18 Bodacious Ideas for a Totally 80s Theme Party (2025)

Organizing a party isn’t always easy, especially when it’s a theme party—there’s decor, costumes, food and drink, venue rental, and more to consider. But if you’re in need of some top-notch 80s party ideas, then we’ve got you covered with a collection of creative suggestions that you aren’t likely to find elsewhere.

This in-depth guide offers fresh, practical ideas that’ll make your theme party unforgettable, no matter whether you’re planning a birthday party for kids, or a corporate event or backyard bash for adults. Event planners will find suggestions that impress clients with a fresh take, parents will find age-appropriate ideas that still wow your guests, and hosts who are short on money or time will find impactful ideas that don’t require overspending or hours of work.

As you read on, you won’t find the same tired suggestions that show up on most basic listicles (think neon, boom boxes, and other surface-level suggestions). We went deeper to discover ideas inspired by real 80s trends and pop culture moments, combining this with a look into what’s popular on social media for 80s themed parties today. 

From clever costume themes and decor ideas to food that’s more than just a throwback, we’ve curated the best of the best, so you won’t have to waste another minute scrolling through recycled content. Read on for specific 80s party ideas that your guests will remember for years to come.

Table of contents

• Outfit inspiration
• Decor ideas
• 80s-inspired food and drink suggestions
• Entertainment options
• Kid-friendly ideas
• Adults-only ideas
• Your 80s party questions answered
• Finding the perfect space to host

Outfit inspiration for your 80s throwback

We all know the 80s is famous for its eye-catching fashion trends. Who could forget the scrunchies, mullets, and ripped jeans? But if you’re looking to go beyond the realm of generic neon and leg warmers, these creative outfit ideas will help take your theme to the next level.

1. Dress as favorite 80s movie characters

Plan an 80s fancy dress party where guests channel characters from the decade’s top films. This keeps the costumes fun and recognizable while opening the door to hilarious photo ops and nostalgic conversations. You can expect to see guests arrive as iconic characters like:

• Marty McFly from Back to the Future in a red puffer vest, acid-wash jeans, and white sneakers
• Ferris Bueller in a leopard-print vest and white loafers
• The Ghostbusters in their full jumpsuit gear
• Madonna from Desperately Seeking Susan wearing lace gloves and teased hair
• Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street in a striped red and black sweater, fedora, and glove with attached claws

2. Dress as relatives in the 80s

If you’re reading this, you may have been a kid in the 80s, so dressing the way you did back then would also mean dressing up as your child self. But everyone seems to have that one memorable photo of their mom, dad, aunt, or uncle as young adults in the 80s. Sometimes these photos look dated and goofy (think huge hair and oversized glasses), and sometimes they look incredibly cool (in an 80s way). This makes these personal family photos the perfect inspiration for an authentic 80s outfit—so ask your guests to use a family photo of their own for outfit inspiration, and make sure they bring the photos to the party, too!

3. 80s fitness costume party

The legwarmers and sweatbands popularized by the fitness enthusiasts of the 80s make for a truly iconic costume and party theme. Have your guests stock up on some 80s fitness gear and head over for an aerobics class. The wilder the color and patterns of the workout outfits, the better! You can even rent out a dance studio so you’ll have plenty of space for the aerobics class and the whole experience will feel that much more authentic.

Cultivating an 80s vibe with decor

At just about any party, your decor is what sets the tone for your gathering. But this is especially true for decade-themed parties, which have the significant challenge of trying to transport their guests back to a different era for a few hours. Here are several suggestions to help you create an atmosphere that’s nostalgic as well as immersive and fun for guests.

4. Decorate with iconic album covers and movie posters

80s pop culture is some of the most iconic and recognizable of any decade, with bold typography, neon gradients, and unforgettable faces. So why not use album covers and movie posters of the era to transport your guests back in time? This suggestion comes from Feel Good Events Melbourne, who used it to take the 80s atmosphere at a recent party they planned to the next level.

Feature legendary 80s albums like Thriller by Michael Jackson, Purple Rain by Prince, and Rio by Duran Duran, as well as movies like The Breakfast Club, Top Gun, Back to the Future, and E.T. (or your own personal faves). They’ll add character to your venue’s walls and make for great photo backdrops. 

5. DIY budget decor with cardboard and paint

If you’ve got a tight budget for your party’s decor, don’t underestimate the power of DIY, cardboard, and paint. Follow in the footsteps of TikToker @kimpossible_72 and use these materials to make oversized 80s props like Rubik’s cubes, boom boxes, cassette tapes, and MTV logos. 

