Are you planning to celebrate your birthday in Seattle?
First of all, happy birthday! We got you the best gift of all: the gift of not having to plan your own birthday. Or at the very least, we did most of the leg work for you by putting together this list of birthday activities in Seattle. Whether you’re a local or just coming into the Emerald City for the big day there’s something on this list that will make you feel special, from swanky rooftop bars and romantic restaurants to dance parties and hot tub boats.
Note: this list is for the grown-ups, but if you’re celebrating a kiddo’s birthday check out our guide to fun things to do with kids in Seattle.
Here are our top suggestions for things to do for your birthday in Seattle:
Birthday bites
1. Start things off with a birthday brunch
Birthday brunch! It’s a must. See our roundup of the top 20 brunches in Seattle. If your birthday falls on a weekend with nice weather, you should also check out some of the best outdoor brunch spots in Seattle.
We also love drag brunch here in Seattle. Check out some of our favorite options for drag brunch in Seattle. They’re popular, so make your reservation in advance!
2. Make a dinner reservation at one of Seattle’s most beautiful restaurants
If you want a birthday night that looks good in photos, make a dinner reservation at one of the most beautiful restaurants in Seattle. The vibes will be impeccable (and the food will be good too).
3. Get some birthday cake (or any sweet treat)
If you want to pick up a whole birthday cake in Seattle, our favorite spots are:
- Deep Sea Sugar & Salt in Georgetown
- Lazy Cow Bakery (vegan!) in Fremont
- Simply Desserts in Fremont
- Byen Bakeri in Queen Anne
- Bakery Nouveau in West Seattle and Capitol Hill
If birthday cake isn’t your vibe but you still want a sweet treat, there is an endless amount of other dessert options in Seattle. Our top five favorites are:
- The Flour Box in Hillman City
- Temple Pastries in the Central District
- Hot Cakes in Capitol Hill
- Pie Bar in Ballard
- Raised Doughnuts in the Central District
And also be sure to check out our guide to the best cookies in Seattle!
Birthday drinks
4. Go to Concerts Under the Stars
The Concerts Under the Stars series makes for the perfect romantic night out in Seattle. You’ll get to listen to talented performers’ renditions of classics from the likes of Sinatra while sipping on a cocktail and enjoying the ambiance at a stunning Seattle venue. Get your concert tickets now.
5. Go brewery hopping in Ballard
If you love beer, Ballard is the Seattle neighborhood to visit. Celebrate your birthday in a fun, low-key way by hopping around the many breweries in that area. Most of them have food trucks as well. If you only want to hit up one or two breweries, check out our full list of things to do in Ballard.
6. Treat yourself to top-notch craft cocktails
Looking to celebrate your birthday with the best craft cocktails Seattle has to offer? Go to one of these bars and you won’t be disappointed:
- Canon in the Central District
- Deep Dive located in the Spheres downtown
- Founders Club in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel downtown
- Rumba in Capitol Hill
- Smith Tower Observatory Bar in downtown Seattle
7. Visit one of Seattle’s themed bars
If you’re looking for a more laid-back, fun vibe for your birthday drinks then you should check out one of these creative themed bars in Seattle. There’s also a cool arcade bar called Time Warp in Capitol Hill, if you like playing arcade games.
8. Get drinks with a view on a rooftop bar
Even if it’s raining in Seattle (which it often is), don’t write off the rooftop bars for your birthday. Many of them have heated and covered seating, so you still get an epic view with your drink. See our list of Seattle rooftop bars with the best views.
9. Do a winery tour
The best place to go wine tasting around Seattle is in nearby Woodinville. If you can’t swing a weekend or day trip for your birthday, however, you can go share a bottle with your friends at one of these Seattle spots:
- Bottlehouse in Madrona
- La Dive in Capitol Hill
- Light Sleeper in Capitol Hill
- The Coupe & Flute in Beacon Hill
- Purple Cafe & Wine Bar in downtown Seattle
Birthday activities
10. Escape into Adventure at Hourglass Escapes
If you want to add some stakes to your birthday festivities, look no further than Hourglass Escapes. With several themed and award-winning rooms, Hourglass Escapes is rated as one of Seattle’s best. Whether you’re able to make it out or not, you’re sure to have a great time trying. Click here for all the details.
11.Rent a hot tub boat on Lake Union
You can have a party on Lake Union with your friends no matter what the weather in one of the famous Seattle hot tub boats! If your birthday is in the summer and it’s too warm to consider getting into a hot tub, you can instead get a free rowboat rental from the Center for Wooden Boats.
11. Enjoy a blindfolded dining experience
Step into the culinary world of Seattle’s vibrant dining scene with a unique twist at one of the most popular spots in the heart of the city at Columbia Tower Club. Dining in the Dark offers a sensory adventure like no other, where guests are blindfolded and treated to tantalizing three-course menus featuring options for meat, fish, and vegan sushi extravaganzas.
