How to Host a Lion King Theme Party for Adults

The Lion King: A Story We Continue to Enjoy As Adults

It may be a little uncommon to host an animated Disney movie-themed party for adults, but the truth is, many adults adored The Lion King film as a child and continue to love it. So why not host a Lion King theme party for you and your adult friends? It’s a playful and beautiful story that everyone can enjoy!

August is the perfect time to host this party: most of the month falls under the zodiac sign of Leo. So you can both celebrate The Lion King and all the sunny Leos in your life. And for those of us in the northern hemisphere, August is the hottest month of the year – a fitting time to celebrate a story that takes place in the warm African savanna. But regardless of the time of the year, you can still throw this party – because The Lion King is a nostalgic classic that’s always enjoyable.

At the Orland Disneyworld resort, a foliage-covered statue of Rafiki holds up a baby Simba - an iconic visual to replicate for a Lion King theme party — Photo by Brian McGowan

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How to Throw a Lion King Theme Party

1. Create the Scene with Lion-Themed Decorations

Silhouette of a roaring lion atop a hill against an orange sunset, iconic imagery for a Lion King theme party — Photo by Iván Díaz

The Lion King colours are warm and bold: red, yellow, and orange, with brown and tan undertones. Buy crepe paper streamers in these colours and string them across your ceiling. Showcase any throw blankets or pillows in this colour scheme. If you can host outside, that’s even better! But even inside, you can fill your space with lush houseplants and foliage to create Timon and Pumbaa’s jungle. You can’t go wrong with live palm fronds, tropical leaves, or other palm décor. Any sub-Saharan African décor or motifs will add to a Lion King atmosphere as well.

Decorating can be so much fun, and it can be as pricey as you’re comfortable with. You can usually find inexpensive party supplies if you know where to look. And, with a little time and motivation, you can almost always DIY your party decorations.

Here are some great Lion King theme party decorations:

2. Prepare Lion King-Inspired Food and Beverages

Close-up photo of a lion cub sitting on a rock against a blue sky with white clouds - a Simba-lookalike and adorable visual decoration for a Lion King theme party — Photo by Frans van Heerden

Time to get crafty with your menu! Whether you provide all refreshments or whether you request that guests bring a dish to share, food is a great way to engage everyone in a Lion King theme party. Let your guests experience the flavours of The Lion King with any of these delicious recipes:

3. Set the Ambience with Lion King-Inspired Music (or the Movie)

Two adult male lions on a grassy plain in Tanzania, one sitting and one standing while either roaring or yawning — Photo by Iurii Ivashchenko

The Lion King movie soundtrack is the classic choice for background music at a Lion King theme party. You could just as easily play the movie in the background for a video element as well. Or, for a more thematic and cinematic feel, play an instrumental Lion King music and ambiance track as background music. Another fun option that gives some musical diversity beyond just Lion King-specific music is to play any type of instrumental African-inspired folk music.

4. Add Lion-Inspired Scents

Close-up image of an adult male lion resting in the grass in the glowing sun, a beautiful picture to display as decor at a Lion King theme party — Photo by Steward Masweneng

We covered the sights, the flavors, and the sounds of The Lion King. Now take it a step further and think of ways to engage your guests in Lion King scents! Burn any of these fun scented candles to create a thematic aroma:

Pridelands candle
Hakuna Matata candle or this Hakuna Matata candle
Lion-shaped candle
Leo candle

5. Plan Party Activities

Close-up photo of an adult male lion snarling and nuzzling lion cub during affectionate play — Photo by Pixabay

While games aren’t required to make a great party, they are always fun! If you and your guests are boardgame fans, check out this Lion King adventure board game or another Lion King board game. Another fun way to engage people but without any real agenda is storytelling. Storytelling is a compelling activity that’s basically conversation but with specific stories/topics to share. People enjoy this as they get to relax and are captivated in a story. There is no pressure to contribute, yet they may be compelled to share their own as well. Ask each guest to share something specific such as when they first saw The Lion King, and maybe how old they were and what was going on in their life at the time. Everyone will love traveling down Nostalgia Lane with some good story-sharing!

Checklist of Items You Need

An lioness rests on the ground with two lion cubs — Photo by Leif Blessing

These are the things you need for your Lion King theme party:

Lion King decorations
Lion King-inspired food and bevvies
Lion King-inspired music and/or movie
Lion King/Leo-inspired scented candles

Preparation Checklist for Your Lion King Party

Silhouette of an adult male lion in the Serengeti laying on a rock against a blue sky background — Photo by Jean Wimmerlin

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 Lion King theme party!

2. Then, proceed with the fun planning:

An adult male lion rests on top of a rock — Photo by Matthew Henry

Schedule time on your calendar for each step of party prep as listed below (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)

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/movie
Get dressed in your favourite party outfit (preferably in bright, warm Lion King-inspired colours!)
Once everything’s ready, meditate or do any preferred self-care to get in a good head space if you aren’t already. You want to be a relaxed, energized, and happy host – both for yourself and for your guests, who will pick up on your contagiously good vibe!