You can then hang these props on the wall, stack them as centerpieces, or use them to frame a photobooth area. They’ll add a huge amount of visual impact without breaking the bank.

6. Incorporate 80s slang into decor

Especially if your party guests are old enough to actually have been around in the 80s, it’s worthwhile to incorporate the slang of the 80s into your decor, invites, and anywhere else you can. Being reminded of how we all used to speak can really help with the immersion and bring the theme to life—plus, it has the potential to be hilarious.

Some of our favorite terminology from the era:

• “Totally rad”
• “Bodacious”
• “Gnarly”
• “Radical”
• “Totally tubular”
• “Grody”
• “No duh”

7. Consider classier decor

While many 80s decor ideas focus on neon overload and cheesy props, these might not be a great fit for the vibe of your party. If you’re hosting a more elegant event, like a retro cocktail evening or an 80s-inspired dinner party, you might opt for a more refined decor. We’re talking metallics, glass blocks, chrome accents, and Art Deco-style lighting inspired by 80s design trends.

If possible, start with a neutral venue and layer in your chosen color palette strategically, such as with a brightly colored table runner or several curated statement pieces in the right color scheme. When booking a venue, look for one with retro features like wood paneling or checkered floors that you can highlight, rather than cover. Browse Peerspace’s range of vintage venues to find a space near you that might be a great fit.

Pro tip: Peerspace party venues often have blank walls and open layouts that make them perfect canvases for your 80s-style decor. Booking a “blank slate” venue on Peerspace allows you to bring your 80s vision to life exactly as you imagine it.

80s snacks and sips your guests will love

Foods and drinks are a powerful way to bring your throwback theme to life, especially because taste and smell are so strongly linked to memory. For an 80s party, your food and drink choices can be as playful, nostalgic, or elevated as you’d like. 

8. 80s candy bar

What could be better than a seemingly endless supply of candies that your guests loved during their childhoods in the 80s? If you agree and it’s a good fit for your party’s vibe, put together an 80s candy bar like TikToker @cherishedmemoriestravel. Some candies that you might want to include:

• Skittles
• Nerds
• Runts
• Push Pops
• Reese’s Pieces
• Pop Rocks
• Jolly Ranchers
• Sour Patch Kids
• Bottle Caps
• Razzles
• Whatchamacallit bars
• Now and Laters
• Big League Chew
• Gobstoppers
• Swedish Fish
• Mamba Fruit Chews
• Sweet Tarts
• Bazooka gum

9. Serve what you ate in the 80s

When we talk about food from the 80s, we’re talking about an entire decade, and while there were some consistent trends, there was a ton of variation depending on culture, location, class, and many other factors. 

So: instead of referring to a generic list of the most popular 80s foods, try to reflect on what you and your family might have eaten during that decade—what foods and beverages feel most nostalgic and iconically 80s to you? Consider reaching out to parents, siblings, and other relatives with whom you frequently shared meals to jog your memory and get a better idea of what they were cooking and eating back then.

Here are some more historical and culinary resources to help jog your memory:

• Chowhound: “15 Retro Food Trends From The ’80s”
• The Food Timeline (scroll down to the 80s section specifically)

10. Explore fancy 80s cuisine

According to Jan Whitaker, an expert on the history of American food and consumer culture, the 80s weren’t just about fast food and casual dining. In fact, this is the decade when dining out truly became an expression of status and culinary curiosity.

As Whitaker describes the culinary tastes of the era: “The food fashion cycle quickened as diners discovered a taste for arugula, radicchio, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, sushi, crab cakes, Pad Thai, mesquite grilling, and fresh ingredients. Meanwhile, old favorites such as steak and baked potato, tossed salad, and cheesecake seemed dull.”

Popular dishes included pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese, seafood entrees like crab cakes and salmon stuffed with herbs, and internationally inspired flavors. California cuisine was popularized by chefs like Wolfgang Puck, who described this style of cooking as “[using] the best ingredients, use them in a simple way so the ingredients really shine.”

To elevate your 80s party beyond the usual neon and nostalgia, serve dishes that were all the rage among the food elite of the time. Think of the era’s rising interest in new cuisines, lighter fare, and sophisticated presentations.

Entertainment straight out of the 80s

No 80s party is complete without era-appropriate entertainment like music, movies, and games. The right choices will keep your guests immersed in that totally tubular vibe all night long!

