Men are often the hardest to throw birthday parties for. And it doesn’t get easier as they age.
So if you’re in charge of arranging of a 70th birthday party for a man you might be struggling with a theme. If so – don’t panic.
Drawing from my extensive experience in party planning I’ve got a selection of unique and engaging party ideas for you that are perfect for men turning 70.
Each theme includes detailed suggestions on the dress code, activities you can arrange, decorations and other more to make sure the party is a hit.
Vintage Car Enthusiast Gathering
Dress Code: Encourage guests to dress in vintage attire from the era of the honoree’s favorite classic cars, such as 1950s or 1960s fashion.
Activities:
- Classic Car Showcase: Arrange for a display of vintage cars, either by renting them or inviting local car club members to participate.
- Photo Opportunities: Set up a photo booth with car-themed props and backdrops for guests to capture memories.
- Driving Experience: If feasible, organize a short drive in a classic car for the birthday gentleman.
Decorations:
- Automotive Memorabilia: Adorn the venue with vintage car posters, model cars, and related paraphernalia.
- Themed Table Settings: Use checkered tablecloths reminiscent of racing flags and centerpieces featuring miniature car models.
Additional Considerations:
- Venue: Host the event at a car museum, a retro diner or an open space suitable for displaying vehicles.
- Music: Play rock ‘n’ roll hits from the 1950s and 1960s to enhance the nostalgic atmosphere.
Jazz and Blues Night
Dress Code: Request guests to wear elegant evening attire, such as suits and cocktail dresses, to evoke a classic jazz club ambiance.
Activities:
- Live Music: Hire a jazz or blues band to perform the honoree’s favorite tunes.
- Dance Floor: Provide space for guests to dance to smooth jazz rhythms.
- Open Mic: Allow guests to share stories or dedications between musical sets.
Decorations:
- Dim Lighting: Create an intimate setting with low lighting, candles and table lamps.
- Music-Themed Decor: Incorporate musical notes, instruments and vinyl records into the decor.
Additional Considerations:
- Venue: Consider a jazz club, a speakeasy-style bar, or transform your home into a cozy lounge.
- Cocktail Menu: Offer classic drinks like martinis, old fashioneds and manhattans to complement the theme.
Historical Milestone Celebration
Dress Code: Suggest guests dress in attire representing significant decades from the honoree’s life, such as the 1950s, 1960s, or 1970s.
Activities:
- Decade-Themed Stations: Set up areas dedicated to each decade, featuring music, trivia and memorabilia.
- Memory Lane Slideshow: Compile photos and videos highlighting key moments from each decade of the honoree’s life.
- Interactive Storytelling: Encourage guests to share personal anecdotes corresponding to different time periods.
Decorations:
- Era-Specific Decor: Decorate each station with items iconic to the respective decade, like lava lamps for the 1960s or disco balls for the 1970s.
- Timeline Wall: Create a visual timeline showcasing major life events and historical milestones.
Additional Considerations:
- Venue: A community hall or spacious home can be divided into different decade-themed areas.
- Themed Refreshments: Serve popular foods and drinks from each highlighted decade.
Outdoor Adventure Picnic
Dress Code: Advise guests to wear comfortable outdoor attire suitable for activities like hiking or fishing.
Activities:
- Guided Nature Walk: Organize a leisurely hike led by a local naturalist.
- Fishing Expedition: If near a suitable body of water then arrange a fishing session with provided equipment.
- Picnic Lunch: Offer a catered picnic with gourmet sandwiches, salads, beverages etc.
Decorations:
- Nature-Inspired Elements: Use picnic blankets, rustic baskets and wildflower centerpieces to enhance the outdoor setting.
- Personal Touches: Include photos of the honoree enjoying nature throughout the years.
Additional Considerations:
- Venue: Choose a scenic park, lakeside area or nature reserve.
- Weather Contingency: Have a backup plan in case of inclement weather, such as renting a pavilion or tent.
Wine Tasting
Dress Code: Encourage guests to dress in smart casual attire, suitable for an elegant evening.
Activities:
- Sommelier-Led Tasting: Hire a professional to guide guests through a selection of wines.
- Blind Tasting Challenge: Organize a fun game where guests guess the varietal or region of different wines.
- Cheese Pairing Workshop: Offer insights into pairing wines with various cheeses.
Decorations:
- Elegant Table Settings: Use white linens, crystal glassware and floral arrangements.
- Wine-Themed Accents: Incorporate corks, wine barrels and grapevines into the decor.
