14 July 4th Office Party Ideas to Make Your Celebrations Amazing

It’s almost Independence Day and if you’re looking for awesome July 4^th office party ideas, we’ve got you covered.  

Updated: June 2, 2023

Independence Day is right around the corner so, if you’re looking for July 4^th office party ideas, you’ve come to the right place! 

This holiday embodies all the things that make America and its people so amazing. So, whether your team works together in person or remotely, it’s definitely a day worth celebrating. 

That’s why we’ve put together a list of 10 ideas to help make your July 4^th office party a fun and unforgettable experience for all.  

9 Amazing In-Person July 4^th Office Party Ideas

If you’re planning on hosting a July 4^th party in your office with your team, here are some things you can do to take your celebrations to the next level. 

Don’t Skip on the Décor  

One thing’s for sure: there’s no shortage of festive décor available for Independence Day. And most of it can be found relatively inexpensively. 

You can consider picking up things like: 

• American Flags: Display American flags in various sizes throughout the party area. Hang them on walls, fences, or use flag-themed table centerpieces.
• Red, White, and Blue Balloons: Fill the party space with red, white, and blue balloons. You can create balloon bouquets or arches as decorations.
• Patriotic Banners and Bunting: Hang patriotic banners and bunting featuring stars and stripes around the party area. They can be strung across fences, porches, or along walls.
• Tablecloths and Linens: Use red, white, and blue tablecloths, napkins, and table runners to give your tables a festive touch. Consider using patterns with stars, stripes, or fireworks.
• Centerpieces: Create patriotic centerpieces using vases or mason jars filled with red, white, and blue flowers such as roses, carnations, or daisies. You can also incorporate mini American flags or sparklers into the arrangements.
• Paper Lanterns: Hang red, white, and blue paper lanterns from trees or overhead. They can provide a soft and ambient lighting effect.
• Patriotic Paper Plates, Cups, and Utensils: Use disposable tableware in patriotic colors and designs to serve food and drinks. Look for plates, cups, and utensils featuring stars, stripes, or flag motifs.
• Independence Day Table Confetti: Sprinkle table confetti in the shape of stars, flags, or fireworks on the tables to add a festive touch.
• String Lights: Illuminate your outdoor space with red, white, and blue string lights. They can be hung along fences, trees, or around the perimeter of the party area.
• Patriotic-Themed Props: Set up photo booths or selfie stations with props like Uncle Sam hats, star-shaped sunglasses, patriotic-themed masks, and handheld flags. This will allow guests to have fun and capture memorable moments.

This list is by no means comprehensive, so go explore your options and don’t hold back! 

Create a USA-Themed Playlist 

What’s a great July 4^th office party without an incredible Independence Day playlist? Fire up your favorite music playing app and tee up all of your favorite classic American tunes.  

You might want to include:  

1. “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen
2. “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood
3. “American Pie” by Don McLean
4. “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus
5. “Living in America” by James Brown
6. “America” by Simon & Garfunkel
7. “American Woman” by Lenny Kravitz
8. “American Girl” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
9. “Firework” by Katy Perry
10. “God Bless America” by Irving Berlin
11. “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” by John Mellencamp
12. “Independence Day” by Martina McBride
13. “American Soldier” by Toby Keith
14. “America the Beautiful” by Ray Charles
15. “Yankee Doodle Dandy” by Various Artists
16. “Back in the USA” by Chuck Berry
17. “Only in America” by Brooks & Dunn
18. “4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)” by Bruce Springsteen
19. “American Saturday Night” by Brad Paisley
20. “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Various Artists (National Anthem)
21. “American Honey” by Lady A
22. “Rockin’ in the Free World” by Neil Young
23. “American Pie” by Madonna
24. “American Idiot” by Green Day
25. “Red, White & Blue” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
26. “America’s Sweetheart” by Elle King
27. “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)” by Toby Keith
28. “American Girl” by Carrie Underwood
29. “Freedom” by Beyoncé
30. “American Dream” by MKTO

And those are just a few options to get the party started! 

