16 Cool 40th Birthday Party Ideas For Women

Hitting four decades of a life well lived is a big deal, to put it lightly, and every woman’s 40th birthday party should reflect that. Luckily, we share some amazing 40th birthday party ideas for women below to help you do just that.

Next, we’ll help you begin planning your big milestone bash—or planning a party for someone else if you’re doing so on behalf of someone you care about—with our excellent 40th birthday party ideas for women. Just keep reading for a variety of inspirational and festive options.

1. Throw a birthday party at a Peerspace in your area

You’ve probably heard the old aphorism “location, location, location” in the context of real estate, but it’s equally applicable to birthday parties! Choosing the right venue for your party can mean the difference between a humdrum event riddled with logistical problems and other sources of stress, and a memorable party that goes off without a hitch.

That’s why we’re recommending renting a birthday party venue through Peerspace as our first 40th birthday party idea for women. The site’s tens of thousands of hourly rental listings range from luxe lofts to rustic cabins, and from cozy indoor spaces to beautiful outdoor locations. Whatever you’re looking for, it’ll be easy to find with the help of Peerspace’s easy-to-use search function as well as the insights provided by Peerspace listings’ detailed descriptions, high-resolution photos, and honest reviews courtesy of past renters.

2. Enjoy breathtaking views from a hot air balloon

For our next 40th birthday party idea for women, we’re suggesting a trip on a hot air balloon with the birthday woman and her closest friends. Depending on the time of day, follow this unique and invigorating experience with brunch, dinner, and/or champagne toast to maximize the festive vibes and begin your next decade in style!

3. Get your kicks on a murder mystery dinner cruise

Love solving mysteries and getting to the bottom of puzzles while acting out dramatic scenes with friends and loved ones? Then 40th birthday party ideas for women like this are the ideal fit! Set sail on a murder mystery dinner cruise where your guests become detectives, solving a fictional crime while enjoying the already perfect combination of a scenic cruise and a gourmet dinner.

Want to throw your own murder mystery-themed party by land or sea? Make it happen using our tips and tricks for hosting an epic murder mystery party!

4. Take your crew on an all-day escape room marathon

Here’s another fabulous idea for those who truly adore solving mysteries and who would love nothing better than to spend their birthday doing just that with an all-day escape room marathon! Working together to solve a variety of puzzles is a great way to have fun and bond with friends and loved ones.

5. Enjoy great films and fresh air at an outdoor movie theater

Transform your backyard (or a backyard rental) into a real outdoor theater by setting up a projector, providing your guests with comfy blankets and pillows, and screening all your favorite movies while eating delicious snacks like popcorn and candy.

Planning a 40th birthday bash for someone else? Don’t forget the gifts! Just use our creative 40th birthday gift ideas guide as your inspiration.

6. Throw a backyard carnival extravaganza

Alternatively, if you love the idea of a backyard party but are looking for something a little more thematic and high-energy, how about a carnival in your own backyard? You can plan to offer activities and amenities like classic carnival games, a popcorn machine, a cotton candy station, and more. Top it all off with colorful decorations and a circus-inspired tent!

7. Go old school with a retro roller skating party

As you get older, are you feeling especially nostalgic for your favorite past decade? Roll back in time for a nostalgic roller skating party. Rent out a roller rink for a few hours, play your most beloved retro tunes, and encourage your guests to dress in outfits inspired by the 80s or 90s. Peerspace users in San Diego, CA can rent out this amazing 2-acre outdoor roller rink facility that comes with DJ-spun tunes and mural-covered walls.

You can even incorporate a photoshoot into your party, drawing from our list of funky roller skate photoshoot ideas for added inspo!

8. Get creative with a custom perfume blending workshop

Hire a perfume expert and work with them to arrange a fragrance workshop where you and your guests each create your own signature scent. Having your guests make their own “party favors” is one of the best ways to keep them entertained and engaged.

9. Go low-key and enjoy a cozy board game night

Looking for low-key 40th birthday party ideas? Love bundling up in lots of blankets and playing board games with your besties? If so, what better way to celebrate your birthday?! 

10. Scare up some vibes with a Halloween birthday party

Does your birthday fall near Halloween? Or do you simply enjoy the spooky vibes of the holiday and the opportunities it provides for dressing up in creative costumes? If so, a Halloween-themed birthday party is one of the most awesome and unique 40th birthday party ideas for women. Make sure to ask your guests to wear costumes!

11. Plan a private concert by a local musician

This idea can be a fun surprise for the birthday person if you happen to be planning a 40th birthday for someone else. If they have a favorite local musician or band, arrange for them to enjoy a private concert from this artist. They’re sure to appreciate the intimate atmosphere and your kind gesture!

12. Grab your headphones and host a silent disco

Ever heard of a silent disco? Provide your guests with headphones and a choice of music channels for a truly unusual yet extremely fun celebratory experience!

Check out these awesome 40th birthday celebration ideas for even more thrilling suggestions!

13. Challenge yourself and try a new artistic medium

Perhaps there’s a type of art you’d like to try, such as pottery, oil painting, or sculpture. It could even be something as uncommon as ice sculpting, where you create impressive sculptures out of blocks of ice! Whatever it is, this party idea is a great way to start off the next decade of your life. It will also help you set the tone for continuing to try new things as you get older and wiser.

14. Take a historical tour of your city

Anyone with a passion for history will enjoy spending their 40th birthday on a historical tour of a nearby city or town. This is especially true if it’s a place with an especially interesting or unusual history), allowing you to uncover fascinating stories of real people who lived where you live now.

15. Reach new heights and book a rooftop venue

If you live in a city, one of the most amazing venues for hosting your milestone birthday is a rooftop. After all, it can perfectly represent your achievement of reaching new heights of maturity and general fabulousness! Peerspace helps make planning 40th birthday party ideas for women like this a breeze by connecting you to rooftop rental venues.

16. Hit the sauna and feel the years melt away

One of the coolest trends we’ve seen in home rentals recently is the addition of hand-crafted, completely private saunas. So why not take advantage of this barrel sauna boom and make it a decadent activity to enjoy at your birthday party? Our friends in West Palm Beach, FL can book their party at Russi Retreat, a luxury home that provides you with a four-person barrel sauna, a six-person hot tub, and a cold plunge pool.

And that’s only its wellness amenities! While here, you and your party guests can also enjoy the private home movie theater, the swimming pool, and the game room. It’s a sensational spot for a wellness-themed 40th birthday that will also be a blast for all of your guests.

Making the party personal

When it comes to milestone birthdays, the little details make all the difference. Think about her favorite foods, go-to cocktail (or mocktail), or even her dream travel destinations—these can all inspire the menu, décor, and overall vibe of the event.

For example, a wine-tasting night could showcase bottles from regions she’s always wanted to visit, while a spa-themed gathering might feature DIY facials and cozy robes for everyone. Exploring different 40th birthday party ideas like these ensures the celebration feels customized, thoughtful, and uniquely hers.

40th birthday party ideas for women: conclusion

While age is definitely just a number, turning 40 is still a great excuse to gather your loved ones together and party! We hope these 40th birthday party ideas for women have inspired you and have you looking forward to your milestone day. Make it extra special by booking a stylish, amenity-packed event venue through Peerspace and doing all of your favorite things. You deserve it!