18 Bodacious Ideas for a Totally 80s Theme Party (2025)

Organising a party isn’t always easy, especially when it’s a theme party. There’s décor, costumes, food and drink, venue hire and more to consider. But if you’re in search of some truly brilliant 80s theme party ideas, we’ve gathered an epic list of creative suggestions that’ll take your event from ordinary to unforgettable.

This in-depth guide delivers clever, practical ideas that’ll make your party stand out, whether you’re planning a birthday for kids, a corporate get-together or a garden celebration for adults. Event planners will find inspiration to wow their clients, parents will discover family-friendly ideas with a nostalgic twist, and anyone short on time or budget will appreciate creative suggestions that pack maximum impact with minimal effort.

We’ve skipped the cliché ideas that show up on every generic listicle (you know, just neon lights and a token boombox) and instead dug into real 80s pop culture, fashion and entertainment to craft a guide that captures the spirit of the decade. From clever costumes to décor ideas and even food and drink that go beyond nostalgia, this is your one-stop guide for planning the ultimate 80s theme party.

Table of contents

• Outfit inspiration
• Décor ideas
• 80s-inspired food and drink suggestions
• Entertainment options
• Kid-friendly ideas
• Adults-only ideas
• Your 80s party questions answered
• Finding the perfect space to host

Outfit inspiration for your 80s throwback

The 1980s were a decade of big style, bold colours and unforgettable trends. Think shoulder pads, shell suits, perms and slogan tees — the kind of fashion that turned heads and defined pop culture. If you want your 80s theme party outfits to go beyond the obvious neon leg warmers, here are some creative ways to dress the part.

1. Dress as iconic 80s film characters

Throw a fancy dress 80s party where everyone comes as a character from the decade’s most memorable films. It’s a guaranteed way to spark laughter, nostalgia and great photos. Expect to see guests turning up as:

• Marty McFly from Back to the Future, in a red puffer vest and acid-wash jeans
• Ferris Bueller, rocking a leopard-print waistcoat and loafers
• The Ghostbusters, complete with their proton packs
• Madonna in her Desperately Seeking Susan lace gloves and teased hair
• Freddy Krueger in his striped jumper and fedora

For a uniquely British twist, consider adding characters from beloved 80s UK films and telly — Quadrophenia, Withnail & I or The Young Ones, to give your guests even more costume inspiration.

2. Dress as your relatives in the 80s

Everyone’s got those brilliant family photos from the 80s: your mum in her puffed sleeves, your dad with his moustache and tinted glasses or that legendary perm your aunt proudly wore. Invite guests to recreate their parents’ or relatives’ 80s looks using real photos for inspiration.

Ask everyone to bring their old photo along too. It’s a hilarious conversation starter and makes for a fantastic photo wall at your 80s theme party.

3. Host an 80s fitness fashion party

The 80s was the golden age of fitness fashion, led by icons like Jane Fonda and Mr Motivator. Think colourful leotards, sweatbands, leg warmers and shiny Lycra.

Host an aerobics-inspired party where guests dress for a retro workout session. You could hire a dance studio through Peerspace for the perfect setting, complete with mirrored walls and plenty of space to move. Whether you lead a simple workout or just dance to an upbeat 80s playlist, the bright outfits and energetic vibe will be unforgettable.

Cultivating an 80s vibe with décor

Décor is what transforms a regular gathering into an experience, and for an 80s theme party, atmosphere is everything. Here’s how to make your venue feel like a genuine time warp back to 1985.

4. Decorate with iconic album covers and film posters

The 80s gave us some of the most recognisable visuals in pop culture: bold typography, neon gradients, and unforgettable faces. Use album covers and posters from the era to bring the decade to life, like Feel Good Events Melbourne, who took the 80s atmosphere at a recent party they planned to the next level.

Line the walls with prints of Thriller by Michael Jackson, Purple Rain by Prince and Rio by Duran Duran — and don’t forget classic films like Top Gun, The Breakfast Club, Back to the Future and E.T..

If you want to nod to English 80s culture, add in some homegrown icons too: Culture Club, The Smiths, Wham!, The Human League and Spandau Ballet. Their album art is instantly recognisable and adds local authenticity to your theme.

