Top 13 Things To Do for Adult Birthday Parties in Atlanta

By Carol Carter and Joleen Pete

Published June 7, 2025
Last Updated June 11, 2025

Looking for unforgettable birthday ideas in Atlanta? Whether you’re planning a milestone celebration or a spontaneous night out, the city offers a vibrant array of experiences to make your special day memorable. From cultural excursions to thrilling adventures, here are some top things to do on your birthday in Atlanta.

1. Make it a Fin-tastic Party

Celebrating your birthday at the Georgia Aquarium offers a unique blend of marine wonder and memorable experiences tailored for adults. Adult-friendly experiences range from free admission for Georgia residents to exclusive events like Sips Under the Sea, an after-hours 21+ party with cocktails and music. For something extra special, you can book a behind-the-scenes tour, sleep under the sea or even dive with whale sharks in the thrilling “Dive with Gentle Giants” program. Want a big celebration? Host your bash in the stunning Oceans Ballroom, or start your day with yoga among the fish. It’s one of the most unique and fun birthday ideas Atlanta has to offer.

Georgia Aquarium requires a minimum 15 people for an o-FISH-al birthday party. Depending on which option you choose, you get 90 minutes of party time, a birthday invitation template, themed party decoration, reserved seats at the dolphin presentation and a parking pass for one vehicle. It promises to be turtle-ly wonderful.

2. Have a Coke and a Smile

Celebrate your birthday with bubbles and fun at the World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta’s immersive museum dedicated to the world’s most iconic soft drink. Party packages include a special birthday souvenir button, a Happy Birthday-wrapped Coke bottle and optional party favor bundles for your guests. Snap a photo with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear, put your nose to the test in Scent Discovery and see if your group can uncover the mystery behind the Secret Formula Vault. New for 2025, the interactive Coca-Cola Stories exhibit invites guests to explore rare artifacts, challenge their knowledge with AI-powered displays and discover the brand’s cultural impact around the globe. With global tastings, hands-on exhibits and plenty of fizzy surprises, it’s one of the most refreshing birthday ideas Atlanta has to offer.

3. Jazz it Up at High Museum

The High Museum of Art is open the third Friday of every month for music, drinks and art. Celebrate your birthday with a few good buds while you explore the exhibits, enjoy a drink and listen to music, which ranges from straight ahead jazz to free jazz bebop to swing and more.

4. Find Nighttime Things to Do in Atlanta

Atlanta lights up at night with unforgettable experiences — perfect for celebrating an adult birthday in style. Sip cocktails and enjoy live music surrounded by blooms and skyline views at Cocktails in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, or toast another trip around the sun at Fernbank After Dark, where science meets nightlife with tapas, tunes and interactive exhibits. Watch an indie film at the vintage Plaza Theatre, catch a live show at the iconic Fox Theatre or lean into the city’s eccentric side at the legendary Clermont Lounge. Whether you’re planning a lively night out or something more low-key, these unique things to do in Atlanta at night offer unforgettable ways to mark your big day.

5. Put On Your Dancing Shoes

Step into the timeless charm of Johnny’s Hideaway, Atlanta’s iconic Buckhead nightclub affectionately known as the city’s “only nightclub for big kids.” Since 1979, this retro dance spot has been spinning hits from the ’50s through today under a glittering disco ball, with a mix of DJ sets, live bands and old-school flair. In 2025, the party’s still going strong with themed nights, cocktail specials and events like Monday Trivia and Ladies Night. It’s also a favorite spot for celebrating adult birthdays, thanks to its high-energy dance floor, classic cocktails and a fun-loving crowd that knows how to keep the good times rolling. Whether you’re dancing the night away with friends or making a toast to another year, Johnny’s Hideaway is the perfect place to let loose and celebrate in style.

6. Party with Animals at Zoo Atlanta

If you’re really planning a big blow-out, Zoo Atlanta has several spaces for large gathering. However, if your birthday group is small, you could make it a zoo day and arrange an encounter with an ambassador animal. More ideas are (1) Treetop Trail presented by Kaiser Permanente: Treetop Trail invites you and your guests to tackle an aerial playground high above the zoo’s KIDZone. (2) Rides: Add rides on the Endangered Species Carousel or Zoo Train for a fun experience. (3) Keeper Talks: One of the zoo’s animal care experts can offer fascinating facts, engaging insights and conservation inspiration in a personal talk and Q&A for your guests.  

