Summer birthdays are the perfect occasion to celebrate with friends and family, so if you’re gearing up for a celebration, we can help you get started with 20 exciting ideas. From ice cream socials to backyard barbeques, there are so many fun and creative ways to make your summer bash unforgettable!
What to Do for a Summer Birthday
The summer months offer warm weather and long days, which means you have endless opportunities for celebrating. But with so many options available, it can take time to figure out where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of ideas for summer birthdays that will be fun for everyone.
20 Summer Birthday Party Ideas for the Best Celebration Ever
Whether you're planning a party for yourself or someone else, here are some of the best summer birthday party ideas that will make the event memorable for all of your guests.
1. Ice Cream Social Party
A summer ice cream social is fun and easy to organize, and it gives your guests a chance to cool off in the heat. Set up a table with different ice cream flavors, toppings, and sauces, and let guests create their own sundaes. You can even get creative by offering different types of cones and bowls for a touch of variety.
2. Outdoor Game Night
Host a game night under the stars with fun outdoor games like giant Jenga, cornhole, twister, or a scavenger hunt. This is a perfect idea for guests of all ages who enjoy friendly competition, so let the games begin!
3. Cupcake Decorating Party
Get creative with something sweet! Have a fun and relaxed time decorating cupcakes with different frostings, sprinkles, and edible decorations. You can even make it a competition to see who can create the best-looking or most original cupcake.
4. Watercolor Summer Birthday
A watercolor summer party engages kids and adults alike. Set up a watercolor station with art supplies like blank canvases, paint, brushes, and water jars, and have your guests paint their masterpiece. You can even provide some watercolor tutorials or designs for extra inspiration. Make sure to provide refreshing drinks your guests can sip while they paint.
5. Outdoor Movie Night Party
Transform your backyard into a cinematic paradise with an outdoor movie night party. Set up a projector and screen, stock up on snacks, get movie night decorations, and provide cozy outdoor seating. Pick out one of your favorite movies and enjoy! Leave ample time, plus extra snacks and drinks, to discuss the movie after the screening.
6. Mimosa Party
For adult birthday parties, mimosas are a fun way to celebrate summertime. All you have to do is get a variety of fruit juices and champagne, along with some finger foods or brunch favorites, and you’ll have a perfect daytime party. Go the extra mile by decorating with fresh flowers, leafy garlands, and champagne balloons.
7. Birthday Bagel Brunch
Take a simple brunch to the next level with a bagel-themed celebration. Set up a bagel bar with different types of bagels, cream cheese, spreads, and toppings, and let your guests create their ideal bagel sandwiches.
8. Rainbow Kids’ Birthday Party
Ramp up the color and fun with a rainbow-themed party for your kid’s birthday celebration. Decorate with bright balloons, streamers, and banners in every color of the rainbow. Serve colorful snacks and crafts for all the kids, like a tie-dye station, sidewalk chalk, or paint and canvas.
9. Root Beer Float Party
Indulge your sweet tooth and throw a root beer float party. Set up a DIY root beer float station with different ice creams and types of root beer, and let your guests create their perfect float. Don’t forget to provide yummy toppings like whipped cream and chocolate sauce!
10. Bright Outdoor Fiesta
Add some color and excitement to your summer birthday party with a vibrant fiesta theme. You can put up fiesta decorations and piñatas, make tasty Mexican food, and set up a margarita bar.
11. Summer Spa Party
Treat your guests to a spa day they’ll never forget. Set up a mini spa however you like and include exciting things like a nail bar, hair styling area, face masks, and more. Keep guests refreshed with wine and cucumber sandwiches. Don’t forget to add some relaxing background music, aromatherapy scents, and candles for the full spa experience.
12. Pool Party
If you’ve got a pool, why not host an epic pool party? Set up pool games, floats, water balloons, and other pool toys[1] , and decorate with summer party decor. Don’t forget to stock up on snacks and drinks to keep everyone energized while they have some outdoor fun!
13. Monochromatic Party
Monochromatic parties are centered around one color. So, choose your favorite color (or whoever the birthday star is), and buy decorations all in that color. If your color is pink, decorate with pink balloons, streamers, and confetti. Set up a pink-themed dessert table with pink candies, watermelon and strawberries, pink cupcakes, and pink cake pops. Have your guests come dressed head to toe in the selected color, and enjoy seeing everyone’s different styles!
14. Backyard Shrimp Boil
If you want your guests to leave feeling full and happy, a backyard shrimp boil is a great way to go. Serve shrimp, corn, and potatoes in your own homemade cajun-style sauce. Provide festive bibs and napkins, and encourage everyone to dig in. Afterward, you can relax in the sunshine and enjoy your party!
15. Outdoor Watermelon Party
Watermelon is a summer staple, making it perfect for a birthday bash. Throw a watermelon-themed party complete with watermelon-inspired napkins, plates, streamers, and more. You can even have a watermelon eating contest and a watermelon seed spitting contest as on-theme entertainment.
16. Wine Tasting Party
For adult birthday parties, organize a wine tasting event at a venue or right in your backyard. Gather a sample of wines (white, red, and sparkling), and get small sampler sized cups. Then, set out meat and cheese trays, crackers, and nuts. As guests sip and enjoy different wines, they can try compatible cheeses, too. For dessert, serve mini-cupcakes or cake pops as an elegant treat. If you want guests to get fancy, encourage everyone to dress in their best summer attire.
17. Organize a Luau
Get everyone in a tropical state of mind by throwing a Hawaiian luau-themed party. Decorate your backyard with tiki torches and hand out Hawaiian shirts and leis as party favors. You can also serve classic Hawaiian food and drinks and encourage your guests to learn more about the culture!
18. Magical Garden Party
For a child’s birthday, consider throwing an enchanted garden party. Add flowers, soft lighting, themed balloons, and a sprinkling of fairy dust. You can serve tea and dainty treats and tell a fairytale to enhance the magical atmosphere of the floral tea party. After tea time, organize a scavenger hunt based on your fairytale, and make sure to have a magical surprise for the kids to uncover.
19. Have a Backyard BBQ
A backyard BBQ is a classic summer party idea that’s always enjoyable. Fire up the grill, make traditional BBQ party food like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken, set up lawn games, and encourage your guests to relax and unwind!
20. Summer Burger Bar Bash
A summer burger bar bash is a great chance to get creative. Assemble a burger station with different meat, buns, and toppings, and serve some fun summer drinks, like lemonade or sangria. Encourage your guest to create a unique burger invention and see what they come up with! Don’t forget to offer some vegetarian options so all your guests feel included.
Whatever type of summer celebration you’re planning, Party City can help. Our summer party theme suppliesdéecor includes all types of déecor and tablewaresupplies to make sure your party is memorable! From BBQ plates and napkins to Tiki theme drinkware and flamingo balloons, we’ve got you covered. Shop our summer party supplies today, or find a store near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do for my birthday in the summer?
There are so many great options for summer party ideas. Throw a BBQ, make mimosas, have a pool party, or invite your friends over for an outdoor movie night.
How do you plan a fun summer party?
Planning a fun summer party can be done in so many ways. To make your celebration extra special, consider picking a theme, setting out games or competitions for guests, and having plenty of food and drinks for everyone to enjoy.
What do you need for a summer party?
Some staples of summer parties include cold drinks, lawn games, comfortable seating in the shade, and lots of fresh food. Depending on the theme of your summer party, you can also include themed decorations, balloons, streamers, and more!