Celebrate a New Decade With One of These 30th Birthday Ideas (2024)

Celebrate a New Decade With One of These 30th Birthday Ideas (1)

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Every birthday deserves to be marked by something special—whether it’s with a

birthday gift or a gathering surrounded by close family and friends. But when it comes to milestone birthdays, that specialness goes way up. For instance, when you turn 30, you’re officially exiting your 20s and moving onto a whole new (and exciting) decade. Gone are the days of college and wondering what you’re going to do with your life—in this next era, you’ll be in a more grounded place, and that’s something that needs to be celebrated. Whether you’re the one turning 30 or you’re planning the party for a friend or family member, this list has tons of great 30th birthday ideas that anyone would love.

Of course, you can throw the celebration of the year with gourmet party foods, spectacular decorations, and dozens of guests. Or, you can opt to dial it down with just a few pals doing something extra-fun, like having a spa day, hosting an old-school slumber party, or playing some nostalgic board games. You may also choose to shake up the status quo by learning something new through a class or booking a weekend away (a trip to Pawhuska, OK perhaps?!). Either way, you’re sure to find an idea in our list of the best ways to celebrate a 30th birthday.

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1

Throw a Fancy Dinner Party

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If you’ve always wanted to attend an extravagant dinner party, now is your chance! Set up a long table, hang twinkling lights, put out place cards, and get it catered if you want to go for broke.

See more at Simply Charming Socials.

SHOP SERVEWARE

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2

Go with a Rock-and-Roll Theme

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A 30th birthday party is the perfect opportunity to throw an event with a little bit of edge, and a rock-and-roll theme is a way to do just that. Display vintage records, work that long hair and leopard-print ensemble, and play some feel-good tunes.

See more at Easyy Livin.

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3

Have a Backyard Movie Night

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If you believe that a birthday party isn’t complete without some favorite films, then you should make this shindig all about movies. Pop some popcorn, play a movie trivia game, and get out the portable screen for movie night in the backyard.

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4

Dance the Day (or Night) Away

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It’s time to bring out your best dance moves! Set up some speakers and have a dance party with your BFFs. If people want to celebrate from far away, they can virtually join in the dancing fun through Zoom.

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5

Birthday Wine Bottle Labels

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A 30th birthday party definitely calls for some wine for toasting, and you can make the bottles stand out with these celebratory birthday labels.

SHOP WINE BOTTLE LABELS

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6

Have a Pool Party

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Get out the pool floats, flash those shades, and whip up some tropical co*cktails—whether you celebrate at your pool, a friend’s pool, or a rented hotel pool, it’s a fun way to celebrate turning 30.

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7

Visit a Brewery

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A brewery tour can certainly double as a birthday bash, especially if you and your friends enjoy sipping craft brews.

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8

Enjoy a Picnic

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To keep things low-key for your 30th, look no further than an idyllic outdoor picnic. Set the scene with a pretty spot in a park, pack up a basket with upscale eats, and watch the sun go down.

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9

Set Up a Backyard Bar

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If you’d like to add some class to a co*cktail hour shared with friends, do it up right with a cool backyard bar. Include candles and greenery for decor, set out some fancy mix-ins, and don’t forget the framed bar menu.

See more at Miranda Schroeder.

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10

30th Birthday Party Straws

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For your 30th birthday festivities, you can plaster the number “30” on everything, like these party straws, or you can take it to the paper plates, tablecloths, and balloons, too.

SHOP PARTY STRAWS

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11

Have an Old-Fashioned Sleepover

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You’re never too old for a slumber party! Invite your girlfriends over for a fun night of hair-braiding, nail-painting, and talking-into-the-wee-hours.

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12

Get Creative with a Painting Party

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Get out the paint for a unique 30th birthday fête! Classes that pair painting and wine are popular these days, and many artists will even come to your house to teach you how to create your own masterpieces.

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13

Book a Spa Day (or Overnight)

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Is there anything more relaxing than a spa getaway? Treat yourself for your birthday and go for an afternoon, a whole day, or even the weekend, and indulge in some much-needed pampering.

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14

Go Gambling

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You’ll hit the jackpot with this 30th birthday bash. Head to the casino for an evening of slots and table games. You can bet on yourself having tons of fun.

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15

Play Favorite Board Games

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Maybe the thing that would make you happiest for your b-day is reveling in some board games with friends. Make your gathering complete with plenty of tasty snacks and cozy decor.

SHOP BOARD GAMES

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16

Take a Cooking Class

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Ask your best buds to go to a cooking class for your 30th birthday. Whether you’re all novices or regular gourmets, you’re sure to have a blast and learn how to cook something new.

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17

Go Full-On Glamping

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Glamping is for those who love the outdoors but want to do it with some panache—if this sounds like you to a T, go all out with luxurious tents, a beautifully-decorated table for meals, and flowers galore.

