Turning 40 is kind of a big deal—whether you’re excited, in denial, or somewhere between “let’s party” and “let’s nap first.” If you’re looking for 40th birthday party ideas that are fun, memorable, and totally your vibe, this list has you covered.
It’s the perfect excuse to gather your people and do something that feels fun, memorable, and fits your vibe.
So whether you're feeling bougie, goofy, nostalgic, or totally over it, I’ve rounded up 40 creative party theme ideas to help you celebrate your way.
Some are laid-back and easy to pull off last minute, others are more extra (in the best kind of way), but all of them are meant to make your milestone feel like something worth showing up for.
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40th Birthday Party Ideas with Big Energy
For the birthday girl who wants all eyes on her and a night to remember.
Tattoo Party
Have you and your besties wanted to get matching tattoos? Maybe it's your first tattoo or another one. Some artists are willing to do home parties (check their license for safety).
Spend some time beforehand considering your ideas before committing. For those not ready for something permanent, henna options or fun DIY temporary tattoos can keep everyone included or provide a trial run.
If tattoos at home are out, meet up at a local shop and share the experience. Enjoy a meal together after marveling at your new tattoos.
Disco Cowgirl Party
If Dolly Parton and Studio 54 had a baby, it would be this party. Disco Cowgirl is all rhinestones, pink cowboy hats, sparkly boots, and twinkle lights. Think mirrored disco balls hanging from trees, a country-meets-glam playlist, and a dance floor begging for line dancing and Beyoncé's Texas Hold ‘Em.
Serve up themed cocktails like “Yeehaw-Yitas” and keep it casual-but-cute with a boots-optional dress code. It’s flirty, fun, and just the right amount of over-the-top.
Feeling fancy? Go full Disco Cowgirl. Prefer whiskey and Wranglers? Wild Wild West has your name on it.
Wild, Wild West Party
Saddle up for a rowdy western bash with cowboy hats, boots, and plenty of “yeehaw” energy. Think BBQ, line dancing, and a DIY saloon with signature whiskey drinks or spiked sarsaparilla.
Set the scene with hay bales, rustic decor, and a mechanical bull if you’re feeling wild (and generous with the party budget).
Birth-Year Party
What was popular the year you were born? Create an aesthetic featuring popular decor and music from that period. Guests can come dressed in costume, or you can provide props to encourage the vibe.
Use popular figures or headlines from that time to name foods, drinks, or inspire your decor.
Toga Party
Why settle for the conventional when you can take your guests to ancient Rome when it comes to arranging a memorable party?
Many people associate togas with Greece. However, it's the ancient Romans who wore togas.
When searching for decorations and foods, using both Greek and Roman references will help.
Hosting a toga party is a definite way to give your friends an experience they won't soon forget. Toga parties have long been associated with joy and celebration.
This party also works well with a mythology slant.
Viva Las 40 Casino Party
Bring Vegas to your living room or backyard with a casino night full of blackjack, poker, roulette, and plenty of glitz.
Rent a few tables or DIY your own, hand out play money, and award prizes for the top chip earners.
Sparkly outfits, martinis, and a jazz playlist will tie it all together perfectly.
Prom Party
Who says proms are for teens? Relive your glory days or have the prom you never had with this fun theme. Make it decade-specific or anything goes.
Prom gowns can be found at thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales inexpensively. Cue up some great music and dance the night away.
Don't forget the photo booth or backdrop.
Drag & Dine
Life’s too short not to celebrate 40 with rhinestones and a killer lip-sync. Host a Drag & Dine night by booking a local drag performer—or let your own crew steal the spotlight with a DIY lip-sync battle and costume closet full of boas, wigs, and oversized sunglasses.
Serve dramatic cocktails, blast empowering anthems, and make it a rule that everyone has to “sashay away” from bad vibes. Whether you go to a drag brunch or turn your living room into the main stage, this one's pure fab and unforgettable fun.
Glow Party / Blacklight Bash
Who says the glow-up has to stop at skincare? A Glow Party is the ultimate way to light up your 40s—literally. Set up blacklights, pass out glow sticks, and encourage guests to wear white or neon so they shine.