Encourage Themed Attire 

There’s nothing we love more than a good theme party, and what better way to celebrate July 4^th? Encourage your team to break out their most festive Independence Day attire. 

You can even consider hosting a “best-dressed contest” and giving away a prize. 

And if you want to level up the memories you keep from your event, consider printing out some fun photo props for your party. Not sure where to start? This list of prop ideas might help.  

Mix Up Some Independence Day Cocktails

Thinking about mixing some tasty cocktails into your July 4^th office party? Then you might want to try out a few of these delicious American-themed cocktails:  

• Red, White, and Blue Wine Spritzer: White wine spritzers are a classic summer beverage for a reason. Add some blue and red and you’ve got yourself a killer cocktail for America’s birthday. All you’ll need it a bottle of dry white wine, club soda or tonic water, some ice, a few sprigs of fresh mint to garnish, and a half cup each of fresh strawberries and blueberries. If you want to make it even tastier, purchase some simple syrup or make your own by combining one part sugar with one part water and then boiling it until it’s dissolved.  
• Red, White, and Blue Jell-O Shots: If you really want to kick your party up a notch, whip up some Jell-O shots that match the American flag. We prefer blueberry vodka, but you can use any spirit you’d like. 
• Fourth of July Slushie: A perfect way to cool off, these slushies are super easy to make and super fun to drink, which is every party-thrower’s dream. Here’s how to do it: mix 2 ounces of vodka, 2 ounces of Hpnotiq, 4 ounces of cranberry juice, and 2 cups of fresh ice, and blend it all together. 
• Purple Independence: Why purple, you ask? Because that’s the color you get when you mix red, white, and blue! To make these, mix up 1.5 ounces of raspberry vodka, 0.5 ounces of blueberry schnapps, 0.5 ounces of cranberry juice, and 0.5 ounces of sweet and sour mix. Shake it and strain it into a glass full of ice. 

If you’re looking for even more ideas, check out this list of 20 cocktail ideas for Independence Day from Brit + Co.  

Remember: always drink responsibly and ensure that your team has a safe ride home!  

Do Some Team Building Activities 

For organizations of all sizes, it’s always great to be able to sneak a few positive business outcomes in the midst of all the fun. And that’s where team building activities come into play, bringing a perfect blend of fun and function. 

For your July 4^th office party, you might like.

Wild Goose Chase

If you want to celebrate your country, there’s no better way than to get out and explore all the amazing things in your own city. With this scavenger hunt activity, your group will break into teams, race around the city, and earn points for completing challenges. It’s a great way to get some blood pumping!  

City Chase

Much like Wild Goose Chase, this scavenger hunt team building activity will have you embark on the ultimate urban adventure with your colleagues.

This entire activity is centered around city-themed challenges that will get you out and enjoying your neck of the woods from a whole new perspective. 

And if you’re looking for even more ways to use scavenger hunts to get out and explore America, check out our list of scavenger hunt team building activity ideas that will take you from city streets to hikes and beyond.

Random Acts of Kindness

Doing good for others and caring for one another is the American way. And with this team building scavenger hunt, that’s exactly what you’ll do! In teams, you and your colleagues will race around town completing challenges that are all about giving back and dishing out smiles.  

Military Support Mission

We celebrate our troops every day, but this is more important than ever on Independence Day.  This activity is all about supporting military personnel serving abroad by completing challenges in order to earn items that you’ll use to build military care packages.   

Play July 4^th Games with Your Team 

Adding some fun and simple games to your July 4^th office party is never a bad call.  

Here are a few of our favorites: 

4^th of July Bingo

Get your teammates together for a classic game of Bingo—with a July 4^th twist.  Customize your cards to include American-themed items, like flags, footballs, dogs, and more. You can also find free printable July 4^th bingo cards online.  

Stars and Stripes Cornhole

Cornhole is a classic party game because it’s a hit, every time! This game, which involves throwing beanbags at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. For every beanbag a team sinks into the hole, they get a point. Stars and stripes cornhole sets are inexpensive and easy to find.  

