18 Creative 70th Birthday Party Themes For The Big Milestone (2024)

Celebrating one’s 70th birthday is a huge deal and the party should reflect that! Have you given thought to the theme of the event? You shouldn’t make it an ordinary party, not when there are so many creative 70th birthday party themes to explore! We at Peerspace have a few thoughts on how to make it a memorable affair. So take a look at our favorite ways to celebrate below!

1. Create a culinary adventure

One of our favorite 70th birthday party themes is to make it a food-based adventure! You can include dishes from each of the countries your birthday celebrant has visited. If they’ve been to several different continents, spent time in the Peace Corps, or worked as a missionary, include dishes from those regions. If they are general foodies, pick dishes they love, mixed in with a few they have yet to try!

2. Plan a cocktail party

A cocktail party is a classy way to celebrate the 7-0 milestone! They can be an outdoor affair or you can host one indoors. The difference between a good and a great cocktail party is in the planning…Do you have any themes for the evening? Peerspace can help; check out our creative list of cocktail party themes to get you started We also have venues dedicated to cocktail parties like this rooftop deck in Boston, MA, with skyscraper views, a BBQ grill, and much more! 

3. Throw a destination party

A destination party is similar to the culinary adventure theme except you’re focusing on a single part of the world that your friend or family member loves. You’ll still be including the food but you also will want music, outfits, party decorations, and other accessories that reflect the chosen region. A destination party doesn’t have to be another country or a far-flung island; it can even be based on their hometown or country, instead!

4. Everything they love party

If you’ve known someone for decades you probably have a great idea of the things they love. So why not put together a 70th birthday party theme that reflects this? From their favorite drinks and dishes to the color they like, include them all as part of the party. Music choices, board games, TV shows…Make it all about the birthday guy or gal!

Planning a special birthday for a parent? Then you need to see our dedicated 70th birthday ideas for dad or 70th birthday ideas for mom posts for more inspiration!

5. Make it a 1970s party

Most 70-year olds were youngsters back in the 1970s, making it an era they will look back on fondly. A 1970s party is a chance for them to dress up in the outfits of their youth, revisit old  movies, and hear the music of the era. If you weren’t born in that exciting era, you might need some help putting together ideas. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with our list of 70s party decorations and 70s outfit ideas!

6. Backyard birthday bash

Does your birthday celebrator want to stay home for an upcoming party? Make home the venue by turning their backyard into a party space! The backyard birthday bash is a timeless 70th birthday party theme. All you need are some decorations, enough food for the guest list, and some outdoor party game ideas for a grand time! Just make sure to check the weather forecast beforehand!

7. Rent a photo booth

Making memories never ceases, no matter how old you are. So why not make capturing them the theme of an upcoming 70th birthday party? You can first include some of the birthday darling’s favorite photos from a family album or other source. Next, you should rent a photo booth where everyone can capture new photos with them to add to the album!

8. Golden years celebration

Celebrate his or her golden years with a party to match! From the color to the idea, you can drive home the point that one’s advanced years are a new and still exciting chapter in life. Remind everyone of the travel plans your birthday celebrant has coming up! You can even use gold as the color theme for the party!

9. Make it a 1950s party

Step back into the past with a 1950s-themed party! Since they were likely born around this time it will be an especially nostalgic event for their 70th birthday party. Bring back poodle skirts, red lipstick, vintage jeans, and other apparel choices. Diner decorations, vinyl records, and a dance band are just a few of the ways you can make a 50s event happen!

10. Host a brunch party

Brunch parties can be held for any special occasion, including a 70th birthday brunch! An outdoor brunch party on a nice summer day is a fun way to celebrate. Or you can bring it indoors with a local cafe rental that’s known for an excellent brunch menu. Brunch menus will also satisfy everyone on your guest list thanks to including the best of both breakfast and lunch.

11. Birthday color party

Color parties are a unique 70th birthday party theme; does your birthday celebrant have a favorite color or a hue that’s tied to a familiar family story? A purple themed birthday party is fun to pull off, if that’s their favorite color! We even have purple party food ideas to really make it interesting! The same goes for white, blue, and other color party themes!

12. Make it a potluck dinner

Dinner parties are easy 70th birthday party themes to follow since family, friends, food, and fun are a winning combination! If you don’t want to handle all of the cooking and catering yourself, think about making it a potluck party. Everyone can contribute in their own way and there’s way fewer dishes to deal with later…

13. Family-themed celebration

Family is important to everyone and the older we get, the more so it becomes. Celebrate the birthday darling, their kids, and their kids’ kids with a family reunion-style event. You can play lawn games, have a dinner party, and enjoy company together in a private space.

From dining halls to private homes, Peerspace has many venues that would be ideal for this kind of party! Here’s an example: this Westside modern home in Atlanta, GA, with farmhouse touches!

14. Tea party birthday

Tea parties are one 70th birthday party theme that can be held indoors or outside. But always inside a beautifully decorated space with traditional snacks like cucumber sandwiches and scones. Birthday guests will get a thrill from digging out their favorite dress outfits for a fancy high tea party! Do you not have a sun parasol or Victorian dress?! Don’t worry, Peerspace is here to help with some elegant tea party outfit ideas to get you started!

Plan this party theme like a pro using our elegant tea party ideas for adults guide.

15. Memory party

Celebrate the fondest memories of our birthday darling with a memory party! This is an idea that’s amazing if the celebrator has a large collection of photo album memories to work with. Or maybe they are a writer or have a journal so you have a source of inspiration to work with. From a slideshow to photo puzzles, you can revisit their favorite memories over the course of an evening with a memory party.

16. Paint & sip party

No matter how old we get, we never stop enjoying creative expressions. Bring painting and wine together with a paint and sip party! You can work with a professional painting teacher who will offer tips on getting the most out of the evening. Paint and sip events can even include themes based on the subject. Everyone could paint a portrait of our 70th birthday party celebrant! Or you can paint a flower vase, bring selfies, or do pet portraits instead!

17. Karaoke night

Is the special someone in your life turning 70 a bold singer? What could be better than a karaoke party? The best place to reserve a machine is inside of a karaoke lounge. Here your group will have a machine filled with classic and modern hits. Not to mention a menu of snacks, drinks, and enough privacy to cut loose without getting too embarrassed! 

18. Beach party

Relaxing on a pristine white beach is the dream of all retirees! Why not take the birthday celebrant out to a beautiful beach? You can bring a picnic lunch, rent a beach house, or make it a catered affair at a nearby party hall! If you don’t have a beach that’s conveniently close, then bring the beach inland with a tiki or luau party! With a few luau party food ideas you can host a 70th birthday party with pineapple flavors and tropical drinks!

70th birthday party themes: conclusion

As you can see, birthday parties can still be unique and memorable with a bit of planning! We hope you’ve found one of our 70th birthday party themes just right for your upcoming celebration. By the way, Peerspace has more than birthday ideas! We also provide birthday party venues near you that come filled with amenities hand-picked for the occasion! Feel free to browse a few while you’re here!

Find unique birthday party venues for your 70th on Peerspace