Birthday parties often lose their allure as we get older. Busy lifestyles, having kids and demanding work schedules all mean our birthdays tend to pass by with a few gifts, cards and a slice of cake.
However, we think your birthday deserves to be celebrated in a big way. It’s a celebration of your life and a chance to come together and have some fun. Who wouldn’t want that?
No matter your budget, interests or friendship dynamics, we’ve compiled a list of 54 adult birthday party ideas to inspire you. From gamer evenings to weekends away, there’s a birthday bash to suit even the shyest people.
Explore our unique ideas for an adult birthday party and take some time to celebrate you. After all, we think you’re pretty great.
54 exciting adult birthday party ideas
1. Adult birthday party ideas featuring the great outdoors!
There’s nothing quite like the beauty of nature or the thrill of a big adventure. Celebrate your birthday this year by getting outdoors and exploring the natural world. Here are five outdoor adult birthday party ideas you could throw.
- Hike up a chosen hill or mountain together (think Pen y Fan in Wales or Hadrian's Wall Path in Northern England)
- An afternoon picnic, complete with a walk and games such as rounders
- A one-night camping adventure with smores, campfire music and warming drinks
- A park BBQ (choose a beautiful spot that’s local to you)
- A wild swim (this could be at a lake, river or the beach)
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2. Host a themed adult birthday party
Throwing a birthday party at your home is perhaps an obvious idea, but why not spice it up by making it themed?
From decade themes like the 70s or 1920s to character themes like pirates and cowboys, there are hundreds of adult party themes you can choose from. Choose a theme you love or one that’s associated with your personality.
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3. Sports, sports, sports
If you’re an avid sports fan, base your birthday celebrations around your beloved game. You could organise a trip to watch your favourite team play, throw a party around the screening of a major event (think The World Cup, Olympics or Super Bowl) or take your loved ones to try a new sport!
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4. Creative adult birthday party ideas
Craft activities aren’t just for children! They can make lovely adult birthday parties and are ideal if you’re a creative person.
We’ve gathered five crafty ideas you and your friends can partake in. The best thing about these ideas is that they can all be done at home (provided you buy the supplies), making them more cost-effective.
- Pottery building or pottery painting (an ideal afternoon event)
- Jewellery making
- Sip and paint class
- Wreath-making or floristry
- Cupcake or biscuit decorating
On the theme of creativity, make your party some DIY decor with our fabric pom pom bunting and a colourful DIY tablecloth.
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5. Five beverage-based adult birthday party ideas
Many of us over the age of 18 enjoy a tipple or two, especially on our birthdays! Here are a few alcoholic and non-alcoholic events that would make wonderful birthday parties.
- Wine and cheese pairing evening
- Visiting a brewery and trying beer flights
- Coffee shop crawl (hit up your favourite independents and get your pals to meet you along the way)
- Cocktail making
- Matcha workshop
- Cider tasting
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Want to host a party for your little one?
Explore our 1st birthday party ideas and find a celebration that’s as special as your newborn.
6. Relaxing adult birthday party ideas
Birthdays can be quite full on, but with these party ideas, you’ll be relaxed in no time! Perfect for a day away, a weekend trip or to remake at home, these ideas will leave you feeling soothed and refreshed.
- Spa day
- Getting your nails or toenails done together
- Adult slumber party
- A day by the pool
- Yoga class (puppy yoga is a little more chaotic but also adorable!)
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7. Thought-provoking adult birthday party ideas
Get those cogs turning with these brain-fuelled party ideas. Ideal for those who love a challenge, these party ideas can be celebrated alongside drinks and dinner.
- Local pub quiz
- Escape room
- Scavenger hunts designed for your city
- Murder mystery party
- Geocaching
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8. Food glorious food!
Let’s face it, it’s not a party without tons of delicious food. There are plenty of sophisticated and fun ideas you can host for your birthday celebration. Here are a few to get you started…
- Cooking classes (international cooking classes are a fantastic way of discovering new cuisines)
- Bring a board evening (ask each loved one to bring a different board e.g. dessert)
- Host a classy dinner party
- Pizza making party
- Hire a private chef for an evening
- Go out for a special meal (think Michelin star or somewhere you’ve always wanted to try!)
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9. Gamer parties
Invite your closest pals over and throw a game-based bash! There are so many alternatives for this, many of which can be done online (perfect for those of you with loved ones abroad).
Read our list and pick a game-based adult birthday party idea that suits you best.
- Gamer party (play your favourite multiplayer games together, such as Black Ops, League of Legends, Fifa, Resident Evil, etc.)
- Dungeons and Dragons campaign
- Poker evening
- Board games (either at home or in a board game cafe)
- Nostalgic gaming session (think Mario, Nintendo Wii or Just Dance)
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10. Activity birthday party ideas
It’s always fun to try something new (or get competitive!) with your friends and family. We’ve gathered some fun activities you could book for a birthday celebration.
- Axe throwing
- Darts (at interactive places like Flight Club)
- Mini Golf
- Rock climbing
- Go Karting
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11. Book somewhere beautiful
When it comes to celebrating, all you need is some good food, delicious drinks and everyone you adore. However, this celebration can easily be amped up by booking a beautiful home for the weekend or night.
Gather everyone you love under one roof and spend the night chatting, singing and playing games.
Our collection of DIY party decoration ideas includes loads of beautiful handmade projects that will add a finishing touch to your birthday celebrations.
Thinking of hosting a Christmas get-together?
Browse our 12 Christmas party themes and throw a festive party to remember.
12. Let’s go out, out
If there’s ever an excuse for a big night out, it’s for your birthday! Rather than just hitting a pub or club, here are a few ideas to structure your night out.
- Karaoke!
- A gig or club night with an artist that means something to you
- A day festival
- A bingo evening followed by a night out
- A bottomless brunch
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13. Explore somewhere new
If you have a bigger budget or are approaching a milestone birthday and want to do something extra memorable, a trip abroad is a special way of celebrating.
A weekend away with friends, a day trip to a new city or a week away with your partner, there’s nothing quite like getting away from home. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.
- A week travelling the coast of Italy with your family
- A day trip with your friends to an iconic or historical city
- A couple’s weekend in the Cotswolds, taking picturesque walks
- A weekend in Europe with your best friends
- A solo adventure, exploring a country that’s on your bucket list
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Throw a birthday bash to remember
The great thing about our ideas for adult birthday parties is that they can be adapted to any budget. Birthdays shouldn’t have to break the bank. They’re about celebrating with those you love and reflecting on the past year.
Many of our adult birthday party ideas can take place at home with just a few supplies, some cake and DIY decorations!
Celebrate key milestone birthdays with Gathered
If you have a loved one celebrating the big five-oh soon, take a look through our 50th birthday party ideas.