5. DIY décor on a budget

For hosts working with a tighter budget, DIY is your best friend. Follow in the footsteps of TikToker @kimpossible_72 who made oversized 80s props out of cardboard, paint, and tape, like giant Rubik’s Cubes, cassette tapes, MTV logos or even mock arcade cabinets.

These bold, playful pieces make great photo backdrops or table centrepieces. If you want a British spin, paint an oversized cassette labelled “Now That’s What I Call Music!” — the ultimate 80s series.

6. Add 80s slang to your décor

Inject humour and nostalgia by decorating with the slang of the 80s. Use banners, neon signs, or chalkboards with sayings like:

• “Brill”
• “Deadly”
• “Gnarly”
• “Mega”
• “Totally tubular”

You could even print conversation starters on napkins or table cards. Phrases like “What’s your favourite 80s tune?” or “Who was your first pop crush?” get people chatting and laughing right away.

7. Opt for classier retro décor

If you’re hosting a more refined event, perhaps an 80s-inspired dinner or cocktail evening, swap neon overload for subtle sophistication. The 80s weren’t just about loud colours, they also embraced metallics, smoked glass and Art Deco revival design.

Layer chrome accents, mirrors and geometric shapes with a simple colour palette of black, silver and fuchsia for understated glamour. When you book your venue, look for a space that already features retro touches like wood panelling or tiled floors, and build from there.

Browse Peerspace’s collection of vintage-style venues for hire to find the perfect setting for your 80s theme party. Many have blank walls and flexible layouts, ideal for creating your own nostalgic aesthetic.

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Pro tip: Peerspace party venues often have blank walls and open layouts that make them perfect canvases for your 80s-style decor. Booking a “blank slate” venue on Peerspace allows you to bring your 80s vision to life exactly as you imagine it.

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80s snacks and sips your guests will love

No 80s theme party is complete without food and drink that make guests feel like they’ve stepped back in time. From nostalgic nibbles to cocktails with a retro twist, here’s how to serve the flavour of the decade.

8. Create an 80s sweet bar

What better way to bring back childhood memories than with a spread of retro sweets? Set up a colourful sweet table filled with favourites that defined the 1980s, both nostalgic and Instagram-worthy.

Some classics to include:

• Refreshers
• Love Hearts
• Parma Violets
• Drumstick lollies
• Fizz Wiz
• Sherbet Fountains
• Fruit Salads and Black Jacks
• Flying Saucers
• Toffee Crisp bars
• Choc Dips

Serve them in jars with mini scoops or old-school pick-and-mix bags for that perfect nostalgic touch.

9. Serve what you ate in the 80s

Food trends in the 1980s were delightfully diverse. While some dishes were bold experiments, others were pure comfort food. Bring back the flavours people remember fondly from their childhoods.

Popular British 80s classics included:

• Prawn cocktail starters
• Vol-au-vents
• Quiche Lorraine
• Mini sausage rolls
• Chicken Kievs
• Trifle or Black Forest gateaux for pudding

If you’re feeling cheeky, add a few nostalgic ready-meal style dishes. After all, the 80s was when microwave dinners became the future! Serve them with a wink and some retro packaging for extra fun.

10. Explore elegant 80s dining trends

The 1980s also marked the rise of high-end dining culture. The decade saw Britain’s culinary landscape evolve, with the emergence of nouvelle cuisine, fusion food and posh dinner parties complete with smoked salmon, avocado mousse and delicate canapés.

To elevate your 80s theme party, take inspiration from this era of sophistication. Offer canapés served on mirrored trays, or recreate iconic dishes like salmon mousse, stuffed peppers or pasta with sun-dried tomatoes.

Pair the food with 80s-inspired cocktails (more on that later) for a cohesive and stylish experience that feels true to the decade and completely party-perfect.

Entertainment straight out of the 80s

No 80s theme party is complete without era-appropriate entertainment. The right mix of music, games and visuals, will keep guests immersed in that neon-tinted nostalgia all night long.

