Having a January birthday means I’m always looking for birthday in Seattle ideas to start off the new year. With everyone visiting over the holidays, I enjoy seeking out fun, adult-friendly activities to get people out of the post-holiday funk.
If you’re trying to plan birthday parties for adults in Seattle, consider this your guide because I’ve compiled a list of everything you can do for a birthday celebration, ranging from unique places to eat to solo ways to gift yourself!
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Birthday in Seattle Ideas
Save this to Pinterest for later because I’ll add more Seattle birthday ideas as I discover them!
Splurge at a fancy restaurant
Birthdays are the perfect excuse to go out and dine at a Seattle fine dining restaurant you wouldn’t normally visit. Here are some of my favorite restaurants for entertaining a small group or having a romantic date night dinner in Seattle.
Cafe Juanita
website | neighborhood: Kirkland (get directions) | best for: northern Italian
Cafe Juanita is owned by James Beard winner and Top Chef Masters contestant chef Holly Smith. The menu highlights northern Italian cuisine through the lens of PNW ingredients. Dietary restrictions are no problem since guests can choose between an omnivore, vegetarian, or vegan tasting menu. You can even bring your own special bottle for a corkage fee or try their sommelier-guided wine pairings.
Copine
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | best for: PNW
I’ve gone to Copine for many birthdays because the vibe is perfect for special occasions. It’s elevated and new-age, and the pre-fixed tasting menu is seasonally driven. If you’re celebrating on short notice, you can snag a few seats at their bar and order à la carte while you taste through their curated wine list.
Taneda
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (get directions) | best for: sushi
Taneda is one of the best omakase-style sushi restaurants in Seattle. Chef Hideaki Tenada carefully curates the menu with the best local and international seafood. Because of its popularity, you need to work hard to get a reservation by following them on Instagram to know when new openings drop. However, you’ll be rewarded for your hard work with one of the best sushi experiences in Seattle.
Pro tip: Ltd. Edition Sushi is another fabulous choice for high-quality sushi, though they also require booking well in advance.
Archipelago
website | neighborhood: Hillman City (get directions) | best for: PNW-meets-Filipino
Archipelago is one of the best five-star restaurants in Seattle. It’s perfect for a birthday date night since they only seat 12 at a time and the vibe is naturally intimate but not stuffy. The menu is Filipino influenced with seasonal PNW ingredients, and they offer both alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage pairings.
Altura
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (get directions) | best for: northern Italian
For being in a discrete location, Altura is one of the most upscale Seattle Italian restaurants. Their menu is pre-fixed and incorporates creative ingredients into otherwise traditional Italian fare. The vibe is sophisticated but creative, and their cocktails and desserts are equally memorable.
Take over a restaurant with your friends
Hosting a group of more than 6 can prove difficult, but luckily, there are a number of restaurants with private rooms that are perfect for group dining in Seattle. Here are some standouts if you’re in need of birthday ideas in Seattle that revolve around crowd-pleasing food.
Ciudad
website | neighborhood: Georgetown (get directions) | best for: Portuguese
Ciudad offers private dining for up to 12 for their pre-fixed family-style menu, or you can book their private back room for up to 20. Their menu has omnivore, vegetarian, and vegan offerings. While the menu is Portuguese-influenced, their dishes are well-seasoned and full of familiar flavors.
Percy’s & Co.
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | best for: southern
I’ve hosted several work get-togethers at Percy’s because of their excellent cocktail program and menu of elevated southern classics. Their staff is quick to answer and very helpful, and if you book on a weekday, their minimums are very reasonable. Plus, who can resist southern comfort food?
Di Fiora
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (get directions) | best for: Thai-Italian fusion
Di Fiora would be perfect for a birthday guy or gal looking for a vibrant, clubby vibe. The dining room is lined with funky wallpaper, flowers, and greenery. The menu is Asian-meets-Italian, which leaves wiggle room for different palettes. Their dining room takes reservations up to 12, or you can reach out for options for hosting larger groups.
