Whether you’re in a sorority, a fraternity, or just trying to throw the best party of the semester, the right theme can take your college party from good to legendary.
So, if you’re looking for college party ideas to wow your friends and keep the vibes high, check out these funny party themes, costume party themes, and more!
Let’s dive into 43 amazing themes to make your next party unforgettable.
Dress-Up and Costume Party Themes
1. Anything But A Cup Party
The twist?
Guests drink from anything except a cup! Shoes, bowls, or even cereal boxes—let the creativity flow!
Perfect for a frat party or house party theme ideas.
2. Shotgun Wedding
Channel chaos and drama with bridal gowns, tuxedos, and some hilarious wedding antics.
Great for a costume party with a humorous twist.
3. Frat Party Vibes
The ultimate frat party theme: red solo cups, beer pong, loud music, and tons of energy.
Keep it loud, wild, and classic!
4. Toga Party
A timeless college theme—wrap up in a bed sheet, throw on some sandals, and channel your inner Roman for a night of fun.
5. Meme Party
Dress up as your favorite viral meme!
Whether it’s the “Distracted Boyfriend” or “Grumpy Cat,” this party is full of internet fun.
6. Superheroes vs. Villains
Battle it out with classic superheroes like Superman or Batman versus iconic villains like the Joker or Catwoman.
The ultimate costume party showdown!
7. Medieval Party
A medieval party filled with knights, dragons, and royal fun.
Think King Arthur meets fantasy fun!
8. Anything Goes Costume Party
No rules here—let your guests dress however they want.
It’s an open-ended costume party that lets the creativity flow freely.
9. Pirates vs. Mermaids
Get swashbuckling with pirates and mystical mermaids for an underwater adventure party.
Perfect for costume party themes at your next event.
10. Greek Gods & Goddesses
Channel the divine with costumes inspired by Greek mythology.
Whether you’re dressing as Zeus or Aphrodite, this is the themed party for any mythology lover.
11. Space Party
From astronauts to aliens, a space party will transport your guests to another world.
Plan for stellar decorations and intergalactic vibes.
12. Viking Party
Viking costumes, mead, and mythical Norse gods!
The Viking party brings a bit of history into the mix with plenty of fun.
13. 80s Neon Party
Think big hair, neon leggings, and funky ‘80s vibes.
It’s a college party theme that will make you feel like you’re living in a John Hughes movie.
14. Hipster Party
Flannel shirts, beanies, and indie vibes—this is a costume party for the modern-day hipster.
15. Wild West
Cowboy hats, boots, and country music galore—throw a wild west party and get your guests two-steppin’ the night away.
16. Anything But Clothes Party
Guests can wear literally anything except traditional clothing—think trash bags, wrapping paper, and sheets.
A fun, bold college party theme!
17. Disco Fever
Glitter, bell-bottoms, and funky music!
A disco party brings the 70s vibe to your college party. Bring out the boogie!
18. Fashion Show
Set up a runway and have a fashion contest where everyone struts their stuff.
This theme lets guests be creative and competitive in the best way possible.
19. Funky Fresh
Bright colors, 90s vibes, and tons of fun.
The funky fresh party brings together bold and bright fashion for a fun college night out.
20. Mardi Gras Party
Beads, masks, and a New Orleans-inspired atmosphere.
It’s a colorful, lively theme perfect for any college celebration.
21. Avengers Assemble
Assemble your favorite superheroes from the Marvel Universe.
Whether you’re Captain America or Iron Man, this costume party is a hit.
22. Space Cowboys
Imagine a futuristic cowboy mash-up with a space-themed party.
Think Star Wars meets the Wild West for a college party theme like no other.
Interactive & Themed Activities
23. Borg Party
The classic college drinking party—create your “blackout rage gallon” (a mix of alcohol and electrolytes) and come up with fun Borg names.
It’s an interactive and creative way to keep the fun flowing.
24. Fashion Show Party
Turn your college party into a runway event!
Guests can compete for the title of best-dressed in a hilarious and creative fashion show party.
25. Murder Mystery Party
Everyone gets a role, and the mystery unfolds throughout the night.
Perfect for a themed get-together that engages everyone in solving a crime.
26. Casino Night
Bring the glitz and glam of Vegas to your party with poker, blackjack, and roulette.
It’s a casino party theme that keeps everyone on their toes.
27. Blacklight Party
Neon clothes and glow-in-the-dark decor are the star of this blacklight party.
Watch your guests glow under the blacklights!
28. Glow in the Dark Rave
Turn your college party into a rave with EDM, neon lights, and tons of glow-in-the-dark fun!
29. Game Night
Board games, card games, and party challenges!
A game night party is the ultimate interactive college get-together.
Party Themes Based on Eras or Decades
30. Roaring ‘20s
Flapper dresses, jazz music, and art deco vibes!
A Roaring 20s party brings Gatsby-era glamour to life with a touch of class and chaos.
31. High School Throwback
Recreate your high school days with a high school throwback party.
Think prom dresses, jocks, and lots of nostalgia.
Perfect for themed birthday party ideas.
31. 80s Dance Party
Neon, leg warmers, big hair, and iconic dance moves—let your guests break out their best retro looks at your 80s dance party.
32. 90s Throwback Party
Relive the 90s with retro items like slap bracelets, tamagotchis, and plenty of grunge vibes.
A 90s throwback is perfect for any college party.
Fun & Outrageous College Party Themes
34. Zombie Apocalypse
Everyone dresses as zombies or survivors for a post-apocalyptic party that’s creepy and fun.
Perfect for a costume party with a twist.
35. Boring Office Party
Dress in corporate attire and embrace the mundane—paper clips, name tags, and coffee breaks turned into happy hours.
A hilarious office-themed party for college students!
36. Carnival Party
Step right up and enjoy carnival games, popcorn, and cotton candy!
A carnival party gives your college event a fun, fair-inspired vibe.
37. Taco Tuesday Party
It’s all about tacos! Set up a DIY taco bar for a fun and flavorful college party theme.
38. Mad Scientist Party
Wacky lab coats, wild hair, and crazy experiments—this mad scientist theme lets your guests go wild with their creativity.
39. Cops & Robbers
Get your guests into action with a cops vs. robbers chase-inspired party.
The outfits and fun are endless!
40. Villainous Lair
The perfect themed party for anyone who loves dark, mysterious vibes.
Guests can come dressed as their favorite villain.
41. Under the Sea
Mermaids, pirates, sea creatures, and underwater vibes.
This under-the-sea party theme brings an aquatic adventure to your next college bash.
Themed Parties Based on Locations
42. Tropical Luau
Bring the island vibes with hula skirts, tiki drinks, and tropical music.
A tropical luau is perfect for summer college party ideas.
43. Space Party
Blast off into a space-themed party with astronaut costumes, alien decorations, and tons of intergalactic fun.
The perfect way to explore the unknown!
Tips for Throwing the Best College Party
Let the party planning begin 🎉
