Your Ultimate Glow Party Guide

Parties that light up the dark with vivid pops of color and glowing effects are more popular than ever. And it’s easy to see why. Glow parties are a creative way to curate a vibe that’s fun, playful, or sophisticated. 

It’s easy to throw a black light bash, whether at home or at a rented space. We’ve got tips on everything from glow-tastic birthday bashes to dance parties and more. 

Table of contents:

• Types of black light parties
• Black light basics
• Party ideas for all occasions
• Glow party essentials
• Games that glow hard
• Glowing party attire
• Fluro food and favors
• Light-up-the-dark decor 

Glow parties = Go-to parties for all occasions

Picking a party theme can be overwhelming, especially with always-changing trends. Boho, tropical, minimalist, maximalist—what’s in? What’s out? Most importantly, what will make your party special? 

Whatever the occasion, nothing beats the wow-factor of a glow party. According to designer and Aesthetics of Joy founder Ingrid Fetell Lee, “Bright colors are associated with positive emotions, which are naturally energizing.” Against the backdrop of a black-lit room or the outdoors at night, glowing colors create a dramatic vibe that elevates any gathering.  

Black light parties are perfect for all ages

From a kid’s birthday bash to a grown-up get-together, glow parties are fun for all ages. You can tailor your black light party to a wide variety of themes:

• Halloween parties
• Class parties for kids
• Dance parties with extra oomph
• Playful dinner parties
• Holiday parties with a twist
• Grad parties  
• Pool parties with pizzazz
• Non-traditional engagement parties

Get glowing with the basics

Must-haves to make your black light party dazzle 

Black light parties are super simple. The unique lighting does most of the work for you, creating an immersive ambiance and making details pop. That said, there are a few things you’ll need:

1. Black lights emit long-wave ultraviolet light, which makes many substances glow. This is the one thing you can’t skip!
   
   LED bulbs are the most efficient and easiest to use. You can find them for around $6 each at Home Depot. You can also rent a large blacklight for less than $100.

2. Neon decor like streamers and balloons, black light posters, draped fabric, and even plates and cups makes your space pop.

3. Glow sticks are an inexpensive way to amp up the glow, and a must if your party is outdoors.

4. Guests who know what to expect can show up with colorful accessories that add to the vibe.

Tips for the right light

The right lighting depends on your space. These guidelines can help make your party dazzle.

Outdoors: Black light disperses more outside, so place lights under porches, gazebos, or tree canopies for maximum impact. Load up on glow sticks and add string lights for extra effect.

Small spaces: One or two well-placed black lights can transform the room. Put them at opposite ends for full coverage, or swap regular bulbs for black light ones to keep it simple and effective.

Larger spaces: Use as many bulbs and lamps as possible, especially in larger spaces. Position them at different heights and angles to maximize glow and create depth.

Glow in the dark party ideas for every occasion

Black light birthday parties

Milestone birthdays feel extra special with a glow party theme. For sweet sixteens (and beyond):

• Make a “glow-up” station with neon makeup and wigs
• Offer black paper and neon pens for guests to write advice and well-wishes for the guest of honor
• Decorate with the VIP’s favorite color—and encourage guests to wear it

Colorful neon parties are perfect for kids’ birthdays, and easy to customize:

• Make a “dig site” for dinosaur lovers. Fill a kiddie pool with sand (or clean, plant-based cat litter to minimize mess indoors). Add glow-in-the dark dinosaurs and offer neon shovels for digging. Make sure to charge the dinos in sunlight beforehand for maximum glow!
• Put on a neon treasure hunt. Place treats and toys in neon plastic easter eggs and hide them for guests to find
• Bake glow-in-the-dark cupcakes
• Set up a neon face painting station

Glow parties for schools

Throwing a glow party for your class is budget-friendly without skimping on the excitement. Here are some kid-approved, low-cost ideas: 

• Glowing scavenger hunt: Hide glow-in-the-dark items around your classroom or school. Write clues with blacklight ink on black paper, or with neon chalk pens on a chalkboard.
• Glow-in-the-dark musical chairs: Drape chairs with neon streamers to make them glow
• Glow tag, glow stick relay races, and more: Any outdoor activity can glow in the dark– just add glow sticks or a glow-in-the-dark ball

Even the simplest decor looks spectacular under black lights:

• Neon balloons and streamers
• White sheets draped over tables 
• Designs painted on construction paper with petroleum jelly (yes, Vaseline glows under black light!)

Glow party ideas for community events 

Glow parties are great for all ages, making them ideal for community events. Here are some fun activities to bring your community together: 

• Glowing talent show: Skills like juggling are extra impressive with glowing balls; glowing outfits add oomph to music and skits. 
• Outdoor games: Capture the (glow-in-the-dark!) flag, and other classic games, are made more fun with glowing elements. 
• Glow-in-the-dark potluck: Share a list of fluorescent ingredients and foods to bring (more below). Encourage attendees to wear white or neon.

Outdoor glow party ideas

Outdoor glow parties require a slightly different strategy. 

For a summer glow party:

• Hand out glow stick bracelets or necklaces to glow up your guests.
• Place string lights in trees and bushes, on porches—anywhere you can!
• LED balloons and flameless candles add a magical ambiance to any outdoor space.