New Luck Toy
website | neighborhood: West Seattle (get directions) | best for: Chinese American
I’ve always wanted to host a party at New Luck Toy. It’s kind of a hipster dive bar meets Chinese restaurant, with classic American-Chinese dishes served alongside frozen cocktails, pinball machines, and private karaoke rooms.
See a performance
Regardless of when your birthday is, it’s a safe bet you’ll find performances that’d make great birthday ideas in Seattle. Not to mention, a ticket to any of these shows would make a great birthday present!
Candlelight orchestra
website | neighborhood: varies | best for: candlelight cover bands
What would make a better birthday gift than surprising your significant other with tickets to a candlelight orchestra? Each show promises covers of the greats like Fleetwood Mac, Taylor Swift, or The Beatles. Better yet, snag a gift card to book your show at a later date.
Ballet light show
website | neighborhood: Downtown (get directions) | best for: modern ballet
If you love classical ballet or fairytales, you’ll want to catch We Call It Ballet. It’s a creative take on Sleeping Beauty and features local dancers in glow-in-the-dark costumes telling the classic tale but through a unique interpretation.
Burlesque
Whether you’re a Seattle local or visiting for your birthday, live burlesque shows are perfect for special occasions. Can Can Culinary Cabaret features dinner and a show in the heart of Pike Place Market, while The Triple Door tells classic tales like The Nutcracker or Alice in Wonderland through an acrobatic-meets-burlesque lens.
Drag show brunches
Taking a group of friends to a drag brunch sounds like one of the perfect birthday ideas in Seattle. Here are some of my favorite drag brunches to look out for:
- Dreamland – 2 shows every Saturday at 11:15 AM and 1:45 PM
- Unicorn – Mimosas cabaret every Sunday at 1 PM
- Kamp Social House – Every 2nd and 4th Sunday from 12-3 PM
- Skål Beer Hall – Seasonal drag brunch from 12:30-3 PM
Broadway musical
I always make it a point to visit the theater over my birthday weekend. Being a member of both, I find 5th Avenue Theatre is better for highlighting local performers in reproductions of classic musicals like Mary Poppins or The Sound of Music, whereas the Paramount Theater is better for catching traveling Broadway shows like Wicked and Hamilton.
Cabaret and acrobats
Depending on when your birthday is, you may be able to catch a traveling cirque show. Teatro Zinzanni is a permanent activity that’s part dinner, part cirque, and part comedy show. If you’re looking for pure acrobatics, Cirque du Soleil hosts a show in Seattle every January through March.
Challenge friends to some casual rec sports
Birthday get-togethers are the perfect chance to meet with friends and enjoy some playful competition. Here are some birthday ideas in Seattle to get you started.
Escape rooms
Join forces with friends and see if you can collaborate your way out of an escape room! Here are some options from Groupon if you want a discount:
- Thrilling Historical Themed Escape Room
- At-Home Escape Room Murder Mystery
- Private Escape Room at Entangled Lynnwood
SPIN ping pong bar
website | neighborhood: Downtown (get directions) | best for: ping pong
SPIN Seattle is a ping-pong game room. There are 10 tables, a full bar, ample communal seating, a full kitchen, and a bathtub filled with balls that makes for a cute Insta-pic. The best part? They pick up the balls for you!
Bowling
Bowling is a great communal activity because it doesn’t require constant focus, isn’t overly competitive, and there’s usually food and drinks involved. Here are some of my favorite bowling allies in Seattle:
Axe throwing
Nothing quite helps you wind down quicker than throwing a few axes around. Visit Blade & Timber in Capitol Hill for some local craft beers, lumbersnacks, and 18 axe-throwing lanes. Or throw axes at zombies and moving targets at Sea Axe.
Topgolf
website | neighborhood: Renton (get directions) | best for: casual golf at a range
If your birthday guy or gal is golf-obsessed, surprise them with a day at TopGolf. It’s a massive entertainment complex offering interactive golf games for all skill levels alongside music, food, and drinks.
