Updated on: Mar 03, 2024
A Wild West theme party is great for cowboys, cowgirls, or anyone willing to have a good time and stay on budget! These different cowboy party activities, decorations, and favors will give your party folks the real Wild West experience. From cook-offs to horseback riding, you can choose from the following Wild West party ideas to get your guests moving around and yelling Yee-Haw!
Wild West Theme Party Décor
Why did the cowboy take the hay to bed? To feed his nightmares. Here we have compiled a list of cowboy theme party décor for your next cowboy theme party! Did you plan on a party for adults instead? If so, check out our checklist for throwing a great house party!
1. Bandanas
Use bandanas to decorate your party by using them as your napkins! Not only is this a cute décor idea, but it also is practical for your guests! You can buy the classic red bandana or get different colors.
20 Pcs Assorted Bandanas Paisley Cowboy Polyester Headbands 22x22 inch
√ Material: 100% high quality polyester. The advantages of polyester: Dries quickly; More durable than cotton; Fewer wrinkles; Color doesn't fade.
√ Package includes: 20 Pack (Color: yellow, sky blue, green, red, deep blue, orange, plum red, white, deep purple, khaki, coffee, gray, black, light purple, wine red, royal blue, pink, light blue, light green, camel).
√ Size: 22 x 22 inches.
√ Unisex, suitable for both men and women. Multifunctional, They can be used as hair covering, headband and wristband, or as napkins, gift wraps and so on.
√ Perfect for different occasions, like theme party, school events, home decoration or outdoor activities etc. These Novelty Paisley Cowboy Bandanas can be used with your creative ideas.
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$14.99
2. Hat and Badge
If you have some extra money, go to your local party store and grab Sheriff hats and badges. Hand them to the children as they come into the party and they can dress up as cowboys and cowgirls!
WILLBOND 12 Pieces Sheriff Badges Deputy Sheriff Badge Metal Western Cowboy Toy Sheriffs Badge for Adults Birthday Party Favors Costume Play Props
Durable material: due to these sheriff's badge are made of quality alloy, rugged and durable, not easy to get rust and corrode, and its color won't fade
Large quantity: it comes with 12 pieces bronze sheriff toy badges, enough quantity for make great party favors or share with friends, so everyone can play along with it
Classic design: these bronze western sheriff badge inspired by western style with classic hexagram design, the badges looked good, the safety pins attached to badges are convenient; Size: the diameter measures approx. 6.7 cm/ 2.64 inch, universal size for men, women and children
Safety pins: with safety pins behind the badge, easy to hanging on clothes or hat, not easy to fall off, which can help you complete role play of the police themed parties or western cowboy party
Widely application: you can wear these bronze sheriff badges on school activities, Halloween dress-ups, parades, birthday parties, Christmas presentations and other celebrations, it will bring more fun experience
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$13.99
3. Tablecloths
Cover the tables with red and white tablecloths. If you can find them, try to get checkered ones to go along with your saloon/cowboy theme. Or buy ones that are cow-print!
4. Saloon
Decorate your party like an old saloon! Make a sign that invites your guests to the party by writing “Welcome to ______’s Saloon!”
5. The Ghost Town Scene
Use river stones to line your walkway as décor. Add some kerosene lanterns to give your place that spooky western look! Gather all your guests around and tell them stories of what it used to be like in your ghost town! You can also look for a saddle to put on a bale of hay for guests to sit on and have them take pictures with it.
6. Western Town
If you’re feeling extra creative, try creating backdrops of an Old Western town. This will make an elegant photo opportunity for your guests!
7. Wanted Posters
Try making wanted posters of all of your guests. Find photos of them and write the word “Wanted” over their photo. Assign each of them silly crimes and hang the posters around the party.
Western Wanted Sign
MADE IN THE USA
INCLUDES: 12 signs in package
MEASURES: Each sign measures 12 inches wide by 17 inches tall
PRINTED: 1 side of boardstock paper; slotted to hold 8 x 10 photos
USE: Hang up to decorate for a western themed party!
