Hosting a birthday party centered around a group class is a fun and memorable way to gather friends and family while learning something new. From tasting sessions that let you explore your favorite spirits to cooking classes where you can whip up delicious dishes together, these experiences turn a birthday into a culinary adventure. Arts and crafts sessions, like candle making or painting, allow guests to express their creativity and take home something they made themselves, while group games like trivia or even the thrill of an escape room challenge bring out a sense of teamwork and excitement. No matter the interest, choosing a class or activity for a birthday party ensures that the celebration is not just another party but an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Go for a Tasting
Celebrating a birthday with a tasting session is a delightful way to explore flavors and indulge in new experiences. Imagine gathering friends to sip and savor fine whiskey, appreciating the smoky notes and rich aromas while learning about the distillation process. For wine lovers, a wine tasting can elevate the celebration, with glasses of bold reds and crisp whites, accompanied by pungent cheeses and stories of winemaking techniques that add a personal touch to each bottle.
Alternatively, a tequila tasting brings an exciting twist. Guests can sample smooth añejos and vibrant blancos and learn about the different regions of Mexico that produce this iconic spirit. And for something unique, a Belgian beer tasting offers a chance to explore the complex world of craft brews, from fruity lambics to strong, malty dubbels. Each tasting experience transforms a birthday into a journey of discovery, perfect for those who appreciate good company and fine beverages.
For those looking to skip the alcohol but still indulge in a flavorful celebration, a coffee or chocolate tasting is a rich and satisfying alternative. Imagine sipping on freshly brewed specialty coffees, from bold espressos to creamy lattes, or taking a guided tour through artisanal chocolates. Coffee and chocolate tastings are indulgent experiences that can be just as sophisticated and enjoyable as any wine or whiskey tasting. Perfect for a cozy, caffeine-fueled birthday celebration!
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Why not make your birthday celebration interactive by learning to create your own classic cocktails and mocktails? You and your friends can dive into the art of mixology, mastering timeless drinks like the Old Fashioned, Margarita, and Mojito, while also crafting delicious alcohol-free versions. With fresh ingredients, fun garnishes, and a few tricks from the pros, you'll get to shake, stir, and sip your creations, making the experience both enjoyable and educational. Whether you prefer something boozy or a refreshing mocktail, it's a hands-on way to ensure everyone has a personalized drink while celebrating in style.
Experience "Whiskey Tasting 101, " a private event where you'll discover the nuances of whiskey styles and tasting techniques guided by experts. Delve into the world of single malts, blends, and bourbons in a perfect setting for a birthday gathering.
Explore two wines and two kinds of cheese in this fun event. You'll cover all the basics, from tasting through some delectable pairings! Your instructor will talk about the unique methods by which each wine and cheese is created while providing you with tools and vocabulary to impress your friends!
Discover the art of tequila tasting with our "Tequila Tasting 101" private event, guided by experts. Perfect for groups seeking a fun and educational experience, explore the diverse flavors of blanco, reposado, and añejo tequilas in a tailored setting.
Explore the complex flavors that showcase Belgian craft brewing in our beer-tasting experience. The Belgian brewing tradition creates some of the world's more unique beers. In this event, you'll learn about Belgium's rich brewing history by tasting a variety of exceptional beers. You will come away with an appreciation for the effort that goes into brewing them.
Learn to make amazing drinks in this private, interactive workshop with a professional mixologist and instructor. Make three different drinks while learning about the fundamental elements that make cocktails great!
Learn the art of crafting delicious, alcohol-free cocktails in a private workshop led by a professional mixologist. You'll practice key mixology skills while enjoying the convenience of having all the ingredients shipped to your location.
NYC: Guided Craft Chocolate Tasting
Take a deep dive into a perfect birthday subject. Go from bean to bar and around the globe tasting chocolates from award winning craft chocolate makers. Your group will enjoy 24 different samples featuring origin cacaos from all over the cocoa growing world!