Add glowing drinks (tonic water + UV light = magic), a dance playlist that throws it back to the '90s and 2000s, and maybe even some glow-in-the-dark body paint if your crew is wild enough. It’s like a throwback rave, but with better snacks and earlier bedtimes.
Cheers to Beers & Botox
This theme is for the woman who’s aging like a fine craft brew—with a little help and a whole lot of humor. "Cheers to Beers & Botox" is a cheeky, lighthearted celebration that pairs cold drinks with beauty touch-ups (or just the joke of them—no needles required!).
Set up a tasting bar with local beers or spiked seltzers, offer little flight boards, and lean into the kitschy glam with gold balloons and banners that say things like “Still Sippin’, Still Smooth.”
For a fun twist, consider bringing in a mobile aesthetician to conduct skincare demos or hand out samples of eye patches and face masks. It’s equal parts party and pampering with a wink.
Luau Party
She's Still Hot… Just Not from the Sun
Embrace the aloha spirit with a Luau! Dive into a world of Hawaiian-inspired decor, delightful tropical treats, and festive vibes that will make your party unforgettable.
Whether you're hosting by the pool or indoors, bring the island paradise to you. Get ready to hula and spread the aloha love!
Throwing the Ultimate Luau Party: A Guide to Fun, Food, and Hawaiian Vibes
County Fair Party
Channel summer nights and old-school fun with a County Fair-themed 40th! Set up lawn games, a popcorn or cotton candy station, and hand out silly prize tickets for everything from ring toss to karaoke.
Dress code: denim, gingham, or over-the-top rodeo queen energy. It’s nostalgic, totally budget-flexible, and a crowd-pleaser whether you're hosting in your backyard or renting a community space.
Funny or Offbeat Themes for 40th Birthday Parties
A little chaos, a lot of laughs, and maybe a hangover.
Roast & Toast
Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, this party is all about celebrating the birthday girl with stories, jokes, and a few tearjerkers. Kick off the night with a light roast—just enough to poke fun at the quirks she’s known for (and has probably leaned into by now).
Then switch gears to heartfelt toasts from friends and family that remind her just how loved she is. Add a mic, a spotlight, and maybe a few tissues on standby. Pro tip: record the speeches for a keepsake she’ll treasure.
This Is 40, Karen
Decorate with clichéd home decor quotes, make a charcuterie board the size of a small car, and if you're brave, add a dramatic reading of your old Facebook statuses. It’s like a suburban roast in party form—and yes, you absolutely can wear yoga pants.
This one’s for the suburban queens who know how to laugh at themselves. "This Is 40, Karen" leans into the stereotypes—Target bags as party favors, wine in tumblers, oversized sunglasses, and signs that say “I Need to Speak to the Manager of My Metabolism.”
40 and Fermented
This theme is perfect for the foodie, the wellness junkie, or honestly anyone who just loves wine, cheese, and all things deliciously aged. "40 and Fermented" is a clever nod to growing better (and bolder) with time, just like your favorite bottle of red or small-batch sourdough.
Host a cozy gathering with a fermentation station featuring kombucha, kimchi, craft pickles, or a curated wine and cheese spread. You can keep it classy farmhouse with rustic boards and linen napkins or go funky with science-lab-style jars and signage like “Aged to Perfection” and “Good Things Take Time (and Bacteria).” It’s quirky, sophisticated, and just the right amount of weird.
Combine this theme with the Learn a Skill idea below and hire someone who can teach you how to make a favorite fermented food or drink.
Anything But Clothes Party
This one’s for the bold and the crafty—at an Anything But Clothes party, guests show up wearing outfits made from literally anything other than actual clothing.
Think trash bags, caution tape, duct tape, wrapping paper, or even cardboard. It’s goofy, creative, and makes for an epic photo op.
Set up a DIY runway, give out awards like “Most Likely to Fall Apart” or “Best Use of Tinfoil,” and keep the drinks flowing to fuel everyone’s inner fashion designer.
Hot Mess Express
Because adulting is hard and being 40 means fully embracing the chaos. This party leans into the beautiful disaster that is real life—think messy buns, “didn’t clean my house for this” energy, and signs like “I’m just here for the snacks and validation.”
Everyone shows up in whatever they had on 10 minutes ago (no pressure), and you serve comfort food, boxed wine, and maybe a cake that says “We tried.”
Add a playlist of angsty 2000s hits and give out awards like “Most Likely to Hide in the Bathroom at a Party.” It’s therapy… but with queso.
Brunch & Boujee
If turning 40 doesn’t call for carbs and champagne, when does? Brunch & Boujee is for the birthday girl who wants mimosas, mood lighting, and maybe a little glitter in her eggs (not literally... unless you're into that).
Set up a DIY waffle bar, a “build-your-own mimosa” station with fresh fruit, and add a few gold touches to make everything feel extra—even if it's just bagels on cake stands.
Dress code? Sunglasses, comfy chic, and lots of sass. It’s like brunch with the girls… but fancier, and no one has to pretend to be in their twenties.
Chill & Low-Key 40th Birthday Party Ideas
For introverts, homebodies, or moms who just want peace and stretchy pants.
Backyard Movie Night (Millennial Edition)
For a millennial birthday vibe, cue up nostalgic classics like Clueless, Mean Girls, 10 Things I Hate About You, Bring It On, Legally Blonde, or The Princess Diaries. Want to get weepy? Go with The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, or My Best Friend’s Wedding. Or if your crew is more laugh-til-you-snort, go for Bridesmaids, Zoolander, or Superbad.
If staying up past 10 is a win these days, make it worth it with a laid-back backyard movie night under the stars. All you need is a
You can even print “admit one” tickets and make it feel like a private screening. Bonus points for adding a pre-movie trivia game or drinking game based on movie quotes.
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Spa & Chill
Not every 40th needs to be loud—sometimes, the best party is one where no one’s yelling over music and everyone leaves with soft skin. Spa & Chill is a low-key, high-comfort way to celebrate with face masks, foot soaks, cucumbers over your eyes, and maybe a diffuser puffing lavender into the air.
Set up a few stations with mani/pedi supplies, cozy blankets, and calming snacks like fruit skewers, infused water, or herbal tea. You can even add a “no complaints” or “no mom talk” rule for the first hour—just pure peace and pampering.
Pajamas & Pancakes (or Pizza)
Here’s to the birthday girl who just wants to be comfy. Everyone shows up in their softest jammies (slippers optional), and the food is the stuff of sleepover dreams—stacked pancakes with toppings galore, or big, cheesy pizzas with sides.
Add a chill movie, card games, or just a group chat where everyone’s talking over each other. Bonus if the party ends early and everyone gets to be home before 9, full and happy. No pressure, no heels, no thank you.
Cringe & Cocktails (The Facebook Memories Party)
This one is for the brave. Ask guests to dig up their most awkward old Facebook posts, Instagram captions, high school pics, or even old MySpace gems if they dare. Toss them in a bowl (or project them, if you’re bold) and take turns reading them aloud, paired with themed drinks like “The Regretini” or “Cranberry Cringe.”
Add throwback music, flip phones as decor, and maybe even some glittery gel pens for writing more terrible status updates live. It’s part roast, part therapy, all hilarious.
Sweats & Sips
Because sometimes all you want for your birthday is stretchy pants, strong drinks, and zero small talk. This ultra-casual hangout keeps it simple: tell everyone to show up in loungewear, serve up wine slushies or grown-up juice pouches, and let the night roll from there.
Add in a cozy vibe with blankets, fairy lights, and an easy playlist of throwback jams and chill hits. You can keep it mellow or toss in a card game or two—but mostly, this is about relaxing hard with your ride-or-dies.
Throwback Sleepover
Remember sleepovers with snacks, secrets, and possibly crying to A Walk to Remember? This is that—but grown-up. Think matching pajama sets, nostalgic snacks (Dunkaroos, anyone?), and a movie marathon of early-2000s favorites like Legally Blonde, Mean Girls, and Now and Then.
You can throw in old-school games like MASH, Truth or Dare, or even a Lisa Frank coloring station if your group is feeling chaotic. Add wine and a no-kids-allowed rule, and you've got the ultimate 40th night in.
Psychic Party
Tap into your inner mystic with a psychic-themed party full of crystals, candlelight, and a touch of woo. Set up tarot card or oracle readings, a crystal grid station, or hire a local intuitive for mini sessions.
You can serve “potions” (aka cocktails in fun glassware), play fortune-telling games, and give out zodiac-themed party favors. Whether your guests are true believers or just there for fun, it’s a magical way to mark a new decade.