CELEBRATE LIFE WITH US: Since 1900 The Beistle Company’s mission has remained the same: to help people around the world celebrate life’s events by creating fun, high quality products using the finest materials
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$26.99
8. String Lights
If your party goes on into the night, try hanging up string lights to emulate the vast night sky of the Wild West.
Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights 100FT Patio Lights with 52 Shatterproof ST38 Vintage Edison Bulbs, Outside Hanging Lights Waterproof for Porch, Deck, Garden, Backyard, Balcony, 2700K Dimmable
【Higher Quality and Lower Costs】- 100ft Extra-long outdoor string lights are equipped with our upgrade heavy-duty wires and 52 shatterproof edison bulbs, which can be connected up to 15 strands easily. You could place them in a larger area without worrying about the length and frequent replacement. Over a 30,000-hour longer lifespan, our energy-saving string lights will not only provide brighter lighting but also cut down 90% of your electricity bills compared with incandescent ones.
【Weatherproof and Safer】- With our weatherproof technology, these durable outside string lights can withstand rain, wind, snow, and extreme temperatures up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit for you to leave them outside year-round confidently. Furthermore, the bulb shells are made of hard anti-drop plastic, protect you and your family while hanging the waterproof backyard string lights, no more worries about the suddenly broken glass shards.
【Classic Bistro Ambience】- These vintage string lights come with st38 tear-drop E12 bulbs which could provide a nice, soft yellow glow without being too bright or too dark. Besides, these led bulbs not only offer old-fashioned appearance, but also compatible with most dimmers (not included) to achieve better lighting flexibility. It will be a great choice for creating your little outdoor paradise, where you could enjoy your time after a busy day or have a cozy party with your friends.
【Super Convenient and Widely used】 - It's a breeze to hang these led string lights with built-in hooks or zip ties. We even improved the hooks, sockets, and cords for you to use our string lights without facing the sudden breaking situation. These easy-to-use party outdoor string lights are fabulous decorations for your garden, Bistro, balcony, terrace, pergola, gazebo, tent, pool umbrella, cafe, bedroom, living room, market, wedding, birthday, Christmas party or other scenarios.
【You Have Brightever's Words】- We proudly stand behind all of our products 100% and care every feedback of you. The satisfaction of our consumers with each purchase has always been and will always remain our top concern.
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$49.99
9. Hay Bales
Hay bales can be purchased at your local home improvement retailer or online. Hay bales are a unique way to spice up your party setting and truly give your guests that rural Wild West feel all at the venue of your choosing!
10. Oil Lamps
Oil lamps will remind your guests of those Wild West days when only the light of a non-electric lamp could illuminate their nights. Oil lamps are also just a beautiful and practical décor piece!
Tuanse 2 Pieces Chamber Oil Lamp for Indoor Use, Vintage Oil Lantern Large Classic Hurricane Lamps Decorative Oil Lamp for Home Tabletop Decor and Emergency Lighting (Clear, Gold)
Oil Lamp Set: you will receive 2 pieces oil lamps for indoor use, each composed of windproof glass chimney, glass lamp holder and metal flame regulator, retro and beautiful, suitable for desktop decoration, light up your home decoration; Note that oil is not included
Quality Material: hurricane lamp adopts thickened glass cover, heat resistant, clear and easy to clean, flame regulator is made of metal, strong enough, lamp holder is made of glass, fine workmanship, exquisite design, suitable for decoration
Lamp Size: the oil burning lamp is in proper size, fits for tabletop, fireplace, desk and more, and the capacity is 8.11 oz, please do not add more than 70% fuel to avoid overflow; Please use kerosene, paraffin oil, citronella oil, standard lamp oil and other safe fuels, and do not use gas
Convenient to Use: the metal lamp head of clear kerosene lamp can be easily unscrewed, which is convenient for adding fuel and replacing lamp wick; The flame regulator can freely adjust the light size
Applicable Occasions: oil lantern is not only suitable for emergency lighting in case of power outage, but also for living room, kitchen, farmhouse, villa, fireplace, corridor, shrine, temple, church, prayer, table decoration and so on
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$36.99
Wild West Theme Party: Games and Activities
Why did the cowboy get lots of laughs? He was horsing around. We have compiled a list of cowboy party games and activities to keep your guests entertained throughout their night out at the Wild West.
