Fun Birthday Ideas in Reading

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By Marcus Sanigar Food, Drink & Events Writer, DesignMyNight Food, drink and events writer with a decade of experience covering the UK hospitality scene. Has written for Expedia, Trainline and more. Last updated on 22nd April 2026

If there was ever an excuse to celebrate, it's your birthday. Whether you're keeping it a little low-key or going full force for a big night out, we've got just the activities and venues to make it a day (or night) to remember. From pirate-themed escape rooms to cocktail masterclasses and doggie brunches, here's our insider guide to the most fun birthday ideas in Reading.




ABBA The Tribute

@ Playlist Live Reading on Fri, 5th Jun 2026 @ 18:00 - 22:00

Pop on your glad rags and get ready to celebrate your special day as Abba's Angels take over Playlist Live for a spectacular ABBA Tribute Night. Join the crowd on the dancefloor for an evening packed with timeless anthems, iconic outfits and pure disco energy as one of the UK's leading ABBA tribute acts performs all the classics you know and love - from Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia to Waterloo and Super Trouper.

Expect live vocals, dazzling costumes, dancefloor fillers and non-stop hits that'll have you singing at the top of your lungs. Tickets start from just £11.

Slug and Lettuce Reading Riverside

With venues both by the river and on Friar Street, Slug and lettuce is a top choice for fun birthday celebrations in Instagrammable surrounds. Think quirky neon signs, floral displays and plenty of pink touches, alongside two-for-one cocktails all day, every day.

Sip on classic and signature concoctions with your best mates, or opt for a bottomless brunch instead - complete with 90 minutes of unlimited drinks. As for the food menu, expect everything from loaded nachos to juicy burgers or mac 'n' cheese.

Cosy Club Reading

Make your birthday a showstopper at Cosy Club Reading. With its plush interiors and private dining room, this is the perfect place to gather your favourite people for a birthday feast.

Start with sharing plates (panko prawns, anyone?), move on to comforting mains, and top it all off with a round of cocktails and a clotted cream vanilla cheesecake. 

Escape Hunt Reading

If you're really looking to do something out of the ordinary this year, gather your mates for an escape hunt where you'll have to crack clues and uncover secrets. With themes including, Blackbeard's Treasure and The Wild West, there's something for everyone.

Flight Club Reading

Afternoon Fizz and 1 other offer

Spend your special day on the oche at the amazingly unexpected and always joyful Flight Club. Landing in Station Hill, it serves up all kinds of incredible games across its ten interactive oches.

To fuel up your throwing arm, there's ice cold beer, creative cocktails and plenty of pub grub. Get on down for the Brunch Social and you can add pizza paddles and prosecco to your big day out.

The Botanist, Reading

£8.50 lunch

Birthday plans? Sorted. Head on over to The Botanist on King Street for its gorgeous garden-inspired interiors and wacky features. Sit down with your pals for a top-notch brunch event touting tasty grub or choose from its evening menu featuring its world-famous hanging kebabs. There's also the opportunity to catch some live music as the venue is buzzing with non-stop entertainment. As for cocktails? This floral playground has plenty, from the gin-based Plant Pot to the Cherry Blossom Martini.