Got a birthday around the corner, but still not organised anything? Or have you got to plan someone else’s big day and you’re stuck for ideas? Well, you’ve come to the right place. While coming up with birthday ideas can be difficult, Birmingham is brimming with amazing activities that everyone can enjoy. So check out our guide for brilliant birthday ideas in Birmingham. You just need to supply the cake, presents and party hats!
1. Have an adrenaline-pumping adventure
Whether you’re young or just young at heart, birthdays can be a great time to have an adventure. Currently in Birmingham, there is no greater thrill than The Bear Grylls Adventure. This adrenaline-pumping hub of action lets you delve into an assortment of electrifying activities. Swing through Europe’s highest outdoor free-roam ropes course, defy gravity with thrilling indoor skydiving, or test your shooting skills with epic archery. Summon your inner explorer and get your tickets here.
2. Unwind with a relaxed Candlelight concert
Not everyone wants high-octane adventures on their birthday. Some are just looking to take it easy. So picture this: A gorgeously exclusive venue, thousands of gentle candles and a four-string quartet playing classical music. Sounds ideal, right? Candlelight provides plenty of birthday ideas too, with a myriad of concerts that can appeal to everyone in Birmingham – from the pop tunes of Taylor Swift, ABBA and Adele to the iconic songs and compositions by Leonard Cohen and Vivaldi. Check out all the Candlelight concerts available in Birmingham here.
3. Blow off some steam at bottomless brunch
Getting your gal pals on your next birthday? Think about booking a bottomless brunch in Birmingham. Once you’ve filled up on magically refilling glasses of bubbly, infectious music that gets you grooving and an array of stomach-rumbling food, you’ve still got the rest of the day to keep the party going! The Throwing It Back Brunch at Birmingham Bierkeller is ideal for lip-synching along to all your 90s and 00s favourites. But check out all the best bottomless brunches in Birmingham here.
4. See the spectacular We Call It Tango
Brummies, listen up! Something truly special is right here in the city. The Argentine dance show We Call It Tango is on hand to entertain, bringing some South American spice to Birmingham. It takes two to tango so head to this celebration of dance and music with your friends for your birthday. Hear live musicians illuminate a performance by talented Tango dancers. it’s a steamy tale of forbidden romance you simply can’t afford to miss!
5. Spend big on a slap-up meal
With more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in the UK outside of London, Birmingham undoubtedly has some of the very best restaurants. While not the sort of places we can afford to visit every weekend, for a special occasion like your birthday, why not treat yourself? The immersive dining experience at Grace & Savour is a meal you’ll never forget.
If these birthday ideas feel out of your budget, then we also suggest Hockley Social Club. Home to multiple rotating kitchens, serving the city’s best street food, this is a far cheaper option without being short-changed on flavour – with past kitchens including Buddha Belly, Yardbirds and Urban Cheesecake. You’ll also find lots of room to fit all your mates, as well as regular events such as live music and comedy.
6. Embrace big kid behaviour with an array of ball games
Ping pong, bowling, pool tables, food and beer; what more could you want for a birthday party? Enjoy beer pong, basketball and shuffleboard too. The best birthday ideas embrace silliness, and Roxy Ball Room is the ultimate destination in Birmingham for anyone looking to let out their inner child. Its signature “booze and ball games” mantra asks you to get competitive with your mates. And, with snacks for the peckish and pizzas, burgers, nachos and chicken wings for the ravenous, you won’t get hungry either. A trip to the Roxy Ball Room ensures an unforgettable evening jam-packed with excitement.
7. Jump on the water and explore Birmingham’s canals
Birmingham’s canals are blooming lovely if you ask us, but how many times have actually explored them? Make your birthday the perfect excuse to get your friends and family together to explore them by boat! Pack up a picnic, grab a bottle of prosecco and take to the water with Go Boat, the eco-friendly, electric boat. Or lose yourself on Brum’s dizzying canal systems on a kayak tour. Check out some other amazing ways to explore Birmingham’s canals here.
8. Go to the cinema and grab some cocktails
Birthdays don’t need to be complicated. Just some good company is what you need. Why not head out on an adventure that doesn’t require leaving Birmingham and visit one of the city’s brilliant independent cinemas? After you’ve finished, it’s to hit the town and visit some of the coolest cocktail bars in Brum. Some of our favourites include Couch in Stirchley and Passing Fancies in Digbeth.
9. Sip and paint at Neon Brush
Grab your brushes and embark on an extraordinary artistic adventure with Neon Brush. Complementary drink in hand, you’ll receive all of the materials to create something unique at Snobs – 200 Broadstreet. A professional and experienced artist will be on hand to guide you if you want that guidance but this isn’t for artists – it’s for everyone! Because of the booze, it’s an 18 plus event and also 1 hour 30 minutes of pure neon fun. As the lights dim, your artwork glows!
10. Step into another dimension at Otherworld
Dreams can come true in the immersive virtual reality metaverse, OTHERWORLD. This virtual paradise is one of the most unforgettable birthday ideas in Birmingham, where you can jump into some of the world’s best virtual reality games and adventures. And while other VR venues overlook the world beyond the headset, OTHERWORLD keeps the, well, otherworldly feeling flowing throughout the venue. Enjoy cocktails and craft beer in between games at an out-of-this-world 16-tap self-serve drinks wall.
11. Have a nostalgic throwback at this gamer’s paradise
Birthdays aren’t just for kids, but some of the best ones we had were when we were young. Taking one big nostalgic trip to better days, NQ64 reminds us of all the best birthdays. This unique gaming arcade bar has all our childhood favourites, including Mortal Kombat, Pac-Man, Street Fighter II, Tekken and newer classics such as Guitar Hero. It’s literally like the early 90s again – except this time we can drink, and NQ64 provides a range of game-themed cocktails to level up your experience too!
12. Take a trip out of Birmingham
Of course, you don’t have to stay in Birmingham. It’s your birthday, do whatever you want! Why no take a trip and explore what lies beyond Birmingham? You never know, you might enjoy it! Day trips near Birmingham can include visiting stunning castles like Warwick, thrilling theme parks at Alton Towers and breathtaking hikes across the Peak District. Basically, there are so many things you can do with just you, your friends and the open road! Check out the best day trips from Birmingham here.