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Are you planning a birthday party in Manchester and wondering what are the best things to do? We are here to help!
If there is one thing we know how to do is to have fun in Manchester!
In this article, all my best recommendations of things to do in Manchester for a birthday. This includes cool spots for a drink but also activity bars where you can play things like darts, shuffleboard, beer pong and more.
⏱️ IN A RUSH? Here are the top 3 Ideas for a Birthday Do in Manchester
1️⃣ Archertype
2️⃣ Pizza & Cocktails at Crazy Pedro’s
3️⃣ Drinks at the Refuge
You will also find some more relaxed and chilled activities as well as some food recommendations.
So, are you ready to discover the best Manchester birthday ideas? Let’s get started!
1. Going to the Archertype
Archertype. Located in a warehouse in Ardwick, Archertype is perfect if you are looking for unique birthday activities in Manchester.
Here you can play archery tag or combat archery as it’s also known. It’s a little like dodgeball but instead of balls, you will be shooting the other team with foam-tipped arrows.
This activity is sure to keep your entire birthday group entertained as they get to grips with archery and the tactics needed for archery tag.
It’s also a lot of fun to play (or against) your friends and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to try to shoot an arrow on their friends?
The staff is also incredibly helpful. They will explain how to play and you will then play several rounds (with slightly different rules).
The larger your group is the cheaper it becomes so this is a fun birthday for a big group of friends or family.
2. Pizza and cocktails at Crazy Pedro’s
Something as simple as pizza and cocktails can be the perfect way to kick off a night of birthday celebrations.
If you are searching for a birthday night out ideas in Manchester, Crazy Pedro’s is a great place to visit.
They have two Manchester locations: one on Short Street in the Northern Quarter and the other on Bridge Street.
Crazy Pedro’s serves up a variety of mouthwatering pizzas from the cheesy “Mac Daddy” to the “Nacho Libre” which packs a punch and the “KFC” which is covered in sriracha fried chicken.
You can buy pizza by the slice or the whole thing. They also have some excellent nacho sides.
There’s always some kind of happy hour deal going on at Crazy Pedro’s. So whether you are drinking an ice-cold beer, tequila or a house-made cocktail it’s a great place to start your night out in Manchester.
Whether you want to sit for a while or order grab-and-go pizza and drinks Pedro’s has got you covered.
3. Drinks at The Refuge
The Refuge is on Oxford Street and it’s a fantastic place for any sophisticated birthday celebration.
The Refuge offers elegant and spacious dining inside The Kimpton Tower.
It may seem like you can’t go inside but you definitely can! There are two entrances, the first one is located at the corner of the street. The second one is through the hotel reception (which is gorgeous BTW) and on the left.
The building itself has been a focal point on Oxford Street since 1890.
The place is now run by the DJ duo more well-known as The Unabombers who also own the popular Volta.
The menu at The Refuge features a number of small dishes and sharing plates.
Dishes like the charred carrots, and the burrata with sun-dried tomatoes are excellent for vegetarians. There are also options for vegans and those following a gluten-free diet.
The char-grilled tiger prawns are a real crowd-pleaser as are the steaks.
Be sure to leave room for dessert. They’ve got delights like the baked Alaska, sticky toffee pudding and lime cheesecake.
This place is quite popular so it’s good to book in advance, especially if you are visiting for a birthday party.
4. Playing baseball at Base Bar
If you are searching for fun birthday party ideas in Manchester then look no further than Base Bar.
This Manchester activity bar is on Millow Street, a couple of minutes walk from Manchester Victoria station.
Base Bar is home to batting cages where you can perfect your baseball skills or test out the waters if you are new to the game.
In the evening the place turns on the neon lights and Base Bar provides visitors with a fun and electric atmosphere.
The game is quite simple. You put a helmet on, walk in the cage, get a bat and hit the ball against the wall and count your points.
5. The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
We all know Crystal Maze, the popular 90s TV show. Well, you’ll be happy to know that you can know play it as well, right here, in Manchester!
The Crystal Maze Experience is located near the museum of science and industry and it’s by far one of the best things to do in Manchester.
You need to book on their website and can then show up at your chosen time.
Once you get there, your team will be assigned with a member of staff (we had selfie Steve and he was so much fun).
This person will be your guide in the maze.
You will then discover several cells with games and enigmas to solve. Only one person can go in each cell but everyone else can stand at the windows and help.
Every time you succeed to solve the problem, you will be given a crystal which will give you more time at the end to collect golden and silver tickets.
