Throwing a backyard party doesn’t have to drain your bank account. In fact, the best parties are the ones where you get creative and keep it simple. If you’re looking for cheap backyard party ideas that are fun, easy, and won’t make your wallet sob uncontrollably, you’re in the right place!
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, movie night under the stars, or just a casual hangout with friends, these budget-friendly outdoor party ideas will help you throw a memorable party without breaking the bank. So, grab your sunglasses, your favorite playlist, and let’s get this party started!
Setting the Scene with Cheap and Creative Decorations
You don’t need to hire some super expensive decorator or spend your whole paycheck on decorations. Nopers! Everything you see in the picture above came from the Dollar Store for super cheap. And guess what? It looks amazing—like you actually knew what you were doing! Hey, that counts for something in my books! Lol.
Don’t forget to cover your treats with lids or plastic wrap, unless you want ants and wasps to throw their own all-you-can-eat buffet. Seriously, those things are party crashers – to put it nicely that is! So, whatever you do…. DON’T overlook this whatever you do.
Also, if you don’t have one already, grab yourself a bug zapper, citronella candle, and a wasp trap and/or fly trap. Heck just do both if you can, seriously!
I tried a fly trap last summer and let me tell you—it was the wildest (and most disgusting) thing I’ve ever seen. It works like magic but keep it faaaaaar away from the food (and people) as you possibly can, unless you want your guests to lose their appetite faster than you can say, “Who wants cupcakes!”
Either way, with a little creativity and a few cheap backyard party ideas, you can totally transform your space into a party paradise. And no, you don’t have to be Martha Stewart to pull it off.
DIY Goody Bags
Look, we all love a good party favor, but nobody’s got time for overpriced store-bought ones. So here’s what you do: grab some clear goody bags from Dollar Tree, toss in snacks, candies, or cute little trinkets, and you’re golden. It’s a super easy and affordable way to give your guests something fun to take home.
Maya’s Tip #1:
Want to make them look fancier than they actually are? Add name tags or silly little messages. Suddenly, your $1 goody bags look like something straight out of Pinterest.
I love these little disposable paper goody bags from Etsy – they’re perfect for ANY fun occasion, kids of all ages and adults. I mean let’s be real, what adult doesn’t use at least one emoji like this on a daily basis!? Lol. Cool, fun and lighthearted – the basis of every backyard party for kids and/or adults.
Easy Snack Table Setup
Forget the overpriced catering. A snack table can be both cheap and fabulous. Just whip up some cupcakes, cookies, or finger foods and pile them on colorful plates or trays. Cupcakes are a winner every time because they’re cheap to make, easy to serve, and literally everyone loves them.
If you want to get fancy, add different heights to your table by stacking plates or using cake stands. It makes everything look more professional—even if you baked those cookies at 2 AM in your pajamas.
Maya’s Tip #2:
Keep it simple and avoid foods that need to be reheated or kept cold. Chips, candy, cupcakes, and cookies are all safe bets that make for a cheap backyard party idea everyone will enjoy.
Candy Bar on a Budget
Want to make your snack table look extra fancy without spending fancy money? Make a DIY candy bar!
Here’s how:
- Grab some containers: Mason jars, wine glasses, or any cute containers you can find from Dollar Tree or Walmart.
- Fill them with colorful candies: Line them up on your table for an instant wow factor.
- Match your party’s color scheme: Bonus points if you can find candies that fit your theme.
- Throw in retro candies: People will lose their minds over Ring Pops and gummy bears.
Creating a Fun Backyard Vibe Without Spending Much
Alright, so you’ve got your food situation figured out. But if your backyard feels as exciting as a dentist’s waiting room, nobody’s sticking around. Luckily, I’ve got some easy backyard party ideas to liven things up.
Add Some Flowers
Flowers are like the glitter of the decor world—they make everything look better. Grab a bouquet from the grocery store or even pick wildflowers from your yard. Stick them in mason jars, recycled bottles, or whatever else you’ve got lying around.
And if you’re feeling crafty, wrap the jars with twine or colorful ribbon for that rustic-chic vibe. All the charm, none of the crazy price tag.
💐 Raid your backyard for wildflowers or leafy branches. Free decorations are the best kind of decorations.
Water Fun for Hot Days
If it’s blazing hot outside, you’ve got to throw in some water activities. It’s basically a party requirement. Grab water guns, water balloons, or even set up a DIY slip-and-slide if you’re feeling wild.
You can find cheap water toys at Dollar Tree or Walmart, and they’ll keep everyone entertained for hours. Plus, nobody can argue while having a water balloon fight. It’s like an unspoken law of fun.
Maya’s Tip #3:
Don’t forget towels! You don’t want your guests looking like soggy rats for the rest of the party.
Balloon Magic
When in doubt, add balloons. Lots of them. They’re like the instant party starters of the decor world. Get a bunch of colorful balloons, or go all out with confetti-filled ones. Scatter them around the yard, tie them to chairs, or even make a DIY balloon arch if you’re feeling ambitious.
And the best part? You can get packs of balloons at Dollar Tree for next to nothing. No need to blow your budget on helium-filled masterpieces. Just tape or string them up yourself, and boom—party magic.