Additional Considerations:
- Venue: A vineyard, wine cellar or a beautifully decorated dining room would be ideal.
- Non-Alcoholic Options: Provide gourmet juices or mocktails for guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
Golf Tournament
Dress Code: Request guests to wear golf attire, including polo shirts, khakis and golf shoes.
Activities:
- Mini Golf Course: Set up a mini-golf course in the backyard or rent a portable setup.
- Putting Contest: Organize a friendly putting competition with prizes for winners.
- Golf Simulator: Rent a golf simulator for guests to enjoy virtual courses.
Decorations:
- Golf-Themed Decor: Use golf balls, tees, and flags as centerpieces and accents.
- Green and White Color Scheme: Reflect the golf course aesthetic with appropriate colors.
Additional Considerations:
- Venue: A local golf club, driving range, or a spacious backyard.
- Themed Refreshments: Serve Arnold Palmers, club sandwiches and other golf course favorites.
DIY Craft Workshop
Dress Code: Suggest casual attire that guests are comfortable crafting in.
Activities:
- Woodworking Projects: Provide materials and guidance for simple woodworking crafts, like building birdhouses or picture frames.
- Leather Crafting: Offer kits for creating leather wallets or keychains.
- Painting Session: Set up canvases and paints for a guided art class.
Decorations:
- Creative Environment: Decorate with inspiring art pieces and ensure ample lighting.
- Personalized Aprons: Provide aprons with the honoree’s name or a special message.
Additional Considerations:
- Venue: A community center with workshop space or a well-prepared garage.
- Expert Instructor: Hire a local artisan to lead the workshop and assist guests.
Classic Movie Marathon
Dress Code: Encourage guests to dress as their favorite classic movie characters or in comfortable loungewear.
Activities:
- Screening of Favorites: Play a selection of the honoree’s favorite classic films.
- Movie Trivia: Host a trivia game with questions related to the featured films.
- Themed Photo Booth: Set up a booth with props from iconic movies.
Decorations:
- Hollywood Glam: Use a red carpet runner at the entrance, clapperboards, and gold star decorations to give the space a cinematic feel.
- Theater Vibe: Incorporate movie posters, string lights, and vintage popcorn machines to recreate the charm of a classic cinema.
Additional Considerations:
- Venue: Host the event at home with a large TV or projector, or book a private screening room at a local theater.
- Snacks: Serve popcorn in classic theater-style boxes, soda, candy bars, and mini hot dogs.
Backyard Barbecue and Lawn Games
Dress Code: Keep it casual with summer BBQ attire – button-up shirts, shorts, and comfortable shoes.
Activities:
- Lawn Games: Include cornhole, bocce, horseshoes, or croquet for a fun and interactive afternoon.
- Grill Master Contest: Let guests compete for the title of “Grill Master” by cooking their favorite BBQ dishes.
- Story Circle: Set up a fire pit and encourage friends to share memorable stories about the honoree.
Decorations:
- Rustic BBQ Theme: Use wooden tables, gingham tablecloths, mason jar centerpieces, and string lights.
- Custom Touches: Hang a banner with the birthday man’s name or display a photo board highlighting his life.
Additional Considerations:
- Music: Curate a playlist of classic rock or country hits to set the mood.
- Weather Plan: Have tents or umbrellas ready in case of rain or intense sun.
Casino Night
Dress Code: Make it a black-tie affair with suits and cocktail dresses, or go for a Las Vegas theme with glitzy attire.
Activities:
- Casino Games: Set up tables for poker, blackjack, roulette, and craps. Hire dealers or ask friends to volunteer.
- Prize Auction: Instead of gambling for money, let guests win chips they can exchange for raffle tickets or auction prizes.
- Themed Contests: Hold a “Best Dressed” contest or award prizes for the biggest chip stacks.
Decorations:
- Vegas Lights: Use LED signs, faux gold accents, and a red carpet entrance.
- Casino Details: Include oversized playing cards, dice, and poker chip decorations.
Additional Considerations:
- Venue: Transform your home into a casino or rent a banquet hall.
- Catering: Serve elegant finger foods, champagne, and signature cocktails like martinis.
Travel Inspired Party
Dress Code: Invite guests to dress in attire inspired by their favorite travel destinations or cultures.
Activities:
- Cultural Stations: Set up areas representing different countries, with themed foods, drinks, and decor.
- Travel Trivia: Create a quiz featuring the honoree’s past travels and dream destinations.
- Postcard Messages: Provide postcards for guests to write heartfelt birthday wishes.
