A retro scene of a 70's disco in cartoon format, with silohettes of people dancing wearing 70's type clothing, such as flares.

How to Host a 70s Disco Party for Adults

Bring the groove and glitter of the 1970s to life with these fun and funky steps for an unforgettable disco party:

This post includes affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through these links, I may receive compensation at no additional cost to you.

70's Disco Party Invitations

Invite some groovy guests to party like it 1975. Here are some invitations to send.

Set the Mood with Decorations

70s colour scheme

Use vibrant colours like gold, silver, purple, and neon accents.

This party banner will be great at setting the scene.

Disco Ball

A must-have centrepiece for lighting and ambiance.

These Disco ball balloons look great.

Party Lighting

Incorporate strobe lights, LED strips, and colourful spotlights for a dance-floor vibe.

Such as these Jagdag Disco Party Lights, Sound Activation DJ Party Strobe Lights.

Wall Décor

Hang posters of 70s icons, records, and metallic streamers.

This 70s bunting from Etsy would be great.

Dress the Part

Encourage guests to dress in 70s disco-inspired outfits like:

  • Bell-bottoms, jumpsuits, and platform shoes.
  • Sequin tops, metallic fabrics, and groovy patterns.
  • Oversized sunglasses, gold chains, and feathered hair.

Take a look at this, a 70s Hippie Dress Costume. with necklace, earrings and sunglass.

70s Fancy Dress Mens Flares  costume with Wig, Fake Mustache, 70s Glasses, Disco Outfit.

Create a Funky Playlist

  • Include 70s disco hits from artists like Donna Summer, Bee Gees, ABBA, and Chic.
  • Mix in funk, soul, and classic rock for variety.
  • Use a streaming service or hire a DJ for live mixing.

A complimation CD such as this ‘Ultimate 70s Dancefloor’ CD would keep you dancing through the night.

Serve Disco-Themed Food and Drinks

  • Finger Foods: Vol-au-vents, deviled eggs, cheese fondue, and prawn cocktails.
  • Drinks: Retro cocktails like Tequila Sunrise, Harvey Wallbangers, and Pina Coladas.
  • Dessert: Sparkly cupcakes or a cake shaped like a disco ball.

This 70s Disco Printable Party Pack has alsorts, including food and drink labels  –  Seventies Party / Disco Photo Booth Props / Disco Decorations / Disco Prints / 70’s Cake Toppers / Disco

Set Up a Disco Dance Floor

Think John Travolta – Clear a space with non-slip flooring for dancing. Add a light-up floor mat or tape squares in neon colors to mimic a classic disco floor.

Dance Floor this way arrow print.

Plan Fun Activities

70s style Dance-Off

Award prizes for the best moves or 70s-inspired dance styles.

Like this personalised ‘Disco Glitter Ball Award’

Photo Booth

Include props like wigs, oversized glasses, and 70s signs.

70s Trivia

Test knowledge of 70s pop culture and music.

These printable 70s party games will be fun.

Hand Out Party Favors

Mini disco balls, funky sunglasses, or 70s-themed badges make great take-home gifts.

Hosting a 70s disco party is all about embracing the glitter, groove, and good vibes of the era. Make it a night to remember with music, style, and fun!

 

Groovy Questions and Answers

Q1: What defines a 70s disco party?
A1: A true 70s disco party leans into retro glam — think mirrored balls, flashy lights, polyester outfits, bell-bottoms, platform shoes, and a killer disco soundtrack full of funk, soul, and dance classics.

Q2: What kind of music should I include in the playlist?
A2: Include iconic 70s disco artists like Donna Summer, Bee Gees, Gloria Gaynor, Chic, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Mix in funk-soul tracks, and don’t forget some 70s dancefloor hits like “Stayin’ Alive”, “I Will Survive”, and “Le Freak.”

Q3: What decorations make a 70s disco party feel authentic?
A3: Use disco balls, strobe lights, mirrored surfaces, neon lighting, metallic fabrics, streamers, and geometric patterns. Add some lava lamps or retro posters for extra vibe.

Q4: What should guests wear?
A4: Encourage guests to wear 70s-style outfits — bell-bottom trousers, jumpsuits, sequinned tops, platform shoes, wide collars, and lots of glitter. Accessories like afro wigs, big sunglasses, and headbands add great flair.

Q5: What food and drink suit a 70s disco theme?
A5: Serve finger foods and retro party snacks: fondue, devilled eggs, cheese balls, cocktail sausages, and crudités. For drinks, think classic cocktails (or mocktails) like Harvey Wallbangers, Tequila Sunrise, or disco-themed punch in glassware with citrus and colourful garnishes.

Q6: What party games or activities are good for a 70s-themed adult party?
A6: Try a disco dance-off, a costume contest, karaoke (70s hits), or a retro photobooth with 70s props (like oversized sunglasses or feather boas). You could also do a “Name That Disco Song” quiz.

Q7: How do I get the lighting right for a disco feel?
A7: Use coloured LED lights, disco balls, and maybe a fog or haze machine to create depth. If possible, rent or borrow a strobe light or mirror-ball projector. Use warm, disco-era colour gels on lights (purple, orange, yellow).

Q8: How much space do I need for a dancefloor?
A8: You don’t need a huge area, but ideally, you want a dedicated space where people can move freely. Clear some furniture, lay down a shiny or mirrored surface, or use a rug as a provisional dance zone.

Q9: Is a DJ essential, or can I handle the music myself?
A9: You don’t need a professional DJ — a well-curated playlist works brilliantly. Use a streaming service or Spotify playlist of 70s disco hits, or ask a friend to DJ for a few hours.

Q10: Can I throw a 70s disco party on a budget?
A10: Yes! Use DIY decor (foil curtains, balloons, cheap disco balls), use a playlist instead of hiring live musicians or a DJ, and ask guests to dress up in what they already own or thrift 70s-style clothes.