In this live, interactive event, your group will taste and evaluate different coffee types side by side using a process called cupping. Cupping is used by green buyers to choose which coffee varieties to purchase, by roasters to help guide their roast profiles, and by baristas to know how best to brew and serve coffee in the cafe. It's also a wonderful educational tool for coffee enthusiasts to taste a variety of coffee in a controlled environment.
Explore New Cuisine
Taking a cooking class to celebrate a birthday is a fun, hands-on way to create memories and learn something new. Imagine spending the day with friends in a warm, welcoming kitchen, slicing fresh herbs and grilling the perfect Tuscan steak. The sizzle of the meat on the pan, paired with the fragrant garlic and rosemary, makes the experience feel as indulgent as any fancy dinner out, but with the added bonus of mastering a new skill you can show off later. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of sitting down together to enjoy a meal you've prepared from scratch.
For something with a more exotic twist, learning to make Persian rice and chicken adds a unique and flavorful element to the celebration. From the delicate saffron-infused rice to the beautifully spiced chicken, this dish is both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Or, if you’re in the mood for something a bit more laid-back, why not get creative with street tacos? Perfectly seasoned meats, vibrant salsas, and freshly made tortillas make for a fun, casual cooking experience that’s all about big flavors and good vibes. A cooking class offers the perfect blend of celebration and learning, ensuring everyone leaves full, happy, and inspired.
Maybe you would prefer to explore. The flavors of Thailand or the rich tradition of coq au vin? Thai cuisine brings an explosion of vibrant flavors—think fragrant lemongrass, spicy chilies, and the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter, all wrapped up in dishes like pad thai or green curry. On the other hand, coq au vin embodies the essence of French comfort food, with tender chicken braised slowly in red wine, herbs, and garlic, creating a dish that’s deep, savory, and utterly satisfying. Together, these two cuisines offer a world of bold, diverse flavors that are sure to delight any food lover.
For a plant-based birthday celebration, vegetarian cooking offers a vibrant array of flavors and textures, perfect for anyone seeking delicious, plant-based dishes. Indian Matar Paneer combines tender peas, juicy tomatoes, and homemade paneer in a fragrant curry that bursts with warmth and spice. Lebanese Fattoush Salad brings freshness to the table, with crisp vegetables, fried pita, and spiced chickpeas, creating a tangy, crunchy delight. For a taste of Thailand, Red Coconut Curry with crispy tofu and fresh basil offers a creamy, aromatic experience, balancing heat with richness. And Persian Lentil Stew, hearty and comforting, is packed with nourishing lentils and subtle spices, making vegetarian cooking an exciting and flavorful journey across different cuisines.
Get whisked away to Italy for the perfect birthday night! Work along with a professional chef to make Arugula, Peach & Gorgonzola Salad, Grilled Tuscan Steak, Mushroom Risotto, Sautéed Greens, and Chocolate Cake for dessert. This event also comes with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks, and can upgrade to a full bar for an additional cost.
The flavors of Persian cooking are built on an abundance of fresh herbs, sour and sweet ingredients, and fragrances, like saffron and rose petals. Explore the ingredients and cooking techniques that make the dishes of Iran, with their brilliant hues and seasonings, so marvelous to cook and eat. The group will work with the instructor to create Herb Kuku with Barberries, a savory egg dish with herbs, herbs, and more herbs; Persian Rice with Golden Tahdig, a crispy crust; Chicken Fessenjan with Pomegranate and Walnuts; Salade-e Shirazi, chopped salad; and a Clementine and Date Platter.
This is not your average taco night! From making fresh tortillas with masa (corn flour) to brining juicy and tender chicken, you will learn to make one of the most popular foods of all time—tacos—completely from scratch. Perfect for a birthday gathering with your friends and family! In this lively hands-on class you’ll learn to make corn tortillas from masa flour (it’s easier than you think) using your own hands and a traditional tortilla press, build the most delicious tacos you’ve ever tasted— chicken pibil tacos (or tofu pibil for our veg friends). Learn the art of making Authentic Mexican Guacamole, Salsa Verde, and Pica de Gallo also from scratch. Your Mexican Fiesta nights will never be the same once you've mastered the classics from an expert instructor.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Thailand with 'A Taste of Thai' private group cooking class! From Tom Kha Goong to Pad Thai, unlock the secrets of Southeast Asian cuisine with hands-on guidance and unlimited drinks. Gather your friends and family for an unforgettable birthday journey through the heart of Thailand! The menu includes Tom Kha Goong, Chicken Satay, Chicken Green Curry, Coconut Rice, and Pad Thai.
