Turning 50 is a significant milestone in one’s life, and it deserves a celebration that is both fun and memorable. Whether you prefer an intimate gathering with close friends and family or a big bash with everyone you know, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this milestone birthday. From beach parties to wine tours, from backyard BBQs to masquerade balls, we’ve got you covered with 26 great party ideas that are sure to inspire you. So, get ready to plan the perfect 50th birthday celebration and create memories that will last a lifetime!
1. 50th Birthday Idea: 007 Theme
For a seriously classy 50th birthday party in Brisbane, think Bond. James Bond. A 007-themed bash is the perfect opportunity to dress to kill in a slick suit or slinky dresss, while sipping on vodka martinis. Shaken, not stirred.
The best bit? Adele, Shirley Bassey, Sam Smith, Billie Eilish… the playlist is already perfect, with zero effort on your part.
2. 50th Birthday Idea: Trivia Night
For a low-key birthday party with lots of laughs, grab your best (and brightest) mates and book a table or two for mid-week trivia. Beers, burgers, brain strain – what better way to celebrate another turn around the sun?
3. 50th Birthday Idea: Roaring 20s
One of the richest decades to tap for birthday party ideas for your 50th is the Roaring 20s. Sidecars, Grasshoppers, gold décor and art deco signage… the 20s is pure class and sophistication, with a healthy dose of Gatsby-esque hedonism thrown in to ensure a great night.
Our tip? Spring for a photo booth with vintage props. And a champagne tower. Naturally.
4. 50th Birthday Idea: Literary Heroes Theme
Why should kids get all the fun with Book Week? From Harry Potter to The Handmaid’s Tale, Austen to Wilde, literature is the perfect source of birthday party inspo for the bibliophile.
Ask your guests to come as their favourite literary hero, then prepare to spend half the night playing ‘Guess Who?’
5. Surprise Sunday Session
While it takes some serious undercover work to pull off, a surprise party – if done right – is always a good idea. Not everyone wants a huge fuss for their birthday though, and a surprise Sunday party session is a chilled-out birthday party idea for the low-key guy or gal.
Book a private area, send out the Whatsapp invite, then casually suggest a ‘few quiet drinks’ in the sunshine. Hungover on Monday? Surprise!
6. Intimate Dinner Party
An 50th birthday intimate dinner with a small number of guests is a very special way to celebrate a special birthday. Book a private dining room, fill it with your favourite flowers and create the perfect ambience with candlelight and laidback jazz. Then sit back and prepare to be waited on hand and foot. It’s your birthday after al
7. Beach Party Bonanza:
Celebrate your 50th with a beach party bonanza! Grab some colourful beach towels, put on some sunscreen, and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun in the sun with your closest mates.
8. Outback Adventure:
For a true blue Aussie celebration, plan an outback adventure. Head to the bush, take in the stunning scenery, and camp under the stars for a birthday party you’ll never forget.
9. Backyard BBQ Bash:
Keep things simple and host a backyard BBQ bash for your 50th. Fire up the barbie, serve some cold beers, and enjoy some quality time with your friends and family.
10. Sports Day:
For the sports enthusiast, plan a sports day for your 50th birthday party. Play some backyard cricket, throw a footy around, or organise a game of touch footy. Don’t forget the snags and beers!
11. Wine Tour:
For a more sophisticated celebration, head out on a wine tour for your 50th. Sample some of the best wines the region has to offer, and enjoy a gourmet lunch with your closest friends.
12. Karaoke Night:
For a fun and memorable birthday party, plan a karaoke night. Sing your heart out to your favourite tunes, and enjoy some drinks and snacks with your mates.
13. High Tea:
For a more refined celebration, plan a high tea for your 50th birthday. Sip on some tea, nibble on some scones, and catch up with your friends in style.
14. Comedy Night:
Laugh your way into your 50s with a comedy night celebration. Book tickets to a comedy show, and enjoy some pre-show drinks and dinner with your mates.
15. Masquerade Ball:
For a bit of mystery and intrigue, plan a masquerade ball for your 50th birthday party. Encourage your guests to dress up in their finest attire and wear masks for a night of glamour and fun.
16. Game Night:
Host a game night for your 50th birthday party. Play some board games, card games, or video games with your friends and family. It’s a great way to unwind and have some fun together.
17. Movie Marathon:
Host a movie marathon for your 50th birthday party. Choose your favourite films, stock up on snacks, and settle in for a cosy night in with your loved ones.
18. Paint and Sip:
For a creative and fun celebration, host a paint and sip party. Get your friends together to paint a masterpiece while enjoying some drinks and snacks.
19. Virtual Game Night:
If you can’t be with your friends and family in person, host a virtual game night for your 50th. Play games like trivia, charades, or Pictionary over video call.
20. Escape Room:
For an exciting and challenging birthday party, plan an escape room adventure. Work together with your friends to solve puzzles and escape before time runs out.
21. Music Festival:
For the music lover, plan a music festival for your 50th birthday party. Hire a DJ, set up a dance floor, and dance the night away with your friends and family.
22. Competition Day:
Plan a competition day for your 50th birthday party. Organise a range of fun competitions such as egg and spoon race, tug-of-war, and sack race. Don’t forget to award prizes to the winners.
23. Foodie Tour:
For a delicious birthday celebration, go on a foodie tour. Visit different restaurants or food trucks to sample some of the best food the city has to offer.
24. Spa Day:
For a relaxing and indulgent birthday celebration, treat yourself to a spa day. Get a massage, facial, or other treatments, and unwind with your closest friends.
25. Themed Party:
Plan a themed party for your 50th birthday celebration. Choose a theme like ’80s, beach, or disco, and encourage your guests to dress up accordingly.
26. Hiking Adventure:
For the nature lover, plan a hiking adventure for your 50th birthday party. Choose a scenic trail, pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy the great outdoors with your friends and family.
Unique 50th Birthday Party Venues
