Whether you prefer a small gathering, a party, or an amazing trip, these 37 fun and unique 21st birthday ideas will be something you’ll remember forever!
Turning 21 is a big deal! And that means there are so many fun ways to celebrate. From hitting the bars to hosting a house party, you have your pick of memorable 21st birthday party ideas to choose from! Whether you want to throw a party or create some memories with a fun experience, you’ll love all these unique ideas for an amazing celebration.
21st Birthday Party Ideas
Hosting a party is one of the best ways to celebrate your birthday. And just because you’re technically an adult doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with a themed party for your 21st birthday! These fun party ideas are the perfect way to ring in the big day.
House party
A classic house party is a great way to celebrate! Order some kegs, set up the beer pong table, and invite all your friends to your house for the night.
Slumber party
Take a cue from your childhood as you celebrate your 21st birthday by hosting a slumber party with your friends.
Pool party
Invite your friends over for a pool party with lots of delicious snacks and a signature cocktail.
Speakeasy party
Turn your house into an old-fashioned speakeasy to celebrate your 21st birthday in style.
Movie night
Set up a screen in your backyard or book a movie theater and invite your friends to watch your favorite movie. We also have a ton of great movie night at home ideas you might like!
Backyard bonfire
Set up a bonfire in your backyard and invite all your friends over to roast marshmallows and enjoy some drinks.
Beers and cheers
Host a beer-themed birthday party to celebrate the big day. We have a guide to creating a fun beers and cheers party or a whiskey tasting you might like too!
Disco dance party
Dress up in your favorite 70s outfit and host a disco dance party for your birthday.
Mardi Gras
Bring the fun of New Orleans to your birthday party by hosting a Mardi Gras themed celebration.
Experience Ideas for a 21st Birthday
Parties aren’t the only way you can celebrate a 21st birthday! These experience gifts are a great way to enjoy the big day and make some memories at the same time!
Visit a casino
Now that you can legally enter a casino, do some gambling on your big.
Attend a bartending class
Learn how to make drinks for your 21st birthday, so you can enjoy some delicious cocktails on the big day.
Take a weekend trip
Grab some friends and head out of town for your birthday by visiting a fun city, like Miami, Las Vegas, New Orleans, or NYC.
Host a hotel party
There’s no reason to head out of town to enjoy a night away! Book a local hotel room and have some fun with your friends.
Wine tasting
Head to a local winery to enjoy tasting different types of wines.
Beer tasting
Or visit a local brewery and sip on flights of beer.
Head to the club
Since you can legally drink, spending the night at the club for your birthday is a fun way to celebrate.
Rent a limo
Make sure you have a designated driver while you go bar hopping by renting a limo or party bus for the night.
Paint and sip night
Instead of going crazy for your birthday, enjoy a low-key night of painting and sipping on wine with a paint and sip night.
Book a spa day
Relax for the day at a spa getting massages and facials.
Karaoke bar
Show off your singing skills on your birthday by spending the evening at a karaoke bar.
Book a photo shoot
Commemorate your 21st birthday with a professional photo shoot.
Take a cooking class
Hone your cooking skills by treating yourself to a cooking class for your birthday.
Camp out
Enjoy nature for your birthday by pitching a tent at your favorite campsite.
We also have a full list of cool outdoor birthday ideas you might like!
Watch a concert
Grab some tickets for your favorite band and enjoy some live music for your birthday.
Set up a booze cruise
Hit the water for your 21st birthday on a booze cruise with your friends.
Check out an escape room
Test your puzzle solving skills by checking out an escape room with your friends.
Make reservations for a fancy dinner
Make a reservation at a high-end restaurant to enjoy a fancy dinner for your big day.
Enjoy a birthday brunch
Drink bottomless mimosas and eat delicious food at a birthday brunch.
Visit a fortune teller
Find out what your future holds by heading to a fortune teller for your birthday.
Drinking Games for Your Party
Make sure your guests have a great time at your 21st birthday party by keeping them entertained. These fun drinking games are the perfect way to celebrate the big day.
Kings Cups
Draw a card and take the consequences according to Kings Cups rules.
Beer Pong
Set up a triangle of cups on each end of the table and toss the ball in until all the drinks are gone.
Never Have I Ever
Reveal a secret – if anyone else has done the same thing, they must drink too.
Flip Cup
A drinking relay race in which each player must drink the contents of their glass, then flip the cup into an upright position.
Quarters
Bounce a quarter into a cup to make your opponent drink.
Buzz
Sit in a circle and start counting, each person saying one number. Every time you get to a multiple of 7 say buzz or drink.
Shot Roulette
Fill shot glasses with alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks and place them in a circle. Put a bottle in the middle and spin to pick the shot you drink.
Truth or Drink
Answer the question truthfully or take a drink.
After you celebrate, make sure to share your celebration on social media! Check out the Best 21st Birthday Captions, Wishes & Quotes for Instagram!