11. Pin the Tail on the Horse
If you’re having a younger child’s birthday party or even an adult party, try playing pin the tail on the horse! Gather your guests and blindfold one, spin them three times and then see where they think the horse’s tail goes. The person that is closest to the real tail wins! We promise this is so much more fun than it sounds.
Hooqict Pin The Tail On The Horse Game for Kids Girls Horse Birthday Party Decorations Horse Party Favors, Large Horse Poster with 30 Tails Stickers
🎁Package List: Our pin tail games package include 1pc large horse poster, 36 pcs horse tails, 2 pcs blindfold mask. A complete game set of accessories must be worth every penny.
🥂Yeah, Just playing: Pin the tail on horse games have funny colorful design, and new patterns. It’s def more fun if it was played with many participants. It will receive so many laughs in your carefully laid out party.
✅High Quality Material: Our horse poster is made of high quality paper, sturdy and reusable. When your horse theme party or kids birthday party is over, you can put the poster in your boys or girl's room as a decoration. It will be memorable！
🤪Pin Tail Games: Frist, put the poster on the wall, then everyone can write their name on the horse tail, Then the player brings blindfold mask, put the horse tail on the poster, who is most close, who win!!! It's a fun games!
✨Customer Service: Any questions with our pin the tail on the horse games, please feel free to contact us via email, we will do our best to help you solve the problem.
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$6.99
12. Wanted Dead or Alive
Whether you run around with outlaws like Jesse James or you stick with the sheriff, wanted posters for each guest is an excellent way to decorate your party. Hang these up so all your guests can see them as they walk in to really set the atmosphere from the onset. Nobody is safe from the likes of your gang, but keep an eye out for that sheriff!
13. Giddyup Pony
Nothing says the wild west like dependable stead. Go to a local party store or online and grab two stick horses. Split your guests into two teams and have them participate in a stick horse relay! The object is to run around from one end of the room to another on your stick horses. When you get back to your team, you pass the horse off to the next person. The first team to the watering hole wins!
14. Snake Bite
For this game, get a long rope and spray paint it green so it looks like a snake. Then, lay the rope on the ground and try to whisk it back and forth as fast as you can. The object is for the guests not to touch the deadly snake. If they do, they’re out! Last person standing wins. Include this in your list of activities for an exciting time.
15. Grab Your Partner
Teaching your guests how to line dance/square dance. This will surely get your guests off their feet. This will also create a lot of laughs and memories.
16. Pony Rides
Rent out a place where your guests can ride horses and ponies for the true cowboy experience! This is something guests will never forget.
17. Horseshoe Toss
Even if your guests didn’t arrive by horseback, horseshoes is a fun game for all ages that will work flawlessly with all other party elements. For this western party game, you’ll need to place several stakes on your lawn and have your guests throw horseshoes at these. If time is tight, you can pick up a full game set easily so don’t go stealing shoes off your horse!
18. Western Entertainers
Who does not love a good trick? We do and we are sure your guest would too! You can hire performers from a local rodeo company that can perform different rope tricks and shoots with bows and arrows. Or you could find friends who know how to do this and teach your friends at the party how to do it. Whether you get a professional or teach your guests, this activity is a sure-shot way to engage adults and children alike.
19. Sack Race
Grab some sack race bags and go back to the simpler times with this timeless and fun game. This game only requires you, some guests, and some sack race bags and is sure to bring out the competition and laughs!
