The 80s were a time of big hair, neon colors, arcade games, and unforgettable pop culture! Whether you’re planning a themed party, a family game night, or just want to relive the magic of the decade, these 12 fun 80s-themed activities will take you back in time. Get ready for some totally rad nostalgia!
1. Host an 80s Dance Party 🕺🎶
Turn up the volume on Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Bon Jovi for an epic 80s dance-off! Create a playlist filled with the decade’s greatest hits and dress up in neon leg warmers, leather jackets, and fingerless gloves for the full experience.
👉 Bonus Idea: Add a “Best 80s Dance Moves” contest! Think moonwalks, running man, and breakdancing.
2. Set Up an Arcade-Style Gaming Station 🎮🕹️
Relive the golden era of video games with classic 80s hits like:
✔️ Pac-Man
✔️ Donkey Kong
✔️ Tetris
✔️ Super Mario Bros
If you don’t have an old console, try playing these games online or get a mini retro gaming console for an authentic experience!
3. Have an 80s Movie Marathon 🎬🍿
Grab some popcorn and enjoy a night of iconic 80s movies! Here are some must-watch classics:
🎥 Back to the Future
🎥 The Goonies
🎥 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
🎥 Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
👉 Bonus Idea: Encourage guests to dress up as their favorite 80s movie characters!
4. DIY Neon and Glow-in-the-Dark Crafts 🎨✨
The 80s were all about bright colors and bold fashion! Try these DIY craft ideas:
🎨 Decorate denim jackets with patches and pins.
🎨 Make your own friendship bracelets with neon thread.
🎨 Create glow-in-the-dark posters or stickers for a retro room vibe.
5. Play 80s Trivia Night 🧠📺
Test your knowledge with 80s pop culture trivia! Categories could include:
❓ Music: Who sang “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”?
❓ Movies: What was the name of the car in Back to the Future?
❓ TV Shows: Which show featured four crime-fighting turtles?
👉 Bonus Idea: Hand out small prizes like cassette tapes or 80s candy for winners!
6. Make a DIY Mixtape or Playlist 📼🎵
Back in the 80s, making a mixtape for friends was the ultimate sign of appreciation! While cassette tapes may be outdated, you can still create a Spotify or YouTube playlist featuring:
✔️ Take On Me – A-ha
✔️ Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
✔️ Like a Virgin – Madonna
✔️ Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
7. Dress Up in Iconic 80s Fashion 👕🕶️
Encourage everyone to dress in classic 80s fashion, such as:
👖 Acid-washed jeans
🕶️ Big sunglasses
👟 High-top sneakers
🎀 Scrunchies and side ponytails
👉 Bonus Idea: Have a mini fashion runway and let guests vote for the best outfit!
8. Play Classic 80s Board Games 🎲🃏
Bring out some old-school board games for a fun, competitive night! Try:
🎲 Simon – The memory game with flashing lights.
🎲 Trivial Pursuit – Test your 80s knowledge!
🎲 Guess Who? – A fun, face-guessing challenge.
9. Make 80s-Inspired Snacks 🍬🍿
No 80s night is complete without snacks from the past! Try:
🍿 Pop Rocks candy – The crackling sensation was a big hit!
🍿 Pizza Rolls – A childhood favorite.
🍿 Twinkies & Hostess Cupcakes – Classic 80s treats.
🍿 Slushies & Kool-Aid – For a total sugar rush!
👉 Bonus Idea: Set up a DIY soda float station with root beer and vanilla ice cream.
10. Recreate an 80s Photoshoot 📸📼
Set up a photo booth with:
📼 Vintage boomboxes and cassette tapes
🎸 Inflatable guitars
🕶️ Neon sunglasses & big wigs
👉 Bonus Idea: Use a Polaroid camera for instant old-school snapshots!
11. Plan an 80s Scavenger Hunt 🔎🎶
Make a scavenger hunt with 80s-related items like:
🔎 A cassette tape
🔎 A Rubik’s cube
🔎 A picture of an 80s pop star
🔎 A VHS tape
The first person to find all items wins a totally rad prize!
12. Do the 80s Workout Challenge 🏋️♀️🎥
Get moving with an 80s-style aerobics session! Find a Jane Fonda or Richard Simmons workout video and have fun sweating to classic dance moves.
👉 Bonus Idea: Provide headbands, leotards, and leg warmers for the full 80s look!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re throwing a party or just want to take a nostalgic trip back in time, these 12 fun 80s-themed activities will bring the decade to life! From arcade games to neon fashion, the 80s were all about bold, colorful, and energetic fun.