Let’s be real—planning a costume party can feel like you’re stuck between wanting to be creative and not wanting to break the bank or spend three weeks crafting something that’ll fall apart after two drinks. I’ve been there, trust me. After hosting more costume parties than I care to count (and attending even more), I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and what makes people actually excited to dress up.
Whether you’re throwing a Halloween bash, celebrating a birthday, or just because Tuesday felt like a good day for costumes, these 21 ideas will give you everything you need to throw a party that people will actually remember. And by remember, I mean they’ll be talking about it for months—in a good way, hopefully 🙂
Classic Theme Parties That Never Get Old
Some themes are classics for a reason—they work every single time. These are your go-to options when you want something familiar but still fun.
Image Prompt: A vibrant party scene showing people in classic costume themes – a pirate with eye patch and tricorn hat, someone in a flowing 1920s flapper dress with feathers and pearls, a person dressed as a movie character, and a superhero in a cape, all mingling in a decorated party space with themed decorations in the background.
How to Do It:
• Choose one classic theme like pirates, superheroes, or 1920s
• Send invitations 3-4 weeks in advance with specific theme details
• Decorate your space to match the chosen era or theme
• Create a playlist that fits the time period or genre
• Set up a photo booth with theme-appropriate props
Hollywood Glamour Night transforms your living room into the red carpet. I love this one because everyone gets to feel fancy, and you’ll get amazing photos. Think old Hollywood starlets, classic movie characters, and black-tie elegance.
Superhero Extravaganza works for literally any age group. Adults love it because they can go full nostalgia, and honestly, who doesn’t want to pretend they can fly for one night? Pro tip: have a “design your own superhero” station for the creative types.
Pirates and Wenches brings out everyone’s inner rebel. It’s one of those themes where you can go as elaborate or as simple as you want—throw on some eyeliner, grab a bandana, and you’re halfway there.
For more inspiration on engaging party conversations, check out our conversation starters for texting to keep the energy flowing all night.
Decade-Themed Costume Parties
Nothing beats the nostalgia factor of decade parties. They’re Instagram gold and give everyone a chance to research some seriously questionable fashion choices from the past.
Image Prompt: A collage-style image showing different decade representations – someone in 1950s poodle skirt and saddle shoes, a person in 1960s mod dress with go-go boots, 1970s disco outfit with bell-bottoms and platform shoes, 1980s neon colors with big hair and leg warmers, and 1990s grunge style with flannel and combat boots.
How to Do It:
• Pick a specific decade and research the key fashion trends
• Create a Spotify playlist featuring hits from that era
• Decorate with decade-appropriate colors and patterns
• Set up themed cocktails or popular drinks from the time period
• Encourage guests to learn some dance moves from the era
1980s Neon Night is pure chaos in the best possible way. Think big hair, bigger shoulder pads, and enough neon to power a small city. I hosted one of these last year, and let me tell you, the photos were… something else.
1950s Sock Hop brings out everyone’s inner Grease character. Guys can slick back their hair and roll up their sleeves, while the ladies get to twirl in poodle skirts. It’s wholesome fun with a retro twist.
1990s Grunge Revival is perfect for millennials who want to relive their youth or Gen Z folks who want to experience what they missed. Flannel shirts, combat boots, and questionable hair choices welcome.
Creative Character-Based Themes
These themes let people really get into character, which makes for some seriously entertaining party interactions.
Image Prompt: A dynamic party scene featuring people in creative character costumes – someone dressed as a Disney villain with dramatic makeup and costume, a person in a zombie apocalypse survivor outfit with torn clothes and fake blood, someone as a video game character with pixelated accessories, and a group doing a couples costume as famous duos, all interacting in a themed party environment.
How to Do It:
• Provide character inspiration lists in your invitations
• Set up different “zones” in your party space for different character types
• Plan character-appropriate activities or games
• Award prizes for best costume, most creative, and most in-character
• Encourage guests to stay in character throughout the night
Disney Villains Only flips the script on typical Disney parties. Everyone loves a good villain, and the costumes are usually way more dramatic and fun than the heroes. Plus, villains have the best songs—fight me on this.
Zombie Apocalypse Survivors lets people get creative with distressed clothing and fake blood. It’s like Halloween, but with more strategy involved. Some people go full Rick Grimes, others prefer the “I raided a sporting goods store” approach.