NYC: Cooking the Classics: Coq Au Vin
Slow cooked chicken with smokey bacon, mushrooms and lots of red wine—what could be better! Focus on the techniques of stewing and braising to make Coq Au Vin, the classic French dish. The group will also make garlicky mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, green salad and crêpes Suzette for dessert. This event also comes with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks, and can upgrade to a full bar for an additional cost. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated, please inquire when booking.
NYC: Vegetarian Suppers Around the Globe (BYOB)
Embark on a global culinary adventure with our Vegetarian Suppers Around the Globe Workshop! Indulge in the rich tapestry of flavors from India to Thailand and beyond, with dishes like Indian matar paneer, Lebanese fattoush salad, Thai red coconut curry, and Persian lentil stew. Bring your favorite beverages and join us for a BYOB birthday experience that celebrates the diverse and vibrant world of vegetarian cuisine!
Learn a New Dish
If a friend is a novice in the kitchen, giving cooking classes as a birthday gift is a thoughtful and hands-on way to spark culinary curiosity. Imagine gifting someone the chance to master the basics of cooking, from knife skills to creating simple yet delicious dishes that they can whip up confidently at home. For someone who loves seafood, a class on how to cook fish could be the perfect experience, teaching them how to pan-sear, grill, or bake fish to perfection while exploring different flavors and techniques. It’s a gift that transforms the kitchen into a playground of creativity, offering both knowledge and enjoyment.
For the health-conscious or vegetable lover, a class on how to cook vegetables can open up a whole new world of possibilities, turning simple ingredients into vibrant, flavorful meals. And for the truly adventurous, why not go for a class on how to make cheese? Learning to craft your own ricotta, mozzarella, or even a soft chèvre brings an entirely new appreciation for the art of food-making. Cooking classes as a birthday gift aren't just about learning; they're about creating experiences, building confidence, and turning everyday meals into something special. It’s the kind of present that keeps on giving, long after the birthday candles have been blown out.
Learn to prepare a perfect roast chicken with a fabulous crust, tender meat, and a divine sauce that elevates the dish. As the French say, "La Sauce Est Tout"—the sauce is everything. The menu features a delightful array of dishes, starting with sautéed red snapper paired with fresh avocado salsa. The star of the meal, roast organic chicken with herbs, is served with a rich sauce made from natural drippings, chicken stock, and white wine. Complementing the main course is a brown and white rice pilaf seasoned with leeks and turmeric, alongside roasted butternut squash. To finish, indulge in the best chocolate chip cookies, a sweet treat to complete the perfect meal.
NYC: How to Cook Fish Perfectly
Unlock the secrets of culinary finesse. Elevate your skills as you delve into the art of preparing Sautéed Lemon Sole with a delicate Lemon Butter Sauce and master the nuanced complexities of Halibut Oreganata. Complement your creations with two thoughtfully curated seasonal sides, and conclude your culinary journey by crafting a Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Join this class to perfect the delicate balance and precision required to achieve excellence in fish preparation, setting the stage for culinary mastery.
NYC: How to Cook Vegetables Properly! (BYOB)
Transform your vegetable cooking skills at NYC's "How to Cook Vegetables, Properly!" (BYOB) workshop. An expert chef will guide you through the supermarket's diverse produce and teach you techniques like blanching, roasting, and sautéing, ensuring you savor every bite. Enjoy a menu featuring Garlicky Broccoli Rabe, Roasted Ratatouille, and Sautéed Swiss Chard with Garlic and Almonds.