Monster Mini Golf
website | neighborhood: Bellevue (get directions) | best for: mini golf
For us less competitive golfers, Monster Mini Golf is the perfect place to tee off. It’s a massive indoor mini golf course with glow-in-the-dark monsters, arcade games, bowling, VR games, and a laser maze.
Flatstick Pub
website | neighborhood: Pioneer Square (get directions) & South Lake Union (get directions) | best for: mini golf
Spending the day at Flatstick Pub is one of my favorite indoor activities in Seattle. It’s fun for groups because you can play tons of games under one roof, and the beer tap list is lengthy and Washington-driven. They also often have sweet deals on Groupon for their SLU and Pioneer Square locations.
Arcades
If you’re after a true arcade experience, GameWorks is best for their wide range of skillful games and prize options. The Ice Box Arcade is more retro and pinball-heavy, while Time Warp is best if you’re looking for good cocktails and an adults-only vibe.
Mox Boarding House
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) & Bellevue (get directions) | best for: board games
Mox Boarding House is a true Seattle hidden gem that even some locals don’t know about. It’s a game store that allows you to try the game before committing. They have a cafe/bar where you can get a coffee or cocktail and play a round to see if you want to buy the game. If your group is big, they also have private rooms.
Pro tip: Zulu’s Board Game Cafe is another option in Bothell and Lynnwood.
South Gate Roller Rink
website | neighborhood: White Center (get directions) | best for: indoor skating
Indulge in your inner child with a day at the roller rink. Southgate Roller Rink is retro-fitted with a disco ball, bright lights, and live music. They even have a karaoke room to sing your heart out between laps.
Pro tip: Need an option farther north? Trying Lynnwood Bowl & Skate instead.
Virtual reality
Dawn on a pair of VR goggles and immerse yourself in an interactive game. Here are some VR game spaces in Seattle:
- Hive (Shoreline) – Private indoor games for 2-5 players or break up into multiple teams
- Sandbox (SLU & Kirkland) – Groups up to 6 embark on an adventure inspired by Star Trek’s Holodeck
- Zero Latency (Redmond) – Work as a team to defeat zombies or evade crazed pirates
LazerX Arena laser tag
website | neighborhood: Kirkland (get directions) | best for: laser tag
Laser tag is great for large groups looking to wage war and tackle obstacles. LazerX Arena offers an ultra-realistic first-person shooter experience on a Hollywood movie set using the same equipment deployed by SWAT teams.
Pro tip: Arena Sports in Mill Creek also has laser tag alongside arcade games, bowling, mini golf, and more.
Go karts
website | neighborhood: Redmond (get directions) | best for: indoor go-karts
I don’t consider myself a competitive person, but I’ve been known to get a little heated on the racetrack. K1 Speed offers environmentally friendly electric karts that reach upwards of 40 mph. You’ll race along the curvy ¼-mile track to see who can claim the top spot on the leaderboard!
Whirlyball
website | neighborhood: Edmonds (get directions) | best for: a low-competition game
Whirlyball is a new game where players ride bumper cars (or whirlybugs) as they compete to score goals using whiffle balls and lacrosse-style scoops. The whirlybugs act as the great equalizer, so there’s no telling whose game it is!
Cross off a bucket list adventure
Birthdays are the time to be daring and cross something off your ever-growing bucket list. Here are some that would make fun birthday ideas in Seattle!
iFly Seattle
link to book | neighborhood: Tukwila (get directions) | best for: indoor skydiving
If you’ve always wanted to go skydiving but aren’t quite ready to hop out of a plane, start with iFly. It feels like you’re flying midair but with the comfort of knowing you’re safely indoors.
Race a sports car
website | neighborhood: Kent (get directions) | best for: racing
If you know someone who loves fast sports cars, book them a day on the track with their own Lamborghini. This deal lets you race around a pro track, rocketing from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds (yes, literally 3 seconds).
Not a fan of Lamborghinis? Race a Ferrari or a Porsche instead!