If you’re having a spooky-season glow party:

• Have a daytime pumpkin carving party, then light up the night with your Jack O’ Lanterns.
• Use holiday-themed string lights (think bats, cats, and pumpkins).
• Make spooky spider webs by weaving in LED string lights. 

Glow party essentials

Discover the perfect glow party venue

If you’re planning a glow party for your school or community, hosting on-site can make sense. But if you’re throwing a birthday party, a Halloween party, an engagement party, or another celebration that might require more space, booking a venue through Peerspace can make your black light party memorable and stress-free.

Hourly rates, super-responsive hosts, and a variety of fully equipped spaces for every style and budget make planning your glow party a breeze. Plus, many Peerspace venues include black lights, saving you tons of time.

Neon party themes for every occasion

Whether you’re throwing a birthday bash, a party at your school or house of worship, or a holiday celebration, a solid theme can help you party like a pro. Here are some glow party ideas to get you started:

• Glowing dance party: Make a playlist of songs like “Neon Lights” by Demi Lovato, “Glow” by Ella Henderson, and “Neon” by John Mayer and get your groove on.
• Neon costume contest: Offer a small prize for the most elegant, silliest, or most on-theme outfit.
• Blacklight dinner: Set a table with glow-in-the-dark tableware and serve fluorescent foods.
• Fluro pool party: Break out the neon floaties, pool noodles, and swimsuits for a neon-themed pool party.
• 80s party: Celebrate the decade of neon with vintage outfits, an 80s-inspired playlist, and 80s trivia.

Games that glow hard

Building your glow party around a shared activity gets guests mingling and ensures everyone has a good time. 

• Let’s glow bowling! Pick a bowling alley with black lights. Bring glow sticks and wear neon to amp up the glow.
• Glowing scavenger hunt: Write clues in blacklight ink or hide neon-painted keys, puzzle pieces and alphabet letters. 
• Neon lawn games: Most traditional games can glow in the dark! Play bean bag toss with LED bean bags, or ring toss with glow sticks.
• Black light Twister: Add neon paint or tape to your Twister set for a glowing twist on the classic game.
• Glow Jenga: A neon Jenga set (regular-sized or giant) makes for a fun glow party game.

Neon party invitations 

Invitations are a fun and easy way to get your guests amped for your glow party and let them know what to expect.

Neon paper invitations

• Make DIY invitations with black cardstock and white ink, or neon cardstock and black ink.
• Make custom invites on a site like Canva. 
• Buy ready-made invitations with a neon or glow theme.
• Add glow-in-the-dark or neon stickers to home-made or store-bought invites.
• Use neon washi tape to add a glowing border.

Paperless glow party invitations

• Apps like Evite and Partiful have tons of neon-themed options.  
• Use sites like Canva to create your own custom invite.
• Text out a QR code to your themed Spotify playlist.

Get your glow on with neon outfits

A playful dress code can get your guests in the mood and take your glow party to the next level. 

Neon accessories are an easy way to build the vibe. Consider these options:

• Glow stick pendants, bracelets, or headbands
• Neon glasses
• Glow-in-the-dark press-on nails
• Neon wigs

Some outfits work better under black lights. Some ideas for your fluro fit:

• White clothes that will glow brightly under the lights
• Neon hues that will glow gorgeously 
• Glow-in-the dark embellishments that will add a vivid pop to your ensemble

Don’t forget colorful makeup:

• Neon face and body paint lets guests get creative.
• Eyeliner, lipstick, mascara, and more can be found in neon tones.
• Plain vaseline can work in a pinch to make faces and bodies glow.

Brighten the night with party favors

Favors for a glow party don’t have to be elaborate to make an impact. Think outside the box to send guests home with something to remember.

Grownup glow party favors

• LED jewelry like necklaces, earrings, or bracelets
• Mini flashlights are always useful
• Flameless candles 
• Neon shot glasses 

Glow party favors for kids

• DIY neon slime kits
• Neon sunglasses
• Glow-in-the-dark stickers or figurines
• Black light bubbles

Fabulous fluorescent food

Some foods and drinks, like tonic water, glow naturally under black lights. You can also add neon food coloring to make food pop in the dark.

Tips for drinks that sparkle:

• Freeze tonic water to make glowing ice cubes.
• Make vibrant cocktails and mocktails with a splash of tonic.
• Use neon cups and straws.

Foods that glow:

• White foods like rice and yogurt glow blue under black lights.
• Foods rich in chlorophyll—think leafy greens—glow faint red in black light.
• Add neon food coloring to dips and sauces for extra impact.

Neon desserts:

• A glow-in-the-dark cake makes a stunning centerpiece.
• Making Jello or frosting with tonic water gives it a dramatic glow.
• Roll marshmallows in edible neon glitter for surreal sparkle.

Light up your glow party with more-is-more decor

Decorating for a glow party is a chance to let your inner maximalist shine. Here are some ideas to get you started: 

• Glow-in-the-dark balloons (or clear balloons with glow sticks inside)
• Blacklight tape on walls, floors, and furniture edges
• Flameless candles in mason jars
• Neon fabric or plastic flowers and foliage
• LED or neon signs for extra flair
• Neon or white fabrics that catch UV light
• Hanging glow stars or planets
• Fluorescent confetti 

Ready to get glowing? Find the perfect venue on Peerspace.