Top 5 Summer Party Ideas: Our Most Popular Events!

Save $150 on private events before 08/31/23! (Code inside)

Top 5 Summer Party Ideas: Our Most Popular Events!
Photo by Shubhesh Aggarwal / Unsplash

Summer is the perfect time to crank up the fun, get creative with your party planning and throw the ultimate summer bash! But with so many possibilities, deciding what kind of party you should throw can be tricky. That’s where Yaymaker comes in!

Whether you're hosting a team-building event, a birthday party for adults, or a fun-filled bash for the kids, we've got you covered with the best summer party ideas around—outdoors and nearer the AC!

So grab your grass skirts, deck out your patio, and get ready for an unforgettable party that will have everyone talking till the sun goes down.

Bonus: We’ve thrown in our top summer party planning tips too!

Yaymaker’s Top Summer Party Ideas

Tie Dye

Pile of multicolored tie dye shirts
Photo by Alexander Grey / Unsplash

No matter your age or experience, tie dye is always a good idea! Not only do you get a creative activity for your summer celebration, but also something fun to wear in the warm weather.

This colorful experience is one of our limited-edition summer experiences, so you want to book it while you can, and we have two ways you can do that. The first is with a host teaching your whole group at once, and the second is a more casual tie-dye station for people to come and go.

You'll learn different techniques and patterns and have tons of color options to achieve your desired look.

Use our t-shirts or BYOI (bring your own item) to dye!

Ask our team to find out more.

Mini Plant Nite

Two female coworkers holding mini succulent planters after team building event

Discover a refreshing twist on our beloved Plant Nite experience! You'll get expert help on creating mini succulent masterpieces, with tips on everything from layering your pots to providing proper care.

Opt for a 30-minute workshop or participate in casual "make and take" stations—perfect for those looking for a quick and convenient workshop or gatherings where guests come and go.

Ask our team to find out more.

Mixology

Two red cockatils on a serving platter with mint and fruit slices
Photo by Katherine Sousa / Unsplash

The great thing about mixology is that you can weave it into any summer party theme—a pool party, a beach-themed gathering, a tropical luau…you name it.

We offer a selection of seasonal craft cocktails and classic cocktails and have you covered with tantalizing non-alcoholic options, too, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun.

You'll receive everything you need in advance, from fresh fruit to cocktail mixers, and get step-by-step guidance to learn how to make cocktails like a pro. Because what's a summer party without cocktails?!

Create a Ukulele

Three men playing painted ukuleles at Yaymaker Create a Ukulele event

Immerse yourselves in a musical experience that will transport you to the sunny shores of a tropical paradise. We'll guide you through building and decorating your own ukulele and even teach you some basic chords.

"But I don't have a musical bone in my body!" No biggie. It's still a fun activity, and they make super cool décor.

Mosaics

Three handmade mosaic coasters with drinks

Get a taste of the Mediterranean with our beginner-friendly mosaic workshop. Pick from our customizable ceramic options (including coasters and trivets) and enjoy a fun, chillaxing experience.

No kiln or experience needed—just our ceramic materials box, your creativity and our host to help you along the way.  

Check Out Our Add-Ons Too!

Not only does Yaymaker have your activity in the bag, but the special extras, too!

Our add-ons include the following:

  • Snack boxes
  • Drink packages
  • Celebrity engagements
  • Custom swag
  • And more!

Ask your event planner to find out more about enhancing your experience.

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Save $150 on private events for 15+ people booked and hosted before 08/31/23. Just mention code SUMMERYAY to your event planner.

Top Tips for Summer Parties

Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, garden soirée or a mood-boosting team event, these tips will help you create an atmosphere that will leave your guests in awe.

Summer Party Themes

Picking the perfect party theme can be tough, but throwing together the rest of your event becomes much easier once you have it!

Here are a few of our favs…

Tropical Theme

Close-up of pink hibiscus flower
Photo by George Bloise / Unsplash

Transform your space into a lush oasis with grass skirts, tropical flowers, and colorful decorations. Create a Hawaiian luau or a Caribbean-inspired fiesta that will transport your guests to a sun-soaked paradise.

Island Vibes

Aerial view of tropical beach
Photo by Nattu Adnan / Unsplash

Embrace the spirit of the islands with a beach-themed party. Bring the coastal charm to your backyard, from sand and seashells to palm trees and flip-flops.