Red, White, and Blue Jellybean Count

For this simple and classic game, fill a jar with red, white, and blue jellybeans. Make sure to keep a tally on how many are in there! Then, have your team members guess the number and write their guesses on a sheet. Whoever’s closest at the end of your party wins! 

Some of these can be done as a group while others can be left to your colleagues to play together as they’d like. 

Office Olympics

Set up a series of fun and competitive games with a patriotic twist. For example, you could have a relay race where participants dress in red, white, and blue and pass a baton decorated with an American flag. Other ideas include a water balloon toss, three-legged race, or a sack race.

Declaration of Independence Mad Libs

Create a Mad Libs-style game using the text of the Declaration of Independence. Remove keywords from the document and have participants fill in the blanks with humorous or silly suggestions. Read out the completed passages for a good laugh.

Patriotic Pictionary

Divide employees into teams and have them take turns drawing and guessing patriotic-themed words or phrases. Use a whiteboard or large paper for drawing, and set a time limit for each turn. The team with the most correct guesses wins.

Do a July 4^th Office Party Potluck 

Looking for a delicious variety of food and snacks for your July 4^th office party? Then turn your event into a potluck and ask your team to bring their favorite American foods.  

Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas:

1. Burgers: Classic beef burgers or cheeseburgers with various toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and condiments.
2. Hot Dogs: Serve a selection of hot dogs with a variety of toppings such as ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, sauerkraut, and cheese.
3. BBQ Ribs: Slow-cooked, tender ribs with a tangy barbecue sauce. You can choose between pork or beef ribs.
4. Fried Chicken: Crispy and flavorful fried chicken is a staple of American cuisine. Prepare traditional Southern-style fried chicken with a crispy coating.
5. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese is a comfort food favorite that can be served as a side dish.
6. Cornbread: Moist and slightly sweet cornbread is a classic Southern side dish that pairs well with BBQ and other main courses.
7. Coleslaw: A refreshing and crunchy side dish made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing.
8. Baked Beans: Slow-cooked baked beans with a sweet and smoky flavor, often made with bacon or other savory additions.
9. Apple Pie: A quintessential American dessert, apple pie features a flaky crust and a filling made with fresh apples, sugar, and spices.
10. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Bake a batch of classic chocolate chip cookies, offering a sweet and chewy treat for dessert.
11. Buffalo Wings: Spicy and tangy chicken wings coated in a Buffalo sauce, typically served with blue cheese or ranch dressing.
12. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob with butter and seasoning is a popular side dish.
13. Lobster Roll: A New England specialty, a lobster roll features succulent lobster meat mixed with mayo and served in a toasted bun.
14. Fried Green Tomatoes: Sliced green tomatoes coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crispy, often served with a tangy dipping sauce.
15. Clam Chowder: A creamy soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and bacon, commonly associated with New England cuisine.
16. Pecan Pie: A rich and sweet pie made with a filling of pecans, corn syrup, and sugar, often served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
17. Philly Cheesesteak: A Philadelphia favorite, a cheesesteak sandwich consists of thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese on a hoagie roll.
18. Gumbo: A hearty stew from Louisiana, gumbo is made with a mix of meat or seafood, vegetables, and a flavorful broth served over rice.
19. Key Lime Pie: A tangy and refreshing dessert made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.
20. Fried Green Beans: Crispy breaded and fried green beans served as a tasty appetizer or side dish.

The options are virtually endless!  

Volunteer as a Team

Participate in a community service project as a team. Find local volunteer opportunities that align with the spirit of Independence Day.

Here are a few ideas you can consider.

Assisting Veterans

Contact local veterans’ organizations or VA hospitals to see if there are any volunteer opportunities available. You can offer your help in organizing events, supporting veterans, or providing companionship to those in need.

Organizing Food Drives

Team up with a local food bank or shelter to organize a food drive for those in need. Create donation bins in your office and encourage team members to bring non-perishable food items or organize a grocery shopping trip together to purchase supplies for donation.