Decorations:
- World Map Backdrop: Use maps, globes, and vintage suitcases to create a travel theme.
- Destination Details: Incorporate iconic symbols like mini Eiffel Towers, tiki torches, or Japanese fans.
Additional Considerations:
- Music: Play a mix of world music to match the destinations featured at the party.
- Favors: Send guests home with travel-themed goodies like luggage tags or passport holders.
Outdoor Sports Watch Party
Dress Code: Suggest casual sportswear or jerseys representing the birthday man’s favorite team.
Activities:
- Game Screening: Set up a projector or large TV to watch a live game or classic sports highlights.
- Sports Trivia: Test guests’ knowledge with questions about the honoree’s favorite teams or sports moments.
- Mini Challenges: Include activities like a basketball hoop shootout or mini golf putting.
Decorations:
- Team Colors: Decorate with the birthday man’s favorite team colors, jerseys, and memorabilia.
- Themed Tables: Name tables after sports teams or famous players.
Additional Considerations:
- Food and Drinks: Serve stadium-style snacks like hot dogs, nachos, and beer.
- Comfortable Seating: Provide lounge chairs, bean bags, or picnic blankets for an outdoor setting.
Whiskey and Cigar Night
Dress Code: Ask guests to wear semi-formal attire, such as blazers and dress shoes.
Activities:
- Whiskey Tasting: Invite a whiskey expert to guide guests through tasting different aged spirits.
- Cigar Pairing: Provide a selection of cigars that complement the whiskey.
- Storytelling Circle: Encourage guests to share their favorite memories with the honoree over drinks.
Decorations:
- Classic Gentleman’s Style: Use leather furniture, decanters, and wood-paneled decor.
- Mood Lighting: Incorporate warm, dim lighting with candles or Edison bulbs.
Additional Considerations:
- Safety First: Set up the cigar area in a well-ventilated outdoor space.
- Non-Alcoholic Options: Provide mocktails or alcohol-free whiskey alternatives for non-drinkers.
Trivia Night Extravaganza
Dress Code: Suggest casual wear, but encourage themed outfits if the trivia categories are fun (e.g., 1970s attire for trivia about that era).
Activities:
- Custom Trivia Rounds: Design trivia questions based on the honoree’s life, interests, and favorite topics.
- Team Challenges: Divide guests into teams and encourage friendly competition.
- Prizes: Offer small prizes for the winning team, like gift cards or themed mugs.
Decorations:
- Trivia Boards: Use chalkboards or posters to display questions and scores.
- Themed Decor: Match the decorations to the trivia topics, such as movie posters for film trivia or sports memorabilia for a sports category.
Additional Considerations:
- Hosts: Assign someone lively and charismatic to host the trivia rounds.
- Snacks: Serve finger foods and drinks that guests can enjoy while playing.
Special Party Ideas for Dads
For dads a 70th birthday is about celebrating fatherhood, memories and the impact he’s had on his family. The following ideas focus on honoring his journey while creating a meaningful and memorable experience.
Father’s Legacy Celebration
Dress Code: Smart casual or semi-formal
Activities:
- Memory Lane Walk – Decorate with photos from different life stages: childhood, fatherhood, career, and retirement.
- Speech Circle – Family members take turns sharing a story, memory, or appreciation speech.
- Generations Photo Shoot – Capture photos with children and grandchildren.
Decorations:
- Display a family tree with photos of kids and grandkids.
- Use banners with favorite dad quotes or family sayings.
Backyard BBQ & Family Games
Dress Code: Casual, comfortable outdoor wear
Activities:
- Grilling Together – Set up a “Dad’s Famous BBQ” station where he can share his grilling wisdom.
- Trivia About Dad – A custom trivia game with questions about his life.
- Outdoor Games – Set up cornhole, horseshoes, and other family-friendly lawn games.
Decorations:
- Picnic-style tables with checkered tablecloths.
- A banner with “70 Years of Being an Amazing Dad.
Final Thoughts
Planning a 70th birthday party for a man can be tricky. But if you stick to what you know he likes and have the party reflect his personality you’ll create a party that’s unforgettable for both him and the guests.
Hopefully the ideas above have inspired or helped you to come to a decision. Pick one or combine a few for a truly unique celebration.

Sally Gibson is the founder of Someone Sent you a Greeting, a holiday/celebration website. Sally’s writing work has been mentioned in Woman’s World, Yahoo, Women’s Health, MSN and more. If you have any questions get in contact with one of the team via the about page.