NYC: Fresh Pasta Workshop (BYOB)
Discover the art of pasta-making at NYC's Fresh Pasta Workshop (BYOB). Perfect for cooks of all levels, this hands-on class teaches you to create Ricotta Gnocchi with Kale Pesto, Classic Lasagna, and Tagliatelle with Lemon-Parmigiano Sauce, accompanied by an Italian Shaved Vegetable Salad.
Join this hands-on group cooking class to learn how to craft authentic Italian pizzas. In this fun and immersive course, you’ll learn all the steps necessary to make unforgettable pizzas and can then use these skills at home to create culinary masterpieces.
Hand-pulling fresh mozzarella or crafting delicate, creamy ricotta cheese is a fun and rewarding culinary experience. The class includes creating dishes that showcase homemade cheeses such as crispy mozzarella sandwiches and a quick Indian curry. The menu features fresh mozzarella and burrata, freshly made ricotta, buttermilk paneer for curries, and cashew cheese—a delicious and popular nut-based alternative.
Express Yourself Creatively in an Art Class
Art classes are a fantastic way to celebrate a birthday because they offer a creative and interactive experience everyone can enjoy. For example, a paint-and-sip party combines artistic expression with a relaxed vibe, allowing guests to create "masterpieces" while enjoying their favorite beverages. In this unique twist on a traditional gathering, everyone leaves with great memories and a personalized piece of art as a keepsake.
Another fun option is an art and meditation class, which blends mindfulness with creativity. This celebration helps everyone unwind, destress, and connect with their inner artist. On the other hand, an art splash party lets guests explore their playful side by experimenting with color and technique in a lively, free-flowing environment. No matter the theme, arts and crafts classes turn a birthday into an unforgettable, hands-on celebration that allows for self-expression and creativity.
Art classes also make thoughtful gifts because they offer a unique experience that encourages creativity and learning. For instance, gifting a calligraphy class to a friend who enjoys writing letters allows them to explore the elegant art of beautiful writing, adding a personal touch to their letters or invitations. Similarly, a pet portrait painting class is perfect for a friend with a beloved pet, allowing them to capture their furry friend's personality on canvas. These classes provide more than just an item—they offer the gift of a new skill, self-expression, and a creative outlet that lasts far beyond the class itself.
NYC: Paint and Sip—Total Beginners Painting
Painting is exciting, freeing and expressive! Bring your friends to a paint-and-sip birthday party where they can create their very own masterpieces on canvas. An experienced instructor will guide the group step-by-step in this easy-to-follow painting class as you paint and sip on your favorite beverages.
In this private, beginner-friendly workshop, your group will create a painting together on canvas. Though you'll all be working on the same painting, each work of art will be uniquely yours. The goal of this class is to have fun, unwind, get creative and try something new together.
NYC: Art Splash Painting Party
Shot of Art specializes in unique, immersive art-making experiences that go beyond the conventional for a unique and fun birthday experience. When your group arrives, you will be given protective clothing and instructions on technique, and then you will create your own work of art by dripping, splashing, or flicking paint on a canvas.
Gain inner peace with this special workshop designed to relieve your mind and destress from the week. Begin with a simple breathing meditation accessed from the comfort of your chair. Afterward, allow your creative spirit to shine through in a coloring workshop designed for peaceful enjoyment and community spirit. Choose a color palette and mandala page (included in the kit), and let's color our pages together. It's a quite and peaceful way to celebrate a birthday in a crazy world!
Learn all the techniques you need to make the thick and thin lines that create the beautiful letter forms of calligraphy with a brush pen or even a simple Crayola marker. Modern calligraphy is a more free-form writing style that maintains traditional calligraphy's elegance while allowing for more self-expression. No prior experience is required for this beginner class that makes a great gift.
In this super cheerful workshop, participants will take on the time-honored tradition of painting their beloved pets. Working from a favorite photo, the group will begin sketching out their pets on canvas, then paint a unique and cherished portrait of their beloved companion. Take some time to relax, enjoy each other's stories of pets, and connect with the love of furry (or not-so-furry) beings!
