Turning 21 is a very significant milestone in a young adult’s life, so, naturally, it calls for an equally significant celebration! Feeling a little stumped on how exactly to ring in your official launch into adulthood? We’ve got you covered. If you’re reading this post as the party-planner, we’d recommend considering the unique interests of the person turning 21 when deciding what type of birthday party to throw for them.
Sure, the classic way to celebrate reaching the legal drinking age is to head out on a bar-crawl or try to win big in a casino, and while these activities are definitely enjoyed by some, others may prefer a more low-key celebration, or wish for one that doesn’t include alcohol at all. That’s why we’ve made sure to provide you with a varied list of different 21st birthday party ideas, with the options ranging from super relaxing to totally adrenaline pumping! Read on to discover our top picks on how to have the best 21st birthday possible.
Classic 21st Birthday Party Ideas
We’ll start with the classics – (these party ideas may or may not guarantee you and your guests a wild night!)
Costume Party
Inspire all guests to dress to impress with this cool party idea! You can even choose a theme for the costumes at the party; for example, your favorite movie or tv show, or a certain decade. Be sure to snap some funny pictures – we adore the idea of setting up a photo booth corner with a customizable backdrop!
Party Boat
If the weather allows for it, hiring out a party boat for your celebration is an awesome idea. Set sail with all of your best mateys, and get ready to rock the boat! You can even tell your guests to bring their swimsuits if the water is safe to dip into.
Bottomless Brunch
Instead of partying into the early hours of the morning, start, well, in the morning! For a fun-filled bottomless brunch, check out highly-rated venues in your area that offer this option and get ready to sip on some refreshing mimosas while catching up with your nearest and dearest. Oh, and did we mention you’ll also get to enjoy a fabulous brunch dish?
Mixology Lesson
Ever wondered how to make a mouth-watering cocktail? Opt for this birthday party choice to have an amazingly interesting and educational experience! You’ll also get to sample your beverage creations when they’re finished, which will definitely prove most rewarding.
Karaoke
Whether you sing your heart out to show tunes or you’re partial to rap, a good old-fashioned karaoke party is sure to bring a massive smile to everybody’s face! Why not hold a little competition on the night and vote for the best performance? Winner gets a free drink!
Casino Night
After you turn 21, you’re officially allowed to enter casinos. So, now, with this newfound freedom, why not dabble in some blackjack, roulette, or poker? This popular 21st birthday idea is definitely a thrilling one, and for good reason! You never know, you just might be lucky and hit the jackpot.
Party Bus
Rent out your very own party bus and celebrate in style! Opt for this exciting party idea if you like the idea of a glamorous venue on wheels. Party buses vary in their size and features, so make sure to go for one that accommodates your group size and activity preferences.
Adventurous and Sporty Ideas
The following 21st birthday party ideas are perfect for people who are sporty, and those who’d enjoy an adventure or a change of scenery!
Waterpark or Theme Park
Grab your best friends and head to a theme park or a water park for the day! Get your heart racing on a high-speed rollercoaster, or drift blissfully down a lazy river in an inflatable ring. If the birthday party you’re planning is taking place when it’s colder out, you could still go for an indoor water park or theme park, if there’s one near you!
Go-Karting
Rev up your guests with this exhilarating 21st birthday party idea! Visit a go-karting track and compete against your friends and family in rapid races. You could even offer up an enticing prize for the day’s grand prix winner!
Rock Climbing Wall
Rock climbing is a challenging activity that truly tests your strength and bravery. You don’t need to be an avid rock climber to choose this party theme, as most climbing wall centers will provide facilities for total beginners. Your guests will feel a great sense of accomplishment once they’ve seen how high up they can reach!
Watch A Game
Why not take your guests out to the ball game? Whether you’re a football, basketball, or baseball fanatic, it’s hard to beat the electric atmosphere that comes with watching a big game and cheering for the team you like. Make sure to indulge in some delicious game day snacks, too!
Trampolining
Trampolines aren’t just for kids! In fact, a fun-filled bouncing session can actually help you develop better balance and coordination. Invite your friends and family to show off their best front flips and back flips by opting for this unique party venue choice!
Campground Night
Escape with your loved ones to a camping (or glamping) oasis for a night or two instead of partying in the city, and get a much-needed detox. Breathe in some clean air, and bundle up around a roaring campfire with some tasty s’mores (and optional ghost stories!)
Road Trip
Why not rent out a fancy RV or a cool campervan and hit the open road with your party guests? Pick a location you’ve always wanted to visit, and make sure to stop on the way to see any interesting attractions for an unforgettable trip.
Concert
Nothing’s better than hearing a song you love live! Check for any upcoming concerts in your area that are taking place around the birthday date you’ve got in mind, and secure those tickets! Go for an artist you’ve recently gotten into, or inspire some nostalgia by seeing an old favorite.
At Home and Low-key Ideas
These ideas fall into the more low-key category – ideal for those who’d prefer to stay at home to celebrate, or who want to mark the occasion in a more relaxing way.
Video Game/Board Game Night in
Create your best multiplayer gaming or board game set-up for the evening, and urge your guests to unleash their competitive side! No matter what games you choose to battle each other in, you’ll all have a blast.
Private Chef Hire Dinner Party
Treat yourself to a totally catered dinner, and sit back and relax with your loved ones! Choose a local chef or catering company with a menu that appeals to you, and get ready to host the best (and easiest) 21st birthday dinner party of the year.
Movie Night In
Nothing says cozy quite like a movie night with lots of pillows, blankets and yummy snacks. Whether you go for a riveting horror movie or a feel-good rom-com, all of your guests will appreciate a nice, comfy night in.
Spa Day
Get your zen on by visiting a spa! Reach the height of pure serenity by dedicating the day to a much-needed pampering session. Spas usually offer multiple different types of treatments, so guests can easily opt for whatever ones they like the most.
Picnic/BBQ Party
Host a BBQ or picnic party in your backyard or local park, and catch some glorious rays while chowing down on some delectable food. You could even make this party a potluck, so that everyone will get to sample even more amazing dishes!
Tarot Card Reading Party
This unconventional 21st birthday party idea will bring you and your loved ones an evening of total mystique and whimsy! Book a professional tarot card reader, or simply follow the instructions and do it yourself. What will your future hold?
No matter how you choose to commemorate this special birthday, we hope you have an unforgettable experience with all of those you hold dear. We’ve also got an awesomely appropriate gift guide for you to check out entitled “21st Birthday Gift Ideas That They’ll Never Forget,” if you’re looking for the perfect present suitable for a 21st birthday. If you’ve got any other awesome 21st birthday party ideas that we haven’t mentioned, we’d love it if you included them in a comment below this post!
Ella is a content specialist from Cork, Ireland. Her passions include spending time with her two energetic dogs, fashion, photography, and trying new vegan food!
