40 Fabulous 40th Birthday Party Themes

Turning 40 is a major milestone, and what better way to celebrate this fabulous age than with a fantastic birthday party? If you or your loved one is hitting the big 4-0, you’re in luck! Encore Musicians, the UK’s largest musician bookings platform, is here to provide you with a list of 40 ideas for 40th party themes that will make your celebration unforgettable. Let the festivities begin!

40 of the best 40th birthday themes

1. Rock ‘n’ Roll Extravaganza

• Transform your venue into a vintage concert hall with vinyl records as table centrepieces and classic guitars adorning the walls.
• Invite a live tribute band to play hits from iconic rock stars like Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, and Queen.
• Encourage guests to dress as their favourite rock legends for an unforgettable night of music and dance.

2. 80s Flashback

• Think neon lights, Rubik’s cubes, and cassette tapes. Decorate with geometric patterns and neon-colored balloons.
• Create a playlist featuring hits from Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince.
• Encourage guests to embrace the fashion of the era, with mullet wigs, leg warmers, and shoulder pads.

3. Masquerade Ball

• Adorn the venue with opulent masks, elegant drapes, and chandeliers.
• Hire a live harpist to play classical music sets the mood while guests enjoy a night of mystery and sophistication.
• Encourage guests to wear elaborate masks and ball gowns, transforming the party into a glamorous affair reminiscent of Venetian masquerades.

4. Hollywood Red Carpet

• Roll out a red carpet entrance complete with velvet ropes and paparazzi cutouts.
• Set up a photo booth with Hollywood-themed props.
• Play classic movie soundtracks and decorate with gold accents and movie posters.
• Encourage guests to dress as their favourite movie stars for a night of glitz and glamour.

5. Casino Night

• Create a mini-casino with blackjack tables, roulette wheels, and poker games.
• Use play money and offer prizes for the biggest winners.
• Decorate with Las Vegas-inspired neon signs and red, black, and gold accents.
• Hire a jazz band to recreate the ambience of a high-end casino lounge.

6. Great Gatsby Glamour

• Channel the Roaring Twenties with Art Deco decorations, gold and black colour schemes, and crystal chandeliers.
• Hire a jazz band to play Gatsby-era tunes.
• Encourage guests to wear flapper dresses, fedoras, and suspenders for a night of glitz and jazz.

7. Around the World

• Decorate each area of your venue to represent different countries.
• Use flags, cultural artefacts, and traditional decorations.
• Serve international cuisine and play music from various cultures.
• Encourage guests to dress in traditional attire from different countries, embracing the diversity of the world.

8. Superhero Soiree

• Invite guests to dress as their favourite superheroes or villains.
• Decorate with comic book-style graphics and action figure centrepieces. 
• Play heroic movie soundtracks and host costume contests. 
• Create a backdrop for photos, allowing guests to pose as their favourite characters.

9. Enchanted Garden

• Transform your venue into a magical garden with fairy lights, flowers, and lush greenery. 
• Use pastel colours and fairy-tale-inspired decorations.
• Encourage guests to wear floral crowns and garden party attire.
• Enhance the magical ambiance with a live acoustic band playing enchanting melodies

10. Mardi Gras Madness

• Embrace the festive atmosphere of Mardi Gras with vibrant colours, masks, and beads. Decorate with feathers, sequins, and jester hats. 
• Serve traditional New Orleans cuisine like gumbo and king cake. 
• Bring the spirit of New Orleans to life with a live brass band. The lively tunes of trumpets, trombones, and saxophones will infuse your party with the vibrant energy of a Mardi Gras parade, ensuring a night of non-stop dancing and celebration.

11. Pirate Party

• Create a pirate ship atmosphere with wooden barrels, treasure chests, and skull-and-crossbones flags.
• Decorate with nautical ropes, anchors, and lanterns.
• Play sea shanties and pirate-themed music.
• Encourage guests to wear pirate hats, eyepatches, and buccaneer attire.

12. Wild West Hoedown

• Transform your venue into a rustic saloon with wooden barrels, hay bales, and cowboy boots. Use bandanas and cowboy hats as table runners. 
• Create a boot-stomping good time with a live country band. The band will provide the perfect soundtrack for line dances and two-stepping. 
• Serve barbecue and classic American comfort food. 
• Encourage guests to wear cowboy boots and Western attire.

