29 Best Summer Party Themes to Make a Splash in 2024

Looking for summer party themes to make it your best summer yet? The summer season is the perfect time to soak up the sun, make great plans with friends and have more time to do the things you usually don't find the time to do. 

For most, summer equals happiness. According to Health Central, there's a real connection between weather and mood. Warmer months do impact our happiness and well-being. So, it’s the perfect time to be a little extra for birthday surprise ideas, Pride party ideas or any celebration this summer.

From BBQ parties to beach picnics, this list compiles 29 summer party themes and activities that are too good to pass on. The best thing is that there's a little bit of everything for all types of budgets.

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• Foodie Summer Party Themes
• Creative Summer Party Themes 
• Unique Summer Party Themes
• Backyard Summer Party Themes

Foodie Summer Party Themes

1. Host a Cooking Party

If you consider yourself or your friends to be “foodies,” hosting a cooking party is among the must-try summer party activities. You can have a top-tier chef leading the class, where you'll learn how to cook exquisite dishes and have a high-level dinner party, all created by each of the guests.

You can book cooking classes in Orlando, cooking classes in Salt Lake City, cooking classes in Sacramento or cooking classes near you! Another suitable alternative is having online cooking classes from wherever you're located.

2. Best Cocktail Wins

How do you pick a summer party theme? The options are endless, but the easiest way is by considering what you enjoy doing on the weekends. For example, a cocktail party can be a unique and fun experience for all guests if you enjoy refreshing drinks.

You can even take it to another level by having online mixology classes with your friends, and then once you learn more about cocktails and their techniques, you can throw a competition to see what cocktail is the most creative one!

3. Wine Tasting Session With Friends

Summer party themes that are great to give a refreshing twist to the usual experiences are virtual wine tasting sessions at home. You can gather with your guests and explore different varietals while an expert teaches you everything about wine. 

You can also explore food pairings by having exquisite charcuterie boards that match all the different wines.

4. Ice Cream Bar Madness

How do you throw a good summer party? By knowing what people want. Summer and ice cream are inseparable, so why not join forces and make an ice cream party will have everyone's taste buds singing?

Theme party ideas can also be related to food, so in this case, it will be exclusively about ice cream. You can set up a big ice cream station with different flavors, toppings, and syrups so people can get a little bit crazy.

5. Picnic on the Beach

A picnic on the beach party sounds like a dream! Of course, it makes its way to being part of the ultimate summer bucket list ideas.

While it requires a bit more planning, if you are looking for the best summer party themes to make an ever-lasting impression on your guest, then a picnic on the beach is the way to go.

You can make the picnic with food that are easier to transport, like snacks, veggies and hummus boards, sandwiches, etc. You could even set a table and decorate it nicely to make everyone feel special. 

6. The Ultimate Summer Brunch

What summer party food can be refreshing and delicious? In the heat of summer, fruits and refreshing beverages are key! June birthday ideas for adults can be as fun as hosting a summer brunch with mimosas, fruit plates and other exquisite dishes. 

The cool thing about brunch party ideas is that they can have so many different themes. You can throw summer party themes like Mexican brunch or have pancake and waffle stations!

7. Have a Beer Party

There's no better feeling than having an ice-cold beer when the summer heat is in its full bloom — it’s refreshing and delicious! If you're seeking summer party themes that are more suitable for adults, whether for summer party activities or birthdays, a beer party has a high chance of succeeding. 

You can set beer pong tables, beer stations, personalized pints, and have snacks that match with beer, such as chips, hamburgers, pizza, etc.

8. Watermelon Theme Party

Bored of the same summer party themes? Go in a different direction and give tribute to summer’s official fruit: the watermelon. You can have watermelon in different presentations, like cocktails, salads, gummies and more.

You can even make it more fun by asking people to dress up in watermelon colors. Summer theme party outfits, in this case, will be pink, green, red and black. Let guests take the opportunity to get creative! 

Creative Summer Party Themes

9. Paint and Sip

Summer theme names that are attractive to most people involve getting creative. A “Paint and Sip Party” is not only among the best paint party ideas for adults but will definitely spark curiosity in your guests, as they can have the best of both worlds: painting and sipping! 