Get Crafty
If your friend enjoys working with their hands, craft classes are another way to celebrate a birthday. They offer a hands-on, creative experience that is both fun and memorable. Imagine spending a special day with friends, blending custom perfumes, and taking home your own signature scent. It's a perfect mix of creativity and bonding, making the birthday feel more personal and unique. Plus, the experience of trying something new together, like perfume blending, adds an element of surprise and excitement to the day.
Another great option for a birthday celebration is a candle-making class. Guests can experiment with different scents and colors, creating candles that are not only beautiful but also personalized. It's a relaxing and satisfying activity that gives everyone something tangible to take home, reminding them of the special day. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more nature-inspired, a terrarium-building class allows guests to design their own little green world. Crafting a tiny ecosystem together adds a touch of nature and creativity to the birthday festivities, making it a fun and unique way to celebrate.
Craft classes make excellent gifts because they offer a creative and immersive experience that is both personal and enriching. For instance, a sip-and-sew class allows the recipient to learn sewing techniques while enjoying a glass of wine, making the process fun and relaxed. An Ikebana class, the Japanese art of flower arranging, brings a calming and meditative experience, perfect for someone who appreciates nature and design. Pottery classes allow the recipient to get hands-on with clay, creating unique, handmade pieces they can cherish. These experiences offer more than just a one-time activity—they provide lasting skills, personal growth, and the joy of creating something from scratch.
NYC: Perfume Blending Workshop
Learn the art of blending perfume and create personalized, natural fragrances using clean and cruelty-free ingredients. An expert instructor will guide the group through the process, and everyone will leave with a personalized perfume that reflects their unique style. At the end of the workshop, each attendee will take home their own bespoke perfume, packaged in a beautiful bottle. They will leave with a new understanding of the art of perfumery, as well as a unique and signature scent that is truly their own.
Forget birthday candles; make your own in this hands-on workshop. In this candle-making workshop, your group will learn how to create a beautiful, customized candle in a tin container, blending your own scents and colors. Taught by a master chandler with 24 years of experience, each participant will leave with a candle and a memory to last a lifetime!
Build a beautiful terrarium with your group for your next birthday get-together. This terrarium workshop is a fun and peaceful way for your friends to connect and add greenery to their spaces. Instructors will guide you through the assembly of terrariums based on feng shui principles, a Chinese practice of arrangement and organization that creates balance and harmony with nature to bring good luck, prosperity, and health.
Sip & Sew is a creative sewing workshop perfect for groups of friends who want to learn a new craft. The session starts and ends with a glass of wine, fostering a relaxed atmosphere as participants learn sewing basics from expert instructors. Guided by skilled instructors, the session offers a step-by-step journey through the basics of sewing, from threading needles to stitching together pieces of fabric, all while fostering a collaborative and relaxed atmosphere.
NYC: Ikebana (Japanese Flower Arrangement) Class
Ikebana, one of the most traditional art forms of Japan, represents “Appreciation of Nature” which is a unique and sophisticated way to learn the art of flower arranging. Participants at all levels of experience are welcome In this course that provides an opportunity for people of all levels to learn the Ohara style of Ikebana. Participants will not only master the basic Ohara Ikebana techniques, but also learn how to associate nature into their everyday lives.
NYC: Pottery Wheel Throwing Group Event
Learn the basics of forming pieces on a wheel in this beginner's pottery class. You will be shown the basics of shaping a cup or bowl on the pottery wheel. Then, you'll be guided along as you try it yourself. You'll be able to try and try again until you get a piece that you love. Class time includes clean-up. This class includes one fired piece per person to be picked up in one week.
This pottery wheel class is a great birthday option for someone who wants to sink their hands into some clay and make a piece of glazed pottery they'll be sure to treasure!
Play a Game
Group games are an awesome way to turn any birthday party into an unforgettable adventure. Take scavenger hunts, for example. They get everyone moving, exploring, and working together to find hidden treasures. Scavenger hunts are an interactive way to engage guests of all ages, whether in a park, around the neighborhood, or even in your own home. Plus, the competitive spirit can make for some great laughs and memories as everyone races against the clock to be the first to collect all the items on the list.