💡EDITOR’S TIP: Crystal Maze is the ultimate activity if you’re looking for a place to celebrate your 30th birthday in Manchester. As a 90s kid myself, that’s what I did with my friends for my 30th and it was a lot of fun.
Also, don’t forget to tell them you are celebrating your birthday because they will give you a medal as a gift! That’s a very cute gesture and makes your birthday extra special.
6. Cocktails at Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four
Located on Watson Street in Manchester’s Deansgate this is a great place to head to for a unique celebration.
Alcotraz is a speakeasy-style prison that is half bar half off-beat theatre performance.
You and your birthday guests will have to first head to the shops and buy your alcohol because for this Manchester bar you have to “smuggle” in your own booze!
You can’t turn up with your alcohol in a bag, it’s time to get creative and hide your liquor where the guards won’t find it.
You will then be locked in your prison cell with your birthday group and treated to a “right telling off” by the prison guards and warden.
Your alcohol will then be confiscated, and prison guards will make you cocktails of your choosing.
Enjoy chatting with your friends, sipping on cocktails, and watching as other prisoners enter cell block three-four.
7. Meal at Tattu
If you are searching for one of the best restaurants for birthdays in Manchester, try Tattu, a modern Chinese restaurant on Gartside Street in Manchester’s Spinningfields.
Everything about Tattu screams sophistication and every plate of food is aesthetically pleasing.
The interior decor is a feast for the eyes, with eye-catching cherry blossom trees, ambient lighting and a moody colour palette.
Guests can choose between an a la carte or tasting menu, both of which are exquisite.
If you are a first-timer to Tattu definitely try the tasting menu, it takes out all the umming and erring.
Some of the best dishes on the menu include the caramel soy beef fillet, and the sesame roasted scallops with Chinese sausage.
Your waiter or waitress will guide you through the menu offering up their recommendations.
All the plates are beautifully presented and utterly Moorish.
8. Playing cricket at Sixes
From American baseball to classic English cricket, Sixes Social Cricket is another of the fun birthday ideas in Manchester.
Sixes Social Cricket is next to the National Football Museum in the city centre and offers a simulator cricket experience. You can choose the level you and your friends want to compete at and decide if you want to test your cricket skills as a team or as individuals.
This is a fantastic place for that competitive birthday guy or gal to let loose and beat the group.
Whether it’s your first time playing cricket or you’ve been a regular this brings a whole new vibe to the game.
They also have a bar and kitchen so you can get drinks and food there.
9. Crazy Golf at Junkyard Golf Club
This indoor crazy golf experience is on First Street, near Deansgate and Oxford Road Station.
They’ve got three crazy golf courses named Bozo, Gary and Pablo.
Pablo lets you explore a kind of tropical terror. There are pirate speedboats, tombs and skulls all made from junk of course.
On the Gary course, everything gets a bit disco whilst still following the junkyard vibe.
Finally, there’s Bozo which is about all things creepy.
From clowns to the hall of mirrors this course navigates some weird and wacky junk.
The decor is next level, making for a super enjoyable birthday activity to enjoy with friends or even as a birthday date night idea.
With an eclectic range of music and drinks from the bar this is a great night out activity.
10. Picnic at Heaton Park
Perhaps spending some time outdoors is more your thing for a birthday celebration and this is a wonderful place to be.
If your birthday falls on a lovely sunny day, you can head to Heaton Park.
The park’s main feature is the Grade I listed, 18th-century country house, Heaton Hall but there are plenty of other things to see and do.
Heaton Park makes for a great day out for all ages, so it’s a great birthday location for the whole family.
On-site there’s an animal centre, tram museum, bowling green, boating lake, golf course and play areas and cafes, and of course Heaton Hall.
A great idea for a birthday celebration is to pack a wonderful picnic. From champagne to all the birthday guy or girl’s favourite treats it’s a lovely way to spend some time outdoors.
11. Manchester Party Cruise
The company Manchester River Cruises has two party vessels: The Princess Katherine and Isabella.
Princess Katherine is the largest capacity vessel in the Manchester area but Isabella is suitable for a more cosy celebration.
You can tailor the party cruise to your liking.
There are two catering companies that help provide food and they have a variety of buffet options to choose from.
Alternatively, you can provide your own food for your event.
There’s space on board for all your entertainment needs, including anything from a dj to a full live band.
Or you can even just hook up your phone and DJ your own party.
