13 Unique Decades Party Ideas For All Eras (2024)
Source: Peerspace
Answered
Event venues on Peerspace typically cost $50 — $350 per hour.
Looking for the very best decades party ideas to give your next gathering an amazing theme? At Peerspace, we get it! As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, we connect you to unique event venue rentals in cities across the globe. So along with decades party ideas, we’ll also share incredible venues that make ideal settings for your decades party!
History has given us some amazing party trends, like sock hops, discos, and Prohibition balls, to name a few. And if you want a unique way to celebrate your favorite historical decade, we’ve got you covered. With these fun decades party ideas, you’ll find everything you need to throw an amazing party in any era. Let’s dive in!
1. Rely on Peerspace to find party venues for all eras
If you need a place to host swinging, groovy, or tubular parties for any decade, make Peerspace your first stop. With Peerspace, you can find and book unique vintage-styled venues ideal for parties of any size, budget, or era.
You don’t have to decorate if you can find a venue that already boasts elements from your chosen decade. Plus, your venue’s helpful local host can connect you with catering, A/V equipment, or anything else you might need to bring your decade party ideas to life! We’ll share some of our favorite Peerspace venue suggestions with each decade ahead.
2. 1900s party ideas
The turn of the century saw the end of the Victorian era and the dawn of the Edwardian era, giving you an elegant aesthetic to enrich your historical party. Recreate a historic dinner party, or just enjoy all the elegant fashion you were born a century too late to wear.
The theme: Turn of the Century, Steampunk, Victorian Era
The venue: A gorgeous 1909 historic craftsman meets Victorian home could help you set a historical mood. This Los Angeles home in particular is nearly 2,500 square feet and provides room for 50 guests, with room after room of early 1900s style and ambiance.
The costumes: Gibson Girl-inspired fashion or vintage suits.
The food: Popcorn became a big deal in the 1900s, which is awesome for a party snack.
The music: The 1900s was the birth of Jazz!
3. 1910s party ideas
The 1910s were an era of technological and social progress, making this a fun decade for a historical party theme. Have a vintage tea party, or pretend you’re revolutionary inventors at a steampunk world’s fair!
The theme: Paris Exposition, Steampunk, Mary Poppins
The venue: A historic 1917 former YMCA in rural Miami, AZ that’s 20,000 square feet of mixed-use space and reportedly haunted! There are tables, chairs, and a stage here for your use and lots of empty, raw space for you and your guests to explore (if you dare!).
The costumes: Gibson girl-inspired looks and tailored suits all the way.
The food: Fruit sherbet gained popularity in the 1910s, and Oreos made their debut!
The music: Jazz or ragtime tunes can help you set the scene.
Enhance your gathering by using our wow-worthy retro photoshoot ideas!
4. 1920s party ideas
If there’s one thing the roaring 20s knew how to do right, it was throwing an epic party! With these 1920s-decade party ideas, you can sip your favorite bootlegged drink and show off your Charleston moves.
The theme: Prohibition Ball, Great Gatsby, Silent Movies
The venue: A secret underground speakeasy in Los Angeles, CA can help you set the stage for your roaring 20s soiree. The venue boasts vintage leather seats, vintage tiles, a secret entrance, and A/V equipment for enhancing the space and your party.
The costumes: Flapper attire can help you and your guests dress the part.
The food: Chinese food was popular in the 1920s, giving you a great excuse to snack on eggrolls and potstickers.
The music: Swing and Jazz all night long!
5. 1930s party ideas
The 1930s marked the beginning of Hollywood’s golden age, with classics like The Wizard of Oz and Dracula making their debut. That makes it an awesome era to inspire an old Hollywood event!
The theme: Old Hollywood, Vintage Jazz, Classic Horror
The venue: A vintage 1930s Spanish home could bring history to life for your guests. This gorgeous La Mesa outdoor space brims with mature landscaping, a sparkling pool, and water fountains to set a very sweet and retro scene.
The costumes: Puffed sleeves and slinky evening gowns were in style. And a fedora and well-tailored suit is a good look for any era.
The food: Oysters Rockefeller was a vintage foodie snack.
The music: Swingin’ Swing music, of course.
6. 1940s party ideas
The “swing era” continued the golden age in Hollywood with stars like Vincent Price and Elizabeth Taylor on the screen. Plus, the vintage fashion was beautifully tailored and sleek, making it a great era for costume inspo.
