Between the logistics, planning for adverse weather conditions, and making sure guests have the time of their lives, there’s so much pressure around birthday parties. And we mean grown-up birthday parties.
Sure, you could always just go to a bar and call it a night, but turning a year older still warrants cause for extra fun and celebration. Why not try some of these ideas out instead?
Barcadia
Take a trip down memory lane with vintage games like Frogger, Millipede, Space Invaders, and so much more, or play a game of life-size Jenga on the patio at Barcadia. Billed as the grown-up version of the classic arcade — but with booze — Barcadia lets you unwind while noshing on delicious eats from the kitchen, indulging in craft cocktails from the bar, or sampling one of the 24 beers on tap.
Bowlounge
Another playful destination with a vintage vibe, Bowlounge offers partiers a full bar, 12 regulation-length bowling lanes, retro arcade games, and a lot of flexibility that makes party personalization a breeze. Add a vintage ice cream cart or vintage popcorn machine to your party for a little something special, but be sure to book in advance: It’s a popular spot for celebrations of every sort.
GayBingo at S4
Grab your friends and head to GayBingo the third Saturday of the month at Oak Lawn’s S4 club. The open bar, drag queens, music, and a show make GayBingo an offbeat and delightfully fun way to celebrate a birthday. Plus, the funds raised support the Resource Center, one of the largest LGBT and HIV/AIDS service organizations here in North Texas. Doing good and partying with drag queens for your birthday? Be sure to send us an invite.
Murder Mystery Texas
Enjoy a four-course dinner while getting the third degree with a birthday celebration at one of the various shows at Murder Mystery Texas in Dallas. Located at the Old Mill Inn Restaurant inside Fair Park, the shows are guaranteed to make you laugh until you cry while you try to determine just exactly who the murderer may be. Get a group of 10 or more friends together for a discounted rate, and be sure to wear shoes you can dance in: It’s not uncommon for the actors and audience to get up and bust a move at certain points during the night.
The Pool @ Dallas Power & Light
Party like an A-lister at The Pool @ Dallas Power & Light, formerly FUSE. Rent the downtown rooftop pool deck for the ultimate Big D blowout. While packages will cost you a pretty penny — think roughly $100 per guest in most cases — you get what you pay for: an awesome party, passed appetizers, an open bar with a bartender, a DJ, event photographer, and more. It’s enough to rival parties the likes of which only Queen Bey splurges on.
The Quixotic World
Revisit the Goth days of your youth at The Quixotic World in Deep Ellum, where you can take in a show or book the venue for your own party. With trippy touches, heavy curtains, and velvet couches reminiscent of Moulin Rouge, the venue has a magical steampunk feel. Play on the Sorcerer’s Stage, make use of the built-in PA system, silhouette shadow dancing screen, and full bar to set the stage for a party people will be talking about for months to come.
Scardello Artisan Cheese
For something a little more sophisticated, book a private class or session at Scardello Artisan Cheese. Select from the shop’s catalog of classes — out-of-this-world cheese pairings, charcuterie and cheeses prep, Italian wine and cheese pairings, and more — or let the shop know if there’s something you’d like to try. If a relaxed get-together is more your speed, book a mix and mingle session during which Scardello staff will put out cheese, charcuterie, and accompaniments that you select and pour wine and/or beer for your guests. You can also bring in outside food, like a cake or cupcakes, if you check with the staff ahead of time.
TopGolf
If you haven’t been to TopGolf yet, you’ve undoubtedly heard the buzz about it, and with good reason. With over 100 bays on three levels, TopGolf is a hit with experienced and novice golfers alike. Book a hitting bay for a small group — up to six people — or check out the private lounges for larger groups. With three locations in the Dallas area (Allen, The Colony, Dallas on Park Lane) and event packages that allow you to customize your food and drink menu, planning is virtually worry-free.