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Pop Culture-Inspired 40th Birthday Party Themes
Perfect for themed décor, playlists, and nostalgia.
Bridgerton Party
Ready the calling cards and pour the tea—it's time to step into the world of high society scandal and Regency-era glam. A Bridgerton-themed party is perfect for celebrating 40 with elegance and just the right touch of drama. Think pastel florals, classical covers of pop songs, and enough lace and pearls to make Lady Whistledown swoon.
Whether you go full costume or just nod to the vibe with fancy dresses and finger sandwiches, you can easily turn your home (or backyard) into a garden soiree fit for the ton. Bonus points for handwritten invitations, champagne coupes, and maybe a round of gossip bingo.
Tea Party
Tea parties have traditionally been associated with small tables, cuddly animals, and dainty porcelain cups. Tea parties, however, are no longer restricted to young girls.
Adults still appreciate the grace and allure of an old-fashioned tea party while giving it our special spin.
Thanks to shows like Bridgerton and Downton Abbey, the classic tea party is having a serious moment. Whether you go full Regency or keep it modern with vintage-inspired flair, it’s a fun way to blend elegance with pop culture nostalgia.
For traditional and unique tea party ideas that are ideal for adults planning a memorable get-together check out these posts:
- Steeped in Fun: 13 Charming Tea Party Ideas for Teens and Adults
- Unveil the Perfect Tea Party Attire: Elevate Your Style with Exquisite Elegance
Grease / Pink Ladies' 50's Party
Rock the pink jackets, poodle skirts, and red lipstick—it’s a Grease-themed throwback full of sock hops and sing-alongs.
Play the soundtrack, have a dance contest, and roll out diner-style snacks like sliders, milkshakes, and fries.
Photo booth with retro props = a must.
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Wizard of Oz - Wicked Party
Follow the yellow brick road to a whimsical party full of color and charm. Each area of the party could represent a different scene or character—Emerald City cocktails, a Scarecrow hay corner, or Wicked Witch punch.
Encourage guests to dress up as Elphaba, Glinda, or Dorothy and friends, and throw in a screening of the movie or a themed karaoke showdown.
There's no place like 40
Reality TV and Drinking Games
Gather your friends and your favorite guilty pleasure shows—this one’s all about laughter and keeping the drinks flowing.
Set up a viewing area and assign drinking prompts like “take a sip every time someone says ‘not here for the right reasons’” or “do a shot when someone cries.”
Bonus points for themed snacks based on your fave shows (hello, Real Housewives rosé punch).
Friends Show Party
Could this be any more fun? Get ready to channel your inner Monica, Chandler, Rachel, Ross, Joey, or Phoebe at our Friends-themed party!
Whether you’re lounging at “Central Perk,” playing a game of “who knows who better,” or yelling Pivot! while moving furniture, it’s going to be a night full of laughs, ‘90s nostalgia, and plenty of smelly cats. Dress as your favorite character, brush up on your trivia, and get ready for a night that’s lobster-level special.
23 Best "Friends" Gifts: The One Where You Share Joy
Travel / Culture-Inspired 40th Birthday Themes
Around the World Party
Celebrate 40 laps around the sun by throwing a party that globe-trots without leaving your house. Set up “stations” for different countries with snacks, drinks, or decor that match—like sushi and sake in Japan, tapas and sangria in Spain, or cheese and wine in France.
Decorate with maps, travel postcards, and mini flags. Guests can “passport stamp” each stop, and you can even suggest travel-inspired dress codes or games tied to each culture.
Amalfi Coast Party
Amalfi Coast Party
Bring the breezy charm of Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast to your 40th celebration with a fresh, sun-soaked Mediterranean theme. Think crisp blue-and-white tile patterns, bright lemon accents, and plenty of fresh greenery to set the mood.
Whether it’s a casual alfresco dinner or a cocktail soirée, this vibe pairs perfectly with light, fresh foods, refreshing citrus cocktails, and relaxed coastal elegance. Add some Italian music and string lights to complete the picture—your guests will feel like they’ve stepped right into a seaside villa.
