Updated on: Sep 01, 2024
Are you wondering what is needed when planning a carnival theme party? Well have no fear, this is the place for you! Listed below are decorations, favors, food ideas, games/activities, supplies, and even invitations! If these carnival theme party ideas interest you, then be sure to check out all that we have to offer when it comes to party planning! We have ideas for party themes, and ideas for events such as kid's theme parties, and birthdays. Here at Easy Event Planning, we make party planning fast and easy.
Carnival Theme Party: Decorations
1. Carnival Arrow Signs
Carnivals can be chaotic at times so be sure to include some carnival arrow sign decorations at your party. These signs will help your guests find where the food, activities, and prizes are.
2. Colorful Pennants
Colorful pennants are a key decoration for a carnival theme party. You can get creative with this decoration and hang it around your yard, your house, or even the pop-up tents!
3. Balloons
Balloons are a go-to decoration for any party, and many guests love to take one home with them. A unique way to implement balloons into your party aside from the standard decoration is by hiring a balloon artist to make balloon animals for your guests.
4. Carousel Centerpieces
If you feel like your party tables look a little bland, then add a centerpiece! A centerpiece truly brings a table together and the options are endless. There are even carousel centerpieces for carnival-themed parties.
5. Ticket Booth Backdrop
A ticket booth is a carnival must-have! Not only will the ticket booth backdrop be the perfect party photo opportunity for your guests, but it will also pair well with a carnival ticket booth invitation.
Carnival Theme Party: Favors
6. Stuffed Animals
The classic carnival prize is none other than a stuffed animal. Not only are stuffed animals cute and cuddly, but there are also so many options. You can now even order stuffed animals in bulk which is perfect when it comes to getting the correct amount for your party guests.
7. Bounce-Back Paddleballs
Bounce-back paddleball sets are sure to catch your guest's attention since it is a creative party favor. Your guests will be able to play with paddleball on their own or compete against fellow guests to see how long they can keep a streak going for how many times the ball hits the paddle without missing.
8. Plastic Parachute Toy
What better party favor for a kid’s party than a plastic parachute toy? This party favor can be used anywhere and everywhere as all your guest has to do is hold the favor up in the air and watch the parachute toy float to the ground.
9. Hand Clapping Noisemakers
Hand clapping noisemakers are a classic party favor that all guests are sure to enjoy. Though this party favor is loud, your guests will be sure to remember the memories made at the party when they look at that party favor.
10. Yo-Yo
This carnival game prize is unique as it not only will entertain your party guest long after your party is over, but it also comes in a variety of shapes compared to the original shape and size. For example, there are yo-yos in a variety of colors with multiple designs.
Carnival Theme Party: Food Ideas
11. Corndogs
What’s a carnival without a corndog? Corndogs are easy party food that your guests will love. Not only are they simple party food, but they also fit the carnival theme quite well.
12. Bucket of Fries
Fries can be paired as a side dish or as a carnival snack themself. The best thing about a bucket of fries is the toppings and the various containers that can be used to hold the fries! Regarding toppings, your guests will be able to keep the fries plain or add topping such as cheese, and bacon.
13. Popcorn
Popcorn is a carnival-themed party essential. Not only is popcorn tasty, but it is also easy to eat when walking around to socialize with other party guests, and when walking around to play some of the party games.
14. Cotton Candy
The sugar rush that cotton candy causes are sure to give every guest the boost of energy they need. An easy way to have cotton candy at your party is by buying or renting a cotton candy machine. You can have a designated adult operating the machine and have party guests come and watch the cotton candy be prepared.
15. Funnel Cake
The smell of funnel cake is sure to remind your guests of the food tents at any carnival. By having funnel cakes at your party your guests will be able to feel as if they are at an actual carnival.
Carnival Theme Party: Games/Activities
16. Milk Bottle Baseball Toss
If your guests are hoping to channel their inner athlete while at your party then this is the game for them! Have them step up to the game area and see if they can knock all three milk bottles down with one throw of the baseball. Another option that could be used instead of milk bottles is any type of plastic bottle you have sitting around your house. You can also order wooden bottles if that better fits the color scheme being used at your party.
17. Ring Toss
Ring toss is a classic carnival game that is fun for people of all ages. It is a great game to play at a carnival theme party as it requires little setup. All you need is some plastic cones and a few rings for your party guests to toss. If you are looking for a more creative type of ring for the game, you could use glow stick necklaces!
18. Balloon Darts
Another great game that would be fun at a carnival-themed party is balloon darts! This game is a carnival staple and only requires a few materials. You will need some balloons, a few darts, and a backboard to hang the balloons on. The backboard could be as simple as a large piece of cardboard.
19. Duck Pond
A simple yet fun carnival game is none other than the duck pond. This game requires the guest to pick two ducks in order to see if the number on the bottom of the duck matches the other duck. Instead of using a traditional bucket for this game, you could get plastic or an inflatable kiddie pool where the ducks would be able to float around on the water. You can order numbered ducks here, or you could order regular rubber ducks and write the numbers on them yourself.
20. Find the Ball
Find the ball is a simple yet tricky carnival game that is sure to cause your party guest to smile and laugh even if they don’t make a correct guess. This game requires the guest to face the opposite direction while the game host places a small ping pong ball under one of three plastic cups. After the small ping pong ball is placed under a cup, the guest can then turn around and test their luck to see if they can guess which cup the ball is under.
Carnival Theme Party: Party Supplies
21. Pop-Up Tents
Pop-up tents are not only nice to have for a party on a sunny day, but are also a lifesaver when those afternoon rain showers roll through. By having a few pop-up tents you will be able to have an area for games, an area for food, and another area where guests can sit and relax.
22. Food Boats
Food boats are a must-have when it comes to any party. They are stackable, just the right size, and can be thrown away after use which leads to easy clean-up. Food boats also can be ordered in bulk which is quite handy for a party with a large number of guests.
23. Cups
Whether your guests are drinking water, punch, or fresh squeezed lemonade, they are going to need a cup. You can go the route of plastic solo cups or could venture toward the idea of souvenir-type cups that your guests can bring home with them.
24. Tablecloths
In order to keep post-party cleaning to a minimum, tablecloths come in quite handy. You can even order the classic red and white pinstripe tablecloths to help provide the classic carnival color scheme.
25. Folding Tables and Chairs
Folding tables and chairs are useful at all parties as it allows guests a place to sit, eat, and relax. It also is useful as it can be used to hold party games, party favors, and a variety of other things. What makes folding tables and chairs extremely party friendly is that they are easy to set up and take down.
Carnival Theme Party: Invitations
26. Ticket Invitations
Party invitations that look like tickets allow your guests to have an interactive experience at your party. You could have your guests bring the invitation and hand it in at the ticket booth prior to entering the party.
27. Pinstripe Invitation
The classic red and white pinstripe pattern is known by many avid carnival goers. These invitations fit the carnival theme well and are sure to get your guests excited about your party.
28. Welcome to the Carnival Invitation
These welcome to the carnival invitations are simple and to the point, but still allow room for imagination about what activities will be at the carnival theme party.
29. Carnival Games Invitation
It is possible that some of your guests will know about carnivals simply because of the games and classic color scheme. If that is the case then be sure to check out these carnival game invitations!
30. Digital Invitation
If you prefer to go the digital route with your invitations rather than paper invitations there are still many options to choose from. There are even carnival theme digital invitations that your guests will love.
Wrapping Things Up
All in all, whether you choose to use all of these ideas or just a few, I am sure that your party will be a success as this was a guide to stress-free planning! Enjoy the day, and remember to have fun at your own carnival you created!
Written by: Rachel Clifton