Large Burlap Potato Sack Race Bags, 23x40" Burlap Bags, Outdoor Lawn Games for Kids & Adults -Fun for 4th of July BBQ, Picnic, Block Party, Family Reunion, Birthday Party, Halloween, Easter - Set of 6
6 BURLAP POTATO RELAY RACE SACKS: Measuring 23” x 40” these sacks are great for players of all ages, big enough for use by adults and small enough to be used by children. The sacks are large enough to reach the waist of a 6’-tall adult, and not too large for a child to use comfortably.
TOUGH AND DURABLE: Naturally tough, the natural burlap fibers can be used repeatedly. Additionally, the reinforced edges make it suitable for players of all ages!
EARTH FRIENDLY: 100% biodegradable, burlap bags are the eco-friendly sack race solution. Made from the jute plant, burlap completely decomposes when discarded, and the production is completely carbon neutral!
GREAT EASTER GAME FOR KIDS: This Lawn Game set is great for children, teens, & adults alike! Try it at your next backyard birthday party, family reunion, school, picnic, BBQ, carnival, Easter, camp, field day, Halloween, 4th of July.
NATURAL BURLAP SMELL: The natural smell of the burlap fiber will dissipate over time, and when aired out. But these sacks were not treated with any chemicals, making it suitable for users with sensitive skin.
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$25.99
20. Campfire
If your party is outdoors, build a campfire and sit around it with your guests. A campfire is perfect for sharing stories of adventure, telling scary stories, cooking up some food, or even singing songs if your guests are willing!
21. Piñata
Your piñata could come in any shape that you feel would fit your party whether that be a donkey, a cowboy boot, or a cactus! Piñatas are great party activities because not only are they always fun for guests, they allow for customization on the host's end. The possibilities are endless when it comes to what you fill it with.
Pinatas 3D Horse Party Game, Decoration & Photo Prop - Brown/Tan
Pinata measures 19 inches high by 19 inches long by 6 inches deep
Pinata holds up to 2lbs of toys and candy (sold separately)
This beautiful Stallion will look fantastic at your next wild West or cowboy themed party!
Use as centerpiece decoration for your party table or just fill with candy and toys and play the traditional party game
Includes strong cable tie at the top for hanging Pinata
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$27.87
Wild West Theme Party: Menu Ideas
What do you call a happy cowboy? A jolly rancher. Look no further if you want to make your guests happy. We have compiled a list of party food ideas to serve at your next Wild West theme party. Just follow these cowboy foods tips:
22. Cactus Juice
This is a western drink that everyone at your party is sure to love! Take some ginger ale and lime-flavored Kool-Aid and mix it together. Grab some green cups and make your guests feel like they are really drinking juice from a cactus!
23. Jars
Grab some old jars to give your party that old-fashioned feel. Stick some old-fashioned candy in the jars like taffy and root beer barrels. Lay these around your party as decoration and as a snack.
24. Traditional Food
Serve traditional cowboy food such as chili, sloppy joes, beans, ribs, etc. To keep it to the cowboy theme, give your courses fun names! Some can be “Howlin Hot Dogs” or “Rootin’ Tootin’ Ribs”.
25. Campfire Potatoes
Wrap up potatoes in aluminum foil and cook them over your campfire if you chose to have one. This is a delicious and interactive menu idea for your guests. Make sure to provide plenty of toppings for your guests!
26. Cookies
Everyone loves cookies, and cowboys are no exception! Bake cookies for your guests and cut them out into cowboy shapes to add to your menu. Try making a cowboy hat or sheriff’s badge. If you can’t cut them out into cowboy shapes, try drawing on them with frosting. Don't forget about healthy snacks and dessert as well!
27. Cowboy Cake
Create a cowboy cake for your parties! You can either get this cake made at your local bakery or make it yourself. Try decorating the cake with a Sheriff, horses, and hay. For added effect, crush graham crackers to make your cake look like it has dirt on it! You can also create a “fence” around your cake by using pretzel sticks.
