It’s hard to believe, but turning 30 is a milestone birthday!
If you’re looking for some ideas on how to celebrate in style, you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you want an intimate gathering with your closest friends or a full-blown party, we’ve got 37 ideas that are sure to please.
Read on for inspiration and get ready to party like it’s your 30th birthday!
Check Out: 30th birthday gift ideas
Why Turning 30 is a Big Deal
For many people, turning 30 is a big deal. It’s the end of an era and the start of something new.
This milestone birthday is often a time to reflect on the past and set goals for the future.
If you’re feeling ready to embrace a new decade, a thoughtful celebration will help set the tone and start your thirties strong.
On the other hand, if you’re feeling a little intimidated by the idea of turning 30, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
Many people feel unsure about what to expect at this stage in life.
But one thing is for sure: a fun and memorable 30th birthday celebration will help you transition into this new phase with excitement and anticipation.
Also Read: 40th birthday ideas
Party Planning Tips for an Unforgettable 30th Celebration
Now that you’ve got some great ideas for celebrating your 30th birthday, it’s time to start planning.
Here are a few tips to help you throw an unforgettable celebration:
Start planning early: This will give you plenty of time to come up with creative ideas and make sure all the details are taken care of.
Make a budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend on your party, and then stick to it.
Create a guest list: Invite the people who are most important to you and who you know will make your party extra special.
Send out invitations: Get creative with your invitations and make them reflect the theme of your party.
Plan the food and drinks: Make sure there’s enough food and drink for everyone, and don’t forget about any dietary restrictions.
Prepare for activities: If you’re planning any games or activities, make sure you have everything you need ahead of time.
Set up a playlist: Create a playlist of all your favorite songs to get everyone in the party mood.
Make it a night to remember: Take lots of photos and videos so you can look back on your special day and relive all the fun memories.
Best 30th Birthday Ideas: How to Celebrate Your Milestone
No matter how you’re feeling about turning 30, we’ve got some great ideas to help you celebrate this milestone birthday in style.
From intimate gatherings to full-blown birthday bashes, there’s something on this list for everyone.
So read on for some inspiration, and get ready to party like it’s your 30th birthday!
Read: 21st Birthday Ideas
Intimate Gatherings
If you’re not interested in a big party, an intimate gathering with your closest friends is the perfect way to celebrate your 30th birthday.
Here are some ideas to make your small gathering extra special:
Have a picnic in the park
What could be more fun than celebrating your birthday with a picnic in the park?
Pack a picnic basket with all your favorite foods and drinks, and don’t forget to bring a blanket or two.
Then find a spot in your favorite park and enjoy some quality time with your closest friends.
Go for a hike or nature walk
If you’re an outdoorsy person, celebrate your 30th birthday with a hike or nature walk.
This is a great activity for getting some exercise and fresh air, and it’s also a perfect opportunity to catch up with friends.
Just be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes!
Have a beach day
If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, take advantage of it on your birthday.
Spend the day relaxing on the sand, swimming in the ocean, and playing beach games with your friends.
And don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in between all the fun!
Visit a winery or brewery
If you love wine or beer, celebrate your birthday at a local winery or brewery.
Most places offer tours and tastings, so you can learn about the process of making your favorite drinks.
And of course, there’s nothing better than enjoying a delicious glass of wine or beer with good friends.
Birthday Bashes
If you’re in the mood for a bigger celebration, a birthday bash is the way to go.
Here are some ideas to make your birthday party one to remember:
Rent a photo booth
Photo booths are always a hit at parties! Renting one for your birthday bash will give your guests a chance to take some fun photos together.
Plus, you’ll have a great keepsake from your birthday party.
Hire a DJ or band
If you want to get everyone on the dance floor, hire a DJ or band for your birthday party.
They’ll help create an energetic and fun atmosphere that your guests will love.
Just be sure to make a playlist of your favorite songs ahead of time so you can request them throughout the night.
Have a pool party
If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, why not throw a pool party for your birthday?
Invite your friends over for a day of swimming, sunbathing, and fun.
And don’t forget the snacks and drinks—you’ll need energy to keep up with all the fun!
Have a themed dinner party
If you love to entertain, a themed dinner party is the perfect way to celebrate your 30th birthday.
Invite your friends over for a night of good food and good conversation.
And to make things extra special, choose a theme for your party and decorate accordingly.
For example, you could have a ‘roaring twenties’ theme or a ‘black and white’ theme.
No matter what you choose, your guests are sure to have a great time.
These are just a few ideas to help you celebrate your 30th birthday in style.
So get planning, and don’t forget to have fun!
Read: 18th birthday ideas
Full Birthday Bashes
If you’re looking for something more festive, a full birthday bash is the way to go.
