If you love the idea of throwing a memorable celebration this year, our birthday party ideas in NYC will make your planning so much easier. Instead of relying on a standard night out for drinks, plan a creative event your friends and family will talk about for years to come.
Hands-on workshops are great for getting a big group of people together and for offering a unique experience. There is a wide range of things to do in New York from customizing sneakers and screen printing t-shirts to mixology lessons and making hot sauces. You just might find it tough to make a decision!
Want to know the best ideas for a killer birthday bash? Here are some of our favorites.
Mixology lessons at the best bars in NYC
If you can’t imagine skipping out on the cocktails portion of a party, you should share a mixology class in NYC with your friends. Instead of fighting the crowds at a bar or speakeasy, you can book a private session with a mixologist, who will show you how to create your favorite craft cocktails.
Whether you know how to handle a jigger and shaker or you’re a complete beginner, you’ll be able to level up your skills with an expert to guide you. All of the tools and ingredients will be ready to go when you arrive and you’ll even get to enjoy a welcome drink before you get to work.
If there are people at your party who don’t drink alcohol, they can learn how to make mocktails. This means you can have an inclusive party that doesn’t leave anyone out on the fun of hanging out in a cool bar to toast your big day.
Adult art lessons with a paint and sip
Want to add another level of play to a celebratory cocktail party? Try a paint and sip! You can choose a theme like street art and create your own works in the style of an iconic New York artist.
Your instructor will break down the mediums and iconography of legendary painters like Keith Haring or Jean Michel Basquiat and show your group how to make your own paintings inspired by that artist. Add drinks and appetizers to your event so everyone can eat and drink between brushstrokes.
This is a unique birthday experience and a fun thing to do on weekends in NYC. Not only will you create fond memories of your time together, but you’ll also get to go home with a keepsake artwork.
Pottery party with clay and sip
If you really want your party to be hands-on, try a sip and clay workshop. Everyone will learn how to make their own ceramics with a friendly teacher. Your group can purchase your drinks, then sit down to make pottery together.
You’ll get step-by-step instructions on hand-building your own planter, mug, or plate. All of the supplies are provided, including the use of tools to create your own patterns and designs on your pottery piece.
This is a chill way to commemorate a birthday while still keeping the celebratory vibe. If you like to keep things fun but mellow, this is the party idea for you.
Bake pastries like a pro
Are you an amateur baker eager to improve your pastry making skills? Invite your friends and family to a fun French croissant baking class to enjoy learning together. Professional chefs will be your guides, revealing their tried and true techniques.
New York is full of food experiences but having a pastry party is truly unique. Learn all the insider secrets for laminating dough and forming perfectly shaped croissants. If you love chocolate or almond croissants, you can learn how to make those versions. This is a BYOB class so you are welcome to bring your favorite wine or beer to enjoy with your friends as you go. At the end of your workshop, you'll have a variety of freshly baked croissants to sample together.
Make NYC-style pizza
Is there a more quintessential New York food than pizza? If you take your pies as seriously as any New Yorker, making pizza from scratch with your favorite people would make an unforgettable birthday party.
You will learn how to make a dough that’s chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside. Cook up deliciously tangy tomato sauce and top with your favorites like mozzarella and basil. Your teacher will show you all the steps so you’re successful every time you make a pizza at home.
The best part of the class is enjoying your meal together and tasting different versions of everyone’s favorite pizza. This is a birthday feast you’ll always remember!
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