Turning 30 is a milestone worth celebrating. For many, it marks a moment in life where they’re starting to figure out who they are and what they want out of life. It’s a time of becoming. As part of that exploration, why not try a 30th birthday party theme that transports you to another locale, era, or experience?
We’ve found 30th birthday party themes that will do just that — while also creating a fun celebration that you and your friends will remember long into your next decade.
Entertainment-Focused 30th Birthday Party Themes
1. Karaoke…But With a Live Band
If you’ve ever wanted to be the lead singer in a band (you know, without all of the rehearsals and raw talent) live band karaoke offers that chance. This 30th birthday celebration featured great BBQ and a flexible and fun band backing amateurs while they belted their favorite tunes.
Nightlife 30th Birthday Party Themes
2. Music & Passion Were Always in Fashion — At the Copacabana
Burgundy, Grand EST
France plus a supper-club vibe equals a totally chic and unique 30th birthday party theme. Add a big band, a black and white checkered dance floor, tropical florals, and a clear tent outfitted with draped greenery and chandeliers, and you’ve got a Brazilian-French-American mashup that makes for the perfect evening (one that began with synchronized swimming and ended with fireworks).
3. Your Own Personal Nightclub
Consider a swanky nightclub theme — but make it pink. This birthday celebration’s chic elements included metallic fringe, ethereal drapery, and modern furniture, which added up to a dance-all-night party from the visionary planning and design team at RosesRntRed Modern Events. Click through to see the cool projections and photo cocktail napkins that honor the birthday girl at “Club Lo.’”
Color-Drenched 30th Birthday Party Themes
4. Golden Glamour
What’s gold and white and modern all over? This elegant celebration, featuring not one, not two, but too many balloon installations to count — all in luxe white and glimmering gold. Metallic streamers and gold draping enclosed the space to create an intimate, beautiful spot for revelry. Click through to see the truly unique cake.
5. At the End of the Rainbow…is This Fun Party
When it comes to conjuring happiness, cheer, and hopefulness — there are few motifs that work as well as a rainbow. This 30th birthday party unfolded in bright color against an industrial chic raw space with a ROYGBIV balloon installation providing a perfect photo spot.
City 30th Birthday Party Themes
6. Modern & Urban NYC Celebration
No urban celebration would be complete without stunning views, which this one boasted from every angle. Add plush velvet lounge areas and lush florals — both in deep jewel tones — and you’ve got an iconic city celebration. Click through to see all of the glittering silver accents and terrace views of NYC.
7. New Orleans — Without the Plane Ticket
This 30th birthday party theme transported guests from the Hamptons to New Orleans without leaving home. Street signage, a cable car bus, detailed décor, festive lighting, and authentic menu choices — like crawfish, a seafood boil, po’ boys, and Cafe Du Monde’s famous beignets — all set the scene for a Southern-style bash remembered by all.
Decades 30th Birthday Party Themes
8. Gatsby Stills Means Glamour in the New 20s
Being back in the 20s means lots of gilded glamour reminiscent of the roaring era described in The Great Gatsby. For this 30th birthday party theme, an Art Deco-inspired tiered cake, projections of black and white movies, and festive gold and black décor created the perfect setting for costumed guests to dance the night away.
9. 90s Hip Hop
NBA star Draymond Green was thrown this fabulous 90s-style surprise birthday party for his 30th. Partygoers entered through a futuristic tunnel reminiscent of a Missy Elliot video from the time. The talented team at produced cabana installations with different scenes from the era’s shows like “Nay Nay’s World” for guests to lounge in — when they weren’t playing vintage arcade games like Centipede. Click through to see the truly-creative moments like personalized airbrushing and the LED dance floor — and the performance by the one-and-only Busta Rhymes.
Food-Focused 30th Birthday Party Themes
10. Pinch, Peel, Eat, Repeat: Crawfish & Cocktails
There are too many elements we love about this lobster and crawfish boil 30th birthday party theme to list them all. But we’ll try: the Moscow mule bar camper, the cozy outdoor lounge areas, the clever and personalized printed goods, the lemon place cards, the bricked garden locale — and more.
11. Foodie Feast
Now this is a 30th birthday party theme we can really sink our teeth into: a food-centric celebration. The modern décor of this contemporary home was the perfect setting for a chic cocktail party menu that featured manhattans and old fashions, along with luxe light bites and passed fresh and local-inspired dishes.
People Also Ask…
How do I start planning my 30th birthday party?
An incredible milestone birthday party requires an incredible team of party vendors. Bring your dream 30th birthday party theme to life with talented event professionals who know how to plan, design, and produce any vision.
Use PartySlate’s curated directory to find your team of vendors. Here, you’ll find everything from party planners and florists to photographers and more. Make sure to narrow your search by using the side filters. Filter by location, pro category, and amenities to find the best fit for your party planning needs.
What is the best 30th birthday party theme?
When it comes to 30th birthday party themes, the options are endless. Consider your hobbies, favorite places to visit (or that you dream of visiting), decades that hold meaning for you, foods you love, and what kind of a vibe you’d like to create for you and your guests. All of this information will help you narrow in on potential totally-you 30th birthday party themes.
Don’t forget, PartySlate offers limitless party inspiration with real event albums, idea galleries, and informative articles. Discover the best ideas and inspiration here. You can also click to see more fun and creative party themes for an unforgettable 30th birthday or other milestone celebration below:
Disco Party Themes
80s Party Themes
90s Party Themes
Neon Party Themes
Paris Party Themes
Tropical Party Themes
featured photographer
Micheal Jurick Photography
We love this New York-based (but international) photographer for his focus on connecting with the client so that their personality emanates from each and every photo. His attention allows hosts and guests to remember special moments for the rest of their lives.