These 30th Birthday Party Ideas Are So Fun You'll Want to Do It All Over Again Next Year (2024)

These 30th Birthday Party Ideas Are So Fun You'll Want to Do It All Over Again Next Year (1)

There's no denying that turning 30 is a big freaking deal. I mean, it's up there with other important milestones like graduating, buying your first house, and landing your dream job. So, if you're looking to celebrate this special birthday with a little more ~pizzazz~ than your previous ones, I don't blame you. In fact, I encourage it. Because, well, you only turn 30 once (sorry). Better make the most of your youth!!!

Whether you're mourning your twenties or welcoming the next decade with open arms (and cocktails), I'm here to help you save the planning headache for your hangover. I'm coming through with some v creative and fun 30th birthday party ideas worth considering—from a roaring 30s-themed shindig for the flashy bunch to some more low-key get-togethers perfect for homebodies. No matter your style, I'm sure you'll find something here that speaks to your festive soul for your big 3-0. Or, if you're the best friend ever and are planning a party for your bestie, we've got you covered. Let's! Start! Scrolling!

(Oh, and if you feel like making a registry of 30th birthday gifts because you're on top of it, then I've got you covered there, too.)

1

Visit a Lipstick Lab

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Start your new decade with a new signature shade after visiting a lipstick lab (most major cities have one!), where you can craft the perfect lippie for your coloring. You should also absolutely bring your friends and make it a party with pre-drinks.

2

Write Yourself a Letter

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Party for one! Grab your cutest stationery and pen a letter to your future self, and don't be afraid to get all up in your feels about entering a new decade. You can address the letter to yourself at 35, 40, 50, or any other age—just make sure you appreciate where you are now and think about your goals down the road.

3

Do Something That Scares the Sh*t Out of You

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Prove to yourself that you're still young, cool, and daring despite your new age group by doing something super adventurous and maybe even a little scary. Think: skydiving, rock climbing, bungee jumping, or even just going to therapy.

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4

Buy Yourself the Bag

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You know, *that* bag you've been eyeing for all of your twenties? Splurge on yourself. You deserve it. Especially if you're still obsessed with it after all these years.

5

Book a Cool Getaway

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Get your best pals together and book a stay at a cool rental. Bonus points if it's somewhere you've always wanted to go, like maybe this Joshua Tree VRBO.

6

Throw a 13 Going On 30-Themed Party

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If the bday babe is 30, flirty, and thriving, then you absolutely must throw a party inspired by the iconic 2004 film. We're talking glitter, Y2K fashion, and "Thriller" bumpin' on the speakers. Get a themed card. Dress in the iconic lewks. It'll be a night to remember!

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7

Have a Slumber Party

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Throw it back to the sleepover parties of yore and host a grown-up one of your own. Eat snacks, watch movies, sip on cocktails... whatever you do, just make sure you're doing it in a chic set of jammies, like this silky set.

8

Throw a "Dirty Thirty" Party

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Ah, the power of a good rhyme (lol). Deck yourself out in punny balloons or simply pressure everyone into a few too many shots. There's no reason not to get messy one last time.

9

Make Trendy Jewelry

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Get you and some pals a couple of jewelry-making kits so you can DIY your own beaded necklaces, bracelets, and maybe even those phone straps that are all over Instagram.

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10

Host a '90s Throwback Party

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Part of turning 30 is getting sentimental about your past, so break out your chokers, butterfly hair clips, and jelly sandals, and don't forget to feed your Tamagotchi. It's time to host the '90s throwback party of your dreams.

11

Take a Mixology Class

Vodka sodas may have been your jam in your twenties, but it's officially time to level up. Book a real-deal mixology class with your best girlfriends, and emerge anew with a whole roster of slinky, sexy cocktails.

12

Host a Film Screening

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Turn your apartment into a movie theater with this under-$100 projector (I mean, you could add in a screen, too, if you wanna get fancy). Now all you'll need is to dim the lights, grab some snacks, and throw on WandaVision.

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13

Go to Vegas

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If you opted out for your 21st birthday, senior week, or any other time in your twenties, you'll want to get in on the Vegas experience now. Chances are 30-year-old you has more $$$ to gamble with, anyways.

14

Book a Spa Day

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I don't need to tell you that you deserve it. Stack a couple of spa services, set your OOO reply, and spend an entire day pampering yourself to prepare for the next decade. Or, you know the drill, get your own spa kit.

15

Play Retro Board Games

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For a night of good, clean fun, invite your crew over for old-school games, like Twister, Monopoly, or Chutes and Ladders. For more modern inspo, check out this full list of actually not lame adult board games.

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16

Have a Meme-Worthy Party

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If there's one thing all millennials love, it's a good meme. So make that the theme! You could even kick it up a notch and ask everyone to come dressed as their fave internet icon.

17

Go Abroad

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Treat yourself to a dream vacay abroad! The continent is up to you. Oh, and take a seriously luxe carry-on along with ya (trust me, it'll make traveling so much easier).

18

Go Glamping

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Book a woodsy cabin or a beach yurt and lean into your secret wanderlust vibe and get away for a restful but glam few days. Just imagine the Insta content. At-home alternative: Buy a big ol' tent.

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19

Have a Roaring *30s* Party

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Celebrate the end of your ~roaring 20s~ with a Gatsby-themed shindig. This kit of party decorations from Amazon will help you pull it off.

