21st birthday party ideas: 21 exciting ways to mark the momentous milestone

A 21st birthday has to be a particularly special occasion to mark in any calendar. It's the start of adulthood, the age you can drink alcohol in the US, perhaps it’s when you graduate from university, start a grad job, and life as you know it changes. While many people want to head to the club for their 18th birthday, there are so many other ways that you could celebrate this once in a lifetime occasion. Here at SquareMeal, we’ve got ahead of the game and pulled together a list of the best 21st birthday party ideas for you to take a look at.

There will be a lot for you to consider when booking a party to celebrate a 21st birthday – maybe you’re planning for yourself, and want to take control so that you know what you’ll be walking into, or perhaps you have the task of planning a party for your child who doesn’t like too much attention. Whatever the case, we know what kind of things you need to look out for.

For instance, you’ll want to start off by compiling details of your budget and guest list. After all, these two factors will largely dictate where and when you can host your party. Next up, think of the area that you want to host the 21st birthday party in – is a city based spot with great transport links important to you, or would you prefer something a bit more tucked away? Once you find a venue, or venues, that you’re interested in, be sure to pay attention to what’s included. Some venues will have minimum spends, while others will want you to order from a set menu. Certain establishments will provide a small amount of decor and table linen, and some will require you to bring in external suppliers.

Pool parties, cosy nights in, private dining, all night discos and even balls, we’ve got ideas for every sort of occasion here at SquareMeal. Keep reading and you’ll find plenty of inspiration on our long list of ideas to mark this momentous occasion – a 21st birthday party.

Unique 21st birthday ideas

You only turn 21 once, so make sure it's memorable! These unique birthday party ideas will stay with you long after the event, from intimate chef's table experiences to private karaoke.

Hire out a karaoke suite

Spend your birthday belting your heart out at Lucky Voice Liverpool Street or at another of the best karaoke bars in London

Whether Maria Carey is your jam, or you fancy yourself more of an Eminem, hiring out a karaoke suite for a few hours will give you nothing but good vibes. Comic relief, a space to show off your talent, and somewhere to sing your heart out, booking a karaoke suite for your 21st has to be one of the most fun things that you can do.

Eat at a chef’s table

From Corrigan's to Aulis, check out our pick of London's best chef's tables for a special experience

If there’s a chef that you’ve been watching for a while, why not look to book at their table, dining right in front of where your food is cooking. This intimate, memorable experience will remain in your memory for years to come.

Try out an immersive experience

Get your virtual reality goggles on and try out an immersive experience, positioning yourself in another world, or do the real thing, and head to a royal palace, film studio or to a murder mystery evening and get wrapped up in something that’s a bit different to your day to day life.

Book a cooking class

Pretend you're on MasterChef for the day at one of the best cookery classes across the country

Learn a thing or two on this special occasion and book a cooking class. Try your hand at making authentic pasta and rich sauces, or learn how to cook the perfect steak in your favourite restaurant. You’ll have the skills for years to come.

Relaxing 21st birthday ideas

Not one for a big, boozy affair? Keep things chilled with a relaxing activity, such as a weekend away, or a yoga class with pals. Sometimes, the most special ideas are understated and elegant - like you!

Book a weekend away

Book a relaxing weekend away in one of Tillingham's stylish rooms, and celebrate among their rustic vineyard surrounds

Choose a spa, boutique hotel in a city or coastal retreat and celebrate your 21st birthday in style. You can spend all weekend in a fluffy robe, taking dips in your bath, or enjoy the offerings at the hotel bar. This weekend is all about you!

Host a games night at home

If you’re not one for much attention, and want to keep things fairly low key on your 21st birthday, host a games night at home. You’ll be comfortable in your own space, and can order in your favourite takeaway while playing games that you love. We think that sounds pretty great.

Check out a paint and sip class

Unleash your inner Picasso at one of these fun paint and sip classes across London

Another creative way to celebrate your 21st birthday, paint and sip classes have become rather viral over the last few years, and with good reason. At one of these sessions, you’ll paint a piece of pottery, while getting to laugh away with your pals and sip on fizz.

Grab your friends for a yoga class

Spend your 21st birthday in pure bliss and hire out a yoga studio to start the day the right way. Breathe in and out with a vinyasa or hatha session, and reflect on the year you’ve just had.