Hot air balloon
link to book | neighborhood: Snohomish (get directions) | best for: hot air balloon experience
Enjoy incredible views of the Puget Sound and surrounding mountainscapes via a hot air balloon ride. Snohomish Balloon Rides often offers great Groupon deals on shared rides led by experienced pilots with awe-inspiring, panoramic views of the PNW.
Fly a helicopter
link to book | neighborhood: Auburn (get directions) | best for: helicopter training
Learn the fundamentals of how to fly a helicopter under the guidance of an FAA-certified flight instructor. You’ll be given a ground lesson, then you and your instructor head to the sky where they let you take over the controls over downtown Seattle.
Do a brewery crawl
Whether you’re turning 21 or you’re a big fan of craft beer, going on a brewery crawl can make for a fun-filled birthday. Seattle has tons of breweries and craft beer bars to choose from, though if you’d rather keep the driving to a minimum, I say stick with the Ballard craft beer district.
Pro tip: Most breweries offer weekday trivia nights, so double-check before you go!
Visit a themed or rooftop cocktail bar
I’m a sucker for a good rooftop bar or speakeasy, and luckily Seattle has plenty to choose from. Here are some of my favorites that would make one of the best birthday ideas in Seattle.
Inside Passage
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (get directions) | best for: underwater speakeasy
If your birthday theme has to do with the deep blue sea, you should check out Inside Passage. It’s located inside Rumba Rum Bar and is a self-proclaimed “tropical immersion bar.” The drinks are served in outlandish glassware as a massive octopus hovers over the bar. They also have a surprisingly stacked food menu full of Asian fusion dishes and the music isn’t too loud, so it’s great for catching up with friends.
Needle + Thread
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (get directions) | best for: custom cocktails
Needle +Thread is located inside the law-themed upscale restaurant Tavern Law. Once you sneak past the secret phone booth, you’ll be greeted with Prohibition-era cocktails in a small, intimately lit dining room. Note: reservations are required.
The Loupe Lounge
website | neighborhood: Lower Queen Anne (get directions) | best for: over-the-top food and drinks with city views
For a gorgeous view paired with curated cocktails, head to The Loupe Lounge. It’s located inside the Space Needle and features a rotating rooftop bar, craft cocktails, food towers, and complimentary access to the observation deck. It’s pricey, but worth the splurge for memorable views, bites, and libations.
Mountaineering Club
website | neighborhood: U-District (get directions) | best for: rooftop bar & party vibes
The Mountaineering Club is located on the rooftop of The Graduate, an eclectic and quirky-themed hotel near the University of Washington. Once you’re buzzed in at the front desk, you’ll be escorted onto the elevator and delivered to the top floor, where you’ll sip on classic cocktails and overlook Lake Washington with music thumping in the background.
Paper Fan Cocktail Bar
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (get directions) | best for: speakeasy & Chinese food
Paper Fan is a new speakeasy cocktail bar located inside Biang Biang Noodles. Their cocktails are all tea-infused, and the vibe is designed to remind you of the old Hong Kong. The bar offers limited seating, and reservations are encouraged, but it’s great for an intimate group of friends.
Keys on Main Dueling Piano Bar
website | neighborhood: South Lake Union (get directions) | best for: piano bar
Keys on Main is a dueling piano bar where two expert musicians play requested songs on their grand pianos. Any songs from the past 65 years are fair game, and don’t be surprised if you’re dragged on stage for a birthday serenade!
Go wine tasting
Washington is home to world-renowned wineries, and many have taken up shop in Woodinville, less than 30 minutes outside Seattle. Read my guide to find the best Woodinville wineries, and check out my map so you can plan your custom itinerary!
Don’t want to leave Seattle proper? Head to the best Seattle urban wineries in SODO for wine tasting!
Treat yourself to a spa
Nothing says birthday celebration quite like taking a spa day. Here are some of my favorite Seattle spas for every budget and service.
