Whether you’re celebrating your 25th or your 75th, finding a unique way to celebrate your birthday in the Northeast can get a little stale.
But fear not!
Are you trying to celebrate your birthday once a year in each state?
Or do you just want to make your birthday here particularly noteworthy?
Either way, there’s something here for you in Connecticut.
Here are five great things to do on your birthday in CT that will prove to be truly memorable.
1. Mingle with the Celebrities at Greenwich Polo Club
It’s not just the royals who love a good polo match. You can find out what all the excitement is about by attending a Sunday match at the Greenwich Polo Club. Discover why they call it the Sport of Kings. Enjoy stomping on the divots in the field just like Pretty Woman, while trying not to be too obvious scoping the field for celebrities.
With the likes of Prince Harry enjoying the show, the match is nothing more than background noise! Pack a picnic basket with your favorite finger foods. Then, toast another year with a glass of prosecco while taking in the delightfully ostentatious atmosphere.
There’s no question that of the many attractions, activities, and things to do in Greenwich, CT, this is the most unique.
2. Celebrate with a Good Old-Fashioned Clambake
If your birthday falls between May and September, grab some friends and head to the Sheffield Island Lighthouse for a traditional clambake.
This age-old tradition is unique to New England and features classic seaside cuisine. A mouthwatering mix of:
- Fresh clams
- Mussels
- Quahogs
- Lobster
Are all steamed to perfection and enjoyed al fresco on the Sheffield Lighthouse lawn.
The clambakes take place every Thursday evening. Your tickets include:
- A roundtrip ferry ride
- Dinner
- A tour of the Sheffield Lighthouse museum
There is a tented pavilion so most weather doesn’t pose a problem. BYOB is encouraged and you can also BYOCC – bring your own cupcake – to complete the celebration.
3. Indulge Your Inner Artist at Weir Farm
Combine your love of nature and art with a trip to Weir Farm. Off the beaten path, this historic site was the former home of Impressionist painter J. Alden Weir. The collection includes the work of Alden Weir and other Weir Farm Artists. The park also hosts various exhibits and changing installations.
Now a historic site, you can tour the home and farmland, take in the beauty that inspired many of the paintings you’ll see. You can even “Take Part in Art” by painting a work of your own. This site is open all year and is actually free. Find out why Weir called this spot the “Great Good Place.”
Finish your day at one of the most romantic restaurants in Connecticut. There are a couple options in nearby Ridgefield, Connecticut.
4. Wonder at the Oddities at P.T. Barnum Museum
If your tastes lean more towards the eclectic, a visit to PT Barnum Museum is in order. If you don’t recognize the name, Barnum and his partner Bailey were known for their traveling circus which ran for almost 150 years. A true showman, the site is a testament to his creativity. The museum is usually housed in a red and yellow domed building reminiscent of the tents that served as the stage for his outlandish shows.
Damage due to a hurricane has moved the exhibits to an adjacent building. You can still explore some very edgy displays such as a replica of the famed Fiji mermaid, an unwrapped mummy, and a preserved elephant. There is also a 1,000 square foot miniature circus. If you can’t have the birthday clown come to you, you go to the clown!
Throw-in a visit to Seaside Park, Mongers Market on Sunday, and a brewery or two and you’ll have a full day of fun activities to enjoy in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
5. Take In a Show at Ivoryton Playhouse
The nearby Goodspeed Opera House gets all the attention. And yet this theater holds its own rightful place as a contributor to local cultural history. Ivoryton is America’s oldest continuously performing summer theater. It has been producing shows since 1911. You can watch a play on the very same stage where the spotlight once shone on such great performers as:
- Tallulah Bankhead
- Groucho Marx
- Marlon Brando
- Katharine Hepburn
Take your pick of comedy, drama or musical productions at this perfectly elegant yet unassuming theater.
Not ready to celebrate? Keep discovering more things to do on your birthday in CT
Birthdays only come once a year, so be sure to make each one count!
And with our list, you have the next 5 years of birthday ideas in CT for adults covered.
You’re welcome.
Need even more recommendations for unique birthday ideas across the state?
Connecticut day trips
Our little state offers plenty of variety, depending on the type of birthday you’d like to celebrate.
Some great destinations in the state with plenty of things to do on your birthday in CT include:
- With so many things to do in Mystic, CT, any time of the year is perfect for a romantic getaway
- The museums and nightlife of Hartford and New Haven lend themselves to a more active and urbane birthday party
- Or plan a trip to explore any of the charming little towns scattered throughout Connecticut
Plan a multi-day trip to enjoy the best of Connecticut
Hop in a car with your closest friends or significant other to explore a few more unique experiences scattered throughout the state:
- Drive around the state to enjoy the best wineries in Connecticut
- A brewery tour of Connecticut can be just as delightful
- Outdoor enthusiasts will rejoice at the various Connecticut hiking trails and picturesque views
How to enjoy a unique Connecticut birthday celebration, by season
Regardless of when you’re celebrating, your birthday month is guaranteed to feature some unique birthday ideas:
- In the summer months, a relaxed beach trip is easy to plan. Check-out our guide to Connecticut beaches; starting with beaches near Greenwich, Connecticut
- Check-out our guides to fall in Connecticut for a charming season to celebrate any special occasion
- Winter in Connecticut has its own tranquil vibe, perfect for a romantic birthday getaway
And be sure to check our list of the most unique things to do in Connecticut, and download the Connecticut Travel Guide.