Cleaning up Public Spaces

Dedicate the day to cleaning up a local park, beach, or community area. Coordinate with local authorities or environmental organizations to identify an area in need of attention. Provide your team with gloves, trash bags, and other cleaning supplies, and work together to beautify the space.

Supporting Local Nonprofits

Reach out to local nonprofits and inquire about volunteer opportunities on Independence Day. Many organizations may be hosting special events or fundraisers and may require assistance with set-up, coordination, or other tasks.

Visiting Elderly or Assisted Living Facilities

Contact local nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or senior centers to inquire about opportunities to spend time with elderly residents. Arrange activities like playing games, reading, or simply having conversations to bring joy and companionship to the residents.

Office Movie Screening

Arrange a movie screening during lunch or after work featuring a patriotic film that showcases the spirit of Independence Day.

Looking for some American classics? Check out:

1. Independence Day (1996): Aliens invade Earth on July 4th, and a group of humans must come together to fight back and save humanity.
2. The Patriot (2000): During the American Revolutionary War, a man reluctantly joins the fight for independence and becomes a hero.
3. Born on the Fourth of July (1989): Based on a true story, this film follows the journey of a young man who enlists in the Vietnam War and later becomes an anti-war activist.
4. Saving Private Ryan (1998): Set during World War II, a group of soldiers embarks on a dangerous mission to find and bring home a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action.
5. Lincoln (2012): This historical drama focuses on President Abraham Lincoln’s efforts to pass the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States.
6. Glory (1989): Based on the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, this film portrays the struggles and bravery of an African-American regiment during the Civil War.
7. Apollo 13 (1995): Inspired by real events, this film recounts the dramatic mission of the Apollo 13 spacecraft and the efforts to bring the astronauts safely back to Earth.
8. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011): This superhero film follows the story of Steve Rogers, who becomes Captain America during World War II and fights against a villainous organization.
9. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939): A young and idealistic man is appointed to the U.S. Senate, where he exposes corruption and fights for justice.
10. National Treasure (2004): A treasure hunter sets out to uncover hidden secrets and artifacts that are part of America’s history, all while being pursued by dangerous adversaries.
11. Top Gun (1986): A talented fighter pilot competes to be the best in an elite training program while also dealing with personal challenges and a love interest.
12. 1776 (1972): A musical film depicting the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, highlighting the debates and struggles faced by the Founding Fathers.
13. The Great Escape (1963): Set during World War II, this film tells the true story of a group of Allied prisoners of war who plan a daring escape from a German POW camp.
14. Miracle (2004): Based on the true story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, this film showcases their journey to victory against the dominant Soviet Union team.
15. First Blood (1982): A former Green Beret battles against a small-town sheriff and his deputies after being wrongly accused and harassed.
16. Air Force One (1997): When the U.S. President’s plane is hijacked by terrorists, he must rely on his wits and courage to outsmart them and save the day.
17. The Sandlot (1993): Set in the 1960s, a group of young boys bonds over their love for baseball and adventures in their neighborhood sandlot.
18. Red Tails (2012): Based on the true story of the Tuskegee Airmen, this film highlights the heroic efforts of African-American fighter pilots during World War II.
19. Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942): A musical biography of renowned American songwriter and performer George M. Cohan, showcasing his contributions to American culture.
20. Forrest Gump (1994): This heartwarming film follows the life of Forrest Gump, an ordinary man who unwittingly becomes part of many key moments in American history, including his service in the Vietnam War and encounters with influential figures. The film celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and explores themes of love, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity.
21. Hidden Figures (2016): Inspired by real events, this film showcases the remarkable story of a group of African-American female mathematicians who played a vital role in NASA’s space missions during the 1960s.
22. American Sniper (2014): Based on the autobiography of Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL sniper, the film depicts his experiences as he serves multiple tours of duty in Iraq, becoming one of the most lethal snipers in American military history.
23. Rocky (1976): This iconic sports drama follows the journey of Rocky Balboa, an underdog boxer who gets a shot at the heavyweight championship, symbolizing the American spirit of determination and resilience.
24. The Right Stuff (1983): Based on Tom Wolfe’s book, this film portrays the early years of America’s space program and the test pilots who became the first astronauts, highlighting their bravery and the pursuit of the American dream.
25. The Longest Day (1962): A sprawling war epic, the film depicts the events of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II, capturing the heroism and sacrifices of soldiers from various nations.
26. Remember the Titans (2000): Based on a true story, this inspiring film follows the integration of a high school football team in Virginia during the 1970s, illustrating the power of unity and overcoming prejudice.
27. A Few Good Men (1992): A gripping legal drama, the film revolves around a military trial that uncovers a deep conspiracy and challenges the ethics and honor within the U.S. Marine Corps.
28. We Were Soldiers (2002): Based on the true story of the Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War, the film depicts the heroism and sacrifices of American soldiers in one of the first major engagements of the conflict.