Penelope & The Beauty Bar
website | neighborhood: Downtown (get directions) | best for: discounted services
Penelope is located inside the Fairmont Olympic Hotel and is best for their skincare and mani-pedi services. They always have specials running. Here are some I found on Groupon:
- Six-Session Laser Hair Removal
- Brazilian Waxing or Sugaring Treatments
- Waterless Mani-Pedis
- Discount Massage Packages
Yuan Spa
website | neighborhood: Totem Lake (get directions) & Bellevue (get directions) | best for: pools and saunas
Yuan Spa is one of my favorite spas for their warming ambiance and treatment options. They have large hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms, salt rooms, and options to add a Chinese massage.
Luscious Skin Spa
website | neighborhood: Queen Anne (get directions) | best for: facials
Luscious Skin Spa is owned and managed by an esthetician who uses advanced skincare methods to carefully remove dead skin and reveal brighter, youthful skin. They also offer reiki and angel card readings if you want energy healing.
Mani-pedi services
If you’re purely after a quick mani-pedi, you’ll find tons of salons around Seattle. Here are some offering Groupon deals:
- 25% off Mani-Pedi & Acrylics at Pink Polish (Ballard)
- Up to 57% off Mani-Pedi at Night Light Nail Salon (Wallingford)
- Up to 25% off Mani-Pedi and Foot Therapy at Urban Spa Yoga (Downtown)
Take a quirky tour
Celebrate your birthday and learn a thing or two about the city with a fun, action-packed tour. Here are some that are on my list to try.
My Seattle food tours
Explore a new Seattle foodie neighborhood with one of my self-guided food tours. Each one is regularly updated and includes tips on what to order and when to visit, along with fun facts and honorable mentions.
In-person food tours
Craving an in-person guided tour? Seattle has tons. Here are some worth booking:
- The Seattle Coffee Tour
- Seattle Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour
- Secret Food Tours Seattle
- Pike Place Dietary-Friendly Food Tour
Mushroom foraging
website | neighborhood: Redmond (get directions) | best for: mushroom foraging
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to forage for wild mushrooms, this would make one of the best birthday ideas in Seattle. Savor the Wild offers foraging 101 classes, chef-led mushroom hunts, and cooking demos.
Unique tours of Seattle and the surrounding area
Tours are a great way to get friends together and dip your toes in a new interest or experience. Here are some quirky tours that caught my eye:
- Seattle Terrors Ghost Tour
- Seattle Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
- All Day VIP Pass to Original Selfie Museum Seattle
- Luxury Leavenworth Day Trip through the Cascade Mountains
Rent a boat
One of my favorite Seattle water activities is to rent a boat with a group of friends and cruise around Lake Washington or Lake Union. If you’re a winter birthday, one of the best birthday ideas in Seattle a hot tub boat or floating sauna with a small group. If you’re not looking to do all the driving, try one of these guided boat tours:
Take a class
Birthdays are the perfect time to learn something new or pursue that hobby you’ve always been interested in. Here are some classes that would make the perfect birthday party.
Craft class
Craft classes are a relaxing way to decompress and learn new skills. The Works Seattle hosts classes ranging from screen printing to knitting, tufted pillows, watercolor, and more. Or, try one of these specialty classes:
Glassblowing
I took a glassblowing class once as a team morale event and loved it! Try one of these classes and come home with your very own handblown ornament:
- Blow Your Own Flower or Wavy Bowl (Tacoma)
- Make Your Own Glass Bowl or Paperweights (Downtown)
Paint pottery class
website | neighborhood: U-District (get directions) | best for: painted pottery
Paint the Town is a small ceramics studio where you can pick the piece you want to paint, decorate it to your liking, and then let them fire it for you. They also offer at-home kits so you and your friends can paint your pieces in the comfort of your home.
Cooking class
The Pantry is a community kitchen that offers cooking classes on specific dishes, like NY-style pizza and tamales, as well as introductions to cuisine cooking and wine education.
