45 Best 21st Birthday Ideas

As a special moment in your life, your 21st birthday should be an event you remember for years to come. Turning 21 is about becoming an adult and enjoying the first time you can legally buy and drink alcohol, walk into a casino and gamble, and go to a club or bar. With so many things to do and so much pressure to make it special, deciding how to celebrate your 21st birthday can be a challenge. If you can’t decide on what to do for your 21st birthday, there are many fun and unique ways to make your birthday celebration an epic one.

To inspire you, we’ve compiled a list of the best 21st birthday ideas. From a girls’ night out to a day at the spa with friends and a small party at home, explore the most popular 21st birthday party themes to find cute ideas you’ll love.

21st Birthday Party Ideas For Girls

Girls Night At The Bar

The first thing you’ll want to do when you turn 21 is head to a bar. Whether you want to go to a club, hang out at a lounge, or set up a pub crawl, there are many ways you can spend the night drinking. You’ll no doubt want to try it all on your birthday, so make the most of your night by mapping out all the hottest spots.

Spa Day

You deserve to treat yourself, and there’s no better way to indulge than a spa day. Get a deep tissue massage to relax your sore muscles, have a facial that will make your skin glow, and get your nails done. For something more wallet-friendly, pamper yourself with a self-care day at home. Put on a sheet mask and take a bath while listening to soothing music, and let your cares melt away.

Drinking Games with Friends

If all your friends aren’t 21 yet, then party at home with fun drinking games. Whether you’re at home, hanging out in your apartment, or traveling out of town, keep a deck of cards, a pair of dice, and a few ping-pong balls. Some popular drinking games include Beer Pong, King’s Cup, and Never Have I Ever.

Go To A Concert

Get into the grove by attending an intimate concert or a large music festival. If your favorite artist isn’t on tour, check out the cover bands and up-and-coming musicians playing at your local bars. Either way, you’ll be able to dance the night away beneath the glow of the spotlights.

House Party

If you prefer to host a house party for your 21st birthday bash, be sure to have the essentials. Aside from the booze and drinking games, create a party music playlist, order pizza, stock up on snacks, and determine a safe space for your guests to crash. If you were born in the summer, start with a pool party.

Wine Tasting

Find out which wine tingles your senses by planning a wine tasting event at a nearby vineyard. Some wineries may have cheese or charcuterie boards, so you and your guests won’t have to worry about going hungry. Depending on your location, you may also be able to hop on a tour bus that will safely allow you to visit multiple vineyards.

Have A Photo Shoot

Strike a pose by having a professional photo shoot alone or with your nearest and dearest. Go full-on glam by picking a couple of outfits for the occasion, and getting your hair, nails, and makeup done. Share the snaps on social media for all the likes.

Girls Road Trip

Get in the car and just drive! Sometimes you just need to get away, and a cross-country road trip with your closest friends is the treatment you need. Close your eyes and randomly pick destinations on the map for a truly memorable experience. If you don’t have a vehicle or yours is lacking, rent a classic car or RV for an Instagram-worthy trip.

Brewery or Distillery Tour

Breweries aren’t just for the bros. If beer or hard liquor is more your thing, arrange for a tour of a local brewery or distillery. Absorb as much as you can about the brand’s history and crafting process while sipping on samples. You may even step away with a bottle or two!

Karaoke

Sing your heart out by booking a private karaoke room. Have your pals play backup dancers to your prima donna, and come up with a dance that will get you all the Tik Tok views. Make it special by having your friends sing a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” while you blow out the candles.

Paint and Sip Party

Channel your inner Bob Ross with a paint and sip party. You can take an informal class or host a party at home while making a painting worthy of a gallery wall. Keep the wine flowing and see what crazy creations you and your pals come up with.

Boozy Brunch

Start your 21st birthday off on the right track by attending a bottomless brunch with your best friends at a chill restaurant or café. Depending on the day of the week, make a reservation so you’re guaranteed a spot to sip unlimited mimosas and sangria.

Cooking Class

If you’re a foodie and enjoy cooking, check out a high-level cooking class to take your skills to the next level. Challenge yourself by picking a cuisine you’re less familiar with and make a birthday meal. You and your gal pals might get messy, but that’s all part of the fun!

Mixology Class

Learn how to mix drinks and make tasty cocktails by attending a mixology class. A professional bartender will teach you how to create all your favorite mixed drinks, allowing you to enjoy these delicious concoctions any time you want. Once you have the basics down, you’ll be able to make anything from a martini to an old-fashion.

Pole Dancing or Burlesque Class

If sultry is more your style, book a private burlesque or pole dancing class. You’ll be able to learn some seductive moves while getting a good workout in. There are classes for all skill levels, so just dance like no one’s watching and have a great time.

Strip Club

Head to a strip club for a night to remember. Strip clubs offer the familiarity of a nightclub with drinks and dancing plus an erotic atmosphere. Throw in a lap dance and don’t forget to tip! You may even be able to show off your moves on stage!

Casino Night

Aside from being allowed to drink, turning 21 means you can gamble. Test your luck by spending the night playing cards, dice, or slots at a casino. Enjoy the live entertainment and sip on fruity cocktails while you watch your odds rise.

Go To Vegas

Las Vegas is the perfect place to spend your birthday and party all weekend. However, Sin City is more than just clubs, casinos, concerts and Cirque du Soleil shows. Visit popular tourist destinations like the Fremont Street Experience, Mandalay Bay Beach, or the Omnia dayclub in Caesar’s Palace, all of which offer drinking fun.

Trip Abroad

If you have more than a few days to spare, consider a birthday trip abroad. While more expensive than staying stateside, an international vacation has its perks. For example, most countries have a drinking age of 18, so your younger friends don’t have to miss out. Spend your time touring nearby vineyards or breweries while dining on local fare.

