Admit it: the best thing about wedding season is the bachelorette parties. It’s the perfect excuse to hang with your squad, paint the town red, and make sure that you’re bride-to-be bestie gets all that her heart desires. If you’re looking for a destination with a killer nightlife, amazing food, and unique city experiences, then Chicago is the place to be!
Not only is Chicago more fun than Vegas ( we might be biased?), but it also caters to all types of Chicago bachelorette party ideas and experiences. For example:
Want to do an all-female version of The Hangover? Chicago can offer that!
Want something that’s a bit more holistic and on the quiet side? You’ll find it in Chicago!
Want to pretend you’re a mermaid and then call it a day? Hey, we won’t (sort of) judge!
We have 17+ fun and unique recommendations for your daytime and early evening Chicago bachelorette party activities. Don’t resort to the old mainstays of teetering in heels from one run-of-the-mill bar to another. Our guide will take your bachelorette party from basic to brilliant.
Is your bride more worried about the caterer than the officiant? Has she been up at night thinking of a signature drink for her big day? Has she gone on for five hours about her choice of red velvet wedding cake? Let her take a big bite out of what the Chicago food scene has to offer with these amazing bachelorette party ideas.
Photo Source: Chicago Distilling Company
Why give an Old-Fashioned to a modern bride? With Chicago Distilling Company’s cocktail classes, you can create a signature cocktail that actually speaks to your bride-to-be’s unique personality.
Another thing to note:
Each class also includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the actual distillery. All of the cocktail ingredients and spirits are made in house, and you have the chance of getting your hands dirty by actually building the drink yourself. A craft cocktail couldn’t get any more authentic than this!
Insider Tip: Chicago Distilling Company’s cocktail classes are also a fantastic date night idea. Looking for other ways to spend time with that special someone? Check out our guide on 17 Unique Ideas for the Perfect Chicago Date.
Photo Source: Chicago Food & City Tours
Regardless of whether the bride wants hidden gems or in-your-face Chicago classics, Chicago Food & City Tours has your group covered. Why? Because Food Tours are the new black and will help you up your bridal party game to a whole other level.
Chicago Food Planet's expert food ambassadors will take you to the most-buzzed about eateries, restaurants and Mom & Pop specialty stores across the city while sharing fun facts about the neighborhoods and food artisans themselves. We tour areas of the city like Chinatown and Pilsen, but many Bachelorette parties opt for the Gateway to the West Loop which covers James Beard Award-winning chefs, old school diners, Chicago-based breweries and eclectic dive bars.
Another winner? The Iconic Foods of Chicago Food Tour tour that centers around the local scene in Streeterville.
All of Chicago Food & City Tours food & beverage private experiences range from 3 - 3.5 hours hours, and provide a complete meal, depending on your preference. On top of that, full event coordination services are provided with all of their private events, so you won’t have to worry about any of the logistics. All tours can be customized to fit the needs of your group and we provide add-ons like champagne toast or special desserts.
Photo Source: @eatalychicago
Eataly, the bustling Italian marketplace and food hall, has everything you need to make an honest woman out of you. And by that, we mostly mean wine. But if you’re looking to pick up some awesome domestic goddess skills, it’s not a bad place to start.
Their pasta making class will teach you all of Nona’s cooking secrets so you can finally create a great meal at home. Like the grown women you are.
That’s not all.
Eataly doesn’t just have one pasta making class, but many ever-changing options to keep on point with what you want to learn and eat. Classes range from Beyond the World of Ravioli, Spotlight on Pasta alla Carbonara, to Get to know Gnocchi. They also offer wine tastings, talks on cheese, and other food-centric events.
Photo Source: Bunny Slope
Want to relive that epic weekend in the woods in the middle of a big city? Acme Hotel has you and your friends covered. Their Bunny Slope bar offers all the best parts of a ski vacation without any of that pesky exercise.
Instead, you get your own personal hot tub, reserved bar and private bartender that can cater to bride’s palate. Reservations are required and there are room packages available for those who want to stay at the hotel.
You know the type: big church wedding, strapless ball gown, tasteful first dance to Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight.” If your BFF is the traditional bride-to-be, she’ll want all her celebrations to reflect the same timeless style. Here are some sophisticated bachelorette party ideas that sacrifice none of the fun, but will never be described as a “hot mess.”
Photo Source: @interconchicago
Planning a wedding is hard and the bride-to-be will definitely need to be pampered… and you might be working through a stiff hangover. The Intercontinental Chicago Mag Mile boasts a historic day spa featuring a junior Olympic size pool, fitness center, sauna, and treatment rooms. The day spa services are customizable and seem almost unlimited ranging from a Custom Aromatherapy Massage, to Urban Antioxidant Facials.
Another thing to note:
If you decide to stay at the InterContinental, a masseuse can be sent up to your group’s suite so all you have to do is roll out of bed. Don’t worry - they’ll bring the champagne and treats up for you too!
Photo Source: Chicago Athletic Association
Haters can keep hating, but the truth is that everyone loves a great brunch. Cindy’s, within the sleek Chicago Athletic Association, just happens to feature one of the best in all of Chicago. Their panoramic view of Millennium Park, The Art Institute, and Lake Michigan also makes it the perfect spot for all your Instagram-worthy moments.