11. Stream 80s movies and TV shows

Set the scene for the perfect 80s party by streaming some totally awesome 80s movies and TV shows. From movies starring the Brat Pack to the original Dynasty, the movies and TV series of the 80s perfectly reflected the era’s fashion and attitudes. Don’t be afraid to venture away from the most popular films of the era in favor of beloved but lesser-known gems like Weird Science, Better Off Dead, or The Lost Boys.

Book a private movie theater through Peerspace to host your 80s party at a stylish venue that makes it easy to stream your favorite 80s pop culture treasures.

12. Play 80s-inspired games

For those who enjoy getting hands-on with party activities, these 80s-themed games are engaging and easy to DIY! From a homemade Double-Dare course to a DIY croquet set inspired by Heathers, there are options that’ll appeal to kids and adults alike.

13. Make a thoughtful playlist or hire a DJ 

Music is another area where 80s themed party ideas can get a little too generic. That’s why we’re specifically suggesting making a concerted effort to avoid this generic feel in favor of choosing music from the 80s that actually contributes to the unique atmosphere of your party. 

If you’d like to make the playlist yourself, curate a collection of songs that blends some well-known hits of the era with deeper cuts and a range of genres, including synth-pop, New Wave, rock, and early hip-hop. 

Or if you decide to hire a professional DJ, look for someone who knows a lot about the music of the 80s in particular! Your ideal DJ will also be an expert at reading the room and smoothly transitioning between high-energy dance tracks and slower jams, keeping the party’s momentum flowing naturally. You might ask them to sync upbeat tunes to arrival and dancing, mellow tracks to socializing, and crowd-pleasing classics to close out the night.

Pro tip: If you have access to a projector, playing vintage MTV music videos along with the music will up the 80s vibe even further. Learn more about where to rent a projector and screen (or how to find a venue that comes with those amenities).

Totally kid-friendly 80s party ideas

Throwing an 80s-themed party for kids is a bit different than one for adults. It’s especially important to keep them entertained, and they won’t have the same nostalgia for the 80s that their parents do, since they weren’t around for the decade itself—that means the focus of the party might need to be a little different.

14. 80s rollerskating party

Kids are typically full of energy, especially during all the excitement of a party, so planning activities that help them use up some of that pent-up energy can be helpful. 

In the 80s, young people loved nothing more than hitting up their local roller rink, skating round and round to the top 80s roller skating anthems, and dreaming of skating hand-in-hand with their crush by the end of the night. 

Why not throw your own 80s roller skating party as a fun and active way to celebrate this colorful decade? Imagine booking an amazing retro space, inviting your friends to come dressed in their finest 80s gear, and then skating the night away. 

If you decide to go with this idea, consider also hiring a photographer for the party and incorporating some of these funky roller skate photoshoot ideas.

15. Make the party theme recognizable for kids

As previously mentioned, kids today weren’t actually there in the 80s, so a lot of the decade’s references might go over their heads. That’s why we’re suggesting the party center around something 80s-themed that kids are actually familiar with! 

For example, a Stranger Things-themed party—like this one from Spot of Tea Designs—could be a great option for kids who are fans of the show. Discover more ideas for planning a Stranger Things party.

80s-themed celebration ideas for the adult crowd

An 80s party for adults can be especially meaningful, as tapping into the decade’s iconic music and culture can bring back beloved memories and get everyone energized. Especially if your guests actually lived through the era, these ideas will help you create a fun, nostalgic night for grown-ups.

16. Ask guests for song requests

If you want to get everyone out of their seats and on the dance floor, make 80s music the center of your event. The synthetic drums, drone chords, and soaring vocals of the 80s still resonate today, and your invitees might have fond memories of specific songs.

Ask guests to send in their favorite 80s song requests before the party so the playlist feels personal and inclusive. For an especially authentic vibe, consider playing these hits on a vintage cassette player or boombox.

17. Play video games on 80s consoles

How did teens kill time and ease their boredom on a Friday night? With arcade games, of course! Arcades packed with quarter-operated machines like Pac-Man, Frogger, and Tetris were all the rage.

While it might be surprising to find a suggestion to play video games in the section on 80s party ideas geared toward adults, people who are old enough to have been alive in the 80s are the ones who actually remember the games from that era. So it makes perfect sense to break out the original Nintendo or Atari 2600 console and start playing.