13. Circus theme

• Create a fun fair atmosphere with colourful tents, circus animals, and carnival games.
• Decorate with cotton candy machines, popcorn stands, and a carousel centrepiece.
• Hire entertainers like jugglers and magicians.
• Encourage guests to wear circus-inspired costumes like ringmasters and acrobats.

14. Futuristic Fun

• Decorate with metallic accents, LED lights, and futuristic props.
• Use holographic displays and neon decorations.
• Play electronic dance music (EDM) and techno tracks.
• Encourage guests to wear futuristic outfits and accessories, embracing the aesthetics of science fiction.

15. Disco Fever

• Set the disco ball spinning and decorate it with shimmering curtains, mirror balls, and colourful lights.
• Play disco hits from artists like Donna Summer and Bee Gees.
• Encourage guests to wear disco-era attire, including bell bottoms, sequins, and platform shoes.

16. Literary Legends

• Decorate with bookshelves, literary quotes, and antique typewriters.
• Hire a string duo to play classical music and instrumental tracks inspired by literature.
• Encourage guests to dress as their favourite literary characters, bringing the pages of their favourite books to life.

17. Space Odyssey

• Create a cosmic atmosphere with starry backdrops, planets, and astronaut helmets.
• Use LED lights to simulate a space-like ambience.
• Play ambient space music and futuristic soundscapes.
• Encourage guests to wear space-themed costumes, embracing the vastness of the universe.

18. Time Travellers’ Ball

• Decorate each area of your venue to represent different eras.
• Use vintage decorations, antique clocks, and historical artefacts.
• Play music from different decades, allowing guests to dance through time.
• Encourage guests to dress in period-specific clothing, celebrating the timeless fashion of different eras.

19. Fairytale Fantasy

• Transform your venue into a magical castle with turrets, fairy lights, and enchanted mirrors.
• Use pastel colours and whimsical decorations.
• Play fantasy-inspired music and orchestral fairy-tale soundtracks.
• Encourage guests to dress as princesses, knights, or mythical creatures.

20. Black and White Affair

• Celebrate your 40th birthday in timeless style and get guests to wear black and white attire, creating a chic and timeless atmosphere.

  Decorate with black and white linens, elegant tableware, and monochrome floral arrangements.
• Complement the chic ambiance of your black and white-themed party with a live pianist or a jazz band.

1. Game Night Gala

• Set up game stations with board games, card games, and video game consoles.
• Decorate with oversized game pieces and dice.
• Play upbeat and playful music.
• Encourage guests to participate in friendly competitions and enjoy a night of laughter and games.

22. Nautical Nonsense

• Decorate with fishing nets, seashells, and maritime flags.
• Use blue and white colour schemes to represent the ocean.
• Play sea shanties and maritime folk music.
• Encourage guests to wear sailor hats, captain’s attire, or mermaid costumes.

23. Summer Beach Party

• Create a beachfront paradise with sand, surfboards, and beach balls.
• Use tropical flowers and seashells for decoration and serve tropical cocktails and seafood delicacies.
• Encourage guests to wear beachwear, sunglasses, and flip-flops.
• Capture the essence of a beachfront paradise with a live steel drum band. 

24. Cinematic Celebration

• Decorate with movie posters, film reels, and director’s chairs.
• Set up a mini cinema area with bean bags and popcorn.
• Play iconic movie soundtracks and film scores.
• Encourage guests to dress as their favourite movie characters, bringing the magic of cinema to life.

25. Sports Fanatic Fiesta

• Decorate with sports memorabilia, jerseys, and equipment.
• Use team colours and banners to represent different sports.
• Serve stadium-style snacks like hot dogs and nachos.
• Encourage guests to wear their favourite team jerseys and participate in friendly sports trivia.

26. Culinary Carnival

• Set up cooking stations with chefs preparing gourmet dishes.
• Decorate with fresh herbs, spices, and culinary tools.
• Play jazz music and culinary-inspired tunes. Serve exquisite dishes and wine pairings.
• Encourage guests to indulge in culinary delights and savour the flavours.

27. Animal Kingdom Adventure

• Use earthy tones and natural textures and decorate with animal prints, jungle foliage, and wildlife imagery. 
• Play world music inspired by different cultures.
• Encourage guests to wear animal-themed costumes, embracing the diversity of the animal kingdom.