Here are some additional classes I found near Seattle:
- Hands-on Sushi Rolls class
- Mad Scientist Drink Fusion Lab, A Mocktail Focused Workshop
- Dumpling Making Class
Dance class
Pick a dance you’ve always wanted to learn, grab a dance partner (or not), and take advantage of one of Seattle’s many dance class offerings:
Rent out a movie theater
Catch a movie you’ve been dying to see, but see it in style. These movie theaters offer upscale food and cocktails, making them fancier than your everyday theater.
Big Picture
website | neighborhood: Issaquah (get directions) | best for: cocktail lounge
Big Picture offers a more luxurious movie-going experience, with plush seating, a cocktail lounge, and movie-themed smash burgers served alongside signature cocktails.
Central Cinema
website | neighborhood: Central District (get directions) | best for: second-run movies
Central Cinema is a dine-in theater with a retro vibe that serves boozy cocktails, fried bites, and, of course, popcorn. They show older second-run movies like Grease and Casablanca, reminding you of a circa-1950s theater.
The Beacon
website | neighborhood: Columbia City (get directions) | best for: lesser known movies
The Beacon Cinema is a small-production theater that shows movies you may not have heard of. They’re mostly B movies or independent films designed to show there’s more to film than CGI blockbusters.
Do karaoke
Karaoke…you either love it or you hate it. I personally love it and look for any opportunity to get a group together and book a room. Rock Box is my favorite karaoke spot specializing in Japanese karaoke, i.e., private rooms with friendly servers who check on you periodically.
If you’re not bashful, sing in front of the crowds at Hula Hula. It’s a tiki-themed bar with a karaoke stage and pub grub served alongside flaming cocktails.
Go to a rage room
Ever felt like destroying property? Well, Rage Industry has you covered. You can rent out rooms to destroy bottles, break a table, you name it. The best part? They take care of the cleanup. This is definitely one of the birthday ideas in Seattle that’ll leave your friends talking!
Go dancing
If your idea of a birthday bash is getting low on the dance floor, you’ll be pleased to know Seattle has tons of dancing venues. Here are some not to miss:
Monkey Loft
website | neighborhood: SODO (get directions) | best for: rooftop patio
The Monkey Loft is a buzzing, unpretentious nightclub with live DJs and a seasonal rooftop patio overlooking the city. Their music choice is EDM-heavy, and I like that the dance floor is spacious enough not to leave you feeling claustrophobic or sweaty.
Supernova
website | neighborhood: SODO (get directions) | best for: massive dance floor
Supernova emphasizes being an all-inclusive dancing space. It’s big enough that it would be great for large groups, and I love the artsy vibe and retro Instagrammable corners.
Nectar Lounge
website | neighborhood: Fremont (get directions) | best for: live music
Nectar Lounge is an indoor-outdoor live music venue. They host talents ranging from local artists to tribute bands and well-known acts. There’s standing room up front for dancing as well as seating outside and on the second story.
Q Nightclub
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (get directions) | best for: VIP service
Q Nightclub is what I’d call a more “typical” nightclub experience. There’s loud bumping music, light displays, and yes, somewhat pricey cocktails. If you’re with a group, it’s worth booking a VIP table service that includes a dedicated mixologist and cocktail servers.
Neighbours Nightclub and Lounge
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (get directions) | best for: LGBTQ+ nightclub
Neighbours is Capitol Hill’s longest-running gay nightclub that’s been around since the 80s. It’s a judgment-free zone where everyone is welcome, and it features three floors of live music, food options, and live performances.
Book a weekend getaway
Sometimes one of the best birthday ideas in Seattle is to get out of the city! If time allows, I always make it a point to try and book a weekend getaway for my or my partner’s birthday. Check out my guides to a quick planning a mini vacation:
- 11 Winter Getaways in Washington
- The Most Unforgettable Road Trip in WA State
- Romantic Rendevous in the PNW
- Weekend in Calgary
- Santa Barbara 3-Day Itinerary
- Weekend in Scottsdale
Overwhelmed by trip planning?
Let me plan you a custom itinerary for either a romantic getaway or a birthday bash with friends!
More ideas for special experiences in Seattle
Want more birthday ideas in Seattle? Check out my other guides for fun ways to explore the city.
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