Here are some ideas to make your party extra special:
Have a themed party (e.g., Roaring 20s, disco, beach party)
Having a themed party is a great way to add some excitement to your birthday bash.
Choose a theme that you’re passionate about, and then go all out with the decorations, food, and drinks.
Your guests will love getting into the spirit of things and dressing up for the occasion.
Have a costume party
If you really want to make things interesting, have a costume party for your birthday bash.
This is a great way to get your guests involved and add some excitement to the party.
Just be sure to choose a theme that everyone will enjoy, and don’t forget to have prizes for the best costumes!
Have a scavenger hunt or treasure hunt
Adding a scavenger hunt or treasure hunt to your birthday party will make things extra fun and exciting.
Hide clues around your house or neighborhood, and let your guests solve the puzzles to find the hidden treasures.
This is a great activity for kids and adults alike, and it’s sure to get everyone involved in the party.
Have an outdoor picnic or barbecue
If the weather is nice, take advantage of it and have an outdoor picnic or barbecue for your birthday party.
This is a great way to enjoy the good weather and spend time with your friends and family.
Just be sure to have plenty of food and drinks on hand, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
Have a pool party
This is a great way to take advantage of the warmer weather and have some fun.
Just be sure to invite enough people so that everyone can fit comfortably in your pool area.
Plan a day trip or a weekend getaway with your friends.
This is a great way to celebrate your birthday and spend some quality time with your friends.
Just be sure to plan ahead so that everyone can have a good time.
Rent out a space for the day (e.g., bowling alley, roller rink, arcade)
Renting out a space for your birthday party is a great way to have some fun without having to worry about the mess.
Just be sure to choose a place that everyone will enjoy, and make sure you have enough money to cover the cost of renting.
Have a DIY photo booth
A DIY photo booth is a great way to add some fun and excitement to your birthday party.
Just be sure to have plenty of props on hand, and a few backdrops or sheets that you can drape around the room to create a fun photo booth space.
And don’t forget the camera! A DSLR or even a Polaroid camera will do the trick.
Set up a sweet treat buffet
Whether you’re looking for 30th birthday ideas for him or her, a sweet treat buffet is always a hit.
Set up a table with all of your favorite sweets—think: cupcakes, cookies, brownies, candy, and cake pops.
Add in some savory snacks like pretzels and chips to balance things out. For a fun touch, use 30th birthday-themed tableware and décor.
Have a cake decorating contest
If you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your guests, a cake decorating contest is the way to go.
Set out a few cakes and bowls of icing, and let your guests get creative. The best part? You get to eat the results!
Play party games
No birthday party is complete without some fun party games.
Whether you opt for classic games like charades or Twister, or something more unique like Minute to Win It or a scavenger hunt, your guests are sure to have a blast.
Have a dance party
What’s a birthday party without a little dancing?
Turn up the music and let loose—a dance party is the perfect way to get everyone moving and shaking.
For an extra touch, hire a professional DJ or rent some fun lighting effects.
Have a karaoke party
If you’re looking for 30th birthday ideas that are sure to be a hit, a karaoke party is the way to go.
Rent a karaoke machine or head to your local bar or club, and let the good times roll.
Don’t forget to make a list of all your favorite songs ahead of time.
Watch a movie marathon
If you’re looking for a more low-key way to spend your birthday, gather up some friends and have a movie marathon.
Pop some popcorn, make some snacks, and curl up on the couch with all your favorite films.
For an extra-special touch, turn it into a themed marathon and watch all your favorite movies from childhood or films that take place in your birth month.
Visit a museum or amusement park
For something different, spend the day exploring a new place.
Visit a nearby museum or take a trip to an amusement park. You’re sure to have a blast, and you might even learn something new.
Take a cooking or baking class
If you’re looking for something unique to do on your birthday, take a cooking or baking class.
It’s a great way to learn something new and spend some time with your friends or family. Plus, you get to eat the results!
Read: 50th Birthday Ideas
30th birthday party ideas for her
If you’re looking for some 30th birthday ideas specifically for her, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some great ideas to make her milestone birthday extra special:
Have a girls’ day out
Having a girls’ day out is the perfect way to celebrate your milestone birthday.
Gather up your closest girlfriends and spend the day doing something you love—whether that’s getting pampered at a spa, going shopping, or enjoying a nice meal.
Don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
Go to a spa day
What better way to relax and celebrate your birthday than with a trip to the spa?
Treat yourself to a massage, facial, or mani/pedi. Or, if you’re feeling really indulgent, spend the day enjoying all of your favorite spa treatments.
Take a dance class
For something fun and unique, take a dance class.
