The best summer party theme ideas

There is no better time to throw a party than summer! Nice weather, getting relaxed under a tree shade or by the beach with a cocktail in hand, and maybe some chilled music. Be inspired for your party planning with this list of the best summer party theme ideas!

Whether it’s a kid’s birthday, a welcome back, BBQ hangouts, or the holidays, you will need a befitting theme to take the party up a gear. And that is just what we are here for!

Tropical party

Most people consider this the most natural of all summer party theme ideas. The tones are bright and verdant, with touches of floral. Tropical parties can be styled in so many ways and really, are never out of fashion!

Check out some tropical-themed parties here!

Below, tropical bachelorette heaven celebration by Miranda Madison Events in Phoenix, Arizona

Tutti Frutti party

One thing I love about this party theme is that it is beyond any limitation. Kids and adults alike can enjoy this theme with fruity tarts, juices, flavoured jelly and more!. Check out tutti frutti ideas here.

Make these cute summer fruit cookies! See the recipe by The Party Party project here.

Check out this summer slumber party featuring fruit cookie favours by Sunflour Cookies Sydney

Here is another colourful tutti frutti set up by Style My Soiree

How perfect are these balloons for this theme? They’re from Lovely Occasions

Hawaiian party

Whether you like a simple BBQ backyard party or a lavish all-out wedding, you can always create a Hawaiian theme for summer. The colour tones, the tropical atmosphere and the vibe make it the perfect summer party theme idea..

Below, tropical luxe milestone party by Styled by Emma Louise in Perth.

Below, a stunning Hawaiian wedding theme by Superb Event Styling in Sydney. See more here.

Aussie Themed Party

Get ready to party Aussie style! There is nothing more quintessentially summer than relaxing with your mates with a great meal and drinks by the pool, and down under we know how to do it best! Throw in some Aussie themed decor and treats and you’ve got the perfect Sunday.

Below, a summer Christmas party (credits under pic) featured in the Christmas 2020 mini-mag

Below, an Australian themed floral bridal shower brunch

Beach party

While some prefer having an indoor decorated beach theme, why not go bold and party on the beach? Observing the waves, collecting shells, watching dolphins and surfers, playing beach ball, and having fun in the warm atmosphere is more therapeutic than anything.

Below, girls brunch on the beach in Malibu by 3rd and Luxe.

This stylish party might be held around a pool but it is definitely giving us beach vibes! This one is by Swoon Events in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Check out this lifesaver themed bunting from Favor Lane – what a cute touch!

Lemon Party theme

Bright, sunny and yellow – you just can’t go wrong with a lemon party for summer. It’s so stylish and elegant too.

Below, a traditional lemon garden set-up from One Inspired Party in Miami

Below, cute lemonade napkins from Favor Lane Party

Festival party theme

Whether it’s a grownup Coachella inspired do, or a ‘Kidchella, there’s nothing like sunshine (or summer rain) to bring home the festival vibes for your party!

Below, a Coachella inspired hen’s party, styled by Creative Themes Perth.

Below, a kids Coachella themed party by Make It Stylish

Backyard party

You can throw a good old pool party, have a BBQ, or even set up an outdoor cinema! Don’t forget the string lights!

Below, summer pool party by Miranda Madison Events.

Below, Ruby’s summer social by Sugar Style Me.

A backyard outdoor cinema styled by 3rd and Luxe

Below, mini balloon garland from Lovely Occasions

Mediterranean party

This stunning theme is an extension of the lemon/Amalfi Coast style theme. An elegant, grown-up theme suitable for weddings, 21sts, and even kids parties!

Below, Amalfi Coast-inspired bridal shower by @prettylittledesserts

Below, Mediterranean inspired wedding

Surf theme party

Whether you love surfing or want to delight a group of “water-loving” people, this is a great party theme. Also, you don’t necessarily need to go to a beach; having little lifesavers candy, surfing songs, ocean decorations, and Barbecue can make such a great deal.

Below, surfer kid picnic party (credits below) by @luxe_soirees_noosa

Concept + styling @luxe_soirees_noosa | Grazing station @gatherbybonnie | Cake + cookies @sweetpcakesandcookies

Flamingo party

Whether it’s a simple meet and greet, a children’s party, or a baby shower, there is nothing as cool or adorable as a flamingo party.

Below, Amelia’s Let’s Flamingle party by Megann Evans Photography

Check out this party by My Little Party Australia – Jessica’s Flamingo themed dedicated day below!

Mexican Theme

Fiesta! Beautiful bright flags, nachos, cacti and more, a Mexican inspired theme is such a pretty look for any summer party!

Below, Mexican themed first birthday – Nacho average first birthday!

These macaron succulents were featured in a quarantine themed cactus inspired party.

How beautiful is June’s first birthday fiesta from Something Vintage Events?

Ice cream party

It usually comes out best if the party is for the kids, but hey, who says adults can’t enjoy the “vanilla-stick.” Use light pastel decorations, maybe some little gold linings, plenty of sprinkles for your ice cream, chocolate bars, and more. And lastly lots of ice cream games. Want inspiration for your ice cream party? Check this one out!

Or you could throw a popsicle party! This popsicle balloon from Favor Lane Party would be the perfect addition.

We hope you were inspired for your party planning with this list of summer party theme ideas. Whichever of these themes you choose, make sure you celebrate it with special people. There is no party theme better than people – that’s what makes it memorable.

Happy summer partying!

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