Halloween party ideas for adults

Halloween may seem like child’s play, but many adults participate in Halloween high jinks. According to the National Retail Federation, $1.7 billion was spent on adult Halloween costumes in 2022, while $1.2 billion was spent on kids’ costumes. Witches, vampires, ghosts and pirates top the list of popular costume categories.

When all dressed up, adults will need some place to have fun, and parties with friends are typically events that fill not only Halloween itself but the days leading up to it. Those who will be planning Halloween parties for adults may be inspired by the following frighteningly fun ideas.

HALLOWINE TIME

Make a Halloween party even more spirited with a wine-themed party. Guests will enjoy a wine tasting with various offerings. Party hosts can try to find wines with macabre-sounding names.

CLASSY GATHERING

While Halloween may be about ghastly and ghostly decorations in many cases, some party hosts may want to have parties that offer subtle nods to Halloween instead. Black-and-white-striped plates on orange or purple chargers can set the tone for a fancy Halloween fête.

MURDER-MYSTERY PARTY

Murder can be the name of the game for a Halloween party where guests have to follow a script and figure out “Who done it?” Some of the biggest challenges with this type of party are creating the characters and writing the storyline. Free printable scripts make it easier for event planning. Murder-mystery themes can also be included for team-building activities at office parties.

GHOULS’ NIGHT OUT

Girlfriends can get together and plan a coordinated costume theme, then have a girls’ night out by visiting various bars or restaurants around town.

SCARY SURGEON

Plan a party around a mad-scientist or scary-surgeon concept. Decorations and foods can be geared around the idea. Instead of Jell-O shots, for example, syringe shooters can be filled with a similarly spiked mixture. Replicate the look of body parts with various foods, such as hot dogs made to look like severed fingers or toes.

Halloween-party ideas for adults abound. A little inspiration can ensure that such parties are frighteningly festive.