Celebrating birthdays as an adult can be tricky. Some people don’t like to think about the fact that they are aging another year or would rather not make a big fuss about things, the older they get.
However, birthdays are more than just another date on the calendar. They’re a chance to celebrate your journey, your growth, and everything you're excited for in the year ahead. At Celebration.com, we believe every birthday is worth celebrating in a big way, no matter your age. It’s a moment to feel joy, gratitude, and connection with the people who matter most. So let’s help you turn your next birthday into a beautiful and unforgettable celebration.
Best Party Ideas for Adults that are Full of Fun
Axe Throwing
Axe-throwing bars and arenas are one of the best party ideas for adults! Gather a group of friends and test your target-striking skills. Most axe-throwing establishments have instructors who will teach you the fundamentals and form best for nailing the target, so don’t worry if you don’t have any experience. Who knows, you may end up loving it and wanting to join a local league to start this new year of life!
Photo Credit: Tyler Lastovich
Pints & Pedals
Have you ever heard of Pints & Pedals? A new and trendy take on a traditional pub crawl – this activity has your group pedaling a mobile bar between popular local spots. Alcohol can be brought on board and most tours stop at 2-3 bars throughout the duration. While this particular company is based in Tennessee, many cities have similar offerings that you can book for your party!
Photo Credit: Pints & Pedals
Camping Trip
Do you and your friends have an appreciation for the great outdoors? Rent some camping gear and head to your local campground for an evening of grilling, hiking, board games, and good old s’more making. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, pack some equipment and set up a campsite off the grid. However, we only recommend doing this if you have previous experience!
Photo Credit: Tegan Mierle
Mixology Class
Sign up for a mixology class at a local bar or cooking school. You and your friends will end the night with a little buzz and a new skill. Some mixologists will even come on location with their own utensils and equipment if you provide the required spirits and mixers.
Photo Credit: M.S. Meeuwesen
Wine Tasting
Spend the day at a local vineyard or winery sipping on different flights and enjoying a laid-back day of wine tasting. Book a local Airbnb if you’re visiting with a large group or see if your vineyard offers on-site lodging, so the party doesn’t have to end early.
Photo Credit: CA Creative
Retro Backyard Movie Night
If you and your circle prefer a more cozy night vs a traditional evening of partying, then a retro-backyard movie night may be right up your alley. You can easily purchase a projector and set it up to stream an old-school movie of your choice onto a sheet or the side of your house. Gather cozy blankets, and beanbag chairs and create a custom menu of snacks and candies for your guests to enjoy. Have everyone arrive in their pajamas and to save money, ask everyone to BYOB for drinks!
Photo Credit: Derek Sutton
Pool Party
Throwing a pool party is a classic and simple to pull off event that everyone will love! Serve up some burgers and hotdogs on the grill with freshly sliced watermelon and you’ll quickly transport everyone back to the nostalgia of childhood summers. Pair that with a classic upbeat playlist and boozy warm-weather drinks and you’ll have the perfect laid back, yet upbeat birthday celebration!
Wine and Paint
Wine and paint parties are completely underrated! Not only do you leave the event with a custom masterpiece, but the structured painting is typically more lively than you’d expect. Most wine and paint studios offer attendees bar access with snacks, cocktails, wine and pair them with an upbeat playlist and live painting demonstration. By the end of the night, guests can get pretty rowdy and it's fun to see how everyone's art ends up totally different when given the same prompt and instruction!
Murder Mystery Dinner
This themed game night feels as if you and your friends are stepping into a live game of CLUE. Depending on the kit you choose and the theme, the night can end up totally different, with each guest getting a unique persona and backstory. These dinner parties are most fun when played with a group who is willing to go all-in on the experience. We encourage you to dress to your character and lean into the cheesiness that may ensue as you work together to catch the killer!
Croquet Garden Party
Having hosted a croquet-inspired birthday garden party in the past, I can easily say that this party idea is a hit! We thrifted a vintage croquet set, but you can find affordable options online as well. Pair the game with a whimsical outdoor table setup of florals, light bites and brightly colored cocktails and encourage guests to arrive in classic style! We leaned into florals and pastels and everyone showed up looking sharp and ready for a competitive match of croquet. Though it may seem a bit drab, throw in a cocktail or two and this party idea can get downright rowdy. You’re sure to have a great time!
Bar Crawl
We have to end our list of upbeat adult birthday ideas with a tried and true classic – a birthday bar crawl. You can’t go wrong with a group of friends and a map of your favorite local dives just waiting for you to visit.
Photo Credit: Viola Kovács
Host a Themed Dinner Party
Looking to make your birthday feel extra special this year? Skip the usual dinner reservation and host a themed dinner party that transports your guests to another place or era. Whether it’s a glamorous 1920s soirée or a cozy French bistro night, the possibilities are endless. Bring the vibe to life with decor, dishes, drinks, and even a fun dress code. You can throw it at home for a personal touch or book a venue to go all out. Either way, it’s a deliciously fun way to celebrate.
Celebration.com Is Here to Help
No matter which party idea you go with, our registry tool could be a great way to fund this celebration. Use it for gifts, pooling funds for group bookings, or generating gift money for drinks on that all-night bar crawl!
Plus, we're here to help you plan! When you book with Celebration.com Travel, you can rest assured that every single detail of your trip will be handled with care. Fill out our interest form to learn more today!