28. Artistic Expression

• Set up easels and art supplies for guests to create their masterpieces.
• Decorate with paintings, sculptures, and artistic installations.
• Play classical music and instrumental compositions.
• Encourage guests to unleash their creativity and appreciate the beauty of art.

29. Classic Cars and Rockabilly

• Decorate with vintage car parts, license plates, and retro signage.
• Play rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll hits from the 50s.
• Encourage guests to wear retro outfits, leather jackets, and pin-up dresses, capturing the essence of the rockabilly era.

30. DIY Craft Party

• Set up crafting stations with various materials and project ideas.
• Decorate with colourful ribbons, buttons, and craft supplies.
• Play indie and folk music, creating a cosy and creative atmosphere.
• Encourage guests to unleash their inner artists and craft unique creations to take home.

31. Chocolate Indulgence

• Decorate with chocolate fountains, truffles, and cocoa beans.
• Use warm brown and gold hues for decorations.
• Hire a saxophonist to play smooth jazz, creating a luxurious ambience.
• Serve a variety of chocolate desserts and drinks. Encourage guests to indulge in the sweet delights of chocolate heaven.

32. Vintage Vinyl Vibes

• Decorate with vinyl records, turntables, and retro audio equipment.
• Use psychedelic patterns and vibrant colours.
• Hire a DJ who has experience with vinyl to teach you and your guests to mix with vinyl.
• Encourage guests to appreciate the vintage sound and dance to the timeless tunes.

33. Funky Fashion Fiesta

• Decorate with vibrant colours, funky patterns, and retro fashion items.
• Use disco balls and colourful lights for party decorations.
• Play funk, soul, and disco tracks.
• Encourage guests to wear funky and eclectic outfits, embracing the freedom of expression through fashion.

34. Spa Retreat

• Create a serene atmosphere with candles, essential oils, and relaxing spa treatments. 
• Play calming music and nature sounds.
• Serve herbal teas and light, healthy snacks.
• Encourage guests to unwind, relax, and enjoy the tranquil ambience.

 

35. In the Garden of Eden

• Decorate with lush greenery, blooming flowers, and garden-inspired decor.
• Use soft pastel colours and fairy lights.
• For live music, hire an acoustic duo to nature-inspired music.
• Serve fresh salads, fruits, and herbal beverages. Encourage guests to embrace the beauty of nature and celebrate the enchanting garden theme.

36. Mythical Creatures Masquerade

• Decorate with mythical creature masks, fairy lights, and enchanted forest elements.
• Use magical and ethereal colour schemes.
• Play fantasy-inspired music and mystical melodies.
• Encourage guests to wear masks of mythical creatures like unicorns, dragons, and phoenixes, creating a magical atmosphere.

37. British Icons Bash

• Celebrate the essence of British greatness with a themed party dedicated to iconic figures.
• Adorn your venue with Union Jack flags and famous London landmarks.
• Play legendary tunes from The Beatles and Queen for a musical trip down memory lane.
• Encourage guests to dress as their favourite British personalities, from literary legends to music icons, and indulge in classic British treats.

38. Whodunit Mystery Party

• Set up a crime scene with detective props, magnifying glasses, and evidence markers.
• Use dark and mysterious colour schemes. Play suspenseful music and eerie sound effects.
• Host interactive murder mystery games and encourage guests to solve the crime.
• Provide clues and surprises to enhance the mystery.

39. Wine and Cheese Soiree

• Decorate with wine barrels, grapevines, and rustic wine-themed elements.
• Serve a variety of fine wines, cheeses, and charcuterie.
• As background music for the wine tasting, play classical and jazz tunes.
• Encourage guests to indulge in the exquisite flavours and aromas of wine and cheese.

40. Karaoke Extravaganza

• Set up a karaoke stage with microphones, speakers, and a dazzling backdrop.
• Use colourful lights and disco balls for a lively atmosphere. P
• lay a wide range of karaoke tracks from different genres and eras.
• Encourage guests to take the stage, sing their favourite songs, and enjoy a night of musical fun and entertainment.

Conclusion 

No matter which theme you choose, these detailed ideas will help you create a memorable 40th birthday celebration. With the right theme, decorations, music, and activities, your celebration is sure to be a smashing success!

Ready to book? Visit Encore Musicians today and explore our varied and expert-vetted collection of professional musicians for birthdays.