Groovy 1960s Theme Party Ideas

posted by Gina Dickson on June 12, 2021 (last updated Apr 25, 2023)

This post may contain affiliate links. Thanks for supporting small business.

It’s going to be easy to host a groovy 60s themed party using these inspiring ideas for decorations, music, costumes, and 1960s food recipes. It’s easy to host a memorable 1960s party!

7 Groovy 60s Party Themes with pictures of hippies

1960 Theme Party Tips and Inspiration

What is a 60s theme?

A 60’s theme is a party that plays up the cultural revolution during the 1960s. People expressed themselves through peace symbols, short skirts, bell-bottoms, flower power, and big hair. Music was rock and roll, such as Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix.

How do you decorate for a 60’s party?

Decorating for a 60’s party is all about bold colors and expressing yourself through signs like the peace sign or the popular smiley face. Choose items like tie-dye, daisies, hippie fringed items, love beads, and beaded curtains.

What should I wear to a 1960s party?

How to dress for a 60s party clothes were in style. Halter tops, short skirts, bell-bottom pants, all in earthy colors. The patterns were with peace signs, paisley, and large flowers. Shoes were earthy sandals and white high go-go boots or lace-up moccasin boots.

1960s Tie-dye Party

Tie-dye cookies tie dye t-shirts and tie dye invitations

Magnolia Mommas shares how to host a tie-dye party. This party will be super colorful and fun to decorate for. You can pick up tie-dye party plates and cups at your local party store. Young and old alike will have a blast creating their own tie-dye projects, such as t-shirts, pj’s, or bandannas. Hang a fun, groovy party sign on your front door and string hot pink lights all around. Serve groovy goodies such as tie-dye cookies and Tang.

60’s Dance Party Ideas

60s party themes girl dancing at a party

Get your strobe lights ready and host a 60s decades dance party! Set up a dance floor and arrange some speakers so everyone can enjoy your 60s music. This is a great party theme for hosting outdoors or in a venue.

1960s party music

Jimi Hendrix
Rolling Stones
Janis Joplin
Beach Boys
Dusty Springfield

Famous dances in the 60s

Want to learn how to do the crazy dances of the 60s? Love To Know has instructions for these fun dances.

Loco-motion
Mashed Potato
Shimmy
The Swim
The Twist
Watusi

1960s Cocktail Party

A cocktail party is a perfect theme for an adult 1960s party. Pull out your bartender’s book and gather all the ingredients for these classic 1960 cocktails. For decorating ideas, Gummer Gal has the inspiration you will need.

Manhattan
Harvey Wallbanger
The Old-Fashioned
Whiskey Sour
Mint Julep
Martini
Bloody Mary
The Gimlet
White Russian

60th Birthday Party Themes

Picture of an old 1960 Style birthday card cover

A great way to celebrate someone’s birthday is to throw a birthday party with the theme from the decade the guest of honor was born. What a fun idea for an adult birthday party! Have everyone dress up from the 1960 and play classic 60s rock music. Decorate with peace signs, lava lamps, and bright colors. For more ideas visit A Vintage Nerd.

Far Out 1960s Space Exploration Party

The ’60s was a time of wonder, watching humans put a man on the moon! Guest can dress in DIY astronaut costumes, and decorations could theme around moons, glowing stars, twinkle lights, and black lights. Serve Tang and space pack meals. For more ideas, check out Room, Space Journal.

Peace and Love Party

The 60s were a time of slower-paced life. This party is such a cute idea for kids or teens. Toss bean bag chairs around and play some 60’s games like Operation or Game of Life. Cut peace symbols out of heavy cardboard of foam core and spray paint matt gold. Hang macrame with plants around for decorations. Or better yet, do a macrame craft project with your guests. Mini Love.

Retro Sixties Theme Party

Some may remember the 60s like it was yesterday; others might need some design tips. Do you need some inspiration to make your guests feel like they’ve gone back in time? Retro Themed Party

1960s Costume Ideas

Bell bottoms
Love beads
Peace sign necklaces
Wild flower in your hair
White gogo boots
Mood Rings

60s Party Decorations

Try these cool decoration ideas for setting up your 60s party.

60s Theme Party Food

Cheese and fruit on toothpicks
Fondue
Radishes
Olives
Lunch meats rolled up
Cocktail sausages
Shrimp cocktail
Quiche lorraine
Jello molds

60s appetizers

Cheese Fondue with Beer

Cheese Fondue with Beer – served with vegetables, bread, and a few surprises.

GO TO THE RECIPE

Super Easy Spicy Green Onion Dip | Cooking Chat

Spicy Green Onion Dip is a great appetizer to bring to a party – it is sure to please please anyone who likes a bit of spice! Easy to make in 10 minutes.

GO TO THE RECIPE

60’s dinner menu ideas

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Creamy, old fashioned tuna noodle casserole. This is one of those recipes you just hold on to for life. The kind your family asks for repeatedly. The kind that saves you on a busy weeknight, but does so with warmth and love in a way only some recipes do.

GO TO THE RECIPE

Jackie Kennedy’s Casserole Marie Blanche

Casserole Marie Blanche was served by Jaquie Kennedy at the White House! Casserole Marie Blanche is creamy, cheesy comfort food!

GO TO THE RECIPE

Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon (Beef Burgundy) is the ultimate beef stew recipe. Rich, deliciously tender beef cooked in a rich wine gravy in an Instant Pot.

GO TO THE RECIPE

Swedish Meatballs

These Swedish Meatballs are cooked to perfection and coated in a thick and creamy pan gravy for the perfect party appetizer or as part of a family meal!

GO TO THE RECIPE