Or, if you can’t get your hands on any 80s video game consoles, why not take your 80s partygoers on a field trip to a retro-inspired arcade near you? You can even find arcades for rent on Peerspace, so you and your guests will have the whole space to yourselves!

18. Serve beloved 80s cocktails

Adult gatherings may want to also include alcohol. In that case, don’t forget to serve some of the 80s’ most-loved cocktails, like Piña Coladas, Fuzzy Navels, and Blue Lagoons. Bursting with bold colors and flavors, these drinks will instantly transport your guests back to their decade of origin.

If you’d rather not go to the extra trouble of buying the ingredients for and carefully mixing cocktails—especially if you’re going for a more casual party vibe—then serving classic drinks like Zima, Bartles & Jaymes, and wine coolers is another option that’ll save you some time and effort.

​​Your questions about 80s theme parties, answered

What are some clever 80s party names?

A creative name sets the tone before guests even arrive. Try something fun and memorable like Back to the 80s, Neon Nights, Radical Rewind, or Mixtape Memories. For seasonal spins, you could go with Spooktacular 80s for Halloween or Rockin’ Around the 80s for Christmas.

What are some 80s party ideas for men?

Encourage guests to explore specific 80s archetypes. Popular options for men include the Wall Street power broker (suits and suspenders), iconic movie characters like Marty McFly or Ghostbusters, or embracing grunge with ripped jeans and band tees. A little hairspray never hurts, either!

What are some 80s party ideas for women?

Beyond the obvious neon and leg warmers, women can channel 80s pop stars like Madonna, go for a glam rock vibe with sequins and big hair, or keep it cheeky with a fitness look straight from a Jane Fonda workout tape. Mix and match colors, patterns, and accessories for an over-the-top effect.

How do you throw an 80s-themed birthday party?

For birthdays, tailor the details to the guest of honor. Create a nostalgic candy bar with their childhood favorites, play their favorite 80s tunes, and decorate with personalized touches like photos of them from the era or a timeline of fun facts from their birth year.

How can I make an 80s-themed Christmas party feel festive?

Give your holiday bash a retro twist with metallic tinsel trees, vintage holiday records, and an 80s cocktail menu. Ask guests to wear festive 80s-inspired looks, like red sequin dresses or ugly sweaters with a vintage vibe. Don’t forget to hang a neon “Merry Christmas” sign!

What are some 80s Halloween party ideas?

Lean into the decade’s iconic horror and pop culture. Think Freddy Krueger, Ghostbusters, or Beetlejuice costumes, blacklight decor, and a playlist of spooky 80s hits like “Thriller” or “Somebody’s Watching Me.” You can also set up a fog machine for extra drama.

How can you plan an 80s party that’s fun for kids?

For kids, keep it colorful and activity-driven. Roller skating parties, Stranger Things-inspired games, or even an arcade rental make great choices. Include simple crafts, like friendship bracelets or neon slime-making, so they stay engaged while you keep the vibe on theme.

What is the 80s theme style?

The 80s theme is all about bold choices and unapologetic fun. Expect to see lots of neon, oversized silhouettes, graphic patterns, metallics, and unforgettable accessories. From preppy to punk to pop star glam, it’s a chance to embrace maximalism and let everyone’s personality shine.

Find the perfect space to bring your 80s party to life

No matter how creative or authentically 80s your ideas are, your party can’t achieve its full potential without the right setting. That’s what Peerspace is for: finding the unique venues that make it all possible.

Unlike traditional venue rentals that can feel stiff or uninspired, Peerspace connects you to thousands of character-filled venues designed specifically for events. And since Peerspace is built for events, not overnight stays, you can book by the hour and maintain full control over your budget and schedule.

Every Peerspace listing features detailed descriptions, honest reviews, and high-resolution photos, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. Whether you’re throwing an 80s birthday bash, an elegant retro dinner, or a Stranger Things-themed roller skating party, Peerspace lets you skip the stress and book a venue that brings your vision to life.

Let’s get this 80s party started

Hopefully, these ideas have sparked inspiration and given you some fresh takes on an unforgettable 80s-themed party. 

Now, if you’re looking for the right venue to bring your vision together, browse Peerspace’s collection of party venues in your area. For more planning support, explore the Peerspace blog to find exhaustive guides to party themes, decorating on a budget, and more.

With the right space, decor, playlist, and guest list, you’ll be able to throw a party that’s totally tubular. So tease that hair sky-high and get ready to make fabulous memories with your friends and loved ones!

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