Do you have a need for beauty and color? Maybe you love nothing more than spending a day creating with paints, clay, or glass. If you are an art lover or creative spirit looking for unique birthday party ideas for adults, look no further! Great birthday parties don’t have to be just for kids. If you are an art fan, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a special birthday party at one of our favorite artsy locations around Indy.
The Lume at Newfields
The Lume is a multi-sensory exhibition at Newfields, the art campus in Indianapolis. It truly is an experience and an entirely new way to see art. As an immersive experience, you are part of the painting. Their current exhibit, Monet and Friends, features Monet and other Impressionist favorites. Sip a glass of wine as you stroll through the galleries with friends and enjoy free admission to the rest of the museum and gardens, included with your ticket to The Lume.
The Garden Terrace at Newfields
The Garden Terrace is Newfields’ newest culinary experience. Newfields in downtown Indianapolis includes the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Lilly House, and the Gardens. Stroll through the brilliant botanical displays and enjoy a light meal and drinks at the Garden Terrace in the heart of the Newfields campus. What better way to celebrate your birthday than with local food and beer in a beautiful setting?
The Cultural Trail
Nationally acclaimed, the Cultural Trail is an eight-mile walking and biking trail. Stroll through historic neighborhoods, check out local shops, and enjoy many local art projects. Have your birthday party at one of the many restaurants and then check out great public art.
Fairbanks Art and Nature Park
The Fairbanks Art and Nature Park, formerly 100 Acres, is a beautiful place for a birthday party. There are fun and quirky art installations, a 35-acre lake, and a pollinator meadow. While this park is technically part of the Newfields campus, it is always free and open to the public. Bring your friends and some picnic food for a relaxing birthday outdoors.
Kan Kan Cinema
This arthouse theater in downtown Indy is perfect for a celebration. Enjoy European food, catch an art film, and hang out with your friends. They have a private event space, and you can rent out any of their three theaters for your birthday.
The Stutz
The Stutz downtown is undergoing a massive renovation and revitalization. It’s home to the Stutz Arts Associations and local artists. It has plenty of history and is a great place to host your next birthday party. Have your next birthday party at Cafe Patachou, and then stroll the factory checking out great art and art history. The newly reimagined space will also be home to local artisan breadmaker, Amelia’s Bread, and a Nashville-based coffee shop, Barista Parlor.
Carmel Arts & Design District
Located in the heart of Carmel, the Carmel Arts & Design District is an excellent place for a birthday party. Stroll Main Street hunting down the many public art installations. Plan your celebration during daytime hours or the evening of the second Saturday of the month so you can explore the fine art galleries in the district. There are also many restaurants to choose from, including Monterey Coastal, Anthony’s Chophouse, Muldoons, and Peace Water Winery.
The Harrison Center
The Harrison Center is a vibrant center for the arts. There are eight art galleries, thirty-six artist studios, and exhibitions. You can rent their private rental space or check out their First Fridays with new artists and exhibits. Each month the Harrison Center hosts Art Dish in collaboration with local artists and chefs. Enjoy a spectacular meal, entertainment, and conversation with fellow art lovers for a special birthday night out.
Circle City Industrial Complex
Not far from all the fun of the Bottleworks District on Massachusetts Avenue, the Circle City Industrial Complex hosts nearly 200 art tenants. Several artists offer classes, including Indy Fused Glass and Glass Arts Indiana. Visit the Schwitzer Gallery during daytime hours on weekdays, or plan to attend a First Friday event when you can explore the endless maze of galleries, studios, and workshops throughout the warehouse.
Ripple Mobile Arts
Host your adults-only birthday party with Ripple Mobile Arts. Have your pottery wheel party or make art with fused glass. Owner Jeremy South is passionate about art and goes out of his way to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Have your party at his Indianapolis studio, at your house, or at the location of your choice. Take home a one-of-a-kind piece of pottery!
Indianapolis Art Center
The Indianapolis Art Center in Broad Ripple is a great venue for an art lover’s birthday. The building was designed by Michael Graves and sits on 12 acres overlooking the White River. Take an art class together, grab food at the cafe, and walk through the exhibitions. Artspark includes the grounds with outdoor art installations and is also a great place for a party.
Holcomb Gardens
Located in the heart of Butler University’s campus, the Gardens are the perfect place to celebrate an art lover. The 20 acres of gardens and grounds are beautiful! Check out the lake, waterfalls, garden house, and gazebo. Perfect for that outdoor party with friends.
Painting with a Twist
This is the perfect birthday party for art and wine lovers. Sip a favorite beverage alongside your friends while making your works of art. With locations in Carmel and Indianapolis, Painting with a Twist is a great place to have your next party.
Indianapolis Artsgarden
Located in downtown Indianapolis near Monument Circle, the Artsgarden makes a beautiful venue for your next big birthday party. This seven-story tall glass and steel icon spans the intersection of Washington and Illinois Streets. They feature art exhibitions and public performances. You can also rent out the unique space for your one-of-a-kind party.
The Alexander Hotel
The Alexander Hotel is a great place to have a birthday party. The downtown Indy hotel is filled with contemporary art. Large and small art installations can be found in the lobby and all the guestrooms. The hotel is blocks from Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium. Have your party at one of their restaurants, Nesso Italian, Plat 99, or The Market Table.
Gallery Pastry Shop
If you thought chocolate couldn’t be a work of art, think again. Choose from three Gallery locations, each with its own unique atmosphere. Take a class and learn the art of French pastries, enjoy elegant desserts, or host a special private dinner together. Check them out downtown, on 16th Street, and in Broad Ripple.
Fountain Square Clay Center
The Fountain Square Clay Center is located in the heart of Fountain Square. Have your private birthday party and try your hand at wheel throwing. You can bring your own snacks and drinks. Adults can BYOB. It’s the perfect make-your-own art birthday party.
The Murphy Arts Center
The Murphy building has a vibrant art community with three restaurants, galleries, and plenty of art. Have your birthday party at La Margarita or Red Lion Grog House. You can even take an art class with your favorite people at Get Dirty Ceramics.
The Conrad Hotel
Have your next birthday party downtown at the Conrad Hotel. All the public spaces have art from local artists. Check out the Long-Sharp Art Gallery at the hotel. Have your party at any of their several restaurants, including the Capital Grille and Tastings Wine Bar and Bistro. You can also take a guided tour of the hotel with the Conrad’s art ambassadors!
Wine and Canvas
Wine and Canvas is the perfect place for your next birthday. Enjoy a glass of wine and make your own art! Enjoy a private or group class. Choose from a myriad of project options and get ready to embrace the artist in you.
The Canal Walk
Invite your friends and family to celebrate with a stroll, bike, or float along the Canal. The Downtown Canal Walk is a three-mile loop that is dotted with large-scale murals. Enjoy pedal boats, gondolas, or a surrey ride with friends. It’s great for a laid-back outdoor party.
Indianapolis is a vibrant city for the arts. Whether you’re a casual appreciator, a seasoned critic, or you are an artist or creator yourself, this city has a venue or activity sure to satisfy your need for beauty and art. Does an option on our list pique your interest? Take advantage of your next birthday to check it out while celebrating you!
We have tons more ideas for birthday parties for adults! Need venues for your child’s celebration? Check out our Birthday Party Guide.