Another great option is trivia, which brings out everyone’s competitive side in a fun and lighthearted way. You can customize the questions to match the birthday person’s interests—whether it’s pop culture, sports, or even quirky facts about their life. Trivia games are a great way to get people chatting and bonding over shared knowledge (or hilarious wrong answers!).
For a birthday party with an extra dose of excitement, escape rooms are the ultimate group game experience. They challenge everyone to work together, solve puzzles, and beat the clock to "escape" from a themed room. The adrenaline rush from solving a tricky clue or finding that last key can really bring people together, making it a thrilling and collaborative celebration. Escape rooms are perfect for those who love a challenge and want to dive into an immersive experience with their friends, making the birthday feel like an epic adventure.
NYC: Midtown Manhattan Historic Scavenger Hunt
Embark on an adventure through the captivating sights and rich history of Midtown Manhattan with this immersive scavenger hunt experience! On this Midtown Manhattan Historic scavenger hunt, uncover the secrets of Midtown Manhattan's iconic landmarks, including Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, 42nd Street, and Times Square. Delve into hidden corners and lesser-known facts about these renowned locations as you race against time and other teams for an exciting birthday event!
Introducing "NYC: Feud Frenzy"—a twist on the classic game show Family Feud! Get ready for a showdown of quick thinking and on-the-spot creativity that will have your teams laughing, guessing, and strategizing their way to victory. In NYC: Feud Frenzy, multiple teams face off in a series of fast-paced rounds, each centered around survey-style questions. Like in the original game, participants aim to guess the top answers to these thought-provoking questions, earning points for their team with each correct response. The catch? The clock is ticking, adding an extra layer of excitement and urgency to the game.
In this version of everyone's favorite family game night game, your group will be split into teams to go head-to-head in speed drawing challenges. Team members will work together to guess what their teammate is drawing on a whiteboard as fast as possible. There will be easy (snake), medium (jet ski), and difficult (son-in-law) prompts to keep things interesting. Laughs guaranteed!
Test your cinema knowledge with our action-packed movie trivia game! During this event, you'll break into teams and compete in four rounds of trivia, led by an entertaining host, to show off your love of the best (and cheesiest) action flicks.
Test your knowledge through a wide range of topics celebrating the many facets of our world's natural history! Topics covered include everything from the historical trends of 18th-century women's fashion to your memory of recent events, with questions about who was wearing whom at this year's Met Gala.
Sign up for cuisine team trivia and test your knowledge on a wide range of food-related topics that will put your culinary knowledge to the test. From fast food chains to local delicacies, we'll stretch your brain and your stomach!
NYC: Escape Room—Special Ops: Mysterious Market
As a special ops agent, covert investigations across the globe are nothing out of the ordinary. But your routine search of a spice market leads to an unexpected discovery…Now you’re left to combat an international crisis that threatens the state of the world as we know it. You’ll need to harness all your tactical skills and training if you’re ever going to put a stop to this global catastrophe. Through all the twists and turns, you have to ask yourself…how deep does the conspiracy go? Your group will work together to escape the room, completing challenging puzzles in this unusual birthday event!
Light-hearted, nostalgic, and playful, Playground is a favorite of both first-timers and enthusiasts. Your game will start in a classroom where you’ll have to finish all of your assignments before the end of the day, or you can forget about summer break. And these assignments are unlike anything you actually encountered in school. Playground was designed for up to 12 players and is an epic group experience for a birthday celebration.
NYC: Escape Room—Train Through Time
Time travel just became a reality in this digitally interactive escape room adventure. As part of the Time Crisis Management team, you’re tasked with addressing life-threatening issues, no matter what decade they happen in. You can easily hop between centuries, from the Jurassic to the Medieval and everything in between, with just one ticket swipe on Timeliner, the time-traveling train. Now, the fate of reality is in your hands — it’s up to you to restore the past and save the future, but you’ll have to hurry! All it takes is one mistake in the past for the entire future to fall apart.