Dining in the Dark promises an unforgettable experience that will awaken your taste buds to new heights. Whether you’re a foodie or an adventure seeker, this immersive dining experience invites you to explore the full spectrum of flavors in a setting unlike any other. You can secure your tickets now!
12. Have a picnic at Gas Works Park
If you’re lucky enough to be blessed with nice weather on your birthday, pack up a picnic and meet your friends at Gas Works Park. There are restaurants and bars within walking distance in nearby Fremont and Wallingford if you decide to keep the party going after sunset.
13. Let your creative side shine
River on 1927 3rd Avenue opens its doors to the fun-filled Neon Brush art sessions this season. They combine a groovy atmosphere lent by the futuristic UV lights and the vibrant neon colors and paints, with a funky soundtrack and some liquid courage (or non-alcoholic drinks), to get you inspired and ready to paint away.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never tried an art workshop before because Neon Brush is open to everyone. Grab your friends and tap into your artistic side at these super cool sip and paint workshops.
14. Go shopping at University Village
It’s your birthday, so treat yourself! Seattle’s University Village is an outdoor shopping plaza with something for everyone. Once you’ve found the perfect birthday gift, you can fuel up at Shake Shack, Hello Robin, or one of the many other eateries there.
15.Book a visit at a Seattle cat cafe
If you’re a cat lover, the hardest decision you have to make on your birthday is which Seattle cat cafe to visit: Seattle Meowtropolitan or Neko Cat Cafe. Who knows? You might even wind up going home with a new best friend.
16. Take a class with a friend
If you want a hands-on activity planned for your birthday, consider taking a class. The Works Seattle offers crafty DIY classes, The Pastry Project offers baking classes, and you can even take a cocktail class high up in the Smith Tower Observatory Bar.
17. Dance the night away!
It’s your birthday and you just want to dance. Head to Dragster, High Dive, or Nectar Lounge in Fremont or go to Capitol Hill and dance your heart out at Neumos, Chop Suey, or Havana – Seattle has a thriving nightlife scene if you know where to look – and we do!
18. Catch an electrifying tango show
A birthday celebration is all about creating memories and catching a unique show packed with energy and emotions is always a great birthday plan. You’re in luck Seattle, because We Call It Tango is soon transforming Town Hall Seattle into a snazzy Buenos Aires bar this season. The captivating show brings a slice of Argentina through thirteen tangos and milongas that touch on themes of love, loss and desire.
19. Have a relaxing spa day
If a relaxing birthday is in order, check out our list of the best saunas and spas in Seattle.
20. See a live show
Whether you want to get dressed up for the ballet or symphony, take in a candlelight concert or you want to enjoy a few laughs at an improv show, Seattle has no shortage of live entertainment at all times.
21. Go out to a ball game
Sunny birthdays call for having a beer and a Seattle dog while cheering on the Mariners. Not a hot dog fan? Don’t worry, T-Mobile Park has a ton of must-try options for food. If your birthday doesn’t fall during baseball season, you could also have some fun rooting for the Sounders or the Seattle Kraken.
22. Book a weekend getaway
If you want to get out of the city for your birthday but can’t afford the plane ticket, check out these epic destinations near Seattle.
23. Have a budget-friendly birthday
On a budget this year? No worries! You can celebrate your birthday without spending any money with the help of this list of free things to do in Seattle.
24. Camp in a national park
If being in nature revitalizes you, spend your birthday in one of the three stunning national parks in Washington. Olympic National Park was named one of the best road trips in the country. It has beaches, mountains, and even a rainforest! Plus, there are so many free entry days for Washington State and National Parks.
25. Let it all out at a rage room
We know that birthdays can bring up … a lot of different feelings! Rage rooms are specially designed spaces where you can safely throw, bash, smash and break your way through another year. Seattle is home to Rage Industry, or you can make your way to Brainy Actz in Tacoma.
26. Drink and play at Flatstick Pub
Flatstick Pub has several locations around Seattle and it’s a great place for birthdays. You can grab a beer and play a few rounds of mini golf and other games.
27. Pacific Science Center
You can see movies in IMAX at Pacific Science Center as well as enjoy laser light shows, a butterfly house, and exhibits.
28. See a movie
Keep it simple and go see a moive for your birthday. See the best Seattle movie theaters.
29. Play at a board game cafe
Do you like playing board games? Mox Boarding House has locations in Seattle and Bellevue. It’s a great place to hang out and play board games, eat, and drink with a group of friends.
30. Get dinner and a show
Places in Seattle such as Can Can Culinary Cabaret and Teatro ZinZanni serve dinner and drinks alongside fabulous live entertainment.