Maya’s Tip #4:
If you really want to impress your guests, make balloon animals. Or at least try. Even if you fail, it’ll be hilarious.
Setting Up Furniture and Lighting on a Budget
You don’t need to rent fancy furniture to make your backyard feel cozy and inviting. Here are some cheap backyard party ideas for setting up the perfect space.
DIY Seating Area
Drag out chairs from your house, throw down blankets, and toss on some pillows for a cozy, laid-back vibe. You can even lay down a rug or large blanket to keep chairs from sinking into the grass. Instant picnic paradise.
And if you’ve got old chairs that look a little rough, toss a blanket or sheet over them. It’s like makeup for furniture—cheap, easy, and totally does the trick.
Maya’s Tip #5:
For a super chill vibe, make a pillow fort. Seriously, you’re never too old for a pillow fort.
Food and Snacks Made Simple and Cheap
What’s a party without good food? Keeping your guests fed and happy doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here are some cheap backyard party ideas for food and snacks that everyone will love.
Keep It Simple with Finger Foods
Listen, nobody wants to deal with fancy dishes at a backyard party. Stick with finger foods that are cheap, easy, and loved by everyone. Think chips, popcorn, cookies, and cupcakes. They’re all winners, and they won’t have you crying over your grocery bill.
And here’s the best part: you can buy most of these snacks in bulk from places like Costco or Sam’s Club. The more, the merrier (and cheaper). Just toss them on colorful trays or paper plates and watch them disappear.
If you’re feeling fancy, set up a DIY nacho bar or hot dog station. Let guests pile on their own toppings and pretend they’re at a food truck!
It’s budget-friendly and makes you look like the “hostess with the mostest”. 😉
DIY Dessert Table
Let’s be honest: desserts are the real stars of any party. Setting up a DIY dessert table is one of my favorite cheap backyard party ideas because it’s easy, looks impressive, and makes people super happy.
Just line up cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and candy on a separate table. Throw in some colorful plates or trays, and you’ve got yourself a sweet masterpiece. Bonus points if you go the extra mile and add a candy bar filled with cheap bulk candy from Dollar Tree or Walmart.
Maya’s Tip #6:
If you’re baking cupcakes, skip the fancy icing bags and just cut the tip off a plastic baggie. It’s a little janky but totally works. Plus, who doesn’t love a good cupcake tower?
Make It Self-Serve
I am all about making things easier for myself. Setting up a self-serve table lets your guests grab whatever they want whenever they want—without you having to play waitress all night.
Put out napkins, plates, cups, and utensils, then let your friends and family help themselves. It’s a low-cost, stress-free way to keep everyone fed and happy. And trust me, they’ll appreciate not having to wait around for someone to pass them the chips.
Label the dishes! I don’t know why, but people go nuts over cute little signs. Even if it’s just “Chips” and “Cookies,” it makes your spread look way more professional. Also, it stops people from mistaking your spicy salsa for strawberry jam.
Let’s Recap:
- Set out essentials: Napkins, plates, cups, and utensils—just line them up for easy access.
- Label the dishes: People love cute little signs. Even if it’s just “Chips” and “Cookies,” it makes your spread look way more professional.
- Avoid confusion: Labeling also stops people from mistaking your spicy salsa for strawberry jam.
Cheap Backyard Party Ideas for Extra Fun
Okay, so your party’s looking good and your guests are happily stuffing their faces. Now it’s time to bring the fun! These cheap backyard party ideas will keep everyone entertained without emptying your wallet.
Set Up a DIY Photo Booth
Everyone loves a photo booth. And guess what? It doesn’t have to be fancy to be fun. All you need is a colorful backdrop (hello, Dollar Tree streamers!) and some goofy props. It’s an easy way to keep everyone laughing and snapping pics all night.
Just hang a sheet or some streamers between two trees or tape them to your fence. Instant photo booth magic! And the best part? It gives your guests something to do AND makes for super cute Instagram pics. #BackyardGoals
Use cardboard and paint to make props like giant sunglasses or silly hats. Sure, they might look a little wonky, but that’s part of the fun.
Host a Movie Night
Want your cheap backyard party ideas to feel extra special? Host a backyard movie night. All you need is a projector, a white sheet or a blank wall, and some cozy seating.
Lay down blankets, pillows, and lawn chairs to create a super chill outdoor theater. Serve popcorn, candy, and soda, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate outdoor movie experience. And if you don’t have a projector, just use a laptop or TV. No judgment here.
Maya’s Tip #7:
Set out citronella candles or bug spray so your guests aren’t slapping mosquitoes all night. No one wants to go home with 50 itchy souvenirs.
Play Classic Games
Sometimes, the best cheap backyard party ideas are the old-school ones. Bring back classic games like:
- Tag (because yes, adults can totally play tag)
- Hide and Seek (bonus points if you’re playing in the dark)
- Cornhole (DIY boards work just fine)
- Water Balloon Toss (because nothing says “fun” like getting hit in the face with cold water)
- Charades (the more dramatic, the better)
You can even turn it into a mini-tournament if you’re feeling ambitious. Loser buys the pizza—sounds fair to me.
