36 Of The Best 40th Birthday Party Ideas

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36 Ideas For Your 40th Birthday Party

Turning the big 4-0 is a milestone worth celebrating, and what better way to mark this momentous occasion than with a uniquely Aussie bash! Whether you’re after a laid-back gathering, an adrenaline-pumping adventure, or a glitzy affair, we’ve got you covered with 40 ripper birthday party ideas. So, gather your mates and get ready for an unforgettable celebration, complete with true-blue traditions, delicious grub, and heaps of fun. Here are our top 40th birthday party ideas to help you plan the ultimate shindig.

1. 40th Birthday Idea: Bad Taste Party

If you want your guests to leave their inhibitions at the door, there’s nothing as liberating as a Bad Taste 40th party. From daggy food to terrible music and trashy décor, you can really have fun with the theming here.

Expect to see plenty of mullets, muffin tops and Donald Trumps shaking it to Barbie Girl on the dance floor. Plus, over-inflated lips chowing down on cabana-topped Jatz and mini cocktail onions.

We draw the line at goon bags though. You’re not total animals.

Christmas Lunch Perth

2. 40th Birthday Idea: Foodie Feast

If you’re way past the days when you thought ‘eating was cheating’, a sit-down meal’s always a great 40th birthday party idea. A long-table feast with good quality wine is the perfect way for the foodie guy or gal to celebrate.

Just make sure you ask for everyone’s dietary requirements in advance. And move around between courses so you get to chat to all your guests.

 

3. 40th Birthday Idea: Letter Party

Your birthday party is all about you, so why not give a nod to your name with a letter themed bash? Ask guests to come dressed as something starting with your first initial, and extend the theme to drinks, snacks and décor.

Bear in mind that some letters work better than others, and maybe give it a miss if your name’s Zoe or Xavier.

Birthday Party Ideas

4. 40th Birthday Idea: 90s Sitcom Theme

With all the hype around a slated Friends reunion, it’s the perfect time to throw a ‘90s sitcom themed bash! Either choose your favourite show or keep the theme open and see who rocks up with ‘The Rachel’ or throws an Elaine on the dance floor.
As for the 40th birthday catering? Carbalicious pretzels and muffin tops will mop up the booze.

5. 40th Birthday Idea: 80s Dance Party

If you’re a child of the ‘80s whose biggest joy in life is dancing around her handbag to All Night Long, then you do you. For your birthday bash, pop on your fluoro scrunchie, off-the-shoulder top and leg warmers and throw an epic ‘80s dance party!

With a birthday party theme this good, Ain’t Nobody going to complain. #sorrynotsorr

6. 40th Birthday Idea: Colour Theme

Stuck for 40th birthday party ideas? A colour theme is always a winner. Even the simplest styling looks great in coordinated, tone-on-tone colour, and we promise your photos will look AHmazing.

A colour theme is also popular with guests as they get the chance to dress up, without having to hire an expensive costume. But whatever you do, don’t be cruel and pick yellow.

7. Aussie BBQ Bonanza

Throw a classic Aussie barbie to celebrate the big 4-0! Fire up the grill, put on some snags and steaks, and enjoy a relaxed outdoor gathering with your mates. Don’t forget to include some ice-cold tinnies and a pavlova for dessert.

8. 80’s Flashback Party

Take a trip down memory lane and celebrate your 40th birthday party with an 80s-themed party. Have your guests dress up in their best 80s gear, play classic hits from the decade, and serve up some retro snacks like fairy bread and lamingtons.

9. Bush Tucker Feast

Treat your guests to a unique dining experience with a bush tucker-inspired menu. Serve up delicious dishes made from native Australian ingredients like kangaroo, emu, and finger limes. It’ll be a bonza birthday feast they won’t forget!

10. Pub Trivia Night

Host a pub trivia night at your local watering hole or at home to celebrate your 40th. Come up with Aussie-themed trivia questions, organise some fun prizes, and enjoy a night of laughs and friendly competition with your mates.

11. Beach Bash

Organise a 40th birthday beach bash at your favourite Aussie beach. Spend the day soaking up the sun, playing beach cricket, and firing up a portable barbie. As the sun sets, gather around a bonfire for a sing-along to some classic Aussie tunes.

12. BYO Art Workshop

Unleash your inner artist and host a paint-and-sip party for your 40th. Hire a local artist to guide you and your guests in creating your masterpieces, while you enjoy some top-notch Aussie wines and nibbles. Everyone will have a ripper time and a keepsake to remember the day.

13. G’Day Sports Day

If you’re a sports enthusiast, host a 40th birthday sports day with your favourite Aussie games. Set up a backyard cricket match, a footy game, or even a thong-throwing competition. Finish off the day with a sausage sizzle and some cold brews.

14. Aussie Wine Tasting

Take your mates on a wine-tasting adventure to celebrate your 40th. Visit a local winery or host your wine tasting at home, sampling some of Australia’s finest drops. Pair the wines with a delicious spread of Aussie cheeses and gourmet nibbles.

15. Outback Adventure

Embrace the rugged beauty of the Australian outback with a 40th birthday camping trip. Spend your days exploring the bush, spotting wildlife, and enjoying the great outdoors. At night, cook up a campfire feast and share stories under the stars.

16. Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

Host a quirky and fun Mad Hatter’s tea party with an Aussie twist. Serve up an array of bush tucker treats alongside traditional scones and sandwiches. Encourage guests to dress up in their most eccentric attire and enjoy a day of laughter and silliness to mark your milestone birthday.