You can either make paint and sip at home or have guidance from art instructors by attending paint and sip in Portland, paint and sip in Atlanta, paint and sip in Boston or paint and sip near you in all the different locations across the U.S.

Another alternative is having online painting classes and finding an arrangement for group classes where you can enjoy this summer party theme from home.

10. Have a Pottery Party

What are summer party themes that are underrated? Pottery parties! While not everyone is into pottery, if you want to try a new activity or even develop a new hobby, pottery is a fun and engaging activity for any occasion. 

You'll learn the art of manipulating raw materials into beautiful objects that can either be used for decoration or on a daily basis (like mugs or jars).

You can find pottery classes in Houston, pottery classes in Chicago, pottery classes in Los Angeles, or pottery classes near you, as there are many in diverse locations across the U.S. 

11. Carnival Theme Party

The best thing about looking for summer party themes is considering aspects such as food, customs and decorations. The options are endless, but if you’re looking to celebrate your birthday or host the ultimate summer party, a carnival is a fun way to do so.

Think of all the summer theme party outfits you and your guests can play with. The colors, accessories, etc. You can even create your own cocktails and have cool games related to carnival that everyone can enjoy. 

12. Luau Party

Speaking of cool summer theme party outfits, why not go tropical and host a luau? Outfit inspirations are great and fun, and it makes you feel even closer to the summer’s spirit that is all about the beach and good vibes. 

Hawaiian party ideas can go from creating DIY tropical shirts to limbo parties with everyone dancing. This is also among the fun end-of-summer party themes for adults. 

13. Under the Sea Mermaid Party

What theme is suitable for a summer party? Make your guests feel out of this world by throwing a mermaid party. Especially after The Little Mermaid reboot, mermaid parties are more and more popular. 

For this summer party theme, include a summer dinner party menu that involves sea-inspired dishes. Cookies in the shape of mermaids, ocean-inspired cocktails, and more!

14. Spark Elegance With a Garden Tea Party 

Looking for summer party themes that are both elegant and fun? A garden tea party blends a serene ambiance with delicious food and great décor. In this case, summer party food related to a garden tea party can be assortments of iced teas, delicate pastries, finger sandwiches and cold, crisp salads. 

A garden tea party is among the June birthday ideas for adults that involve a tranquil environment and good food. It's also easy to plan — just add vintage tea sets and fresh flowers. 

15. Tiki Paradise

Take all your guests to a day in paradise by hosting a tropical paradise summer party theme. Dress code: vibrant colors, Hawaiian shirts, and funky accessories! Set the stage with tropical-inspired decorations such as coconuts, palm leaves, flamingos and colorful lanterns. 

You can also set up a tiki bar where you focus on serving refreshing cocktails such as piña coladas, mai tais, margaritas and more.

When it comes to the summer dinner party menu, you could have coconut shrimp skewers, ceviche, pineapple glazed barbecue chicken, and tables of fruits and tropical desserts!

Unique Summer Party Themes

16. Get Groovin'

The best thing about summer is having the time to try new activities. So, why not take a few dancing lessons and make it your summer party theme? You can take your friends with you and have a blast while moving to the rhythm of Latin beats, hip hop songs or any genre that interests you.

Look out for dance classes in Colorado Springs, dance classes in Las Vegas, dance classes in Nashville or dance classes near you. You can also consider having online dance classes from the comfort of your home. 

17. The Ultimate Gaming Night

Need tips for how to plan a birthday party this summer? Start with the basics that never fail: good games! 

Whether you're in for virtual events where you can have a virtual scavenger hunt, virtual game nights, online trivia games, virtual escape rooms or host the ultimate game night at home with your favorite games, this is among the most fun summer party themes as your friends will never get bored. 

You can set the mood with cushions for people to sit around the game table, drinks and snacks! 

18. Sports Olympics Party

What are some end-of-summer party themes for adults that involve healthy competition? Throwing a sports Olympic party can have your guest giving their best to win. You can either have different teams or set up individual competitions where the best player wins!

For this summer party theme, you can set up stations for activities such as volleyball, badminton, ladder toss, mini-golf, etc. 

19. Water Balloon Piñata Party

One thing about summer is that it's hard to keep the fun going when the temperature rises. However, you can give the classic piñata summer party theme a refreshing twist by filling it with water balloons. When guests swing the piñata, balloons burst and splash everyone with cool water.