Garden Delights

Pergola with lights and curtains for garden party
Photo by Randy Fath / Unsplash

Take advantage of the beautiful summer weather by hosting a garden party. Set up elegant outdoor seating, adorn the space with twinkling lights and let nature be your backdrop for a sophisticated and enchanting affair.

Summer Fiesta

piñata with palm tree in the background
Photo by Oscar Aragon / Unsplash

Spice up your gathering with a festive Mexican-themed fiesta. Think vibrant colors, piñatas, mariachi music, and a mouthwatering spread of tacos, guacamole and refreshing margaritas.

Nautical Adventure

Drink in yellow cup on striped towel at nautical themed party.
Photo by Charlotte Harrison / Unsplash

Set sail with a nautical-themed party that will leave your guests feeling like they're on a seaside getaway. Incorporate anchors, sailor stripes, and shades of blue to bring the oceanic charm to life.

Food & Drink Ideas

No summer party is complete without a tempting array of food and refreshing beverages. Elevate your gathering with these mouthwatering food and drink ideas that will satisfy every palate and enhance the summer vibes.

Fresh Fruit Extravaganza

Two fresh fruit platters at summer party
Photo by Chen Mizrach / Unsplash

Celebrate the season's bounty with a vibrant display of fresh fruits. From juicy watermelon slices to succulent berries and tropical delights, create a fruit bar that allows guests to create their own refreshing combinations.

Cool and Crisp Salads

Tomato and mozzarella salad for summer party
Photo by Dmitry Dreyer / Unsplash

Beat the summer heat with a variety of crisp and refreshing salads. Incorporate seasonal ingredients like crisp greens, colorful veggies, and tangy dressings to create salads that burst with flavor and provide a cool respite from the warm weather.

Grilled Delights

Array of food on a grill for summer cookout
Photo by Evan Wise / Unsplash

Fire up the grill and serve up an array of sizzling delights. From juicy burgers and flavorful kebabs to grilled vegetables and seafood, let the smoky aromas and delicious char marks bring out the best flavors of summer.

Thirst-Quenching Beverages

Large drink dispenser filled with sangria for summer party
Photo by Frank Zhang / Unsplash

Keep your guests hydrated with a selection of ice-cold drinks. Serve up refreshing mocktails, fruity sangrias, or signature summer cocktails featuring the flavors of tropical fruits and cool mint. Remember also to include a variety of non-alcoholic options.

Sweet Treats Galore

variety of icecreams for guests at summer party
Photo by Kelsey Curtis / Unsplash

End the party on a sweet note with delectable desserts. Set up a make-your-own ice cream sundae station, offer a variety of homemade popsicles or create a mouthwatering s'mores bar for a classic summer treat.

Create a Summer Playlist

No party is complete without a killer playlist! But crafting a playlist is an art. Here are our top tips to have your guests dancing and singing all night long.

Hand holding phone playing summer playlist on Spotify
Photo by Filip / Unsplash

Genre Fusion

Mix and match different genres to create a dynamic and diverse playlist everyone will love. Blend catchy pop hits, energetic dance tracks, feel-good reggae tunes, and smooth R&B jams.

Nostalgic Throwbacks

Everyone loves a throwback, especially a classic summer banger that evokes memories! Incorporate iconic hits from past decades and watch as they instantly bring smiles to your guests' faces.

Summer Anthems

Include songs that specifically capture the essence of summer. Look for tracks that mention beaches, sunshine, and carefree vibes.

Dance Floor Fillers

Select tracks with catchy hooks, infectious beats, and irresistible rhythms that will have your guests grooving all night long.

Chill-Out Tunes

Balance the playlist with some laid-back and chilled-out tunes for moments when your guests want to relax and soak in the summer atmosphere. Include acoustic melodies, beachy instrumentals, and mellow tracks that provide a serene backdrop for conversations and downtime.

To summarize…

Group of friends hanging out by pool at pool party
Photo by Eric Nopanen / Unsplash

Summer party planning is all about creating an unforgettable experience, and lucky for you, that's Yaymaker's specialty!

Start with picking your theme, then an activity that pairs with it and make sure you cover those special touches.

Cheers to a summer celebration filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments!