As the warmth of summer gives way to the cool, colorful autumn, September presents the perfect backdrop to host fun and creative parties.
From back-to-school bashes, to harvest festivals, and everything in between, this month offers a rich tapestry of ideas to inspire your next celebration. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, baby shower, wedding shower, or just want to enjoy time with friends, we have 35 party themes for September that can set the tone for an unforgettable experience.
Unique challenges for September Party Themes
- Weather: September is a transitional month where you can still experience warm weather, but also a chill in the air, not to mention the continuation of hurricane season. So while outdoor parties are likely to be gorgeous, always have an indoor backup plan available.
- Holidays: Labor Day and the start of fall are key holidays in September, so incorporating them into your theme can add an extra layer of festivity.
- School Schedule: With the start of the school year, many families are adjusting to new schedules and routines. This may impact attendance for parties held during the week or early in the evening.
- Fall Holidays: September also marks the beginning of fall holidays such as Labor Day, Rosh Hashanah, and and plenty of other non-traditional holidays. These can provide unique and fun themes to incorporate into your party.
September Party Themes
Get inspired with these exciting party ideas! From cozy s'mores nights to lively Oktoberfest celebrations, our unique September themes offer creative ideas for every occasion.
September is the start of the football season and the weather is still warm. Which means it's the perfect time to come together for a kickoff party.
September is one of the best months to host a camping themed party. With temperatures cooling off, but still comfortable to be outside, it's the perfect time to gather around a campfire, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Looking for something less theme-y but still cohesive? Why not consider a party based simply off of your favorite colors? This tween party was inspired by the birthday girl's favorite colors: blue and purple, but you can use whatever colors you want.
Since September is the start of the fall season, here are some color combinations that are great for early fall:
- Navy Blue with Burnt Orange and Gold
- Plum and Sage Green
- Dark Teal with Mustard Yellow and hints of red
- Dusty Rose with Olive Green and Purple
As summer transitions into autumn, fall harvest is in full swing. This theme is easily adapted for just about any occasion, whether it's adorable scarecrows and hay bales for kids, or elegant displays of fall flowers, kale, and gourds for an adult celebration.
Capture the essence of the season's transition with a party themed around fall nature. Forage pinecones and acorns from your neighborhood to create easy (and inexpensive) decorations, and incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables into your menu It's the perfect theme for a relaxed atmosphere where friends and family can connect in a cozy, welcoming environment.
As kids settle back into their school routines, a gymnastics-themed celebration offers a chance to unleash their energy in a fun and engaging way. With the kids bouncing around on mats, swinging from bars, and enjoying the thrill of tumbling, it's the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of a new season while creating unforgettable memories!
This gorgeous party celebrates the best of fall. Combining earthy decorations with an outdoor setting, and delicious soup dishes, this is the perfect event to gather friends and family together to enjoy a cozy evening.
From decorations to food and activities, an owl party offers plenty of room for creativity. Along with plenty of owl decorations, you can incorporate natural elements like pine cones, leaves, and twigs, making it the perfect theme for a September celebration. Click on the link below to discover some creative DIY owl party ideas that will surely impress your guests!
If you've got a kid that loves STEM, you have to check out this science based birthday party. September brings a wealth of natural wonders to explore, from changing leaves to seasonal science experiments. It’s a party theme that not only entertains but also educates, making for a memorable celebration that will have everyone talking long after the cake is gone!
This adorable theme is so sweet for a toddler's birthday or for a baby shower. It embraces the charm of autumn with pumpkins galore - you can even paint pumpkins to match a broader color scheme.
Don't forget to check out all the little pumpkin party ideas linked below - including DIY decorations, sweet and savory pumpkin recipes, games, crafts, favors, and even real parties inspired by fall pumpkins.
Capture the spirit of Johnny Appleseed Day on September 26th with a Caramel Apple Party! Make a caramel apple bar where guests can customize their own delicious treat with various toppings and sauces. And let's not forget that it's a perfect excuse to enjoy some classic apple-themed games and activities too.
Even if you're not a fan of gnomes, this fall inspired party is sure to put a smile on your face. Filled with bright reds and autumn golds, perfectly complement the natural colors of September. Combined with all the adorable toadstool decorations, this party is the perfect way to embrace the changing season and celebrate a September birthday.
With National Play-doh Day on August 16, there's no better time to host a playdough party! This is such a fun and creative theme for little kids, which encourages hands-on fun. Plus, with a homemade playdough recipe, you can customize the color to perfectly match your party's color scheme.
Fall sports are in full swing each September - with both football and soccer taking the stage. On top of that, September 21st is Miniature Golf Day. So why not celebrate with a sports themed birthday party? It's the perfect time to gather friends and family for a day filled with friendly competition and celebration.
Do you have a kid that loves all farm animals? Then a farm themed birthday party is the perfect choice for a September birthday celebration! Not only does it coincide with National Farm Animals Awareness Week (September 16-22), but it also allows you to incorporate fun and educational activities into a classic budget-friendly party theme.
Hosting a baking party is not just adorable; it’s a blast too! Don’t you think kids will love a decorate-your-own-sweets station with a cookie and cupcake for each? Don't forget to make that birthday bash unforgettable with fun baking-themed games, activities, and decorations!
Combine two of our favorite things for a night you won't forget - creative projects and delicious drinks! Make sentimental autumn decorations by incorporating seasonal elements into your crafts, like dried pinecones, or fall leaves for a festive touch. And if that's not enough reason to gather your gal pals together...Inernational Boxed Wine Day is September 9th, so there's no better time to indulge in a fun evening while getting your craft on.
Balloons are in style no matter what season or month you're in. Whether you want to capture the whimsy and excitement of a hot air balloon party, or just want to fill you party with as many balloon themed ideas possible, this is a party theme that's sure to bring a smile to everyone's faces. Best of all, it's a versatile choice for birthdays, reunions, or just a fun get-together with friends and family.
Around here, September is County Fair time...and with that comes the beauty and nostalgia of riding the carousel. Which is why a carousel party is the perfect theme for a September birthday or shower! Often designed with a vintage twist, it brings back fond memories of childhood and a time when life was simple.
Kick off September with a rootin' tootin' western-themed party! Little cowgirls and cowboys are sure to love this charming 'old-fashioned' celebration, complete with rustic elements, mouthwatering BBQ food, and fun DIY touches that will ignite everyone’s imaginations! With a blend of classic western vibes and a sprinkle of personal flair, this party is all about making unforgettable memories!
Have a Potterhead in your family? Embrace the magic of fall with a fun Harry Potter party. This theme works well for birthdays, baby showers, or even just a fun get together. Don't forget to check out all these Harry Potter party ideas that were pulled together in only one week!
If your kiddo is deep in the dinosaur phase a roar-some dinosaur party is just the ticket. Imagine decorating with oversized plants like monstera and palm trees to set the scene. How about adding some fun dino-themed banners and a spectacular three-dimensional volcano backdrop? Top it all off with a sweet dinosaur adoption using our free dino adoption printables It's sure to be a day full of adventure and excitement that everyone will remember.
Donut parties are a great way to celebrate any time of year, but imagine how creative you can be when hosting this theme in September. Incorporating fall-flavored donuts like apple, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice adds a fun twist to your party. This makes a fantastic baby shower theme, birthday party, and even a fun back to school party theme.
The nice weather in September makes it perfect for fun outdoor parties. Guests can enjoy the magical feeling of a fairyland with colorful autumn leaves all around! Decorate trees with fairy doors, string fairy lights overhead, and scatter fall flower petals and colorful leaves to create a whimsical atmosphere.
A Fortnite party is a great idea for a get-together in September. Not only does it allow kids to become immersed in this popular game world, but it also lines up with matches National Video Games Day on September 12th. Engage in a battle royale with a Fortnite dance challenge, a supply llama, a loot chest, and plenty of fun video game themed treats.
September also brings us shorter days and cooler nights, making it the perfect time to host a glow in the dark party. With plenty of glow party games, DIY glow in the dark party decor, and even glowing party food, this is a fun and unique way to celebrate any birthday.
Celebrating a golden birthday this month? (When a person turns the age that corresponds to their birthdate.) This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime milestone with decor that shines as bright as the birthday person. For more ideas on how to plan the perfect golden birthday party, be sure to click on the link below.
Did you know that Oktoberfest traditionally starts September? Bring the spirit of Bavarian culture to your home and celebrate one of the world's largest beer festivals with an Oktoberfest party! Include plenty of traditional foods, lively music and of course, lots of beer to create a memorable and fun experience for your guests.
There's nothing quite like enjoying a movie while sitting under the stars. And with the sun setting earlier every night, you can enjoy the crisp evening air with friends and family for a cozy movie night. Get started on planning your own Outdoor Movie Birthday Party with our simple DIY guide linked below.
Allow your little one and their friends to step into the enchanting world of fairy tales, castles, and royalty. This classic party theme also allows them to live out their dreams of being a princess for a day. Head over to the linked post and you'll find a treasure trove of ideas and inspiration including food, invitations, games, and printables.
Calling all animal lovers! These puppy themed birthday party ideas are the perfect way to celebrate a little someone's special day - especially with National Hug Your Hound Day on September 8th. This theme works for both girls and boys, and even for a party celebrating your most loved furry companion.
A s'mores party theme is a fun and delicious way to bring friends and family together for a cozy and nostalgic celebration. Guests of all ages can enjoy making their own delicious treats with a variety of marshmallow flavors, chocolates, and even some creative additions.
For easy last-minute ideas to create your own unforgettable s'mores birthday bash, be sure to read the linked post filled with helpful tips and inspiration!
A tea party theme is perfect for any occasion, especially on September 8th which happens to be Grandparent's Day. It provides a relaxed and intimate atmosphere where guests can gather around a table, enjoy delicious treats, and sip on cups of tea while engaging in conversation.
Train themed birthday parties are a great way to surprise and delight kids all year round. With a simple hand-painted backdrop, stunning cake, and easy DIY decorations, these train party ideas provide plenty of entertainment for any special day.
Create excitement and anticipation for the new academic year with a back to school party. It's a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and classmates before the school year officially begins, and it's a fun way to ease into the routine of school.
As you can see, September offers a wonderful array of party themes for all interests and celebrations – from cozy s’mores gatherings to vibrant Oktoberfest festivities.
The changing season brings fresh inspiration, making it the perfect time to gather friends and family for fun and memorable experiences. To help you plan the ultimate September celebration, don’t forget to download our free one-page party planner. It’s specifically designed to help you stay organized and on track with both your time and your budget.
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