Have a pyjama party

Stay cosy on your 21st and invite your loved ones around for a pyjama party! Drink from tea cups and enjoy dainty finger sandwiches, watch your favourite nostalgic film and create memories to last a lifetime.

Memorable 21st birthday ideas

Make turning 21 memorable with these legendary birthday party ideas. Host a ball, throw your very own festival, or rent a party bus for a large group of you. There's only one rule here: don't hold back!

Book a private dining room

We love this joyful private dining room at Cinnamon Bazaar, one of many fantastic private dining rooms in London available for hire

We have a huge selection of private dining options across the country, so whatever kind of cuisine you love, we’ve got something for you. This intimate environment will no doubt be a memorable setting for this special occasion.

Throw a fancy dress party

Revolución de Cuba have sites around the UK that can be hired for private parties: Revolución de Cuba Manchester (pictured), Revolución de Cuba Leeds, Revolución de Cuba Reading, Revolución de Cuba Milton Keynes, Revolución de Cuba Birmingham.

Get all of your friends and family to dress up for your birthday, taking things up a level with a theme! We particularly love the idea of getting all your guests to dress in a costume beginning with the first letter of your name. Oh the fun you could have!

Throw a ball

Why not go all out with a lavish ballroom like this one at 116 Pall Mall (left) or The Bloomsbury Ballroom (right)

If a fancier shindig is more your vibe, go the whole Bridgerton hog and throw a ball. You’ll have so much fun doing this, right from the preparations and sending out the invites, through to the evening itself. Wear masks, pour Champagne and buy the biggest frock that you can find.

Host your own festival

Titled with your name, hosting your own 21st birthday festival will be a celebration that goes down in everyone’s memory. If your back garden is big enough, then you’re sorted, but should you need a bigger space, we’ve got plenty of fantastic options for you to choose from, with a number of UK venues allowing for garden parties and marquees in their grounds.

Rent a party bus

Bustronome offers a sophisticated take on the party bus, and will certainly make for a memorable way to ring in the big 2-1!

Let out your inner VengaBoys and rent a party bus to drive around your town. You won’t believe how much fun you’ll have during this totally bonkers affair, and can make the experience totally your own with your choice of tunes.

Affordable 21st birthday ideas

Whether you're fresh out of uni, or yet to start the world of work, your bank balance might be looking a little worse for wear. No matter! These affordable 21st birthday party ideas are great options if you're strapped for cash but still want to throw something memorable. 

Visit an escape room

Pick from any one of the numerous thrilling escape rooms which London is home to

Escape rooms are always a good idea, and provide so much fun. If you gather enough friends, you’ll get a great deal on an escape room, and there are so many cool themes to choose from.

Head to your favourite restaurant

Dine amongst the beautiful, leafy surrounds at SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden, or at another of London's most beautiful restaurants

It’s your favourite restaurant for a reason, and so you’ll never go wrong booking a table there. You know exactly what you’ll get, and if the staff know you, they may even bring you a little 21st birthday treat.

Have a garden party

Utilise your garden space and host your family and friends at home on your 21st birthday. If the sun is shining, why not dust off the barbecue and make it an all day event.

Book a bottomless brunch

Tuck into a bottomless brunch at The Skinny Kitchen, or at one of any number of the best bottomless brunches in Leeds, Liverpool, Edinburgh, London and more

You get so much for your money with a bottomless brunch, and so it’s a great way to kickstart a night out. Fuel up with a delicious meal, and get a few rounds of cocktails in before heading out for more dancing.

Gather friends for a picnic

All you need for a picnic is some of your favourite food and a blanket, so arm yourself with sausage rolls and pork pies and head to the local park. Take some card games to play with your friends and bask in the sunshine, sharing good memories of the last year as you turn 21.

Hop around your favourite bars and pubs

The Princess of Shoreditch is always a good time, and there's a lovely restaurant upstairs if you want to make it a proper occasion

Have an all-dayer and bar hop in town, popping in and out of your favourite establishments to have a drink and dance to cheesy tunes. Celebrate by hopping from pub to pub, like on the infamous Bermondsey Beer Mile, or at some of London's best pubs.

Play mini golf or bowling

Who doesn’t like a bit of competition? If you get a buzz out of beating your friends in a friendly game of mini golf, bowling or shuffleboard, head to one of your local gaming venues, and set up a bit of a tournament.

Searching for the perfect venue for your birthday bash? Look no further than our selection of the coolest party venues in London.