If your team works together in the office, you can do this in person. If not, you can use a service like Teleparty to watch movies with your remote colleagues, no matter where they’re located.

5 Virtual July 4^th Office Party Ideas for Remote Teams  

Not all teams work together in the office, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to celebrate together! If you’re thinking of planning a virtual July 4^th office party, here are a few ideas you can incorporate.  

Virtual July 4^th Trivia 

Test your team’s U.S.A. knowledge with a round of virtual July 4^th trivia. You can include questions like:  

• What was the name of the newspaper that published the Declaration of Independence? 
• Which American president was born on July 4th? 
• How many Stars and Stripes does the first US flag have? 
• Every July 4th, what food is most commonly consumed? 
• What was The Statue of Liberty’s official name? 

And if your teammates are a bunch of trivia fanatics, you’ll also love these incredible virtual trivia games for work.  

Virtual Trivia Time Machine 

If you and your team want to take a trip down memory lane of American pop culture and history, then this is the perfect activity for you. 

With this activity, you and your colleagues will step into the Outback Time Machine and take a trip through time, from pre-pandemic 21st century through decades all the way to the 60’s. 

This exciting, fast-paced virtual trivia game, packed with nostalgia and good vibes, is guaranteed to produce big laughs, friendly competition, and maybe even some chair-dancing. 

Your virtual game show host will warm up guests with a couple of “table hopper rounds” (breakout room mixers) and split you out into teams. Within minutes, your home office will be transformed into a game show stage with your very own game show buzzers! 

Virtual American Field Trip  

Have you heard of “virtual field trips?” If not, no worries. They’re a new concept since the pandemic started.  

Essentially, virtual field trips became a big deal in schools because they allowed teachers to provide interesting out-of-classroom experiences to students, even if they couldn’t actually go visit places in person.   

And we figure they’ll work just as well for work!  

We recommend taking virtual fields trips to some of America’s best museums and historical sites. And luckily, a ton of them offer virtual tours. This includes:  

• NASA 
• The Smithsonian National Museum of American History 
• George Washington’s Mount Vernon 
• The Statue of Liberty 

Who says working remotely means you can’t visit some of America’s greatest treasures together? 

Share Independence Day Memories

Encourage team members to share their favorite memories or traditions associated with Independence Day. It could be a childhood memory, a family tradition, or a memorable celebration. Allow everyone to share their stories and experiences.

Independence Day Themed Backgrounds

Encourage team members to set a festive Independence Day-themed background during virtual meetings. They can use virtual backgrounds or create their own with patriotic decorations. It adds a touch of celebration to the virtual workspace.

Virtual Costume Contest

Encourage team members to dress up in their most patriotic attire for a virtual costume contest. They can showcase their outfits during a video conference call, and participants can vote on the best costumes. Recognize the winners and celebrate their creativity.

Every year, July 4^th is one of the biggest and most anticipated celebrations of the year. So, if you want to send employee engagement through the roof, make sure you’ve got some incredible July 4^th office party ideas in the works. 

How do you plan to celebrate Independence Day this year? Let us know in the comments below! 

Learn More About Discounted Virtual Solutions for Your Group 

For more information about how your group can take part in a virtual team building, training, or coaching solution, reach out to our Employee Engagement Consultants.