Whether you’re interested in learning ballet, hip hop, or salsa, it’s a great way to get active and have some fun.
And who knows—you might even discover a hidden talent!
Throw a themed party
If you’re looking for 30th birthday ideas that are sure to be a hit, throwing a themed party is the way to go.
Whether you opt for a ’20s-themed speakeasy or a disco-themed bash, your guests are sure to have a blast.
Don’t forget to dress the part!
Have a shopping trip
For the ultimate birthday treat, go on a shopping trip.
Whether you splurge on a new piece of jewelry or a designer handbag, it’s the perfect way to celebrate your milestone birthday.
Have a themed dinner party
If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to celebrate your 30th birthday, throw a themed dinner party.
Whether you opt for an elegant wine-and-cheese party or a more casual pizza-and-movie night, your guests are sure to have a blast.
Don’t forget to send out invitations ahead of time so everyone knows what to expect.
Go for a hike or nature walk
For something different, spend your birthday enjoying the great outdoors. Go for a hike or nature walk and take in the beauty of your surroundings.
Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the top of your hike! This is a great activity if you’re looking for something active to do on your birthday.
30th birthday ideas for him
If you’re looking for some 30th birthday ideas specifically for him, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some great ideas to make his milestone birthday extra special:
Have a guys’ night out
Having a night out with his friends is a great way for him to relax and celebrate his birthday.
Book a table at a steakhouse or his favorite restaurant, go see a movie, or go bowling. Whatever his idea of a good time is, make sure he has a blast!
Take a trip
Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer trip, taking a trip is a great way to celebrate your 30th birthday.
If you’re short on time, pick a place nearby that you’ve always wanted to visit. Or, if you have the time and budget for it, go somewhere further away that you’ve always dreamed of going.
Whatever you do, make sure it’s a trip you’ll both enjoy and remember.
Visit a winery or brewery
Tasting some local wine or beer is a great way to spend a birthday—especially if you’re looking for something more low-key.
Do some research ahead of time to find a winery or brewery tour that sounds like fun. Then, spend your birthday sipping on some delicious drinks and enjoying each other’s company.
Buy tickets to a show
Seeing a live show is always a great way to spend a birthday. Whether it’s a concert, play, stand-up comedy, or something else, there’s bound to be a show that you’ll both enjoy.
Do some research ahead of time and buy tickets so you can relax and enjoy the show on your birthday.
Sports theme
Is your guy a big sports fan? If so, you can use that to your advantage when planning his 30th birthday celebration.
Take him out to a baseball game, buy tickets to a basketball game, or go golfing together. Or, if you’re feeling really ambitious, you could even plan a trip to see his favorite team play in their home stadium.
Have a themed dinner party for him
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, why not throw a themed dinner party?
You could have a ‘roaring 20s’ party, a James Bond-themed party, or even just a simple black and white dress code. This is a great way to add some extra flair to your celebration.
Have a movie marathon night
For a fun and relaxing night in, have a movie marathon featuring his favorite films.
You could even make it into a themed night by making snacks that go along with the movies you’re watching. This is a great way to spend some quality time together on his birthday.
Go-karting or indoor rock climbing
Looking for something a little more adventurous? Why not try go-karting or indoor rock climbing?
These activities are great for couples who are looking for a fun and unique way to spend their birthday. And they’re sure to get your adrenaline pumping!
Plan a scavenger hunt
This is a great activity if you want to add some extra excitement to your birthday celebration.
You can hide clues around your house, neighborhood, or even the city.
Wherever you choose to hide them, make sure they lead your guy to his final destination—which could be a special dinner, a night out, or anything else you want to surprise him with.
Scavenger hunts are a great way to add some extra excitement and adventure to your birthday celebration.
Read: 60th Birthday Ideas
30th birthday ideas for couples
If you’re looking for some 30th birthday ideas specifically for couples, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some great ideas to make your milestone birthday extra special:
Have a picnic in your backyard or at a nearby park
Couples who love spending time outdoors will enjoy a picnic on their birthday.
You can pack a simple lunch or dinner, some snacks, and drinks, and enjoy each other’s company in the great outdoors.
Take a dance class together
Whether you’re both experienced dancers or have two left feet, taking a dance class together is a great way to spend your birthday.
You can learn a new skill together and have a lot of fun in the process.
Take a cooking class together
If you’re both foodies, taking a cooking class together is the perfect way to celebrate your birthday.
You can learn how to make some new dishes and enjoy a delicious meal at the same time.
Plan a weekend getaway
A weekend getaway is a great way to celebrate your birthday and spend some quality time together.
You can choose to go camping, stay in a cabin, or even just visit a nearby city or town that you’ve never been to before.
Make a homemade dinner together and light some candles
For a simple but special birthday celebration, you can cook your favorite dinner together and light some candles.
