Turning 16 is a huge milestone in any teen’s life, so it’s time to celebrate! Whether you prefer something low-key or want to go a little over the top, we have some creative sweet sixteen party ideas that will fit any personality.
1. Glow Party
If you and your friends love the “club” scene, a Glow Party is a great 16th birthday party theme. It’s very versatile and offers all kinds of ways to use a neon glow. Try contacting local party rental vendors for LED furniture and black lights in your party venue. LED dance floors are becoming more popular, as well, and can be found with portable dance floor vendors.
Music is a must at a Glow Party. A mobile DJ can help get the dance party going, take requests from the crowd, act as emcee, and let you focus on having fun on the floor with your friends! Encourage your guests to wear white or other neons to really make the colors pop in the room.
At the refreshment table, even your drinks can glow! Simply drop a mini glow stick into the drinks, or check your local party supply store for neon cups, plates, and other tableware.
Pass out glow-in-the-dark party favors like necklaces, bracelets, or glasses. You can even bring in an airbrush artist to offer live painting on t-shirts or hats with glow paint! Temporary tattoo artists or face painters may offer glow tattoos or paint as well. If you really want to get crazy, set up a Glow Paint station where you and your friends can do your own body painting!
🔆 Make it unforgettable: Hire a local LED Performer to impress your guests!
2. Hawaiian Luau
Bring the beach to your Sweet 16 birthday party! Throwing a Hawaiian luau can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be. String up some white lights or tiki torches to take the party into the evening.
Set up a buffet table with finger foods, or even an authentic roasted pig. Serve fruity “mocktails” like virgin Pina Coladas or Strawberry Daquiris in colorful cups.
The entertainment can be very engaging with a luau! Steel drum players will add ambiance and atmosphere, and can usually play some popular music at your request. To get your guests more involved, hire a group of hula dancers to lead a group dance.
🔥 Make it unforgettable: Book authentic Polynesian entertainment to put on a lively show!
3. Slumber Party
Not every birthday girl (or guy) wants a huge party. After all, your sweet 16 party theme should be all about the guest of honor! Go for something low-key with a slumber party theme. Grab some matching pajamas and get ready to cozy up with some board games and snacks!
Party decorations can be kept simple with balloons, banners, and tableware in your favorite colors. Order some pizza, throw some sodas in a bin, and just chill out. A birthday cake or candy bar will be a great addition to the laidback festivities.
If you have a favorite movie, you can use it as the inspiration for the decorations and snacks, too. Set up a fun popcorn bar complete with toppings like butter and seasonings, plus sweet treats like M&Ms or Swedish fish.
🎞️ Make it unforgettable: Hire a local movie screen company and show your favorite rom-com in the backyard!
4. Birthday Bonnaroo
Are you a huge music lover? This is our favorite sweet 16 birthday idea! If you can’t go to Bonnaroo for your birthday, create your own! Whether your party is in your backyard or you’re able to secure a large venue with a stage, you can host a few different bands to play.
For transition and time’s sake, it would probably be easiest to have singing guitarists, acoustic bands, or indie bands. Check out their GigSalad profile for photos, audio clips, videos, and booking information. Some artists take song requests ahead of time and include them in the show, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Have each band play for 30-45 minutes while your guests enjoy festival foods. Check your area for available food trucks or serve fun food on a stick, like corn dogs, veggie skewers, and more. Have tubs of ice filled with bottled water, soda, or other drinks.
For outdoor parties, encourage guests to bring lawn chairs or blankets to lounge on during the music. Really get into the festival vibe and pass out sunglasses, t-shirts, or koozies as party favors!
🍿 Make it unforgettable: Create a festival atmosphere and hire a concessions company to serve cotton candy, popcorn, and other treats!
5. A Night in Paris
There’s nothing quite as sophisticated as themed parties that center around France. Go for a Night in Paris theme to celebrate your suave side. Color palettes can go ultra mod using black and white, or soft and elegant with Tiffany blue. Use the Eiffel Tower as the centerpiece of your inspiration for decorations, the birthday cake, and more.
Serve themed appetizers like mini cheese puffs, quiches, crostinis, and more. Sparkling apple cider isn’t quite like French champagne, but it’s great for a teen birthday party!
Pass out jars of bath beads, nail polish, or other Parisian-spa-themed items as fun favors for your guests.
📸 Make it unforgettable: Hire a photo booth to pose for Parisian portraits with your friends!
Megan is the Director of Customer Experience at GigSalad and has gained 9+ years of insight on what makes a great event on both sides of the booking process. Her favorite things include books, true crime podcasts, coffee, hiking, puns, and making people laugh.
Hi my daughter is turing 16 this fathes day..
How can u throw a fathers day
To my daughter.so its done as dna.
In otherwords dna party.
Or what can we have inside flamingo stockton.?as party.
Cause fair is coming.10-19.
Can u throw a party.
Im thinking it wont come out cause of fair.
Hi Delia!
If you want to give us a call, we could get some more details and help you plan your party! You can reach us at 417-889-9909. We look forward to chatting!