Whilst enjoying the party you will be able to see some great places in Manchester, including Salford Quays and there is also a stop-off option at Manchester United’s Old Trafford.
12. Drinks on the rooftop of 20 Stories
Searching for the best restaurants for birthdays in Manchester? Head up to the iconic 20 Stories in Spinningfields.
You can dine inside in their sophisticated space or you can head outside to their terrace which has fire pits and greenery and offers more affordable burger-style dining.
The food at 20 Stories is a mix of hearty and elegantly refined. The service is lovely and the food is fantastic too.
They’ve got a five-course set menu or an a la carte menu.
The confit duck leg, miso roasted aubergine and beetroot wellington are some delicious dishes on the menu.
The dessert menu offers rhubarb cheesecake, BBQ peach pavlova and a heavenly black forest roulade.
13. Afternoon tea at Richmond Tea Rooms
Located in Manchester’s Gay Village on Sackville Street, Richmond Tea Rooms serve a quirky Alice in Wonderland afternoon tea.
There are five bespoke afternoon tea services to choose from all with alcohol add-ons.
Their afternoon tea selection includes all the classic favourites like mini quiches, finger sandwiches and scones with cream and jam.
To accompany brunch there’s even live entertainment including the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and a drag queen performance, perfect for the ultimate birthday celebration.
The venue itself is an eclectic range of wacky items providing you with something new to see the whole time you are eating. It’s also a great place to take Instagram photos in Manchester.
14. Playing shuffleboard at Box Deansgate
Box Deansgate is not only a great bar but it’s also the go-to place for watching all your favourite sports and trying your hand at a couple of bar games too.
One of the best is shuffleboard where you use cues to push discs down a narrow wooden court.
Box Deansgate has two premium wood-finished 20-foot boards for you to book and enjoy.
With fantastic 2-4-1 cocktail deals running throughout the week and a lively atmosphere, it’s a great place to spend some time on a birthday night out.
If your birthday coincides with one of your favourite sports teams be sure to head there early to get a table as this place is super popular.
They show all the big football and rugby games as well as UFC.
15. Point Blank Shooting
Located in Deansgate, Point Blank Shooting has two main concepts.
There’s the American speakeasy-style bar and the UK’s first-ever simulated shooting range.
When heading to the range your host will demonstrate to you how to use the technology, what’s in the armoury your group gets to use and perhaps most importantly how to top the leaderboard.
There are five real-replica guns in the armoury, including a Glock, M1911, a desert eagle and an AK-47. All the guns are completely safe and have been switched with laser technology.
It’s not just about shooting at targets there are a range of scenarios that allow you to test your timing, aim and reflexes.
The ranges seat up to 10 guests and come with full table service so you can order food and drinks and tuck in as you wait for your turn at the range.
There are classic American dishes on the food menu including tater tots, hot dogs, nachos and pizza.
16. Cocktail Cruises in Castlefield
This cocktail cruise in Castlefield by Cocktails Ahoy is a great way to spend your birthday.
It starts in Castlefield and cruises down the Bridgewater Canal.
It has space for up to 60 guests so if you’re looking for a large celebration in Manchester, this could be right up your street.
Bohemia has a well-stocked cocktail bar and space for dancing as well.
Just picture all your friends and family cruising down the canal drinking cocktails and celebrating your birthday.
Each cruise package lasts three hours and includes a resident DJ playing some great tunes, and seven refreshingly made cocktails.
They have a variety of themed packages from Prohibition, the 1980s and music inspired by the ‘Sounds of Manchester’.
There are also TV and movie themes like the ‘Sex And The City Cocktail Cruise’ and the ‘By Order of Cocktails Ahoy Peaky Blinders’.
Not only is this a super fun way to enjoy your birthday but it’s also a unique way to see Manchester.
You’ll have so much fun you won’t want to get off the boat!
17. Cork & Canvas workshop
You’ve probably all heard of paint and sip by now but how about Cork & Canvas?
This is a pop-up evening event that is led by a resident artist who is also a qualified teacher. You will be able to produce your very own picture on canvas, all while the drinks are flowing.
As well as regular Cork & Canvas workshops they also tailor evenings specifically for celebrations or events.
For birthday parties they can even come to your home, transforming your space into a fun art studio. Alternatively, you can choose one of their Manchester city centre venues.
You will be supplied with all the materials so it’s a hassle-free event option, just remember to bring clothes you don’t mind getting paint on!
