How to Host a Fun 1980s Party in College

Ideas for 80s-Themed Decorations, Music, Games, Food, and Drinks

Oct 2, 2009

Today, a popular theme for a party is the 1980s. The following sections describe ways students can throw fun 1980s parties (and have an excuse to crimp their hair!)

Dresses with puffy sleeves, parachute pants, jelly shoes, leg warmers, and neon everything – the 1980s. While some college students might not remember the 1980s, many students look forward to having an excuse for wearing clothing from that decade and listening to that decade’s music, which is why the 1980s is a popular party theme in college today.

At a 1980s theme party, students dress in clothes from that decade and style their hair in ways people did during that period. They also dance to 80s music, play 80s-inspired games, and enjoy food and drinks reminiscent of that era. Most importantly, the party room is decorated in a way that transforms the party goers back to the future.

Decorate the Party Room with 1980s Posters, Pictures and Hang Streamers

To set the mood for a radical 1980s party, it’s important to decorate the party room. Hosts can decorate with vintage 1980s posters and pictures. Students can purchase posters and pictures online, and they can also ask friends and family members for items from this decade that can be used as decorations. Students can also hang colorful streamers throughout the party rooms, as this was popular in the 80s.

Create an 80s Playlist with Songs and Popular TV, Movie Theme Songs

Music is a must for most college parties. Therefore, it’s important for the host of an 80s party to create a fun playlist. This playlist can include popular songs from that era, such as “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson and “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. Hosts can also include the theme songs from popular 80s television shows and movies, such as Simple Minds’ “Don’t You” from Sixteen Candles.

Play a 1980s Trivia Game and Start a 1980s Dance Contest

For hosts who enjoy planning games, a 1980s party could include an 80s trivia game. Hosts can create ten questions about 1980s culture and they can ask their guests the questions. The person who answers the most questions correctly could receive an 80s-themed gift, such as a Rubik’s Cube or a DVD of a classic 80s movie, such as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

Party Hosts can also start a 1980s dance contest. Partygoers can enter the contest by dancing in typical 1980s styles, such as by attempting the moonwalk. The other partygoers can vote for the best dancer by clapping, and the dancer with the most applause can be deemed the winner. The winner of the dance contest can receive an 80s-themed gift, such as a CD of the top 1980s songs.

Provide 1980s-themed Food and Beverages

It’s important that the host of an 80s party serves 80s-themed food and beverages. There are several simple food ideas for college parties. For example, pudding pops became popular in the 1980s, so hosts can offer a pudding-pop dessert. And, hosts can add green food coloring to the beverages to make them “Ecto” in honor of the Ghost Busters films, or they can make a green dip, like guacamole.

When planning a 1980s-theme party, there are several ways student hosts can make their parties a fun and memorable time. Hosts can decorate the party room with 80s posters, and they can create an 80s music playlist. During the party, they can play 80s-inspired games. And, they can also provide 80s-themed food and beverages.

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