28. Watermelon
Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing snack for guests to enjoy at your party. Choosing watermelon specifically to add to your menu allows for your guests to participate in a seed spitting contest!
Wild West Theme Party: Favors
Southern hospitality will always be a huge part of the Wild West no matter how much more it was known for its ruggedness and intense atmosphere, so sending your guests home with these incredible party favors or gifts is essential.
29. Hats and Handkerchiefs
Cowboys and Cowgirls are iconic in part because of their unique headwear. Get into your true wild west mood by giving out cowboy hats either in traditional colors or extremely colorful ones. Find handkerchiefs in a checked or gingham style for a useful favor that further adds to the involvement of the western theme. Not only will your guests be more in the western spirit, but they will also have memorable favors to take home!
30. Small Cacti
Having a hard time thinking of a gift or a party favor? Your guests will be so surprised when you give them their very own cactus to take home. You can find small potted cacti at gardening stores. They are also easy to maintain since they don’t need to be watered as often as other plants. You can also attach a sticker that says something like “I was at Jack & Jill’s Rodeo” or you could paint the pots for personalization!
31. Cowboy Candy
You do not just have to fill your mind with western ideas, but also your stomach! You can use regular candy bars or any other candy as party favors to keep your guests happy and amazed at your creativity. To do this, use cookie cutters in the shape of cowboy boots, cowboy hats, or cacti to shape your candy to the theme.
32. Felt Horses
Have your guests riding out of the party with their own felt ponies. These prizes can be made out of felt, yarn, and some dowel rods. Customize these with colorful felt or yarn to give each guest a pony that stands out!
33. Old Photos
Capture the moment by taking black and white photographs, which later you can frame with cute and stylish western frames for your guests to take home. Just like the Wild West ended, so will the party but you can always have your infamous cowboys and cowgirls look back on it with the photos!
34. Lucky Horseshoe Key Chains
The cowboys and cowgirls at your event will need some good luck after the party, so you can buy them horseshoe key chains! If you can’t make the key chains, then instead you could buy some small plastic horseshoes for your party folks that they can carry around in their pockets for luck and to remember your party. Who knows, their horse may get a flat on the way home
24 Wedding Key Rings Horseshoe Key Chain Party Gift, Gift or Souvenir for Guests, Bridal Shower, Wedding Party or Birthday Party Return Gift (Gold)
1*Product Features: Label printing greetings without stamping or handwriting, saving your time, but you can write what you want to say on the back of the label; the keychain can tie cards and keys, a good combination, and can also be used in daily life decoration
2*Great Value Package: Each set contains 24 horseshoe key charms, 24 tags and 24 key rings for adult guests as a wedding gift or bridal shower gift; enough for your wedding or party needs
3*Reliable quality: The horseshoe keychain is made of zinc alloy, electroplated with silver, with good texture, no fading, no rust
4*FIT FOR MOST PEOPLE: Don't worry that the product size doesn't fit you, the cute design will make most people like it, especially cute kids. And the product is very practical, both adults and children can use it.
5*After-sale service: look forward to your purchase and give valuable advice on our products. If there is any quality problem, we support free return and exchange
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$29.98
Using our ideas for a cowboy-themed event we can promise you that your guests will be able to have the wildest party of their lives. Our tips on decorations, games, favors, and foods are sure to make it a night that you and your friends will never forget!
West Theme Party: Conclusion
There are so many ways to do a Wild West Theme Party! It can be overwhelming to figure out what you want to do. Luckily, these ideas can help put you in the right direction. If you need any other party ideas, make sure to check out our other ideas!
Written by Isis Bonilla, Shannyn Apolaro, Hayden Corbell, Aditi Parikh; Contributors: Samantha Shek, Ben Kennaley and Gianna Rutigliano