11. Stream 80s films and TV shows

Create the perfect 80s backdrop by screening some of the decade’s most memorable films and telly. You could go for big Hollywood favourites like Back to the Future, The Goonies, or Pretty in Pink and all the Brat Pack gems, but don’t overlook British gems like The Young Ones, Only Fools and Horses or Red Dwarf for some properly homegrown humour.

Set up a projector and screen vintage adverts during breaks to keep the vibe authentic. If you’d rather not manage the tech yourself, book a private cinema through Peerspace, with many offering flexible hourly hires and retro aesthetics that make your event truly memorable.

12. Play 80s-inspired games

The 80s were the golden age of arcades, consoles and simple but addictive games. Keep your guests entertained with a mix of competitive and nostalgic options:

• Retro arcade hire: Rent arcade machines like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, or Donkey Kong. Some Peerspace venues even include them in the booking.
• DIY games: Recreate 80s game shows like The Krypton Factor or Blockbusters. Use buzzers, trivia cards and themed prizes.
• Tabletop fun: Bring out classic 80s board games like Guess Who?, Connect Four, Cluedo and Game of Life.

For bonus nostalgia, offer small prizes, like Rubik’s Cubes or vintage badges to the winners.

13. Make a thoughtful playlist or hire a DJ

Music defined the 80s, and no party inspired by the decade would be complete without it. Whether you’re curating your own playlist or hiring a DJ, focus on variety.

Blend synth-pop, New Wave, soft rock and early hip-hop to capture the full range of sounds that made the decade unforgettable. Start with crowd-pleasers like:

• Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – Wham!
• Don’t You Want Me – The Human League
• Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics
• Take On Me – A-ha
• Girls Just Want to Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
• Let’s Dance – David Bowie
• Relax – Frankie Goes to Hollywood

If you’re hiring a DJ, look for one who knows how to read a crowd and can mix upbeat anthems with slower ballads to give your 80s theme party perfect pacing.

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Pro tip: If you can access a projector, play original MTV or Top of the Pops music videos alongside the tunes. The visuals instantly transport everyone back in time.

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Totally kid-friendly 80s party ideas

Planning an 80s theme party for kids means focusing on colour, energy and playfulness. Since they didn’t live through the decade, you’ll want to highlight the fun aspects rather than pure nostalgia.

14. Host a roller-skating party

Roller discos were huge in the 80s, and they’re still just as fun today. Encourage kids (and adults!) to wear bright skating outfits and glitter accessories. Play upbeat classics like Footloose, You Spin Me Round (Like a Record), and Let’s Hear It for the Boy to keep everyone moving.

Hiring a photographer for some fun action shots makes it even more memorable. You could even turn the photos into thank-you cards after the event.

15. Make the theme recognisable for kids

Kids might not know the 80s firsthand, but they’ll recognise modern shows and films inspired by the era. Stranger Things is an obvious winner like full of neon lights, synth music and vintage bikes.

Plan activities around a Stranger Things-inspired 80s party, such as a scavenger hunt, trivia challenge or costume contest. Add themed snacks (like “Eggo” waffles or popcorn served in old-school paper boxes) for the perfect nostalgic detail that still feels exciting to younger guests.

You can also lean into 80s cartoons such as He-Man, My Little Pony, Care Bears or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which have all seen modern reboots kids might recognise.

80s-themed celebration ideas for adults

Adults who grew up in the 80s will love reliving their youth through music, fashion and food. Whether you’re planning a birthday, reunion or work event, these ideas will make your 80s theme party unforgettable.

16. Ask guests for song requests

Encourage guests to share their favourite 80s songs when they RSVP so you can build a crowd-sourced playlist. People will love hearing “their” song come on, and it guarantees a dance floor packed with hits everyone knows.

To really nail the nostalgic vibe, play some tunes on cassette or vinyl, or display old Walkmans and records as props around your venue.

17. Play video games on 80s consoles

Bring back those classic gaming nights by setting up retro consoles like the Sega Master System, Commodore 64 or the original Nintendo Entertainment System.

If you can’t find the real hardware, hire an arcade on Peerspace that already has retro arcade machines. Alternatively, plan an outing to a retro gaming bar or arcade. There are several brilliant ones across England, from London’s Four Quarters to NQ64 in Manchester and beyond.

