Throwing an 80s Party

An eighties theme party is a celebration of big hair, neon color, MTV culture, and some of the most iconic music and movies ever made. This guide covers music, décor, favors, costumes, and games to help you throw a party your guests will never forget.

Music & Entertainment

Building the Playlist

Keep the energy high all night. The eighties had room for dance pop, rock, new wave, and everything in between—think Bruce Springsteen and Michael Jackson alongside Madonna, Prince, and A-Ha. Skip the slow ballads and lean into tracks that get people moving. Our 80s Music Video Channels are a free source of inspiration, or stream The Great 80s — 80s Party and let guests vote for the next song from their phones.

Compilation albums like those shown above are an easy way to fill in the gaps. You can also create your own station on vidstations.tv and load it with your favorite eighties videos.

TV & Movies in the Background

Classic films playing in the background add atmosphere between dance sets. Universal’s ’80s Comedies Spotlight Collection includes Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Want to recreate MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball? Queue up Headbangers Hangout for a steady stream of eighties metal videos.

Decorating for an 80s Party

Scatter eighties props throughout the room so guests feel transported the moment they walk in. Teal, hot pink, yellow, and lavender were everywhere in eighties décor—work them into tablecloths, balloons, and streamers. Party supply shops like Prime Party carry themed decorations, or browse local party stores for neon accents.

Props & Party Favors

Eighties props and party favors work best when they feel playful, colorful, and a little bit over the top—the same energy as MTV, arcade culture, and mall food courts rolled into one room. Think in categories rather than one-off trinkets: tabletop toys guests can fiddle with, wearable items they can put on immediately, and small take-home gifts that fit in a goodie bag.

Iconic toys and games anchor the era fast. Rubik’s Cubes, mini arcade-style puzzles, and pocket-sized retro toys make great centerpieces and conversation starters. Set a few out as décor, then use them for timed contests during the party—fastest cube solve or highest score wins a small prize.

Wearable favors get people into the spirit before the music even starts. Pinback buttons, neon sunglasses, slap bracelets, and feather boas are inexpensive in bulk and look great in photos. Leave a basket near the entrance so guests can grab something as they arrive.

Retro candy is an easy win for goodie bags. Pixy Stix, Pop Rocks, Fun Dip, and other eighties staples cost little per guest and trigger instant nostalgia. Mix a few pieces into each bag alongside a button or mini toy for a favor that actually gets used.

Oversized and novelty items add humor—a giant gummy bear for the snack table, “world’s smallest” versions of classic eighties toys, or glow sticks for when the lights go down. These are less about practicality than about making people laugh and reach for their phones.

Browse the product picks below for Rubik’s Cubes, buttons, candy, novelty toys, and other party favor ideas you can order ahead of time.

Party favor picks

80s party buttons

Tableware & Snacks

Vinyl record bowls make great snack servers, and vintage LP coasters keep drinks off the furniture. Light-up pint glasses add a fun touch for party beverages.

Photo Booth & Cutouts

A photo booth with themed props gives guests something to take home besides memories. Stock up on kits with oversized glasses, inflatable guitars, and neon accessories—and don’t overlook life-size cardboard cutouts. Standees with head holes or full character cutouts make instant backdrops for group photos and give shy guests something to hide behind. See the standup options below for ideas.

Wall Posters

Line the walls with posters that spark conversation. Browse 80s movie posters at Amazon, or check 80s wall decorations at Zazzle.

Character Standups

Cardboard standups are a party favorite—guests poke their heads through cutouts or pose beside life-size characters for photos. Options include Darth Vader, Ronald Reagan, Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Mr. T.

Party Packs & Invitations

Amazon offers an 80s party pack with plates, cups, and decorations in one bundle. For invitations, Zazzle has a wide selection of 80s party invitations—including designs like the one shown below.

Totally awesome 80s party invitation

Costumes

Encourage guests to arrive in eighties attire—a note on the invitation helps people who may not know where to start. For women, think leg warmers, big hair with ribbons, oversized sweatshirts, and bright mini skirts. For men, mullets, mesh shirts, leather pants, or acid-wash jeans are reliable starting points. See our 80s Fashion section for more inspiration, or watch this quick last-minute 80s costume tutorial for women.

Browse more options at HalloweenCostumes.com’s 1980s costumes section.

Amazon

Amazon

Amazon

HalloweenCostumes.com

Amazon

Amazon

Games & Activities

Give guests something to do between dance sets. Try an eighties “name that tune” contest, use Rubik’s Cubes for timed puzzle challenges, or set out classic board games from the decade.