100+ College Party Ideas – GenTwenty

There’s no party like a college party. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, you’ll likely be attending your fair share of parties and events over the next year. College parties have a reputation for being a blast and often involving perhaps a little too much to drink. But that doesn’t have to be the case. You can absolutely have a great time with your college friends without the addition of alcohol.

Let these college party themes inspire you to have a good time!

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100 College Party Ideas

There are plenty of college party ideas out there, so if you’re looking to add some excitement to your next gathering, consider one of these options:

1. Movie Marathon Party

Pick a theme – like horror movies or cult classics – and have everyone bring their favorite film to share. Don’t forget the popcorn!

2. Karaoke Party

Turn your living room into a karaoke bar for the night! Make sure to have plenty of songs available for everyone to choose from.

3. Scavenger Hunt Party

Send your guests on a wild goose chase around campus (or town) with this fun party idea. Prepare a list of items for them to find, and whoever comes back with the most items wins a prize!

4. Themed Party

Choose a theme – like ’50s sock hop or beach party – and deck everyone out in appropriate attire. Don’t forget the playlist!

5. Casino Night

This one’s perfect for those who love to gamble (or those who just love to party). Set up some casino-style games – like poker or blackjack – and let the good times roll.

6. DIY Photo Booth

Create a DIY photo booth for your guests to snap some fun photos together. All you need is some fun props and a few backdrops! This is a good idea if you are creative! Try these supplies.

7. Costume Party

Whether you choose a Halloween-themed party or just a general costume party, this is always a hit with college students. Make sure to have plenty of prizes on hand for the best costumes!

8. Decade Party

Pick a decade – like the ’80s or ’90s – and have everyone dress and act the part. Don’t forget the music!

9. Murder Mystery Party

This one is perfect for those who love a good challenge. Assign roles to your guests and let them try to solve the mystery. The first one to figure it out wins1

10. Blacklight Party

This is a party that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Turn off the lights and turn on the black lights for an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to wear white! You can even have glow sticks at the party.

11. Graffiti Party

This is the perfect party for those who love to express themselves. Give everyone a can of spray paint and let them go to town on a blank wall. The person with the best design wins!

12. Glow-in-the-dark Party

This is another party that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Turn off the lights and turn on the blacklights for an unforgettable experience. Glow-in-the-dark props and decorations are a must!

13. Beach Party

This is the perfect party for those who live near a beach. Have everyone bring their swimsuits and enjoy the sun and sand!

14. Game Night

This is the perfect party for those who love to play games. Have a variety of games available for everyone to choose from – like charades, Pictionary, or Twister.

15. Toga Party

A classic college party, this twist is great for Greek life. Everyone can wear a bed sheet or even garbage bags will work in a pinch.

16. ABC Party: Anything But clothes

This is the perfect party for those who want to let loose and have some fun. Have everyone dress up in anything but clothes and enjoy the night!

17. 70s Party

This is the perfect party for those who want to relive the groovy days of the seventies. Have everyone dress up in their best disco attire and enjoy the night!

18. 80s Party

This is the perfect party for those who want to relive the outrageous days of the eighties. Have everyone dress up in their best 1980s attire and enjoy the night!

19. 90s Party

This is the perfect party for those who want to relive the rad days of the nineties. Have everyone dress up in their best 1990s attire and enjoy the night!

20. 00s Party

This is the perfect party for those who want to relive the early days of the new millennium. Have everyone dress up in their best 2000s attire and enjoy the night!

21. Pajama Party

This is the perfect party for those who want to relax and have some fun. Have everyone dress in their comfiest pajamas and enjoy the night!

22. Bonfire

This is the perfect party for those who want to enjoy the outdoors. Have a bonfire and make s’mores while enjoying the company of your friends!

23. Luau

This is the perfect party when you want to bring the aloha spirit. Have a luau and enjoy it together! Have everyone wear Hawaiian shirts and make leis together.

24. Pool Party

This is the perfect party for those who want to enjoy the outdoors. Have a pool party and enjoy the warm weather.

25. Bingo Party

Bingo is not just for retired folks. Gather your friends and have a bingo night together, maybe even with some kind of academic twist.

26. Spa Party

This is the perfect party for those who want to relax and be pampered. Have a spa party and enjoy being massaged

27. A Masquerade

No need to dress fancy, just your most creative mask will do! Have everyone wear a mask that covers the face or the eyes and have fun.

28. A Wine Tasting

Have everyone bring a $10 bottle of wine and do a tasting together to find the best wine under $10.

29. A Cocktail Theme Party

Pick a cocktail and have everyone try to make their own version of it. Pick a winner after a taste test!

30. Come As You Are Party

Borrowing this from a Mary-Kate and Ashley movie, the come as you are party is exactly as it sounds – tell your friends to come over right now, we’re having a party.

31. Halloween Party

Halloween is one of the greatest holidays for a party. Have everyone dress up in costume and serve witch’s brew.

32. Last Hurrah

Whether you’re celebrating the end of final exams or one last shindig before holiday break, get everyone together for the last hurrah.