Few things get people laughing together faster than competitive gaming fuelled by nostalgia.

18. Serve iconic 80s cocktails

Finish your 80s theme party in style with drinks that defined the decade. Bright, colourful cocktails like Blue Lagoons, Piña Coladas and Tequila Sunrises add instant flair.

Other vintage favourites include:

• Woo Woos
• Fuzzy Navels
• Sex on the Beach
• Harvey Wallbangers
• White Russians

Set up a DIY cocktail bar or hire a bartender to serve the classics. For a lighter option, offer Babycham, Lambrusco, or even retro wine coolers for quintessential 80s indulgence.

Your questions about 80s theme parties, answered

A creative name sets the tone before guests even arrive. Try something fun and memorable like Neon Nights, Radical Rewind or Mixtape Memories. For seasonal spins, you could go with Spooktacular 80s for Halloween or Rockin’ Around the 80s for Christmas.

What are some clever 80s party names?

Try catchy titles like Back to the 80s, Neon Nights, Electric Dreams or Mixtape Memories. For a festive twist, go for Rockin’ Around the 80s at Christmas or Spooktacular 80s for Halloween.

What are some 80s party ideas for men?

Encourage blokes to embrace classic archetypes: the City trader with braces and slicked-back hair, rockers in leather jackets and ripped jeans, or pop stars like George Michael and Prince.

What are some 80s party ideas for women?

Women can take inspiration from pop icons like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper or Debbie Harry. Think sequins, lace gloves and bold makeup. Or channel 80s film heroines like Princess Leia or Molly Ringwald’s preppy-chic style.

How do you throw an 80s-themed birthday party?

Tailor every detail to the guest of honour. Include their childhood favourites, including music, sweets, photos and decorate with highlights from their birth year. You could even show a slideshow of nostalgic photos from the decade.

How can I make an 80s-themed Christmas party feel festive?

Combine holiday sparkle with retro glitz: metallic tinsel trees, neon fairy lights and vintage Christmas records from Wham! or Band Aid. Encourage guests to dress in festive 80s attire like sequinned jumpers or glitzy dresses.

What are some 80s Halloween party ideas?

The 80s were an incredible decade for horror. Think A Nightmare on Elm Street, Beetlejuice or Ghostbusters. Set the mood with UV lighting, fog machines and a soundtrack of spooky 80s hits like Thriller.

How can you plan an 80s party that’s fun for kids?

Keep the focus on interactive fun. Roller discos, arcade games or crafts like friendship bracelets and neon slime-making work brilliantly. Make it bright, energetic and hands-on.

What is the 80s theme style?

It’s all about boldness and expression — think neon, oversized silhouettes, metallic accents, and unapologetic fun. From punk to preppy, it’s a celebration of individuality and confidence.

Find the perfect space to bring your 80s party to life

No matter how creative your ideas, every great 80s theme party needs the right venue to tie it all together. That’s where Peerspace comes in, helping you find unique, character-filled spaces designed for unforgettable events.

Unlike traditional venue hires that can feel a bit impersonal, Peerspace offers thousands of distinctive locations across England, from retro pubs and vintage lofts to studios with neon backdrops. Since Peerspace venues are booked by the hour, you have total flexibility to control your budget and schedule.

Every listing includes detailed descriptions, reviews and high-quality photos, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before booking. Whether you’re planning an elegant retro dinner, a roller disco, or a classic 80s birthday party, Peerspace makes it simple to find a setting that fits your vision perfectly.

Let’s get this 80s party started

Hopefully, these ideas have sparked your imagination and shown just how much fun an 80s theme party can be — full of nostalgia, laughter and brilliant memories.

When you’re ready to bring it all to life, browse Peerspace’s collection of party venues in your area to find the perfect backdrop for your retro celebration. For more inspiration, explore the Peerspace blog for detailed guides on theme parties, décor and event planning.

With the right venue, playlist and crowd, you’ll throw a party that’s pure 80s magic — perfect in every way. So tease your hair high, dust off that denim jacket and get ready for a night that’s totally tubular.