10 Stellar 50th Birthday Party Ideas for Men

Show the birthday boy that turning 50 is nifty by coming up with a stellar way to usher in the next decade. From tickets to a local sporting event (complete with a bday message on a jumbotron) to a low-key gathering at a cigar bar, choose a milestone birthday celebration that matches his interests and personality. 

If you’re looking for some inspiration, we’ve got you covered with a range of 50th birthday party ideas for men. 

10 Nifty 50th Birthday Party Ideas for Men

Looking for a classic, classy, or laid-back party theme for this milestone birthday? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite 50th birthday party ideas for men to help you plan a fun and memorable celebration.

We’ve also included a matching online invitation for each. Each design gives you the chance to add your own personal touch by customizing colors, backgrounds, envelopes, text, and more. Plus, it makes the planning process easy with automated reminders and RSVP tracking.

1. Cigar Bar

Design: Claudia Owen

Celebrate with a relaxing evening at a local cigar bar and lounge, complete with sweet aromas, big stogies, and a handful of close friends. Indulge in some rounds of whiskey or bourbon to complement the atmosphere, and officially cheers “happy birthday” while reminiscing about old times. 

Looking for a fitting party favor? Give each attendee a cigar to take home.

Spread the word about the birthday bash with this Fifty! Invitation. There are several vibrant color options to choose from, making it a versatile option for any 50th birthday gathering with friends and loved ones.

2. Poker Night

Design: Hooray Creative

Up the ante by hosting a poker night or casino party. Lower the risk for the birthday boy by covering his buy in, and be sure to set ground rules. 

Bring out whiskey tumblers, a humidor with a variety of cigars, and a range of snacks spanning the gamut from popcorn to sliders. To make it extra festive, decorate with jumbo playing cards and dice-inspired decor.

This Poker Chip Invitation is a fun option for gearing the gang up for a night of cards in celebration of the guest of honor. Not a fan of the red chip? Customize the color, and opt for a blue or black chip instead.

3. Brewery Bash

Design: Jessica Wiliams

Is the man of the hour a fan of good brews? Make a reservation at a brewery he’s been wanting to try — or at one of his favorites — and have the crew surprise him with a night out. 

Depending on the venue, a private tasting or tour might be possible. Bonus points if the craft beer joint has activities to enjoy like darts or cornhole while celebrating.

Customize this Brew Bash Invitation to let everyone know about the “hoppy” times ahead. The image of the perfectly poured craft beer will have them anxiously awaiting the birthday festivities.

4. Retro Movie Night

Design: Claudia Owen

Even if the birthday boy is a fan of modern animation and filmmaking, there’s likely a part of him that can’t let go of the films from “back in his day.” 

Pop some popcorn and have beverages at the ready for an evening with family and friends enjoying movies from the yesteryears. If there is a favorite from the year he was born, add that to the movie list to really zero in on the nostalgia.

This Classic Movie Night Invitation will set the perfect tone for the evening’s double feature. 

5. Bowling Extravaganza

Design: Signature Greenvelope

If bowling is up his alley, have a ball by renting out some lanes and tables for the night. Be sure to bring along some decorations and maybe even a big “50th birthday” banner so nobody in the venue misses the opportunity to cheers the birthday boy. 

For an added personal touch, ask the bowling alley staff if they can play music that fits the newly 50-year-old’s tastes, or supply them with your own playlist. 

This bowling invitation strikes just the right retro vibe for honoring one of his favorite pastimes. Customize the text as you like, and send it out to set the birthday planning in full swing.

6. Getaway Weekend

Design: Noonday Design

For such a major milestone, doing something extra special like a getaway weekend can make it extra memorable. For example, if he’s really into golf, planning a trip centered around top golf courses would be a great way to par-tee. Similarly, if he’s a big fisherman, booking an off-the-hook weekend getaway to his favorite watering holes or new spots he’s been chomping at the bit to try would be a great choice. 

Alternatively, if there isn’t a specific hobby to center the weekend around, think about places he’s never been in his 50 years or consider hot spots like Las Vegas, Chicago, or New York City.

If you’re pulling together a getaway that involves the outdoors, this Textured Trail Invitation perfectly sets the scene. With a picturesque waterfront and woodsy setting, it will put guests at ease and have them dreaming of the upcoming get-together.

7. Entertainment Outing

Design: Signature Greenvelope

For something shorter than a weekend getaway but nearly as much fun, buy tickets to an event, like a Broadway-style performance, a concert, a comedy show, or a sporting event. Bonus: It doubles as a birthday gift! 

If you’re a good secret keeper you can even make it a surprise party! Take him out to dinner near the venue, make the big reveal when you start walking toward the event, and  have other special guests surprise him when you get to your seats.

You can fully customize this All Access Invitation to match whatever show or event you’re going to.

8. Roast Him

Design: Bonjour Berry

If the man of the hour has a good sense of humor and thick skin, a birthday roast can be an entertaining, memorable way to go. Reach out to family members and close friends who you know have great stories to tell (and aren’t afraid to take the stage) and queue them up for an evening of laughing with (and sometimes at) the birthday boy. 

It helps to have an emcee to keep the pace of the evening moving. Also, make sure to allow time for the guest of honor to have his own rebuttal at the end. Photos are great, but video is even better to capture this birthday bash.

This Exclamation Invitation can help set an easygoing tone for the celebration. 

9. Dinner Party

Design: Claudia Owen

Take him out to his favorite restaurant with other loved ones for a night of feasting on scrumptious appetizers, savory entrees, and delicious desserts. If you’ve rented a private room, bring some party decorations (and over-the-hill-themed centerpieces if you dare) to liven up the get together. 

Ask ahead of time if you’re allowed to bring in your own cupcakes or birthday cake, or if the restaurant has their own unique way of celebrating adult birthdays.

If you’re feasting at a waterfront seafood restaurant, this Gone Fishing Invitation would be a perfect pick. You can also peruse Greenvelope’s other 50th birthday dinner designs.

10. Grill and Chill

Design: Signature Greenvelope

If a fine dining affair isn’t his style, host a BBQ to kick back, relax, and enjoy great company. Go simple with hot dogs, brats, and burgers for a big crowd, or if you have a fantastic cook on hand and a smaller guest list, put them to work making mouthwatering steak or BBQ ribs. Stock up on plenty of beverages, sides, and snacks to complement the main course. 

With masculine color choices and a whiskey bottle in the center, this 50th birthday party invitation would work well for a BBQ and Brews gathering.

Cheers to 50!

Throwing a 50th birthday party is a fantastic way to show the guest of honor just how much they mean to their closest friends and loved ones. Pull out all the stops to celebrate their half-a-century milestone while adding a personal touch to make sure the festivities mesh well with how they would want to celebrate. If it’s done right, they might even be looking forward to their 60th birthday!

Do you have other upcoming events to plan? Check out our Stationers blog for more party planning inspiration.