Planning your NCSD 2026 celebration? Try one of these creative event themes:
Sure, you can skip this step. But planning your event around a central theme is the best way to add interest and create excitement about your celebration. An event theme also helps tie everything together.
Your event’s theme can be anything you want it to be. Here’s a little “themespiration” to get you started:
Just Dance!
Host a dance party to get everyone moving, grooving, and celebrating life. To set the right mood, consider hiring a DJ who can keep the energy high, or create your own playlist filled with uplifting beats that will inspire everyone to hit the dance floor. Bring in a Zumba or dance instructor to teach your group some simple moves. Add an extra element of excitement by choosing a theme and encouraging guests to dress accordingly. Or elevate the event by hosting a formal ball. No matter your event style, the key to a great dance party is making sure everyone feels comfortable letting loose and joining in the fun on the dance floor.
Survive, Thrive, & Be Fit
Get your body moving with a physical fitness event. Encourage celebrants to wear workout gear so they can participate in a group Zumba, yoga, Pilates, or kickboxing class. Invite a guest speaker to offer tips on exercise and healthy living during and after cancer treatment.
Enjoy the Ride
Let your guests trade in the roller coaster of cancer treatment for an actual roller coaster ride by holding your event at a local amusement park or water park. Or take survivors on a train ride, boat ride, or bike ride. Celebrating life at such a fun locale is a surefire way to provide lasting memories for everyone. It’s an especially great option for adolescent, young adult, and childhood cancer survivors.
Living in Full Bloom
Host a garden or floral-themed event. An ideal location would be your local botanical gardens or a garden on hospital grounds. Have survivors paint flowerpots or garden rocks, create floral arrangements, or construct a “tree of life” collage with survivors’ names and messages of hope on individual leaves. You can also plant trees or dedicate a garden to honor survivors. Give out flower seed packets as souvenirs.
The Art of Healing
Hold your event at an art museum, host an art therapy workshop or painting party, or set up craft stations or survivorship (friendship) bracelet-making stations at your event space. You could even turn your venue into an art gallery and display artwork and photography created by survivors. For the full art gallery experience, sparkling apple or grape juice and hor d’oevres are a must.