18. Playing darts at Flight Club
This is the ultimate dart bar in Manchester! Located on King Street, it’s a great place for a small birthday celebration with your friends.
You can compete alone or as part of a team with the aim of reaching the top of the leaderboard.
The darts boards may look ordinary but they are linked to interactive boards allowing you to play a number of games.
There’s Demolition which requires that you destroy blocks and then Shanghai is for throwing darts at assigned numbers with the aim of getting the highest number of points.
The competitiveness will be there, the drinks will be flowing and the bar in general has a fantastic atmosphere.
It’s a great bar to spend a few hours playing darts or longer if you don’t want to head anywhere else until later in the evening.
19. Immersive Gamebox
Immersive Gamebox is in the Arndale Centre and is a fantastic place for birthday activities in Manchester.
One of the most popular games at Immersive Gamebox is Squid Games.
You might have watched the hit TV show but have you ever played the game? OK, so your life isn’t going to be at risk but it’s still a whole load of fun trying to complete the tasks!
These games require you to work through digital puzzles and a series of adventures within a 60-minute time frame.
If you want to test your agility and movement try Temple of Coins where you have to move through a variety of virtual spaces collecting coins.
There’s also a CIA training program game called Psychedelic Mansion which has you continually on your toes.
20. Bowling at Dog Bowl
Dog Bowl is a modern bowling space on Whitworth Street West, near Manchester Oxford Road train station.
Dog Bowl is a late-night retro-themed bowling venue and one of the best things to do in Manchester for birthday.
There are five full-length ten-pin bowling lanes.
The space is ultra-modern and decked out with gleaming wooden floors, black ominous walls and neon lights. There’s more than just bowling at Dog Bowl.
They teamed up with the retro arcade bar NQ64 to bring the classic games to this Whitworth location.
Grab some tokens to play these retro arcade games after you’ve competed as a birthday group on the bowling lanes.
Dog Bowl also has great food and drink choices too, from burgers, super crispy chicken,cocktails, wines and a variety of canned, bottled and beers on tap.
🐶 Please note that Dog Bowl is named as such for a reason since it is in fact dog-friendly.
21. Roller skating at Paradise Skate World
If you’re searching for 30th birthday ideas in Manchester why not take the evening back to your childhood days with a roller skating session at Paradise Skate World.
Paradise Skate World is in the Great Northern Warehouse in Deansgate and the venue is quite literally out of this world.
Themed around space and the cosmos you better come in disco-space-themed clothes!
A skating party makes for the perfect start to a night of fancy dress.
It’s not just the decor that is otherworldly; they have a variety of intergalactic cocktails too.
From shiny metallic glitter and vodka to vibrant neutron Prosecco.
There are a few different ticket options that offer a variety of skating choices.
Their Intergalactic Skate Session is for 60 minutes and includes skate hire. You can also choose their State and Cocktail option for the best of both worlds.
Paradise Skate World is a great way to release your inner child whilst listening to some top tunes and enjoying cocktails.
22. Going to see a drag show in the Gay Village
If you are searching for birthday party ideas in Manchester with flair and flamboyance look no further than a drag show in the Gay Village.
Canal Street is considered to be one of Europe’s best LGBT party destinations.
They’ve got everything, from karaoke to muscle men, cheap drinks and of course drag queens!
There are a ton of places to see drag shows in Gay Village.
Cruz 101, New York New York and Churchills are some of the top places to catch a drag show that will certainly not disappoint.
No matter your sexuality, drag shows are super inclusive and a great way to let loose and enjoy an epic show.
23. Bongo’s Bingo
Bongo’s Bingo is one of the best things to do for a birthday if you want to have fun, play and dance.
It takes place at the Albert Hall (which is just next to Albert Schloss and Revs so you can keep going on your night out after).
It lasts around 3 hours and includes several games of bingo, loads of laugh and music for dancing.
And if you are in luck, you might win some good prize. They have air fryers, vacuums but also cash!
24. Virtual Hideout Manchester
Virtual Hideout is a gaming centre that offers VR gaming and classic game console games.
There are over 100 gaming and VR experiences from sports and adventure to action and horror.
You can book a room for between one and four people, so this is a great activity for a small birthday group.
You’ll be wearing classic VR HTC Vive and Oculus Rift headsets.
Watching other people completing games in VR is hilarious in itself. If you are completely new to the VR world, not to worry, most of the games are easy to get to grips with.
We hope you enjoyed all these Manchester birthday ideas. Have an amazing time!
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