Video Game Characters taps into everyone’s inner gamer. From Mario and Luigi to more modern characters, there’s something for everyone. Fair warning: someone will definitely show up as Pikachu.
Looking for ways to break the ice once everyone’s in character? Our funny questions to ask collection will keep the laughs coming all night long.
Food and Drink Themed Parties
These themes are genius because they solve your costume AND your menu planning in one shot. Plus, who doesn’t love a good food pun?
Image Prompt: A festive party scene with people dressed as various food and drink items – someone in a pizza slice costume with pepperoni details, a person dressed as a cocktail with colorful decorations, someone as a chef with a tall white hat and apron, and others as various fruits and vegetables, all gathered around a buffet table with themed food and drinks.
How to Do It:
• Create a menu that matches your theme perfectly
• Encourage guests to dress as their favorite foods or drinks
• Set up food stations that complement the costumes
• Design themed cocktails and mocktails
• Have a recipe exchange for guests who want to share ideas
Pizza Party Extravaganza where everyone dresses as their favorite pizza topping. I’ve seen people get wildly creative with this—from classic pepperoni to that one friend who always orders pineapple (we see you).
Cocktail Hour Costume Party combines fancy drinks with creative costumes. Guests can dress as their favorite cocktail, complete with all the garnishes. It’s surprisingly challenging and ridiculously fun.
International Cuisine Night lets people represent their favorite foods from around the world. Tacos, sushi, pasta—the variety is endless, and you’ll definitely learn about some new dishes.
Pop Culture and Meme-Inspired Themes
These are perfect for staying current and guaranteeing some serious laughs. Just make sure your references aren’t too niche, or you’ll have some confused guests.
Image Prompt: A modern party scene showing people dressed as popular memes and pop culture references – someone as a viral TikTok trend, a person dressed as a popular streaming series character, someone embodying a classic internet meme, and others in current pop culture costumes, all in a contemporary party setting with social media-worthy decorations.
How to Do It:
• Research current trends and memes for inspiration
• Create a hashtag for your party for social media sharing
• Set up a “meme wall” where guests can pose with props
• Plan activities that reference popular culture
• Keep a mix of current and classic references for all age groups
Internet Memes Come to Life is pure comedic gold. From Distracted Boyfriend to This Is Fine dog, watching people embody memes is entertainment in itself.
Netflix and Chill (but make it a party) where everyone dresses as characters from popular streaming shows. It’s like Comic-Con, but in your living room with better snacks.
TikTok Trends Party for those who want to stay absolutely current. Fair warning: if you’re over 25, you might need to do some research first. No judgment—I had to Google half the references too 🙂
Want to keep the pop culture conversation flowing? Check out our interesting topics to talk about for more engaging discussion starters.
Unique and Quirky Theme Ideas
Sometimes you want to throw a party that’s completely different from anything else. These themes will definitely make your party memorable.
Image Prompt: An eclectic party scene featuring people in unusual and creative costumes – someone dressed as a constellation with twinkling lights, a person in a steampunk outfit with gears and goggles, someone as an abstract art piece with colorful geometric shapes, and others in wonderfully weird and unique costumes, all in a creatively decorated space.
How to Do It:
• Explain the theme clearly in invitations with examples
• Provide inspiration boards or Pinterest links
• Set up multiple interpretation stations for different approaches
• Encourage creativity over perfection
• Have backup costume pieces for guests who need help
Come as Your Biggest Fear sounds terrifying but is actually hilarious. You’ll get everything from spiders to public speaking (someone literally showed up with a podium and microphone).
Extinct Things Only opens up possibilities from dinosaurs to discontinued snacks. Yes, someone dressed as a Twinkie, and it was glorious.
Things That Shouldn’t Exist But Do is where creativity goes wild. Think pineapple on pizza (controversial, I know), socks with sandals, or that weird singing fish from the 90s.
These unique themes often lead to the most interesting conversations and photo opportunities. Just be prepared for some truly bizarre interpretations—that’s half the fun!
Whether you choose a classic theme or go completely off the wall, the key to a successful costume party is making sure your guests feel comfortable being creative. Set the tone with your own costume, provide some inspiration without being too restrictive, and most importantly, have fun with it. After all, any excuse to dress up and act silly with friends is a good excuse in my book.
Remember, the best costume parties are the ones where everyone feels included and excited to participate. So pick a theme that matches your crowd, send out those invitations early, and get ready to see your friends in a whole new light—literally, if someone shows up as a lamp again.