Bonus: when you’re done with their pillowy buttermilk pancakes and taking in the spectacular view, you can head downstairs into CAA’s revamped billiard’s room. The impeccably designed Game Room features bocce ball, shuffleboard, pool, checkers, and other throwback forms of entertainment to keep you busy for the rest of the day.
Photo Source: Aire Ancient Baths
Ideal for a winter weekend getaway, Aire Ancient Baths offers guests the experience of ancient Roman baths but with modern-day comforts. The 20,000 square-foot warehouse features cold, warm, and hot baths, a salt-water flotarium, and a steamed outdoor pool that will keep you toasty even during the most frigid Chicago days.
Guests can also book massages, different holistic rituals to cleanse your body of last night’s bad decisions, and something called the Himalayan Salt Experience. Consider us intrigued.
Her wedding invite was in Klingon. You’ve been told that the dress code is “favorite Disney character.” When asked about vows, there is a strong possibility that they will be made up of Bob’s Burgers quotes. You’re bride isn’t average, and her bachelorette party shouldn’t be either. Here are some bachelorette party ideas for your offbeat bride-to-be.
Photo Source: The Second City
If you are the Tina Fey to her Amy Poehler, nothing will tickle your comedy-loving friend more than a show at Second City. With so many options, you will have no problem finding the best fit that will get the whole bridal party laughing, even that scary cousin. Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Jason Sudeikus, Addy Bryant, Cecily Strong, and more have all started their careers there. Not to mention tickets are reasonably priced, starting around $20 per person.
Live out your diva dreams at Louie’s Pub, a Wicker Park staple since it opened in 1987. They offer a HUGE selection of karaoke songs, group table reservations, everyday beer specials, and are open until 3am on Saturdays.
Time to bust out that “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” choreography you and your bestie made up in 7th grade.
Photo Source: Chicago Tiki Boat
Heat up a summer girls’ weekend by partying on the Chicago Tiki Boat. An ideal cruise for a no-frills, laid-back bridal party, each vessel is BYOB and outfitted with a cooler & ice, a grill, a Bluetooth stereo with booming sound system, floaties, and - wait for it - a waterslide! The only thing more dazzling than the happy bride will be the breathtaking Chicago skyline on the horizon.
Insider Tip: Summer in Chicago is so fleeting, you have to make it count! Head to our guide on 18+ Perfect Chicago Activities for the Summer so you don’t miss out on any pitch-perfect sunny days.
Photo Source: Watson Adventures
If your idea of a rip-roaring good time involves trivia questions, photo challenges, and a stimulating educational environment, then Watson Adventures may be your perfect Bachelorette activity.
They can organize scavenger hunts at the Art Institute, The Field Museum, The Museum of Science and Industry, in the Loop, or really anywhere if you have a specific location in mind. Scavenger hunts can be booked for private parties too, for the ultimate bonding experience.
Photo Source: Aquamermaid
Make like Ariel, put on a mermaid tale, and be ready to say “I do” to Prince Eric. Aquamermaid offers mermaid-themed bachelorette parties for all those we really think life under the sea is better.
You’ll learn how to use a mermaid tale, play games, and pose for pics that say #squadgoals. Parties are available for private pools, or you can head to Aquamermaid’s preferred location, the indoor pool at the University of Illinois in Chicago.
It’s her last hurrah! You’ve got to make it count! Plan an evening event that will have your fun-loving bride feeling flirty and flawless with some of these wild bachelorette party themes.
Photo Source: Bombshell Movement Studio
Find the sexpot within at Bombshell Movement Studio’s private parties. This is a safe and inclusive space to learn the art of the pole, lap dances, twerk-n-twirls, and other bootylicious choreographies.
It gets better:
Party packages include a complimentary champagne toast, custom playlists, and even a gift bag for the guest of honor.
Photo Source: Vavoom Pinups
If the only picture you have of you and your girls together is from prom (yikes!), it’s time for a revamp! Vavoom Pinups offers vintage-style photo shoots that showcase the beauty in every woman. Their studio comes with their very own glam team that will do hair and makeup before leading you to Vavoom’s amazing collection of vintage wear.
Choose from sets like “sexy chaise lounge” or “retro living room” and transform into the pinup girls you always knew you were.
Photo Source: @therobeychicago
Don’t forget to pack your most scandalous bikinis for Chicago’s hottest pool party. The Robey offers a chic rooftop bar complete with dipping pool at their stylish Wicker Park hotel. The Cabana Club is open from May to September, with plenty of seating, tropical cocktails, and a small plates menu with a Latin American twist.
The vibes are chill, the people are pretty, and the views are unforgettable.
Photo Source: Vaudezilla
Whether you want to take a burlesque class or simply see a burlesque show, Vaudezilla is here to create a special night for your bridal party. Classes are customized to fit the needs of your group and you can even keep a feather boa as a souvenir.
There’s more.
They also offer deluxe party-ons like cheeky tea parties, vision board workshops, and DIY wedding garters and makeup bags for the ultimate event.