The 1950s were a time of rock ‘n’ roll, Hollywood glamour, and swooning over Elvis. Let’s celebrate that nostalgia with a 50s-themed bash! Dust off your saddle shoes, slick back your hair, and step back in time with these swell 50s party ideas.
50s Party Themes
Kick your party up a notch with a groovy theme that captures the essence of the 1950s.
🎶 Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival: Make it a rockin’ dance party with this music theme. Think jukeboxes, vinyl records, and a dance floor for guests to twist the night away.
🍔 Diner Delights: Diners were a staple of the 1950s, so it’s a fitting theme. Use checkered tablecloths, set up a milkshake station, and serve classic diner fare for a nostalgic experience.
🚗 At the Drive-In: Set up a backyard movie night of 50s classics like “Grease” or “Rebel Without a Cause.” For the full effect, set up car-themed seating and a concessions stand.
🎸 Guitar Greats: Celebrate the music of the 50s with a theme dedicated to guitar legends like Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and Buddy Holly. Encourage guests to dress as their favorite guitar hero!
📺 TV Time Warp: Pay homage to 50s TV shows like “I Love Lucy” and “The Honeymooners.” Use themed decorations, play trivia games, and host costume contests.
🧦 Sock Hop Soiree: Invite guests to dress in their best, showing off that classic 50s style. We’re talking poodle skirts, letterman jackets, and saddle shoes with bobby socks!
Wanna travel forward a decade for your next celebration? Check out our Retro Ideas for a Fab 60s Theme Party.
50s Theme Party Costumes
No 50s party would be complete without the perfect retro attire to help you step back in time.
👗 Poodle Skirt Princess: Channel your inner Sandra Dee with a poodle skirt, a fitted blouse, a cardigan, and saddle shoes. Don’t forget a scarf around your neck or in your hair!
🪮 Greaser Guy: Go for the classic greaser look with a leather jacket, a white t-shirt, jeans, and slicked-back hair. Add a touch of rebellion with a cigarette pack rolled up in your sleeve!
😎 Retro Rebel: Mix things up with a rebellious twist on 50s fashion. Pair a leather jacket with a poodle skirt, or wear a denim jacket with a rockabilly dress.
😍 Teen Idol: Dress like a 50s heartthrob with a preppy sweater vest, a button-down shirt, slacks, and loafers. Top it off with a slicked-back hairstyle or a pompadour!
💃 Hollywood Starlet: Go glam with a dress inspired by the fashion icons of the 50s like Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn. Add some sparkle with costume jewelry and a faux fur stole!
🤘 Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebel: Embrace the rebellious spirit of rock ‘n’ roll with a leather jacket, a band t-shirt, skinny jeans, and boots. Add some attitude with a guitar or a microphone prop!
50s Theme Party Decor
Create the perfect retro atmosphere with decorations that capture the spirit of the decade with these 50s party ideas.
🎨 Pastel Palette: Soft colors like pink and aqua are perfect for a 50s party. Incorporate these or other pastels into your decorations, including balloons, streamers, and tableware.
🪧 Swell Signage: From welcome boards to food labels, signs are a great way to showcase your 50s theme. Make your own with bright colors and retro 50s fonts, or visit Etsy to buy some.
🍽️ Diner Dreams: Create seating areas that resemble a 1950s diner with retro booths or tables and chairs. Use checkered tablecloths and napkins for an authentic diner feel.
🕰️ Vintage Vibes: Add authenticity to your 50s theme with stuff straight from the decade. Find ways to incorporate vintage items like record players, rotary phones, and retro signs.
💿 Retro Records: Display records and music notes to capture a love of 50s music. There are many ways to add pops of music nostalgia, from wall decor to centerpieces to dessert stands.
🚘 Car Cutouts: If you love classic cars, add them as accents to your decor. Cardboard car cutouts can be used for centerpieces, napkin holders, party favors, and more.
Planning a birthday party for someone nostalgic for the 50s? Check out our 80th birthday party ideas for an extra special celebration.
50s Theme Party Entertainment
Keep your guests entertained with activities that are as fun and lively as the 1950s themselves.
🕺 Dance Off: Host a dance contest with classic 50s dances like the jitterbug, the twist, and the hand jive. Book a 50s-era band to perform live for an extra special touch.
📻 Jukebox Jams: If you can get a real jukebox, great! Otherwise, simulate the experience with a jukebox prop and streaming device for guests to choose their favorite 50s tunes. Or, hire a DJ to take requests.
🎵 King Meet and Greet: Invite Elvis Presley himself to mix, mingle, and swivel his hips. An Elvis impersonator can perform, pose for photos, or even emcee your event.
🕹️ Retro Games: Provide vintage board games and card games for guests to enjoy. Or, set up a retro arcade with classic games like pinball and Pac-Man.
📸 Photo Booth: Create a photo booth with 50s-themed props like sunglasses, hats, and scarves. It’s a fun activity and gives guests a memento of the evening to take home.
🖌️ DIY Doo-Wop: Set up a DIY craft station for guests to get creative. They can decorate record covers or design their own poodle skirts.
50s Theme Party Menu
Every 50s party needs deliciously retro dishes straight from a diner menu or drive-in concession stand.
🍟 Burgers and Fries: Serve juicy burgers with all the fixings, just like they did in 1950s diners. Add crispy French fries to complete the meal!
🍿 Popcorn: Set up a popcorn station with classic popcorn boxes and fun seasonings and toppings. This is a great snack for a movie party or taking a break from doing the jitterbug.
🥞 Pancakes: Stack fluffy pancakes and drizzle them with syrup, just like in 1950s diners. This is perfect for a 50s-themed birthday brunch!
🥧 Pies: This dessert is the perfect sweet treat reminiscent of diners from the 50s. Offer a selection of pies, such as apple, cherry, and blueberry.
🥤 Soda Shop: Set up a nostalgic soda fountain with various classic sodas in glass bottles. Add ice cream for crafting delightful milkshakes and soda floats.
🍬 Candy Counter: Create a candy counter with retro candies, like candy cigarettes, Bazooka bubble gum, and Tootsie Rolls. Provide vintage party favor boxes for them to take their sweets home.
Need more “pin”-spiration? Check out our Pinterest board for more 50s-themed menu and decor ideas.
We hope these 50s party ideas help you step into the past for a night of fun and nostalgia! Whether your guests are dancing to Elvis or enjoying a burger and fries, your big bash will surely be the bee’s knees! 🐝
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Heather is the Content Manager and a GigSalad veteran of 15+ years. She loves helping event planners create unforgettable celebrations and talent make a living doing what they love. When not at work, she enjoys reading romance and fantasy books, bingeing TV shows, playing board games, and spending time with friends.