Each July, space enthusiasts, science buffs, and history lovers alike celebrate the anniversary of the first Moon landing on 20 July 1969, when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history as the first humans to set foot on the lunar surface.
Whether you’re a space geek or just love a good excuse to throw a themed bash, here’s how to host a Moon Landing-themed party or BBQ that’s out of this world.
1. Set the Scene with a Space Theme
Transform your garden, patio, or indoor space into a mini version of Mission Control or the Moon’s surface:
Decorations: Use silver, black, and navy blue as your main colours. Hang paper planets, stars, and Moon cut-outs. Glow-in-the-dark stars on walls or fences add a cool night-time effect.
Lighting: String fairy lights or LED “meteor lights” around the garden. Place torches or lanterns in craters (buckets or bowls covered in foil) to mimic lunar terrain.
Dress Code: Invite guests to come as astronauts, aliens, NASA engineers, or wear starry or galactic-themed outfits.
2. Space-Themed Food and Drink
Give classic BBQ and party food a cosmic twist:
Moonburgers: Use round buns and cheese cut into star shapes. Add a “moon dust” spice mix (a smoky seasoning blend) for flavour.
Rocket Dogs: Skewer hot dogs on sticks with peppers or mushrooms to resemble rocket ships.
Meteorite Meatballs: Serve spicy meatballs labelled as "meteorites" or "comet chunks".
Galactic Slaw: Add red cabbage and beetroot for a vibrant, spacey colour.
Astronaut Ice Cream or Space Jelly: Make fun desserts like layered jelly with glittery edible stars or freeze-dried snacks as a nod to real astronaut food.
Drinks: Serve blue punch or lemonade as “Lunar Fuel”, and cocktails like “Cosmic Cosmo” or “Rocket Fuel Rum Punch”.
3. Moon Landing Viewing StationSet up a screen or projector and host a mini film festival:
Show clips from the original Apollo 11 landing broadcast.
Screen space-themed classics like Apollo 13, Hidden Figures, or Interstellar.
If you're holding an evening event, time it to look at the Moonrise and encourage a bit of stargazing!
4. Fun Space Activities for All Ages
Keep your guests engaged with interactive fun:
Moon Rock Hunt: Hide painted rocks (wrapped in foil or painted grey) around the garden for kids to find.
NASA Trivia Quiz: Test your guests’ space knowledge with a themed pub-style quiz.
DIY Rocket Launchers: Create simple stomp rockets using plastic bottles and paper, absolutely perfect for a bit of light-hearted competition.
Face Painting Booth: Offer space-themed designs like planets, stars, or astronaut helmets.
5. Commemorative Touches
Hand out mini Moon flags or badges as party favours.
Make a photo booth with cardboard cut-outs of an astronaut helmet, a lunar module, or Neil Armstrong’s footprint.
Set up a “Memory of the Moon” wall where guests can write what space exploration means to them.
6. Playlists and Soundtrack Ideas
Music makes the mood. Here are some fun tracks to include in your Moon Landing party playlist:
Space Oddity – David Bowie
Rocket Man – Elton John
Walking on the Moon – The Police
Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
Man on the Moon – R.E.M.
Life on Mars? – David Bowie
Telstar - The Tornadoes
Celebrate a Giant Leap
Whether you’re commemorating the historical achievement of Apollo 11, dreaming of future Moon missions, or just enjoying a star-filled night with friends, a Moon Landing Anniversary BBQ or party is a fun and educational way to mark one of humanity’s greatest milestones.
So fire up the grill, dust off your telescope, and raise a toast to the astronauts who took that giant leap for mankind.
My own personal story is that the headmaster of the senior school I was at had all 250 pupils, plus staff, packed into the school library where we watched the launch on the big screen black and white television that the school owned.
Several days later, after we had broken up for the summer holidays, I watched the moon landing and moon walks at home with my family in the middle of the night. I remember David Frost comparing the programming.
