How to Slay a Neon Glow in the Dark Party

Neon: Everyone’s Favourite Way to Glow

Neon is FUN. It’s the ultimate colour scheme for a party theme because it’s bright, it’s hyper, and you only ever see neon in a fun context (or athletic wear). It’s also every millennial’s 90s childhood dream (and who doesn’t love glow in the dark?). If you are a big fan of neon, there’s no better way to indulge this joy than to throw a neon glow in the dark party! Let’s dig into some neon party ideas and start planning.

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How to Throw a Neon Glow in the Dark Party

1. Transform Your Space with Neon Glow in the Dark Party Decorations

A lit-up strand of multi-coloured neon light bulbs is bunched up in a pile on the floor against a stark black background, a perfect party prop for a neon glow in the dark party — Photo by Adonyi Gábor

As with any colour-centric party theme, a neon party is all about how everything looks. Most other details are flexible and can be catered to your taste. But the look of your space is what makes this party what it is. You’ve done your decorating job well when someone walks in and immediately knows they’re at a neon glow in the dark party. Luckily, it’s easy to decorate for a neon party: just get neon-everything and put it everywhere! Then you just need blacklight magic to make the neon colours glow. Here are some decorating staples to get you started:

Brightly lit giant neon arrow signs in blue, yellow and pink point to the top right corner of the frame — Photo by Charlota Blunarova

2. Prepare Party Foods and Neon Glow in the Dark Party Drinks

You won’t find any naturally neon foods, so feed your guests with popular basics like chips and hummus, a cheese board, or other such party staples. If you prefer, you can invite guests to bring a dish to share. Most people are happy to contribute (see 4. Guest Participation). Either way, always be aware of any invited guests’ dietary restrictions and provide at least one or two decent food/drink options for them as well. And even if the food isn’t neon, your guests can still eat and drink with fun neon glow cutlery, neon cups, and glow stick paper plates!

While we may not have neon food, that doesn’t mean you can’t craft wicked treats and libations that glow under blacklight. Check out these fun neon recipes to serve your guests colourful cocktails:

And if you enjoy baking and are feeling ambitious, consider crafting a glow-in-the-dark cake or neon galaxy cupcakes!

Several neon hearts of orange, green, indigo and red appear slightly transparent and 'float' upwards against a stark black background — Photo by Dorice Legault

3. Spark a Neon Charge with an Electrifying Playlist

Background music is key for a party’s vibe. A neon party is high energy, so craft a playlist full of electrifying beats to match the vibrant edginess of this colour scheme!

Most people associate a neon glow in the dark party with a rave, which specifically plays electronic dance music. And that feels fitting for a neon party, as this probably isn’t the occasion for a more traditional sound like jazz or country. But while you can certainly ride the classic EDM vibe if you choose, remember that a neon party isn’t by default the same thing as a rave. It’s simply a party that embraces an awesome neon glow, and you can express that fun theme with whatever type of music you choose! Just make it catchy and upbeat. If you want to make it a dance party, amp up a killer playlist to encourage movement. But if you want people to also be able to have a conversation without shouting over their drinks, play any fun beats (or something chill like lofi) and just keep the volume lower.

4. Establish Guest Participation

Two adjacent close-up photos of women's faces painted with multi-coloured neon glow in the dark party paint against a stark black background — Photos by Leandro Barbosa and h-heyerlein

Guest participation is optional and depends on how you’d like your guests to participate or contribute to your neon party. One way you can invite your guests to participate in a neon party is to wear a neon outfit. You can also offer everyone neon body paint when they arrive and have a neon body art contest! You could request they bring a food plate to share, or BYOB. Whatever type of participation you request, just be sure to include the details when you initially invite your guests.

Checklist of Items You Need

A neon light spiral in multiple colours along one continuous line is vividly displayed against a stark black background — Photo by FLY:D

These are the things you need for a neon glow in the dark party:

Neon glow in the dark party decorations
Blacklight(s)
Refreshments (preferably including fun neon cocktails or treats)
Awesome neon party inspired playlist
Neon outfit and body paint

Preparation Checklist for Your Neon Party

A row of alternating lines of neon light in various colours spans diagonally across the frame against a stark black background — Photo by Solen Feyissa

1. First, confirm that people can come on any chosen date:

Choose party date/time, and preferably alternative date(s) as well
Choose guest list and establish minimum number of guests you’d like (to make it worth your effort)
Six weeks out, confirm guests’ interest in the party and availability on chosen party date(s)
If your preferred minimum number of guests confirm interest and availability, have them secure calendar date for your awesome neon glow in the dark party!

A series of alternating lines of neon light in glowing rainbow colours span diagonally against a stark black background — Photo by Drew Beamer

2. Then, proceed with the fun planning:

Schedule time on your calendar for each step of party prep (securing and/or making food/drinks, etc.)
Create invitations with all the details and send them out 4 weeks before the party
Order any party supplies and decorations 3 weeks out (so they arrive in time to prepare and set up)
Shop for any party supplies/decorations you don’t order online, as well as non-perishable food/drinks
In your planned time slots, acquire perishable food/drinks early enough in advance to prepare in time
In your planned time slots, set up decorations
In your planned time slots, prepare food/drinks (depending on how long things keep)

A series of squiggly neon lines in alternating colours spans the frame — Photo by Marcel Strauß

3. Day of Party (in your amply planned time slot):

Prepare any foods/drinks that are too fresh to do any earlier
Set up any quick/easy last-minute supplies and decorations (if not up already)
Prepare music
Get dressed and paint yourself neon
Once everything’s ready, do any preferred self-care activities to get in a good head space. You want to be enthusiastic and energized but also relaxed and centered so you can enjoy a great party with friends regardless of how any specific neon party ideas pan out.

A neon glow in the dark party is a visual feast for the eyes. With awesome décor, a fun playlist, and plenty of delicious bites and libations, you and your guests will have an awesome time!