17. Retro Arcade Party

Bring back the nostalgia of your youth with a retro arcade party for your 40th. Hire some classic arcade games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and pinball machines. Encourage guests to dress up in 80s attire and enjoy a night of gaming fun with your mates.

18. True Blue Aussie Picnic

Grab your picnic rugs and head to a local park or beach for a laid-back Aussie picnic. Pack a hamper filled with classic Aussie treats like meat pies, sausage rolls, and Tim Tams. Enjoy some backyard games like totem tennis and bocce for an arvo of fun in the sun.

19. Bush Dance Bash

Get your boots stomping and host a traditional Aussie bush dance for your 40th. Hire a bush band and a dance caller to guide you and your guests through some classic dances like the Heel and Toe Polka or the Stockyards. Complete the experience with a tasty Aussie damper and billy tea.

20. Rooftop Cocktails

Celebrate your 40th in style with a swanky rooftop cocktail party. Choose a venue with stunning views of the city skyline, and serve up Aussie-inspired cocktails like the Melbourne Mule or the Sydney Sling. Don’t forget some delicious gourmet finger food to keep your guests satisfied.

21. Film Night Under the Stars

Set up an outdoor cinema in your backyard or at a local park to enjoy a movie night under the stars. Pick a classic Aussie film like Crocodile Dundee, The Castle, or Muriel’s Wedding. Provide comfy seating, popcorn, and some bevvies for a relaxing night of entertainment.

22. DIY MasterChef Challenge

Inspired by the popular TV show, host a DIY MasterChef challenge for your 40th birthday party. Divide your mates into teams and challenge them to create a delicious meal using a set of mystery ingredients. Set a time limit and have everyone taste and judge the dishes at the end of the night.

23. Karaoke Knockout

Unleash your inner rockstar with a karaoke knockout party. Rent a karaoke machine, set up a stage, and let your guests belt out their favourite tunes. Add some Aussie classics to the playlist like “You’re the Voice,” “Down Under,” and “Khe Sanh” for a true-blue singalong.

24. Dress to Impress Costume Party

Host a dress to impress costume party and ask your guests to come as their favourite Aussie icon, from famous celebrities to legendary characters. Award prizes for the best costumes and enjoy a night of laughs as everyone shows off their creative outfits.

25. DIY Beer Tasting

Organise a DIY beer tasting with a selection of Aussie craft brews for your 40th birthday. Set up a tasting station with various local beers and provide tasting notes for guests to rate each brew. Pair the beers with classic pub grub like chicken parmigiana, fish and chips, or a hearty meat pie.

26. Treasure Hunt Adventure

Get your mates together for a treasure hunt adventure around your local area. Create a series of clues, riddles, and challenges that lead to a final treasure—perhaps a hidden esky filled with coldies or a delicious BBQ feast. Enjoy the thrill of the hunt and celebrate your 40th birthday with an exciting day of teamwork and adventure.

27. Backyard Lawn Bowls

Transform your backyard into a lawn bowls green and host a laid-back, fun-filled afternoon of lawn bowls. Serve up classic Aussie snacks, play some tunes, and enjoy friendly competition with your mates as you celebrate your 40th in true Australian style.

28. Vintage High Tea

Throw a sophisticated vintage high tea party to celebrate your milestone birthday. Decorate your space with antique crockery, floral arrangements, and lace tablecloths. Serve a selection of sweet and savoury treats, like scones with jam and cream, finger sandwiches, and mini quiches. Offer a variety of teas and even some sparkling wine for an elegant affair.

29. Pool Party & BBQ

Host a classic Aussie pool party and BBQ for your 40th birthday. Set up a barbie by the pool, and serve up snags, burgers, and seafood. Offer plenty of pool floats, games, and upbeat music for a splashing good time with your mates.

30. Comedy Club Night

Bring the laughs to your 40th birthday party by hosting a comedy club night. Hire a local comedian or two to perform, or let your funniest friends take the stage for a night of hilarity. Serve up some nibbles and drinks for guests to enjoy while they chuckle the night away.

31. Casino Royale

Roll the dice on a glamorous Casino Royale-themed 40th birthday party. Set up casino-style games like blackjack, poker, and roulette for your guests to enjoy. Encourage everyone to dress up in their finest attire, and serve up swanky cocktails and elegant hors d’oeuvres for a night of sophisticated fun.

32. DIY Music Festival

Create your very own music festival in your backyard or a local park for your 40th birthday celebration. Set up a stage, hire local bands or DJs, and offer festival-style food and drink options. Encourage guests to dress in their favourite festival gear and dance the day away.

33. Nostalgic Games Night

Host a nostalgic games night with all your favourite childhood board games, card games, and video games. Invite your friends to bring their own favourites, and spend the night reminiscing and enjoying friendly competition over classics like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Mario Kart.

34. Superhero Costume Party

Unleash your inner superhero with a 40th birthday costume party. Ask guests to come dressed as their favourite superhero or supervillain, and decorate the space with comic book-inspired décor. Offer themed snacks and drinks, and let everyone show off their superpowers on the dance floor.

35. Food Truck Fiesta

Bring the flavours of the world to your 40th birthday party with a food truck fiesta. Hire a variety of food trucks offering different cuisines and let your guests enjoy a culinary adventure. Set up picnic tables, outdoor games, and string lights for a festive atmosphere.

36. Murder Mystery Dinner

Host an interactive murder mystery dinner for your 40th birthday celebration. Choose a theme, assign characters to your guests, and let the intrigue unfold throughout the evening. Serve up a delicious dinner while your guests work together to solve the whodunit mystery.

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