7. Play Games

Planning an unforgettable adult birthday party in Atlanta? Skip the traditional dinner and add a playful twist with a night out at one of the city’s top game bars or bowling alleys. Challenge your crew to high-tech mini-golf at Puttshack, knock down some pins in style at the chic Painted Pin or rally for fun at The Painted Pickle, Atlanta’s buzzy indoor pickleball and gaming venue. With great food, craft cocktails and just the right dose of friendly competition, these spots are perfect for birthday celebrations that go beyond cake and candles.

8. Satisfy the Need for Speed

If you’re feeling the need for speed, take the party to the Porsche Experience Center near the airport and feel the thrill of driving a Porsche on a 1.6-mile driver development track. The center offers six different modules on the track — all aimed at teaching a different skill. Porsche drive coaches work one-to-one to make the experience safe and exciting. After the track, enjoy the restaurant, shop and simulator lab.

9. Relax at High Tea

Nothing says “elegant” quite like high tea. And it doesn’t get more elegant than at Astor Court at the St. Regis Atlanta. Tea times are Saturdays and Sundays from 2 until 4 p.m. Make your way up the curving staircase to comfortable armchairs in the second-floor Astor Court, which overlooks the lobby chandelier. Choose from 12 teas. Dab lemon curd, clotted cream or jam onto a lemon poppy seed and violet scone. Munch a savory, which might be roast turkey in spinach wrap or green goddess chicken salad on whole wheat. To satisfy your sweet tooth, there are linzer cookies, chocolate cremeux with mocha, lemon blueberry tartlets, strawberry basil petite fours, and salted caramel and chocolate cones.

Another classy option for high tea happens at the Swan Coach House. Your table will be preset with a cheese ring, scones and cheese straws. You select four savories. Choices include tea sandwiches, miniature quiches and ham biscuits, to name a few. You also get to choose three sweets. Some of these choices are ginger bites, key lime tartlets and miniature French silk swans.

10. Indoor Golf? Fore Sure

Swing on over to either Topgolf or Puttshack for indoor golf at its best. At Topgolf, private party and event spaces can accommodate as few as seven of your best buddies. You’ll party in climate-controlled bays so you’ll have no weather worries. Topgolf offers an array of add-ons such as live leaderboards, a Topgolf pro for swing tips and group lessons, and even Topgolf apparel and gifts. Menus are crafted by chefs.

Booking a package is the best way to experience Puttshack with friends and family. The staff will organize your mini-golf, team registration and food and drinks ahead of your arrival. Every event package includes one game of mini-golf, a reserved area, menu choice and a party host. You can also choose a beverage package. Finally, you may add any extra food options to satisfy big appetites, food preferences or a sweet tooth. And you may add an extra game of mini-golf for the serious competitors.

11. Party at the Drive-In

Host your birthday party at Starlight Drive-In Theatre for a showstopping night with friends or family. Grab a snack from the concession stand or enjoy some Mexican food during the movie. Movie schedules are announced on Wednesdays for that Friday through Thursday.

12. Meet your Pals at Fernbank After Dark  

Fernbank Museum of Natural History calls these Fernbank After Dark events, “Adult Science Nights.” Fernbank After Dark occurs the second Friday of each month, with each month highlighting a different science theme and immersive programming. Just for people 21 years old and older, Fernbank After Dark experiences might include outdoor explorations, museum exhibits, live music and science demos. The event also includes tapas and drinks.

13. Get Hip at Tabernacle

The Tabernacle, once a church, is the essence of hip in downtown Atlanta, right in the Centennial Olympic Park District. One birthday option at this music hall to pick a performer or group that is scheduled to play, then get tickets for several friends and have a birthday blast. Another idea, if you want to invite as many as 25 friends, is to let the experts at Tabernacle plan your event.

For things to do anytime in Atlanta, visit our calendar of events.

Journalist Carol Carter writes and edits for Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Joleen Pete is a storyteller and dream-weaver, inspired by the magic in everyday moments and the untold stories waiting to be shared.