10 Retro ’70s Party Ideas

Looking for fun and chic 70’s party ideas for your next retro-inspired gathering? At Peerspace, we get it! The 1970s were a time in history packed with nostalgia, polyester, muscle cars, and amazing music. Video games were new to the scene, and every kitchen had a Jell-O mold or two. The fashion, the movies, and the TV shows were classics that are embedded in our minds.

Besides the ideas below, you’re going to need an appropriately ’70s venue to host the festivities. After all, not just any old place will suffice when you’re hosting a themed party. Luckily, you’ve come to Peerspace, the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals. We’ll also share venue ideas that will further inform and inspire your retro party-to-be. But for now, let’s hop to our ’70s party ideas!

1. Studio 54 party

There’s nothing more 1970s than Studio 54. The celebrities, the disco, the parties, and the nostalgia. A Studio 54 party needs some serious dancing space for the hustle, as well as some neon lights, plenty of drinks, and an amazing playlist. This may be a great themed Halloween party or a great themed party for a birthday celebration. Guests can dress as their favorite ’70s celebrity legend while the DJ pumps out some far-out disco.

If the host does not have a proper, open space, consider renting this sophisticated, stylish Studio 54-inspired venue through Peerspace! It’s in Los Angeles and boasts space for 150 guests. The lighting, sound system, and DJ booth are all included. Don’t forget the leisure suits and disco ball!

2. Andy Warhol party

Andy Warhol was an advertising artist turned fine art phenomenon with his pop culture paintings that shocked in the ’60s and matured into the ’70s. An Andy Warhol party is like a painting party — but next level. Hire a mobile screen printer if need be, or utilize an art or museum space.

Or, if visiting Pittsburgh, stop at Andy’s Museum, where the screen printing room is available for party rentals year round. Immerse the party into a full art-centric experience with pop colors, soup cans, celebrities, and glitter. The best part of an immersive screen printing party is taking home a souvenir that will last forever.

If you just want to enjoy a great party in a Warhol-inspired space, check out this mid-century modern designer gem in Palm Springs. Besides all the colorful beauty of this home, it also features several Warhol paintings to gaze upon as you live out your other 70’s party ideas.

3. Charlie’s Angels party

Bosley’s got a mission for a new set of Angels. This is one of the best retro 70’s party ideas since it’s a great way to dress up and solve a mystery with friends. Break into groups and see who wins first, or work together to solve a themed mystery. Find clues and report back to Bos. This theme would be an amazing fit for a photo booth party as well. The host can provide wigs and accessories for fun group photos. Any scavenger hunt or mystery game will surely bring out the excitement in this angelic gathering.

Need a venue to suit such a swinging shindig? Then check out this unique ‘70s retro vintage mini-mansion in Las Vegas. We could just picture the Angels hanging out here, using their smarts to infiltrate a groovy crowd to solve the case.

Our groovy 70s photoshoot ideas can help ensure you capture every moment at your party!

4. Retro Scooby-Doo party

Speaking of clues, it’s time to fire up the Mystery Machine! This could be a great family Halloween party idea or an ideal fun time for friends to get together. It may be super fun to rent a retro van and take the kids to a drive-in movie dressed as Scooby and the gang. Driveway drive-ins are also a fun party with the kids, and it’s sure to be one the most family-friendly retro ’70s party ideas. Imagine the family fun and great memories that can be shared together.

Make it happen in style by renting this 70s manor in East Point, Georgia. Between the groovy wallpaper and stone wall and the slightly eerie basement bar, we can picture Scoob and the gang solving some fun pretend mysteries here!

5. Roller disco party

This is everything the ’70s we’re made for. Rent a skating rink, dress the part, and do the hustle! If this party doesn’t take it back to the era, nothing will. Many roller rinks offer group party rates, so take advantage. Check with the DJ first and plan a party playlist with great, danceable disco hits. Many rinks also have cafes with burgers and dogs, so no catering may be necessary for retro 70’s party ideas like this.

Case in point: this retro-styled rollerskating rink in Whitman, MA. It not only has 70s charm (and a disco ball!), but you can also add on a food and drinks package to delight your guests.

6. 1970s games throwback party

Atari, Simon, Parcheesi, oh my! The classic video games are a blast, not to mention board games that are a reminder of family gatherings. Imagine a fully-immersive video game party that may be held at a retro arcade: totally retro 70’s party ideas! Or get together with the family and bust out the old board games. If some of the ’70s classics are missing from the selection, they can often be found at antique shops or on eBay.

Want a dandy setting for your 70s games party? Then check out this 1970s sunlit House of Dandy in Los Angeles. It’s a pure 70s colorific home with multiple rooms for hosting all your guests.

7. Short shorts party

Nothing says ’70s like a pair of short shorts and some tube socks. Throw a retro ’70s themed party on a fabulous rooftop with a view, or throw your “shin” dig in a gym (basketball, anyone?). This could be a wonderful theme idea for a buddy’s birthday, a graduation, a reunion, or a fundraiser. Since short shorts are coming back into style, they won’t be difficult to find.

All you need is the perfect setting, like this 70s-style home in Yucca Valley, known as the Coyote House. Enjoy some ’70s style on a hot day, and have a groovy time.

8. Julia Child party

Julia was the original celebrity chef, and her legacy is worth a celebration. Ready the kitchen or rent a Peerspace with a fantastic commercial kitchen space, and invite some friends to try out some classic recipes from Julia’s library. It may be fun to create a video of the Julia Child party experience for YouTube or Twitch. This is one of the best retro ’70s party ideas for Mother’s Day, mom’s birthday, or a shower idea for a best friend who loves to cook.

And you can host 70’s party ideas like this at this oceanfront huge vintage home in Salem, MA. In fact, we’re pretty sure Julia Child would approve of the adorable retro kitchen.

Our retro 70s theme party decoration ideas make it easy to make any space funkdafied with all-things 70s. Check them out!

9. Rocky Horror Picture Show party

While this cult classic has already sprung themed parties around the globe, especially at Halloween, it may be fun to explore. This is definitely one of the most risqué retro ’70s party ideas, but it can also be so much fun. Get together with friends around the spooky holiday, and play the original soundtrack.

Or rent a space and invite a whole bunch of fans to enjoy the fun together. Host your friends in style by booking this grand four-story Tudor mansion in Yonkers. It’s the perfect backdrop for all your Rocky Horror hijinx.

10. Willy Wonka party

One of the family-friendly retro ’70s party ideas, a Willy Wonka party can be a real treat. What a wonderful excuse to enjoy candy, crazy colors, and nostalgic memories. A game can be created to find the golden ticket, or maybe try a candy scavenger hunt. The party can be held at a favorite candy store if it is available to rent. Some even have candy-making classes to pair with the Willy Wonka theme.

Make the party planning easy on yourself by booking this NoHo Arts District creative loft in Los Angeles. It’s candy-coated brilliance that could only be inspired by Wonka himself.

70’s party ideas: conclusion

As you can see, there are 70’s party ideas to suit every style and taste. Pick your favorites from this list, rent a stylish vintage venue on Peerspace and travel back in time for a night. Stay groovy!

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