10 Unique and Fun Girls' Night Ideas That Go Beyond Wine and Movies

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Let’s be honest: I love a good wine-and-movie night just as much as the next girl. Cozy blankets, a glass of Pinot, and something nostalgic on Netflix, yes, please. But sometimes, I crave something a little more creative, more interactive, and honestly, more memorable. That’s why I started planning girls’ nights that go beyond wine and movies, and let me tell you, it’s been a total game-changer.

Over the past few years, my friends and I have tried everything from DIY spa nights to murder mystery dinners, and it’s made our get-togethers feel fresh, fun, and way more fulfilling. Whether you’re hosting your closest friends, planning a bachelorette party, or just need an excuse to get together, these 10 unique girls’ night ideas will level up your hangouts in the best way.

1. DIY Spa Night at Home

There’s something magical about transforming your living room into a serene, candle-lit spa. I once hosted a spa night where we made our own face masks with ingredients like avocado, honey, and oatmeal. We soaked our feet in warm water filled with Epsom salts and lavender oil, and gave each other hand massages while sipping cucumber water.

Pro tip: Pick up a few fluffy robes and spa headbands from Amazon and put on a spa playlist from Spotify. The ambiance makes all the difference.

Want to take it even further? Try adding a DIY sugar scrub bar, essential oil blending station, or rent a mini massage gun from your local wellness store. You can even create a “Zen Den” corner with yoga mats and do some guided meditation together.

2. Tarot Reading and Astrology Night

Okay, whether you believe in astrology or not, this one is a blast. One of my friends is super into tarot, so she brought her cards and we each had a mini reading. We also pulled up our birth charts using a free astrology site and compared notes.

What you’ll need:

A tarot deck or oracle cards
Candles and incense for ambiance
A laptop or phone to pull up astrology charts
Snacks inspired by zodiac signs (Libra lemon bars, anyone?)

We laughed, we learned, and yes, we might have freaked out a little at how accurate some of the readings were. For an extra layer of fun, let everyone guess each other’s signs and see who the best zodiac detective is.

3. Themed Dinner Party (Potluck Style)

A themed dinner party is a classic, but adding a twist makes it unforgettable. One of our favorites was a “Mediterranean Night”, we each brought dishes from different countries: Greek salad, falafel, hummus, baklava. Someone even made a homemade tzatziki sauce.

Other fun themes to try:

Taco & Tequila Night
French Picnic (complete with berets!)
Comfort Food from Childhood
English Tea Party with finger foods, desserts and cucumber sandwiches
Breakfast for Dinner Pajama Party
Around the World Food Night
Or start a fancy girls dinner club and try out a new restaurant each month

Add a little flair with music from the region, trivia questions based on the theme, or matching outfits. Yes, we once wore pajamas to dinner, and it was glorious.

4. Painting + Prosecco Night

This is such a fun way to get artsy without pressure. We set up canvases in the backyard, poured bubbly, and played a Bob Ross video on YouTube for guidance. Everyone’s paintings turned out totally different and totally perfect.

What you’ll need:

Get a DIY paint night kit on Amazon with everything you need!
Check out these paint by number kits for groups
Or buy Canvases or watercolor paper
Paints and brushes
Easels (or cardboard to prop up canvases)
Drinks + snacks

For added fun, set a theme like “paint your happy place” or “abstract self-portrait.” If it rains? Bring it inside and lay down a tarp or disposable tablecloth. Messy art, clean hearts.

5. Mocktail Mixology Challenge

Not all girls’ nights need to revolve around alcohol. One evening, we decided to go full mixologist, but with mocktails. Each person brought a fun non-alcoholic ingredient (think hibiscus syrup, muddled berries, fancy sodas), and we had a mix-off.

Winner got a candle and bragging rights.

It was a refreshing twist, literally. Plus, you can still drive home safely or enjoy it during a weekday. Consider creating a “menu” with each drink and even giving them names. My personal favorite: the Cucumber Mint Goddess.

6. Murder Mystery Game Night

I was skeptical at first, but this one blew me away. I got a murder mystery kit online, printed out character cards, and assigned roles a few days before. We all dressed up and got into character, accents, backstories, the whole thing.

It felt like live-action Clue and made for the most hilarious, dramatic, and memorable night. You can find free or paid mystery kits online, or even write your own if you’re feeling extra creative.

Pro tip: Have themed drinks or food that match the story (bloody Marys or “poisoned” cupcakes, anyone?).

Want to keep wine in the mix, but give it a twist? Host a blind wine tasting night. Everyone brings a bottle (concealed in a paper bag or foil), and you do a taste-test to guess the type, region, or price point.

Here’s what we did:

Numbered each mystery bottle
Gave everyone a tasting sheet to score aroma, taste, and guess details
Paired it with a few cheeses, chocolates, and palate cleansers
Order this wine party kit on Etsy for $20 that has everything you need but the wine!

At the end, we did a big reveal and handed out small prizes for best sommelier, worst guess, and most enthusiastic sipper. It was one part classy, one part hilarious.

8. Craft Night (Even for Non-Crafty People)

We’ve made everything from homemade candles to chunky knit blankets. My personal favorite? Polymer clay earrings. It’s easier than you think, and we all left with cute new accessories.

Craft ideas:

DIY candles
Mini Holiday wreaths
Clay earrings
Paint by numbers kit
Friendship bracelets (hello, nostalgia!)
Painted tote bags or denim jackets

Hit up Pinterest for inspiration and keep the vibe low-pressure. Wine optional. Spotify playlist? Mandatory.

9. Outdoor Movie Night Under the Stars

Okay, this one does include a movie, but it’s next-level. We strung fairy lights in the backyard, laid out blankets and pillows, and projected a rom-com onto a white sheet. Add popcorn in paper bags, s’mores, and a hot chocolate bar? Chef’s kiss.

Want to take it up a notch? Have a vote on the movie ahead of time, make themed snacks based on the film, or even create your own little “drive-in” with lawn chairs and printed tickets.

10. Vision Board + Manifestation Night

Start the new year (or any season) with a little intention-setting. We gathered old magazines, scissors, glue sticks, and poster boards. Each of us made a vision board while chatting about our goals, dreams, and favorite affirmations.

Add:

A chill playlist
Herbal tea or mocktails
A short meditation or journaling session

It turned out to be one of the most inspiring nights we’ve ever had. We even made a group chat to check in on our goals throughout the year. You can use apps like Canva if you want to go digital or frame your board for a daily reminder.

The best part about planning girls’ nights that go beyond wine and movies is how much deeper the connections feel. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll never say no to a bottle of red and Bridget Jones’s Diary. But when we mix it up? We make new memories, discover new talents, and laugh a whole lot harder.

So go ahead, send the group text, pick a date, and try one of these unique girls’ night ideas. Your next favorite tradition might just be one glue stick, tarot card, or tzatziki sauce away.

And if you’re stuck between ideas? Combine a few! Craft night + mocktails. Spa night + astrology. Themed dinner + vision boarding. There are no rules here, just a whole lot of joy with your girlfriends.

What kind of night are you planning next?

With love,

Bri & Cat

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