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18

Create a Magical Photo Backdrop

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Weaving together shades of pink and blush (or whichever hues you choose), craft a breathtaking photo backdrop made of birthday balloons. A cute phrase will make the pictures even better.

See more at Green Wedding Shoes.

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19

Make It a Golden Soirée

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If you’re hunting for a color theme for a 30th birthday party, seriously consider gold. It’ll add an undoubtedly luxe vibe to the party, particularly if you include gold everything, from the balloons to the decorations. Guests can wear gold as a finishing touch.

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20

Have a Brunch Celebration

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Perhaps brunching with friends is your very favorite pastime. It’ll be the perfect way to celebrate your birthday, whether you make brunch at home or go out to your fave brunch place.

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Celebrate a New Decade With One of These 30th Birthday Ideas (2024)

FAQs

What makes 30th birthday special? ›

They say life begins at 30, and for good reason. Reaching this birthday milestone can feel like you're bidding farewell to a more carefree phase of your life and stepping into true adulthood…which sounds like a cause for celebration! Past milestone birthdays, such as your 21st, were probably thrown for you.

What is the saying when you turn 30? ›

"The 30s are the new 20s." "Life begins at 30." "In your thirties, most of your friends come to you. In your forties, you go to them."

Why is 30 a milestone birthday? ›

It's an age that society designates as the change from impetuous youth to more responsible adulthood. But let me tell you Maina, this 30 feels like much more than just a shift in numbers. It's like reaching the peak of a mountain and taking a moment to catch my breath before moving on to the next section of the trek.

How do you celebrate Dirty 30? ›

You only turn dirty thirty once, so do it in style! Plan a disco-style bash with bright clothing, neon lights, disco balls, and lots of gold glitter — or break out the scrunchies and host a 90s theme party and style your party around the TV shows, music, and toys you grew up with.

What is the theme for 30th birthday? ›

A “dirty thirty” is another common term for a 30th birthday, but usually includes a humorous and fun decoration theme. A dirty thirty wouldn't be complete without the birthday person's favorite drinks, plenty of fun signs, and a night spent with friends.

What is a cute caption for turning 30? ›

Best 30th Birthday Captions for Instagram
  • 30 and flirty, twice as curvy 💃
  • Aged to perfection, like fine wine 🍷✨
  • Bye 20s, hello sexy 30s 😘👋
  • Cheers to three decades of awesomeness 🍻🎉
  • Dirty thirty and thriving 🎈🍾
  • Embracing the 30 club with open arms 👐🎂
  • Flirty thirty and oh-so-dirty 🌟😉
  • Game on, 30s - Let's do this! 🎮🚀
Jan 31, 2024

Why is turning 30 called dirty 30? ›

The “dirty 30” describes the increased amount of — ahem — fun that women have in their 30s. While we're not exactly crazy about the origins of this term, there is some truth to it. After all, the 30s mark a decade of increased confidence, financial stability, and increased self-knowledge.

What is an inspiring quote about turning 30? ›

30 is just the beginning of something beautiful. Here's to the next decade of dreams and adventures. Life begins at 30. The rest was just practice.

What color is age 30? ›

Color scheme- Teal, Brown, and Gold. 30th birthday decorations, 30th birthday parties, Birthday decorations.

How do people feel about turning 30? ›

For many people, the thought of turning 30 can bring about a wide range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety and even fear. It's a time when one's youth is coming to an end, and the pressure to have achieved certain milestones, such as a successful career or a stable relationship, can feel overwhelming.

How do I prepare for my 30th birthday? ›

Your 30th birthday party checklist in a nutshell:
  1. Decide what your event vibe will be.
  2. Decide on your budget.
  3. Decide on the guest list.
  4. Think about drinks.
  5. Think about food.
  6. Contact venues.
  7. Check out your ideal venue.
  8. Remember the little things.

Where can I go for my 30th? ›

30th birthday trip ideas: celebrate the big 3-0 with these unforgettable travel experiences
  • Go all out with a classic American road trip.
  • Hit Europe's hotspots.
  • Beaches, burritos, and beer in Mexico.
  • Lose yourself in nature and history in Peru.
  • City hop in the Great White North.
  • Eat your way through Italy.
Oct 24, 2023

Is 30 the golden birthday? ›

Many people wonder exactly what age is the “golden year.” But there are actually multiple chances to celebrate. Your golden birthday is the year you turn the same age as your birthday – for example, turning 25 on the 25th, or 31 on the 31st. If you've ever wondered where the tradition comes from, you're not alone.

What does the pearl mean for 30th birthday? ›

As the traditional symbol of the 30th anniversary, pearls (from the white variety to black gemstones like Tahitian Pearls) represent everlasting love, purity and grace. After all, pearls are strongly connected with the idea of love.

What color scheme is 30th birthday? ›

If you're hunting for a color theme for a 30th birthday party, seriously consider gold. It'll add an undoubtedly luxe vibe to the party, particularly if you include gold everything, from the balloons to the decorations.

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