This is a great way to relax and enjoy each other’s company on your special day.
Spend the day doing something active like hiking or biking
If you’re both active people, spending your birthday doing something physical is a great way to celebrate.
You can go for a hike, go biking, or even just take a walk around your neighborhood.
Have a low-key night in with takeout, movies, and games
Sometimes, the best way to celebrate your birthday is to just relax at home.
You can order your favorite takeout, curl up with some movies, and play some games together. This is a great way to wind down after a busy day.
Go out for a fancy dinner and then to a bar or club for drinks
For a night out on the town, you can go for a fancy dinner and then head to a bar or club for drinks.
This is a great way to celebrate your birthday in style.
Plan a day of spa treatments followed by a relaxing evening at home
If you’re looking for a relaxing birthday celebration, you can plan a day of spa treatments followed by an evening at home.
You can get massages, facials, and mani/pedis, and then relax in the comfort of your own home.
What are some of your favorite 30th birthday ideas? Share in the comments below!
Now that you’ve got some great 30th birthday ideas, it’s time to start planning your celebration.
Remember, this is a milestone birthday, so make sure to do something that feels special and unique to you. With a little planning, you’re sure to have a birthday that you’ll never forget.
FAQ About 30th Birthday Ideas
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about celebrating your 30th birthday.
How can I make my 30th birthday special and memorable?
There are lots of ways to make your 30th birthday special and memorable.
You could do something that is significant to you, like take a trip to a place you’ve always wanted to visit.
Or, you could make it a fun and festive occasion by throwing a big party with all your friends and family.
Whatever you do, make sure it is something that you will enjoy and remember for years to come!
What are some good 30th birthday ideas for men?
Some great 30th birthday ideas for men include going on a scavenger hunt, taking a dance class together, or taking a cooking class together.
For a more low-key celebration, you can also just have a night in with takeout and movies.
What are some good 30th birthday ideas for women?
Some great 30th birthday ideas for women include going on a spa day, going out for drinks with friends, or taking a dance class together.
You can also just have a night in with takeout and movies, or have a girls’ night where everyone brings their favorite wine and cheese.
What are some good 30th birthday ideas for couples?
Some great 30th birthday ideas for couples include going on a romantic getaway, taking a dance class together, or going out for a nice dinner.
What are some good 30th birthday ideas for friends?
Some great 30th birthday ideas for friends include going out for drinks or dinner, taking a dance class together, or going on a scavenger hunt.
How can I make my 30th birthday special?
One way to make your 30th birthday special is to do something that you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had the chance.
This could be anything from skydiving to taking a trip somewhere you’ve always wanted to go. Another great way to make your 30th birthday special is to spend it with people who are important to you.
Whether this means having a small gathering of close friends or family, or going out for drinks with your besties, surrounded by the people you love will make your birthday feel even more special.
What are some good 30th birthday present ideas?
Some great 30th birthday present ideas include a piece of jewelry, a designer handbag, or tickets to a show or concert.
Another great idea is to put together a basket of your favorite things like gourmet coffee, tea, or chocolate.
For something really unique, you could also get a custom-made cake with their face on it.
No matter what you choose, the most important thing is that it comes from the heart.
What are some good 30th birthday party ideas?
Some great 30th birthday party ideas include renting a photo booth, hiring a live band or DJ, or having a themed party.
For something more low-key, you can also just have a night in with takeout and movies.
No matter what you decide to do, the most important thing is that you have fun and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Where can I find 30th birthday ideas?
You can find 30th birthday ideas by searching online, talking to friends and family, or looking in magazines.
Another great way to get ideas is to attend a party planning class or workshop. This will give you the chance to learn about different types of parties and see what other people are doing for their milestone birthdays.
What are some good 30th birthday ideas for a small budget?
Some great 30th birthday ideas for a small budget include having a picnic in the park, going on a hike, or cooking dinner at home.
Another great way to celebrate on a budget is to do something that is free or cheap, like going to the beach or taking a walk in the park.
What are some good 30th birthday ideas for a large budget?
Some great 30th birthday ideas for a large budget include renting a yacht, hiring a professional chef, or going on a luxurious vacation.
Another great way to celebrate your birthday is to buy yourself something you’ve always wanted, like a piece of jewelry or a designer handbag.
Should I have a 30th birthday party?
It’s entirely up to you! Some people prefer to have a small gathering of close friends or family, while others like to go all out with a big bash.
When it comes to deciding whether or not to have a party, it’s important to think about what would make you happy. If you’re not sure, you can always ask your friends and family for their opinion.
The most important thing is that you do what feels right for you and that you have a great time celebrating your milestone birthday.