33. Pirate Party

Arrrrgh, matey – have everyone dress up as pirates for this fun idea.

34. White Elephant Party

This is a great party for Secret Santa or Kris Kringle. Everyone brings a white elephant gift – something funny, yet inexpensive.

35. Minute to Win It Party

Based on the TV show, have everyone compete in a series of minute-long challenges.

36. Beer Olympics

A classic college party, have teams of people competing in a series of drinking games. You can use alcoholic drinks or not – it’s up to you!

37. Movie Marathon

Have a marathon of all your favorite movies – or ones that you’ve been meaning to watch!

38. Stress Relief Party

After a long week or midterms, have a party dedicated to destressing. Have everyone bring their favorite stress-relief activity, whether it’s yoga, coloring, or getting a massage.

39. Garden Party

This is a great party for springtime. Have everyone bring a dish to share and enjoy the outdoors together.

40. Summer Camp Party

This is the perfect party for those nostalgic for summer camp. Have everyone dress up in their best camp gear and enjoy the night!

41. High School Stereotypes Party

This is the perfect party for those who want to relive their high school days. Have everyone dress up as their favorite high school stereotype and enjoy the night!

42. Roaring 20s Party

This is the perfect party for those who want to relive the 1920s. Have everyone dress up in their best 1920s attire and enjoy the night!

43. Superhero Party

This is the perfect party for those who want to be their favorite superhero. Have everyone dress up as their favorite superhero and enjoy the night!

44. Geocaching Party

This is the perfect party for those who want to enjoy the outdoors. Have a geocaching party and enjoy the night!

45. Kickball Party

This is the perfect party for those who want to enjoy the outdoors. Have a kickball party and just relax.

46. Cornhole Party

This is the perfect party for those who want to enjoy the outdoors. Have a cornhole party and enjoy spending time together.

47. Barbecue

This is the perfect party for those who want to enjoy the outdoors. An outdoor barbecue is a perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon.

48. Italian Summer Party

Prepare your best Aperol spritz and pretend you’re preparing for an afternoon on the Italian coast! This is a fun theme to celebrate going into the summer!

49. Disney Party

Have everyone dress up as their favorite Disney character and kick it back to childhood.

50. Harry Potter Party

Have everyone come dressed as their favorite character from the Harry Potter series and enjoy a night of fun!

51. Star Wars Party

May the force be with you as you have a party celebrating everyone’s favorite galaxy far, far away.

52. Marvel Party

Assemble your friends to celebrate all things Marvel. Have everyone come dressed as their favorite superhero!

53. Jurassic Park Party

Have a party that’ll make you feel like you’re right in the middle of Jurassic Park. Have everyone dress up as their favorite dinosaur or character from the movie!

54. Sims Party

Have a party that’ll make you feel like you’re right in the middle of The Sims. Have everyone create their own Sim and enjoy the night!

55. Fortnite Party

Drop into your next party with this fun video game-themed idea. Have everyone come dressed as their favorite character and be ready to have a dance off!

56. Animal Crossing Party

Have a party that’ll make you feel like you’re right in the middle of Animal Crossing. Have everyone come dressed as their favorite animal and enjoy the night!

57. Mario Party

Have a party that’ll make you feel like you’re right in the middle of Mario Party. Have everyone come dressed as their favorite character and enjoy the night!

58. Zelda Party

Have a party that’ll make you feel like you’re right in the middle of Zelda. Have everyone come dressed as their favorite character and enjoy the night!

59. Sonic Party

Have a party that’ll make you feel like you’re right in the middle of Sonic. Have everyone come dressed as their favorite character and enjoy the night!

60. Pokémon Party

Have a party that’ll make you feel like you’re right in the middle of Pokémon. Have everyone come dressed as their favorite character and enjoy the night!

61. Magic Show

Have everyone learn a magic trick and have to show it off at the party! This is a great way to get everyone involved and having fun.

62. Clue Inspired Party

This is the perfect party for those who want to solve a mystery. Have everyone come dressed as their favorite character from the Clue series and enjoy the night!

63. Jeopardy Party

Jeopardy is always a great time! f you are looking for a party that will get everyone involved, this is a perfect choice!

64. Foam Party

It’s easy to make lots of foam – just a bottle of soap and water can make enough foam to fill a room.

65. Paint Party

Have a party where everyone can let their inner artist out! This is a great way to get everyone involved and having fun.

66. Water Balloon Party

Balloons are always a hit at parties! Blow up a ton of water balloons and let everyone just go at it.

67. Piñata Party

Who doesn’t love a piñata?! Fill one up with candy and let everyone take a turn at hitting it until it breaks open.

68. Coffee Party

If there’s one thing college students always need more of, it’s energy. A coffee party is a perfect way to start off a day of studying.

69. Kentucky Derby Party/Derby Days

Get ready to celebrate the Kentucky Derby! Have everyone come dressed in their best derby attire and enjoy the race.

70. Cinco De Mayo Party

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with a party! Have everyone come dressed in their best Mexican-inspired attire and enjoy the festivities.