Don’t be afraid to act like a little kid. It’s your party and you can do what you want too….do what you want too….do what you want too….! If you want to run around playing tag, then go for it. I promise, everyone else will be running around like maniacs within minutes.
Try a Talent Show
If your friends and family love to show off their skills, set up a backyard talent show! Whether it’s singing, dancing, comedy, or performing weird magic tricks, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Encourage everyone to participate, even if it’s something silly like balancing a spoon on their nose. It’s all about having fun and making memories. Plus, you might discover your aunt has a secret talent for rapping.
Hand out little prizes for the winners—like candy or cheap party favors. Even if it’s just bragging rights, everyone loves to win.
Setting Up Furniture and Lighting on a Budget
You don’t need to rent out fancy furniture or splurge on professional lighting to make your backyard party feel cozy and inviting. With these cheap backyard party ideas, you can create the perfect setup without spending a fortune.
DIY Seating Area
If dragging your living room furniture outside is a bit much, I get it! But wait, because you don’t need to. Just gather whatever chairs you have—folding chairs, lawn chairs, bean bags, or even some picnic blankets.
Spread out a large blanket or rug to keep chairs from sinking into the grass, and you’ve got yourself a cozy outdoor lounge. It’s like turning your backyard into a VIP chill zone—minus the pricey bottle service.
Maya’s Tip #8:
Make it extra comfy by tossing pillows everywhere. And I mean everywhere. There’s something weirdly luxurious about being surrounded by a ridiculous amount of pillows. And if anyone asks why you have so many, just say it’s ambiance.
String Lights for a Magical Touch
I don’t care what anyone says—string lights make everything better. They’re like instant fairy dust for your backyard. And the best part? They’re cheap!
Head to Walmart or hit up an online sale and grab some solar-powered string lights. Just hang them along your fence, wrap them around trees, or string them above your seating area for that dreamy, magical glow.
Want to take it up a notch? Pop some fairy lights in mason jars and scatter them around your yard. They’re cheap, easy, and make you look like you put way more effort into decorating than you actually did.
If you’re feeling extra, add some LED balloons or glow sticks. Sure, it’s a little over-the-top, but isn’t that the point? Plus, it gives your guests something fun to play with once the sun goes down.
Cheap Backyard Party Ideas for Music and Entertainment
A party without music is like a cupcake without frosting—just sad. Here’s how to keep the good vibes rolling without breaking the bank.
Forget hiring a DJ. Just put together a killer playlist on Spotify, Apple Music, or whatever you’re into. Mix in some classics, throwback hits, and current jams to keep everyone happy.
If you’re feeling fancy, make different playlists for different parts of the night. Chill tunes for when guests arrive, upbeat tracks for games, and slow jams for when everyone’s tired and just wants to vibe.
Maya’s Tip #9:
If you’re feeling super extra, let guests request songs throughout the night. You’ll end up with a playlist that includes everything from Beyoncé to Baby Shark. And honestly? It’s hilarious.
Set Up a Dance Floor
You don’t need a fancy setup to get people dancing. Just clear some space, throw down a big rug or blanket, and call it a dance floor. Trust me, nobody’s going to care if it’s not some polished hardwood masterpiece.
Got some extra string lights? Hang them around your dance area for a little sparkle. And if you’ve got glow sticks lying around, throw them into the mix.
Throw in some silly dance challenges or games to get people moving. Dance-offs, freeze dance, or limbo—anything that makes people laugh is a win.
Build Your Own Backyard Bash
You’ve got the decorations, the snacks, the games, the lights, and the music. Look at you, party-planning genius! With all these cheap backyard party ideas, you’re about to throw the most fun and fabulous backyard bash anyone’s ever seen. And the best part? You did it all without emptying your wallet.
Putting It All Together
- Decorate Smart: Use balloons, flowers, fairy lights, and anything else you have lying around. Dollar Tree is your best friend here.
- Set Up Snack Stations: Make it self-serve and easy. Chips, candy, cupcakes, and DIY nacho bars are all hits.
- Create Cozy Spaces: Set up blankets, pillows, and DIY seating areas for ultimate chill vibes.
- Add Fun Activities: Water games, DIY photo booths, classic games, talent shows—whatever fits your crew.
- Bring the Tunes: Make a playlist that fits your party’s vibe and don’t be afraid to switch it up throughout the night.
Maya’s Tip #10:
Don’t stress if everything doesn’t go perfectly. Your guests are there to have fun, not judge your balloon arrangement. The more relaxed you are, the better the party will be.
Ready to Throw Your Own Backyard Party?
Planning your own budget-friendly outdoor party is totally doable. Whether it’s a family gathering, a movie night, or just a fun day with friends, these tips will help you throw an amazing party without spending a lot of money.
Seriously, the best cheap backyard party ideas are the ones that make people feel good without making you feel broke. So, go ahead and start planning! And if you use any of these tips, I’d love to hear how it goes.
Drop your own cheap backyard party ideas in the comments below—I’m always looking for new ways to throw a killer party on a shoestring budget!
