibes all around.
30. “Roaring 30s” Gatsby Party
Lastly, everyone knows the Great Gatsby right? Bring the excitement of Vegas to your birthday with a casino-themed party. Rent or buy poker tables, roulette wheels, and blackjack setups, then give guests fun money to gamble with throughout the night. Offer prizes for top winners, serve classic cocktails like martinis and old fashioneds, and encourage guests to dress in their most glamorous attire. You can even hire a professional dealer to make the games feel authentic. It's a thrilling, interactive way to celebrate that keeps everyone engaged all night long!
Let The Good Times Roll
Getting older doesn’t mean that your birthdays have to be any less exciting. Be proud of yourself for all that you’ve accomplished on your journey and for all of the new adventures to come. No matter what you choose to do for your 30th birthday celebration, just make sure you’re staying true to yourself, making positive memories, and having as much fun as possible along the way.
Ready to make these new adventures a reality? Sign up for a free Celebration.com registry today and let your loved ones contribute to your biggest goals, whether it’s an epic trip, a down payment on a new home, or funding a passion project!