Cheers to 21 Years! 50 Ideas To Make Your 21st Birthday the Most Memorable

Turning 21 is that special day when you can finally drink alcohol legally. It is assumed that by this age we can drink responsibly, which makes it ironic that so many people celebrate their 21st birthday by drinking irresponsibly. That doesn't have to be the focus, however, since there are plenty of other ways to celebrate this milestone birthday. In fact, we have come up with a whopping 50 21st birthday party ideas that are guaranteed to make your day special.

Whether you get to throw your epic party on the actual day you turn 21, or you plan a fun celebration the weekend after, we've got plenty of suggestions here that range from adventurous to super lowkey. Here are 50 21st-birthday ideas that are sure to be winners.

Related: These 125 Birthday Wishes for Your Brother Will Brighten His Day

Best 21st Birthday Party Ideas

1. Go out for a fancy dinner

Leave the fast food behind and treat yourself to some fine dining. It may even be fun to get dressed up a little to celebrate this milestone birthday.

2. Go wine tasting

Test your palate for fine wines with a group of your friends. Find vineyards from your local area or go all out and travel to famous vineyards from other states or even other countries.

3. Go on a food tour

Spend the whole day touring special restaurants in a city near you. Start early with a coffee shop and a morsel and continue with breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner and dessert. Just make sure to go to a new place for each course.

4. Bar crawl

Have your family and friends meet you in an area with plenty of bars and have a bar crawl for your whole crew now that you're legal!

5. Go to a concert

Music and memories go hand in hand. For a memorable birthday, go to a concert to listen to your favorite music. Any time in the future that you hear a song from the concert, you will remember your special day.

6. Visit a city you've never been to

Expand from your comfort zone and experience a new place that will broaden your horizons. You might want to rent a car (since you can).

7. Go biking in a new area

Grab your bike and follow a new trail. You never know where it will lead or what you will discover.

8. Go on a dinner cruise

There is no better way to relax, enjoy the scenery and partake in good food than with a dinner cruise. Whether it's a river, lake or ocean, there will be beauty all around.

9. Host a pizza party

Nothing makes a party come together more easily than pizza! Have pizza delivered or make your own with a variety of toppings. Maybe you can come up with 21 toppings!

Related: Forever Young! Here Are 25 of the Best 21st Birthday Gifts to Celebrate the Big Day

Adventurous 21st Birthday Party Ideas

10. Take a group go-cart racing

Go-cart racing is a fun way to celebrate the day. Look for some high-speed indoor courses for a little extra excitement.

11. Go somewhere you've never been before

What better way to celebrate a brand new age than in a brand new location?! Whether your crew flies into a destination of your choosing or you all road trip together, this will be one party you'll always remember.

12. Have a hiking party

Maybe there is a hiking trail that seems a little tough. Now is a good time to challenge yourself and take the trail in honor of your birthday.

13. Go bungee jumping

If you are really excited about turning 21, you may be pumped up enough to go bungee jumping to celebrate.

14. Go skydiving

If bungee jumping seems like child's play, try skydiving instead.

15. Take a group white water rafting

White water rafting is exhilarating and fun to do with a group of friends. It will definitely be a memorable experience for your milestone birthday.

16. Rent a party bus

That's right—do it up! You only turn 21 once!

17. Go to an amusement park

Celebrate in a big way with rollercoasters and other thrills.

18. Celebrate with helicopter rides for your crew

Get up in the air and see what the world has to offer as a now-21-year-old!

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Lowkey 21st Birthday Party Ideas

19. Go out for a group brunch

Celebrate early in the day with a brunch that includes a Bloody Mary bar or mimosas.

20. See a movie

Enjoy the day by going to see a favorite movie. Pick a studio with reclining seats and upgraded refreshment options.

21. Have a campfire with friends

Invite friends over for a bonfire that is sure to bring good conversation and stories. Don't forget the makings for smores!

22. Have a picnic at the beach or a park

Visit a beach or park with a special friend or a small group. Pack fun finger foods or plan to have a cookout with burgers.

23. Go bowling with friends

Bowling is a fun activity that most people can do at some level. Gather your friends together for a little competition and socializing.

24. Take a canoe trip down the river

Depending on the river, canoeing can either be a challenge or a very relaxing way to spend the day.

25. Have a paddleboard party

Whether some of the group takes a nap on the lake or others paddle around from one side to the other, this kind of party is relaxing and fun for everyone!

26. Plan a city scavenger hunt

Get a group together to search for a list of 21 special things.

27. Visit an art gallery or festival

Gain an appreciation for the arts by seeing what others have created.

21st Birthday Party Ideas at Home

28. Have a backyard cornhole tournament

Backyard games are always fun and having a cornhole tournament is a fun way to celebrate the day.

29. Invite friends over for a card game

No matter your game of choice, playing cards is always a fun social activity for a group.

30. Have a pool party

When the weather is warm, a pool party is just the right thing to make a splash on your special day.

31. Have a billiards party

If the weather is too cold for a pool party, move the party inside for a different type of pool party.

32. Hire a private chef

If you don't want to go out, you can make the day special at home by hiring a private chef for just yourself or for you and a group of friends.

33. Have a karaoke party

Gather your friends for an entertaining night of singing.

34. Host an indoor picnic

When the weather is not agreeable, bring outdoor fun inside with a picnic atmosphere and menu.

35. Costume party

Have all of your guests arrive in costume to match whatever theme you choose!

36. Have an old-school sleepover

Get a fun, chill start to all of the new responsibilities of adulthood by getting recharged with a good old-fashioned sleepover.

21st Birthday Party Ideas For Him

37. Go axe throwing

Have a friendly competition with a group of friends and let out a little aggression at the same time.

38. Take a brewery or distillery tour

Learn all about the process from harvesting and fermenting to the finished product. You may even get a tasting at the end.

39. Enjoy a favorite sporting event

Celebrate the day by going to a game that you enjoy watching.

40. Play laser tag

Gather your friend for an exciting game of laser tag that will get your heart racing.

41. Compete in paintball

Play war games with paint for a little friendly excitement.

42. Go golfing

Have a relaxing day at the golf course for a fun birthday par-ty event.

21st Birthday Party Ideas For Her

43. Have a spa day

Book a day at the spa either by yourself or with some friends. Enjoy a little pampering with a fresh mani and pedi and a relaxing facial.

44. Go to a "paint and pour"

Celebrate this milestone birthday by going to an event where there's painting and wine drinking!

45. Go on a shopping spree

This might be the perfect time to update your wardrobe. Have fun and splurge a little!

46. Take a cooking class

Bring your cooking to new heights by learning to make some new kinds of foods.

47. Have a fondue party

Invite a group of friends over and experience a different way of preparing hors-d'oeuvres.

48. Take a dance class

Cha, cha, cha! Your group an learn some new dance moves to get your groove on.

49. Plan a girl's weekend

Whether you travel somewhere or have a group of girls over, it's sure to be a great time of conversation and laughs.

50. Host an afternoon tea

If you like a formal event, get dressed up and enjoy a get-together of tea and special baked goods.

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