Booze Cruise

Set sail by booking a booze cruise. Bask in sunny beaches during the day and hit the ship’s club at night. If you want something closer to home, rent a private boat to take you sightseeing. Blast your playlist and dance under the stars while you watch the waves.

Give Back

While your birthday could be all about you, you may feel compelled to make it all about others. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, help build a House for Humanity, play with animals at a shelter, or deliver toiletries and other necessities to the homeless. No matter how you choose to spend your day, you’ll walk away with a fuzzy feeling and a smile.

Escape Room

Show off your detective skills by solving puzzles in an escape room. You and your friends will discover clues and complete tasks that will lead you to freedom, all while the clock is ticking. If you prefer to let off some steam, screaming and smashing at a rage room is all the rage.

Scavenger Hunt

Explore your city in a whole new way while embarking on a scavenger hunt. Make a list of items to find, sights to see, and activities to accomplish, then divide your friends into teams. Pick a beginning and ending point and set the timer. The team with the most points win, and after you can head to your local bar for a celebratory drink.

Roller Disco

Get moving by hosting a retro disco party at a roller rink. Dress up in your best 70’s garb and dance to some funky tunes. You may stumble and fall, but don’t let that get you down. But to be safe, you might want to skip the alcohol until your skates are off.

Shopping Spree

Celebrate in style by going on a shopping spree at the mall. Map out your route ahead of time and hit as many stores as you can that offer discounts and freebies. If you don’t have one already, buy an outfit that you can wear out on the town, and don’t skimp on the accessories!

Girls Night Pool Party

Cool down by taking a leisurely swim at night. Whether you’re at the beach, a lake, or a backyard pool, find a way to make the night exciting by playing drinking games in the water, having a midnight barbecue, and warming yourself by a fire.

Camping

If you need some fresh air, go on a camping trip. Not only is it cost-effective, but relaxed and informal. Become one with nature by going on a hike or rafting in the river during the day. In the evening, kick back with a cold one in front of the campfire while you snack on baked beans and trail mix. Pitch a tent or set up your sleeping bag for a night under the stars. If you prefer to enjoy the great outdoors at a safe distance, try “glamping.”

Go To The Theatre

For a touch of class, consider seeing a show at the theatre. You might not be able to score tickets to Hamilton, but there are plenty of options on and outside of Broadway. Find out which theatres are playing on your birthday and purchase tickets early for good seats. If your theater of choice is beyond driving distance, plan a destination birthday.

Create A Bucket List

Get ready to hit some goals by creating a birthday bucket list. Create a list of 21 tasks you must complete before your birthday ends at midnight. Then, make a bucket list with 21 things you would like to accomplish that year.

Fancy Dinner

Wine and dine yourself by having a fancy dinner party with friends. Pick a restaurant you’ve never been to because it’s always been beyond your budget. Make sure to dress nice for the occasion, and ask the waiter which drinks pair well with your meal. After you’ve eaten, go out to a bar, club, or lounge to hang out.

Make Chocolate Fondue

If you’re not a fan of cake or cupcakes, make chocolate fondue and indulge your sweet tooth with this fun dessert. There are many recipes online, but you can always make the dip your own. Slice a wide variety of fresh fruits and cheeses for a delicious birthday treat.

Enjoy A Luxurious Picnic In The Park

If it’s warmer weather, set your sights on a scenic location and have a picnic with all your favorite foods. Have all of your friends bring one dish for a tasty potluck. Make sure to pick a spot that leaves enough room for fun and games. If there’s a lake nearby, cool down with a soothing swim.

Movie Night

Host a movie night with all the features of a theater. Pop fresh popcorn, put out bowls of candy, and press play. If the weather is nice, put up a projector and screen in your backyard for a movie marathon under the moonlight. Make sure you have plenty of blankets and pillows to lounge on while you watch the flicks.

Bonfire

Light up your night with a bonfire. Build one in your backyard, on the beach, or while you’re camping in the woods. Drink spiced cider and toast marshmallows for s’mores while you share scary stories.

Take Pictures

You’ll want to capture every moment of your 21st, so make sure you have a camera at the ready. Explore your creativity by choosing an older camera model and film, like Polaroid. If you’re on a budget, buy a set of disposable cameras instead. Print out your favorite pics and create a scrapbook or wall display as a memento of memories.

Slumber Party

You’re never too old to have a slumber party, and now you have the benefit of adding booze. Have a movie marathon with plenty of popcorn and other snacks for your guests. Play classic board games, truth or dare, or bring out the Ouija board if you’re feeling adventurous that night.

Psychic Reading

Get a glimpse of your future by having a psychic reading. Ask your fortuneteller what the coming year has in store and watch as they interpret the lines on your palm, read your tarot cards, or use their crystal ball to tell your fortune. You may walk away with a new outlook on life!

Amusement Park

Amusement parks aren’t just for the kiddos. Spend your birthday riding roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and water slides to your heart’s content. Most amusement parks serve alcohol, and some even let you stroll the grounds with a drink in hand.

Share Your Dreams

Have you and your friends write down your biggest secrets, fears, and insecurities, then tear them up or throw them in a fire. After, write down your hopes and dreams for the coming year and read them aloud to each other. You’ll feel closer to your squad and will have something to look forward to in the year ahead.

Rent A Hotel Room

Sometimes all you need is a staycation. Rent a hotel room in your city of choice for a cozy celebration. Find a hotel that has amenities like a classy bar, indoor pool, and relaxing spa. If you’d rather stay in your room, save your cash by skipping the room service and bring your own alcohol.