20

Book a Dreamy Staycation

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Sign off without going anywhere with a hotel staycation. Cancel all your plans for a full 24 hours and settle in for a night of robes, room service, sparkling wine, and of course, a poolside photoshoot.

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Kim Duong

Senior Shopping Editor

Kim Duong is the senior shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, overseeing shopping coverage online for all things fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and sex. When she's not musing about which products are actually worth your hard-earned cash, she's also writing (sometimes slightly unhinged) fashion content in print. You can find her previous writing in Refinery29, InStyle, Travel + Leisure, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram for bottomless cute dog content and did-that-really-happen-to-me story times in her highlights.

These 30th Birthday Party Ideas Are So Fun You'll Want to Do It All Over Again Next Year (24)

Hannah Chubb

Lifestyle Editor

Hannah Chubb is the lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things home, travel, food, health, career, and more. She spends pretty much every hour of every day curating the internet for the best new products, trends, and travel destinations. You can typically find her looking for houses she can’t afford on Zillow or Airbnb, planning her next meal before she gets to the restaurant, or taking all of the Justin Bieber classes over and over and over again on Peloton. Follow her on Instagram.

These 30th Birthday Party Ideas Are So Fun You'll Want to Do It All Over Again Next Year (2024)

FAQs

What do people do for their 30th birthday? ›

Go on a road trip. If there's a place you've always wanted to visit, do it now for your milestone birthday. Get a haircut or dye your hair. Now's a great time to usher in the new decade with a new look.

Why is the 30th birthday special? ›

They say life begins at 30, and for good reason. Reaching this birthday milestone can feel like you're bidding farewell to a more carefree phase of your life and stepping into true adulthood…which sounds like a cause for celebration! Past milestone birthdays, such as your 21st, were probably thrown for you.

Should I throw a party for my 30th birthday? ›

Your 30th is a big one! Don't skimp on the party. Whether you're throwing a celebration for yourself, for a friend or for a family member, make it memorable. If you've been wondering what to do for your 30th birthday, any of the ideas listed above are a guaranteed good time.

What is a dirty 30 birthday party? ›

13. Dirty Thirty Party. A “dirty thirty” is another common term for a 30th birthday, but usually includes a humorous and fun decoration theme. A dirty thirty wouldn't be complete without the birthday person's favorite drinks, plenty of fun signs, and a night spent with friends.

What's the saying for turning 30? ›

Happy birthday!” “30 is the age of wisdom and grace. May this year bring you all the wisdom and grace you deserve.” “Life begins at 30, they say.

What does turning 30 symbolize? ›

The 30th birthday heralds one's adult status with measured indulgence. In the Bible time, the age of 30 is a year of a major breakthrough when some certain individual came into limelight and begin to reign. For instance, at age 30 Joseph the 11th child of Jacob became a Prime Minister in Egypt (Gen. 41:46).

What is the 30th birthday called? ›

Meaning of milestone birthday in English

a special birthday such as your 18th, 21st, 30th, or 40th birthday: Jack was 28 in his first movie part. Now he's reaching the milestone birthday of 40.

What symbolizes 30th birthday? ›

The 30th birthday is often viewed as a turning point in a person's life, representing the end of youth and the start of middle adulthood. By now, you might have a steady job and a family of your own. You should celebrate this new chapter with a big party.

What is the color code for the 30th birthday? ›

The 30th birthday set uses black and gold as the theme color, suitable for women and men. Come to organize an impressive party for yourself, saying hello to the coming 40s!

How much should I spend on a 30th birthday party? ›

At VenueNow, we find that when it comes to 30th birthdays, the lower end of the budget scale is about $500 to $800. On the higher end – those who hire a function space exclusively, purchase a food and beverage package, and go all out with decorations – you'll see budgets of about $2,000 to $3,000.

How do you throw a good party in your 30s? ›

Go Big or Go Home
  1. themes are always a good idea.
  2. create a Mimosa Bar or Margarita Bar or...just a bar.
  3. create an Itinerary for the weekend, it will get your guests super excited and make them feel special too.
  4. floaties, cameras and champs are a must.
Feb 19, 2017

Who pays for 30th birthday party? ›

Whoever is “hosting” the party should always cover any expenses. The group should split the cost of the bill evenly, including the guest of honor.

How I celebrated my 30th birthday? ›

30 Unique 30th Birthday Ideas To Celebrate in Style
  • 01 of 30. Order a Round at Your Favorite Dive Bar. ...
  • 02 of 30. Rent a Karaoke Room. ...
  • 03 of 30. Throw a House Party. ...
  • 04 of 30. Book an Escape Room. ...
  • 05 of 30. Spend the Day Outdoors. ...
  • 06 of 30. Book a Luxurious Stay at a Boutique Hotel. ...
  • 07 of 30. Grab Tickets To a Concert. ...
  • 08 of 30.
Apr 9, 2024

Is 30 considered a special birthday? ›

As mentioned above 16,17, 18 and 21 are often considered milestone birthdays. After that, 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th birthdays are significant. Some people may celebrate 65th 66th or 67th birthdays as milestone birthdays, due to this being associated with 'official' retirement ages.

What is the 30th birthday celebration called? ›

Meaning of milestone birthday in English

a special birthday such as your 18th, 21st, 30th, or 40th birthday: Jack was 28 in his first movie part. Now he's reaching the milestone birthday of 40. We all like to think that milestone birthdays lead to exciting turning points in our lives.

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