For ideas from this gorgeous theme, check out Amalfi Coast Decor on Amazon
Venetian Party
Transport your party crew straight to the canals of Venice with a masquerade ball or gondola-inspired dinner party. Think twinkling lights, rich reds and golds, Italian music, and of course, a pasta bar with wine flowing like water.
Hand out Venetian masks at the door for a little added flair and mystery—and don't forget gelato for dessert!
Havana Nights Cuban Theme Party
Bust out the bold prints, guayaberas, and salsa music—Havana Nights is a lively, colorful way to celebrate turning 40! Decorate with palm leaves, tropical flowers, and string lights.
A mojito bar and Cuban food (think plantains, pulled pork, and Cuban sandwiches) set the tone while a little salsa dancing gets everyone moving.
Chinese New Year Party
Even if it’s not the actual holiday, a Chinese New Year-themed party is packed with color and good fortune. Decorate with red lanterns, gold accents, and zodiac signs.
Serve traditional Chinese dishes or takeout favorites, hand out lucky red envelopes with fortunes or lotto tickets, and wrap it all up with a dragon dance playlist.
Creative / Unique Activities
Less theme decor, more experience-focused.
Favorite Things Party
This one is low-key, high fun, and perfect if the birthday girl is more “cozy night in” than “big blowout.” A Favorite Things Party is all about everyone bringing a few of their can’t-live-without-it items (usually under $10–$20) to swap. You can do it Secret Santa-style, have people draw names, or just do a big group trade.
Add snacks, drinks, and a little station for people to write down their favorite TV show, app, or guilty pleasure for a shareable list.
Bonus: everyone leaves with gifts and ideas.
Learn a Skill Party
What types of hobbies are you interested in? Perhaps flower arranging, cooking, baking, sewing, or any other skill you'd like to learn. Invite your friends and hire someone who can teach it.
While you won't become an expert just from one session, it may inspire you to take it further by learning more on your own or having a regular get-together with friends to work on and share your projects.
This idea could be combined with the 40 and Fermented theme to learn sourdough baking, where everyone takes home a starter.
Trivia Party
If you love fun facts and a little friendly competition, a trivia party is a no-brainer. Divide guests into teams and mix in rounds like pop culture, 80s throwbacks, name-that-tune, or personal trivia about the birthday person.
Make it extra fun with buzzer rounds, tiny trophies, and themed snacks for each round. Keep score with a whiteboard or
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Retail Therapy Party
Who needs real therapy when you’ve got Target bags and cute pens? This one’s all about shopping—but in a fun, share-your-faves way. You can have each guest bring their favorite under-$15 item for a mini swap (like a more chill version of Favorite Things), or set up a mini boutique at home with candles, accessories, and beauty goodies for sale or trade.
Add snacks, pink drinks, and a reality TV show playing in the background, and suddenly you’ve got the most therapeutic 40th ever.
For a fun twist, it could be a clothing swap party. For a birthday girl who loves all things fashion, a clothes swap is a fun party theme. Have each guest bring items from their closet that they no longer want.
Use a clothing rack to set up a "store", a changing room, and of course, plenty of mirrors. Someone could act as a dressing room attendant/fashion advisor.
For entertainment, have a fashion show runway complete with music and someone taking photos. Each guest gets to go home with some "new" clothes.
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However you decide to celebrate, the most important thing is that it feels like you. Whether you go big with a theme and full party crew or keep it low-key with a few close friends and strong cocktails, your 40th deserves at least one moment where you laugh, eat something delicious, and maybe feel a little bit like your younger, cooler self again—minus the bad hangovers and questionable fashion choices.
If you need help planning, I’ve got a free party planning printable that covers the basics—budget, menu, and timeline—so you can skip the stress and just enjoy the moment. Happy 40th, friend… now go make it fun.
More themes you may like, regardless of age:
- 45 Cool Outdoor Birthday Party Ideas
- Sweet 16 Party Ideas: 16 Amazing Teen Party Themes
- 25 Barbie Party Ideas: The Ultimate Bash for Adults and Teens
Posts on Food:
- 45 Best Party Juice Recipes Perfect For Your Next Bash
- 35 Stunning Black Cakes That Will Take Your Breath Away
- 31 Pink Cakes: A Visual Delight of Sweet Creations
- 17 Easy & Delicious Summer Salad Ideas Perfect All Season