71. Taco Tuesday Party

Taco Tuesday is the perfect excuse to have a party! Have everyone come dressed in their best Mexican-inspired attire and enjoy the tacos.

72. Margarita Monday Party

Margaritas are always a hit at parties! Have everyone come dressed in their best Mexican-inspired attire and enjoy the margaritas.

73. Super Bowl Party

Whether you’re rooting for the Patriots or the Rams, a Super Bowl party is a great way to get everyone together to watch the big game.

74. March Madness Party

Get ready for some basketball with a March Madness party! Have everyone fill out a bracket and root for their favorite teams.

75. Oscar Party

Get ready for the Academy Awards with an Oscar party! Have everyone come dressed as their favorite nominee and enjoy the show. You can even have a red carpet set up.

76. Grammy Party

Get ready for the Grammy Awards with a Grammy party! Have everyone come dressed as their favorite nominee and enjoy the show.

77. Golden Globe Party

Get ready for the Golden Globe Awards with a Golden Globe party! Have everyone come dressed as their favorite nominee and enjoy the show.

78. Tony Party

Get ready for the Tony Awards with a Tony party! Have everyone come dressed as their favorite nominee and enjoy the show.

79. Golden Girls Party

Celebrate the Golden Girls with a party! Have everyone come dressed as their favorite character and enjoy the night.

80. Friends Party

Celebrate the Friends TV show with a party! Have everyone come dressed as their favorite character and relieve your favorite episodes together.

81. The Office Party

Celebrate The Office TV show with a party! Dress up as your favorite character and throw the Dundie awards yourself.

82. Breakfast Club Party

Celebrate in style with this iconic 80s movie and dress us as your favorite characters from The Breakfast Club.

83. Breakfast Party

Speaking of breakfast, have everyone bring their favorite breakfast food and eat together with mimosas.

84. Glitter Party

Glitter (environmentally-conscious glitter, of course,) is a party must-have. Have everyone comes dresses head to toe as sparkly as they can.

85. Neon Party

Neon colors only, please! Make everyone come to the party dressed in neon. Go 80s style with sweatbands too and play iconic 80s tunes.

86. Great Gatsby Party

Dress to the nines and party like it’s 1922. This is a perfect party theme for New Year’s Eve or any other formal occasion.

87. Ocean’s 11 Party

This adds more of a theme to your casino night and can be even more fun!

88. Chick Flick Party

Gather all of your girlfriends and have a chick flick marathon! Eat popcorn, drink wine, and enjoy the night.

89. Scary Movie Party

Get ready to be scared! Have a scary movie marathon with all of your friends. Make sure to have plenty of snacks on hand. This is easy to do in your dorm room!

90. Jungle Theme Party

Have everyone come dressed in their best safari gear and enjoy the night. This is a great party theme for summertime.

91. White T-Shirt Party

This is a great party for any occasion! Have everyone come in their best white T-shirt and have different art supplies available to decorate everyone’s shirt.

92. Sports Theme Party

Whether you’re celebrating the Super Bowl or just your favorite team, a sports theme party is always a hit. Have everyone come dressed in their team’s colors and enjoy the game.

93. Highlighter Party

This is a great party for any occasion! Have everyone come in their best white T-shirt. You can also have lots of white paper available

94. Flannel Party

Flannel is always in style, especially in the fall. Have everyone come dressed in their favorite flannel and enjoy the night.

95. Pumpkin Patch Party

Visit your local pumpkin patch and have a party! This is a great way to celebrate the fall season.

96. Thanksgiving Party or Friendsgiving Party

Celebrate Thanksgiving with your friends! Have a potluck and celebrate how thankful you are for each other. Have everyone bring their favorite food or Thanksgiving dish.

97. Networking Party

Host a party to help your friends network. This is a great way to meet new people and get connected.

98. Secret Santa Party

Get your friends together and have a Secret Santa party! This is a great way to exchange gifts and enjoy the holiday season.

99. New Year’s Eve Party

Celebrate the new year with a party! This is a great way to ring in the new year with your friends.

100. Birthday Party

Celebrate your birthday with a party! This is a great way to celebrate another year with your friends.

101. Wheel of Fortune Party

Turn it into a drinking game (even shots of water are ok!) and challenge each other to trivia!

102. Block Party

Get to know your neighbors and have a block party on your dorm floor! This is a great way to meet new people and have some fun.

103. Dynamic Duos Party

Pair up your friends and have them dress as their favorite dynamic duo! This is a great way to get everyone in on the fun.

104. Lip Sync Battle Party

Get your friends together and have a lip sync battle! This is a great way to show off your moves and have some fun.

105. Stoplight Party

Traditionally the colors of the stoplight indicate your relationship status but you can instead have it mean your major or something completely different!

106. Ugly Sweater Party

Get your friends together and have an ugly sweater party! This is a great way to show off your best (or worst) holiday sweaters.

In Summary: 100+ College Theme Party Ideas

I hope this list of theme parties inspires you to have fun and let loose a little in college! Theme parties always add a little something extra to a get-together. Enjoy!

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