Does this sound dumb for an 18th birthday "party"?

It would probably depend on your friends, if they like to cook, would they just want to be entertained and would this feel like a self-service type of party. It is nice to involve your guests of course so giving them a job is not completely out of the question. But you know your friends best. It may be that they just want to come over and have music and (already prepared) food, and mingle.

If you want to make it more legit...do a cooking party yes, but bring in a chef to lead the meal, and teach it as a class. This kind of thing could benefit everyone at the party, because certainly your age group is getting ready to leave home and some may need those life skills. Ask the chef to focus on a few go-to recipes for various occasions that young adults living on their own need to know. Some easy but elegant dishes for entertaining or to bring to a party or a potluck, a classic dessert, healthy stuff for one person, quick recipes on a Foreman grill, a budget meal, etc...after all your cooking throw it all out on a buffet and eat it.

On the way out the door, everyone gets a party favor. A small but nice quality piece of gear, like a whisk or spatula, or a set of measuring cups or glass liquid measures...along with a handwritten thank you note, and a packet of all the recipes from the party.

You would have to be very careful to manage your space so everyone has places to work, and watch that you have enough burners, oven space. Maybe the chef can bring in some extra pans and mixing bowls for you to work with, or bring some hot plates for extra burner space.

EDIT: I'm so glad you appreciate my answer. I try to really help here at Y Answers. Keep in mind that it still depends on your friends, and if you think they would enjoy this experience AS A PARTY, as in, they aren't expecting something more traditionally party-like. But this would be a fun experience, and a fun way to learn some of those things, I hope it would be appreciated.

As far as the teachy preachy part goes, it is no different than having say a cosmetic party, where a sales rep from Mary Kay or Avon demonstrates and lets you try things, and teaches about skin care and makeup application. It is THAT kind of party. Whether or not you think that is 18th Birthday worthy...I don't know???

An 18th will usually be lame if there is no alcohol consumption. I think that your cooking idea could be fun, only if there is a good connection between your friends.

Alcohol is a plus at any party..

Call me immature, but I'm going to rent a bouncy castle for my 18th!

I don't think it would be lame, seeing as though it's the end of the year, graduation is presumably coming up and it'll give you all a chance to enjoy each others company, hopefully without phones, because they take away from socialization. Add some games, maybe a movie, and just hang out. if that's what you wanna do, you're friends should be happy. It requires them to show up and nothing more.

Well How about you do some finger food will be better

Vegtable platter with ranch di[

chips with dips

hambrugers or

Hotdogs

chicken wings

sandwiches

meatballs

chciken tenders