To make it a fun color party idea, fill water balloons with color paint so everyone will have a splash of color! Make sure to provide towels so everyone can easily dry up. 

20. Jersey Shore Themed Party

Summer theme names that can be both unique and fun are related to the TV. Like Jersey Shore, for example! Let your guests bring all their Jersey Shore extravagant outfits. From tank tops and ripped jeans to big sunglasses and fun hairstyles, let your guest get their inner Snooki or DJ Pauly.

In terms of decorations, you can set up memes from the actual show and have vibrant colors and leopard print! 

21. Glow in the Dark Party

What can I call my summer party theme? What sounds more fun than a “Glow in the Dark” party? This is one of the best summer party themes where guests can dance all night with glow sticks and neon lights. Provide glow-in-the-dark face paint to kick it up a notch.

You can also create a fun glowing beverage station by serving colorful, glowing drinks. This can be with fluorescent mixers or neon glasses with fun silly straws!

22. Time for Karaoke

With a disco ball and a microphone, you're good to go for a fun karaoke night. Sing the best music hits of all time with your friends, making duets, group competitions and more.

You can have a projector with all the lyrics of your favorite tunes and have a blast. To level up this summer party theme, create a performance space with a microphone stand and colorful lighting so the performers can feel like real performers for a night!

Backyard Summer Party Themes

23. Splash in a Pool Party

Summer party themes that never fail are related to one thing: swimming pools! If you have a pool or know a venue with a pool, then it's time to host the ultimate summer party. You can set up lounge chairs, inflatables and have a bunch of water games so guests never get bored.

Things like pool floats, beach balls or water toys are the best way to keep the fun rolling. In terms of food and drinks, you could have a tropical bar with refreshing drinks, cocktails and mocktails. Cold snacks like sandwiches, veggie boards or fresh fruits are perfect for summer. 

24. Plan a Backyard Campout

Give your backyard a little makeover by transforming it into a cozy camping area! Set up tents, string up fairy lights and set up a cozy campfire area for a timeless summer party theme. 

You can serve hamburgers or hot dogs and pick up fun activities, such as telling ghost stories, stargazing or playing board games. 

25. Outdoor Movie Night

Once the sun is down and temperatures are a bit lower, setting an outdoor movie night is a perfect way to enjoy summer nights.

You can quickly transform your backyard into a cinema by setting a large screen; you can even use a white sheet as a projection surface and have comfy chairs such as bean bags or cushions.

Serve popcorn, candy and sodas, and choose fun movies to enjoy under the stars!

26. DIY Waterpark 

What summer party themes are great for all ages? Regardless if it's for four-year-olds or 30+, a waterpark-themed party will make everyone have a blast. 

You can set up sprinklers, slip 'n' slides and even rent water slides. Make sure to provide water guns, water balloons and games. Have a designated snack area and also provide guests with towels so your house isn't a mess after the party. 

27. BBQ Party

Have the perfect get-together with friends during the summer by hosting a BBQ summer party theme. Offer different grilled foods such as burgers, hot dogs, steaks, chicken or even seafood. Make sure to include delicious side dishes like salads, baked potatoes and grilled vegetables.

Have all your guests hydrated with iced tea, sodas, beer or cocktails. Before the party, be sure to ask your guests if anyone is vegan or vegetarian so you ensure there's something for everyone!

28. Rosé All Night

Summer nights and rosé are the perfect match! For this pretty pink summer party theme, plan a birthday party or social gathering that's all about rosé.

Ask your guests to come dressed in something pink and decorate the party with pink details, whether it's glasses, dishes or flowers.

Make sure to have enough rosé for all your invites! You can try different varieties and pair them with charcuterie boards to make the experience even better.

29. Bonfire Gathering

In the same line with hosting a backyard campout, you can opt for a simpler but equally fun alternative summer party theme by planning a bonfire gathering.

In this case, all you need to focus on is creating a cool campfire setup where you can roast marshmallows and prepare delicious s'mores. You can sing songs, share stories and have fun while enjoying a warm summer night. 

Summer party themes can be as rambunctious as hosting a wild pool party or as sophisticated as having a low-key wine and charcuterie night. The key is looking for experiences that you'll know you and your friends will enjoy — including trying new things. 

For even more fun party ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!