13 Unforgettable Going Away Party Ideas (2024)

Regardless of which theme you go with, finding the right place to host your event is key. Renting a venue on Peerspace is a fun, easy, and ultra-helpful option. You can find a location to suit any of these going away party ideas, and all are available to rent by the hour.

Here are a few of our favorite venue options that guarantee a fun time will still be had despite the sadness surrounding the party’s origin:

• This private outdoor tiki bar in Silverlake, Los Angeles (pictured above) with a secret “cave” and water feature surrounded by bamboo, making it the perfect send-off for a trip to a tropical island.
• This Swiss chalet in Glendale, CA with a terrace, jacuzzi, fireplace, and mid-century modern furnishings.
• This swanky private club lounge in Winter Park, FL with karaoke, color-changing lights, a dance floor, dining space, and a kitchen.
• This Union Square event space in NYC with high ceilings, a mezzanine, an open kitchen, color-changing lights, A/V equipment, and optional add-on amenities.
• This light and airy event space in London, UK with a licensed bar, A/V system, dimmable lighting, plenty of seating, and catering packages

As you can see, it’s easy to locate and book a stylish Peerspace venue that has amenities like hot tubs, bars, and fun lighting to send off your going away person in style. In doing so, you ensure that you all have a memorable time enjoying each other’s company in a sweet space.

Whichever venue you choose, you can work with the venue’s host when you need help lining up any additional amenities, such as a professional caterer, photographer, bar staff, A/V gear, and furniture rentals. They can make it easy to carry your theme through every stage of the party.

5. Go camping for a final bonding trip (for a while, at least!)

Another option is to throw an outdoor event, such as a camping trip. If your guest-of-honor loves the outdoors, surprise them with one last trip to their favorite hiking spot or campground. A group of old friends might enjoy a trip to a cozy cabin in the woods before one of them leaves town.

One cabin we especially love is this mountain log cabin in the Ponderosa pine trees in Bayfield, CO. The home boasts two 40′ decks, an open floor plan interior with two bathrooms and 25′ glass walls, and a flower garden with a water feature, all set on13 fenced acres to explore.

You can end the night by gathering around the campfire or fireplace and sharing your favorite memories about the going away person. It may be a tearjerker, but those will be cathartic celebratory tears. Most importantly: don’t forget to bring the food and drinks for campsite noshing!

6. Make a photo album to make reminiscing easy

No matter what the theme, making a photo album or guest book for your friend to take with them is a must. While you can present a slideshow of your favorite memories at the event, we think sending them off with a hard copy of photos and handwritten notes is best! For those whose love language is receiving gifts, this is one of the most thoughtful going away party ideas.

If your friend is short on luggage space, load a thumb drive with tons of thoughtful, sentimental digital photos. They can look at them on their laptop anytime they feel homesick and remember their loved ones.

7. Have a fundraiser in their honor

If the going away party is for someone joining the Peace Corps or going on a humanitarian trip overseas, make it a charity fundraiser. Invite local musicians and other artists to perform, and raise money for a good cause in honor of your friend’s departure.

Find a cool space that can accommodate live music by searching on Peerspace for a venue near you. For example, this event space in Manhattan Beach, CA has classic party must-haves like tables, chairs, and akitchen, but it also provides you with A/V equipment and a stage, perfect for live performances.

Ask the host if they can help arrange photographers, videographers, and performers to help raise those funds while putting on a good show for guests.

8. Host your own escape room game

For another themed going away party idea, put together a DIY scavenger hunt or escape room game based on your friend’s travel itinerary. Each clue should take them closer and closer to their destination, with the final discovery being (pretend) plane tickets to their new home.

To personalize it, create clues that pertain to your relationship with the going away person. That helps make it amazing on so many different levels!

You can even book super stylish and fun escape rooms with ease on Peerspace:

As you can see, you can book a unique escape room in just about every town and city across the globe. No matter where you book, yours will be different by making it distinct to the person you’re celebrating.

9. Have a virtual going away party

Sometimes you have to say goodbye to someone who isn’t able to be there in person. Maybe a remote worker from your company is moving on, or all of your friends have already left town, and you’re the last one to officially move away. In this case, you can have a virtual going away party by scheduling a time to catch up with everyone on Google Hangouts.

Send out invites just like you would for an in-person party, letting your friends know which hours they can drop into the chatroom. Make a Spotify playlist, share old photos, and play online games! We also love the idea of booking a wildly decorative Peerspace venue and hosting the virtual going away party from there! It’s a fun way to build up positive party vibes before the sad goodbyes.

10. Make it a kid-friendly going away party

The idea behind a “going away party” can be hard for children to understand. Whether the whole family is moving or their favorite cousin or sibling is going away, make it easy on them by including kid-friendly activities at your event.

For example, you could have a large map to show them exactly where their big sister is moving to for college. Play a game like Ticket to Ride to learn about the train routes they could take to pay their loved one a visit. While the kid will still be sad to see their loved one leave, they will definitely be looking forward to the journey to visit them!

Are you rushed for planning? Don’t worry; just consult our 10 last-minute party ideas!