Image: Barbecue. Credit: Pexels.com

A backyard party is a great opportunity for fun, games, and a memorable time. Aussie backyards have been hosting parties for generations and will do so for generations to come.

Whether a family get-together or a few neighbours, even a humble barbecue has the amazing power to bring people together for a few hours of excellent food and drinks, laughs, and renewing old friendships.

However, if you’re planning a backyard party for adults or kids, and would like to make it special — one that people will be talking about for years — how about trying out one of these 12 backyard party ideas?

1. Mechanical bull

Hiring a mechanical bull will instantly ramp up the level of fun at your party. A competition of skill, balance, and sheer laughs, it’s also a great opportunity for some hilarious Facebook photos.

2. Combined working bee/backyard party

Here’s a chance to get everyone around to help on a backyard project (such as help building a kids’ sandpit, painting the house or building vegetable beds). The working bee can be combined with a barbecue and drinks to feed the hungry workers and a chat to renew friendships while working and partying.

3. Local produce party

Ever thought of a party where everyone brings their own handmade craft or home grown produce either bought or made? Stalls can be set up and party goers given the chance to grab the best local material from their neighbours and friends. These market-style stalls give people a chance to swap and show vegetables, crafts, and second-hand wares.

4. Street fair backyard party

Why not expand this theme into a larger mini street fair theme such as those held in years gone past? You may wish to discuss this with a couple of neighbours with adjoining properties and organise bunting and themed celebratory stalls with the whole street getting involved.

5. Local history theme

A backyard costume with a difference. Ask everyone to come dressed up as their favourite local historical person. Educational as well as fun, this should get a few scrambling to check books at the local library!

6. Revolving backyard party

Why be restricted to one backyard? Organise with friends in your street or town to have a number of backyard parties, all at different residences.

7. Water balloons

Middle of summer? Are the kids looking for a fun idea for a backyard party? Why not arrange a water balloon challenge? Fill water balloons with water and stand back and watch the fun!

8. Beach-themed backyard party

Taking the water theme further, some sand, umbrellas, beach towels, deckchairs, ice buckets, and sprinklers would give the right backyard beach atmosphere for the warmer months.

9. Ghost tent

Hire a large tent or marquee and then decorate it in a ghostly theme. Cardboard ghoulish cut-outs, ghostly food, balloons and lighting to set the tone and then ask everyone to attend in their best ghost costumes. A great idea for Halloween and a theme that the kids will love!

10. Backyard movie night

Great fun for the kids and adults alike. Why not try setting up the backyard for a movie night with themed decorations and colours? Hiring a large screen for the playing of the film would be a fantastic touch. You could even sell candy.

11. Wine tasting party

Enjoy learning about some new wines over the course of an afternoon. Decide on a theme for the afternoon and ask everyone to bring a bottle. Whether you do a cheese and wine matching party or perhaps stick to one grape varietal like Sauvignon Blanc. We’re sure this wine tasting party at home guide will help you create the ultimate evening celebrating your favourite grape-beverage.

12. Camping party

Why not invite friends over for a camping trip which requires not having to leave home for! You have all the comforts of being at home, yet you can really get into the spirit of it in the backyard and put up some tents and cook sausages. We love this idea of a s’mores bar!

You’re only limited by your imagination and this list may be just the start of your next big backyard event. Of course, one of the crucial parts of a successful backyard party is to get the permission of your neighbours. So make sure they’re invited but more than that, why not ask them for their help and ideas? Many would love to be involved and be given the opportunity to help with the organising of the biggest and best backyard party to hit the town for many years!

Tell us about your backyard party success stories below.

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