The theme: Old Hollywood, Patriotic Stars and Stripes
The venue: Try a renovated 40s-era church turned event space! This Buford, GA building has space for 140 guests, stained-glass windows, original hardwood floors, and a speakeasy-like bar and lounge.
The costumes: This is one of the best decades party ideas for wearing a glamorous evening gown or an ascot!
The food: Anything “deviled” was popular in the 40s, like eggs or ham. Oh, and gelatin molds!
The music: Jazz, Blues, & Swing
7. 1950s party ideas
The era of rock n’ roll and mid-century style, the 50s can definitely give you plenty of retro party inspiration!
The theme: Sock Hop, Grease, Black & White, Rock & Roll
The venue: How about a retro diner in the heart of San Francisco, CA, with pastel colors and floor-to-ceiling windows? Come for the ambiance, stay for the food!
The costumes: Poodle skirts and leather jackets!
The food: Any kind of casserole or loaf-style dish.
The music: Rock n’ roll, baby.
8. 1960s party ideas
The swinging 60s were an era of bright color and psychedelic music. They also saw the birth of popular franchises like Star Trek, giving you plenty of iconic pop culture to theme your party around.
The theme: Hippie, Star Trek, Color Pop
The venue: A retro loft can give you a pop of color! This Los Angeles-based loft boasts 60s decor as far as the eye can see
The costumes: Mod & hippie inspired fashions. And beehive hair!
The food: French food was trendy, thanks to Julia Child.
The music: Psychedelic music or Motown soul.
9. 1970s party ideas
The grooviest decade of all, a 70s-themed party is an awesome excuse to put on your widest flare plants and dance the night away.
The theme: Disco all the way, baby!
The venue: A colorful dance club could give your 70s decade party a far-out vibe. This fully-equipped Dunellen, NJ venue has all the style and amenities you need to bring your decades party ideas to life.
The costumes: Bell bottoms, flare sleeve dresses, and platform shoes are all appropriate.
The food: Fondue was a trendy party food in the 70s.
The music: Disco staples like the Bee Gees or KC and the Sunshine Band.
10. 1980s party ideas
An era of big hair and bigger musical icons, the 1980s are one of the most fun decades for a themed party! Headbang to your favorite 80s jams, or watch classic movies like Indiana Jones or The Breakfast Club.
The theme: Metal Music, Big Hair, Vintage Arcade, Stranger Things.
The venue: A retro arcade can give you a nostalgic rush. Not only that, but this Lombard, IL venue has its games set to free play, which means endless gaming fun.
The costumes: Big, HUGE hair. And anything neon.
The food: Potato skins and dips were common party food.
The music: Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, Kate Bush, or whoever else you love.
Next, follow our guide to throwing an impeccable retro wedding!
11. 1990s party ideas
Moving into the era of grunge and Blockbuster movies, these decade party ideas will help you satisfy your 90s baby soul.
The theme: Grunge, Blockbuster, Saved by the Bell
The venue: A 90s-themed retro crib can help you relive the era. It is room after room of totally 90s decor and fun!
The costumes: Baggy jeans and windbreakers for the win!
The food: Bagel bits & Pizza rolls.
The music: Grungy rock like Nirvana or boy band classics like the Backstreet Boys.
12. 2000s party ideas
Yes, you’re officially old enough for the 2000s to be a nostalgic decade. It’s okay, though – that just means you have an excuse to relive your favorite trends of the era!
The theme: Y2k, Hip Hop, Mean Girls,
The venue: Why not party it up at Atlanta’s Noban Studios? This retro Y2K video studio can help you capture those nostalgic vibes.
The costumes: Multicolor tracksuits or anything denim.
The food: This is a great excuse to buy Lunchables again!
The music: jam to icons like Brittany Spears and Rhianna, or chill with your favorite hip-hop stars like OutKast and Flo Rida.
13. Mix them all together
You know, no one says that you have to stick to just one era. Try combining your favorite aesthetic elements of multiple eras and put them into a party melting pot, like a flapper disco or an old Hollywood steampunk soiree. This is your chance to get creative, so let all your wildest hybrid decade party ideas run wild.
Decades party ideas: conclusion
As you can see, you bring your decades party to life with ease using these decades party ideas and the perfect Peerspace event venue rental! Check out all of the groovy vintage pads we have available near you and start your party planning today!
