WORKSHOP EVENTS
Designed with community in mind, our workshop events are built to create deep engagement and meaningful connections. Led by local experts, guests are immersed into hands on, experiential workshops where they will learn something new, engage with other guests and connect with cool Chicago creators.
Shaken and Stirred
Nothing beats a killer cocktail - especially one by Pour Souls Cocktail Club! Attendees will learn how to craft two innovative cocktails - one shaken, one stirred - and get a behind the scenes look at the Chicago cocktail scene in this workshop with expert mixologist, Tim Williams. All the fresh ingredients and tools necessary will be provided.
The ‘Cello Bella
Buongiorno! Join The ‘Cello Bella for a guided authentic LImoncello Making Class! Each guest will learn the art of limoncello making, hand paint their own beautiful limoncello bottle and walk away with a variety of fun recipe ideas! Amalfi inspired decor and impeccable vibes make these workshop a dream!
Samples & Samples
Most of us don’t realize the strong relationship between music and wine. Genres like hip-hop, jazz and soul often combine new and old music samples to create a fresh sound. Wine draws on the same ideology, as it uses age-old techniques, fused with new approaches to create something delicious in its youth, and as it ages. With a love for people and a passion for spirits, acclaimed Sommelier and former Michelin Starred Beverage Director Derrick C. Westbrook will bring attendees on a sensory journey, while pairing fantastic wines with music. Bringing both wine connoisseurs and music lovers together, this special event is sort of like your favorite blend: 33% Tasting, 33% Concert, 33% Wine Education, 1% Magic!
Guided Wine Tasting
Join world - renowned Sommelier, Derrick C. Westbrook and his team of experts to learn about wine from ground to grape - diving into the understanding of grape varietals, the region, and makeup, with the goal of discovering new wines/regions that align with your palette. Guests will sip on 4-5 wine selections and learn a ton along the way!
Best part? There’s multiple themes to choose from. A few of our favorite tasting themes…
Low Proof / No Proof Wines
All Black Everything: Black Winemakers
Women are Now: Women Winemakers
Natural Wines Explained
Shake It Up: A Hard Seltzer Focused Class
Dive into the under-explored world of seltzer cocktails, guided by the Half Past team. In the first half of class, guests will learn how to make two cocktails - The Jungle Bird & Spicy Margarita - using classic mixology expertise. Second half of class they’ll learn Half Past hacks to simplify those drinks at home for an easy any-time drink! All fresh ingredients and tools included.
Beer Blending 101
Primary Colors is the most fun way to drink beer in Chicago, encouraging you to create your own custom blended beer styles! In this workshop, your team will take a deep dive into the world of Chicago beer. They will learn about the brewing process, beer types, and history from the founder of Primary Colors while tasting and blending their own perfect brews. Includes all beers, specialized glassware and tasting cards for an incredible experience!
Buzz-ed & Bubbly
Move over beer & wine - there’s a new sip in town! Join Right Bee Cider to learn the art of cider making and enjoy tasting their delicious seasonal flavor varieties. Attendees will meet the makers behind Right Bee Cider, learn about how Chicago’s first cidery came to be (hint - it’s filled with romantic gestures, rooftop beehives and tons of love!) and taste all their seasonal flavors. We’ll raise a glass to that!
Cookie Decorating
Humans are naturally curious AND naturally creative (yes- even you)! In addition, there's about a gazillion studies that show that trying new things together strengthens relationships and fosters deeper connections. The experts at Bon Vivant do just that all via exceptionally wild and creative cookie decorating workshops! You’ll be surprised what you can create!
Make Your Own Mochi
Join the ever so creative experts from 2D Restaurant to learn the art of Mochi Donut Decorating! You’ll learn the history and make of Mochi Donuts and receive 3 delicious ones to decorate together during class. Get ready for some happy guests!
Make Your Own Ice Cream Pint
Invite guests to join Sarah from Ice Cream Girl Co. to learn how to make hand-crafted small batch ice cream pints from start to finish! They’ll learn how to spin a base and have the opportunity to add in the flavors of their choice for the ultimate pint to take home!
Foccacia Art Creation
Invite your team to experience a night with a favorite Italian duo - wine and focaccia! In this unique workshop event, guests will join Bettie’s Chicaago to learn how to make focaccia dough via a live demo and then have the chance to turn it into their own piece of art by decorating it with various vegetables and spices before taking it home to bake! To top it off, they'll sip incredible Italian wines while learning. Saluti!
Rollin’ With The Homies
Let us see that sushi roll! Attendees will learn the history of maki and the art of how to roll their own in this exciting workshop. All the fresh ingredients and tools necessary will be provided. Oh yeah…did we mention we take sake bomb breaks?! Let the good times roll!
Grazing Board Creation
Join Claire from Sliced Chi to learn how to create a beautiful (& delicious!) grazing board! This workshop covers everything from how to choose your ingredients, artfully fold salami, style cheeses, even how to take the ultimate product photos for the ‘Gram! Each guest will make a delicious graze board to enjoy while at the event or take home with them to enjoy later!
Let’s Get Saucy
Mangia Mangia! Invite your guests to join Chef Phillipe - the incredible local chef behind Polombia featured on The Food Network, Masterchef, and more - to learn the art of pasta making! Guests will learn how to make 3 different types of pasta and try two complete dishes for a beautiful night! Also includes Italian wine bar - obviously.
Pillow Talk
Get ready for a night of pillow talk - pillowy, delicious Internationally-inspired goodness that is! Join Chef Phillipe - the incredible local chef behind Polombia featured on The Food Network, Masterchef, and more - to learn how to make two different kinds of Pierogi and Gnocchi and taste them along the way! Also includes a wine bar - obviously.
Salsa & Salsa
Put your best dancing shoes on! Invite guests to join the innovative couple behind Polombia (an epic Polish & Columbian fusion concept) - Cynthia Orobio and Phillipe Sobon - for a night of dancing and joy! Cynthia will lead guests in an introductory Salsa class where she will show them the art of Salsa dancing and lead them through the proper steps to start dancing! To keep energy high, they’ll also be serving up some of their favorite Polish & Colombian small bites for a night to remember!
Take & Bake Cinnamon Rolls
Invite your team to join us for this take and bake homemade cinnamon rolls class. Participants will make their own soft and fluffy yeast dough from scratch, fill, roll, and cut it into rolls, and make a tangy creamy cheese frosting for on top. Each participant will leave with a pan of unbaked cinnamon rolls as well as instructions for how to bake them Sunday morning. YUM!
Sip + Spray
Ready. Set. Spray. Tired of lame paint & sip events? Us too! Introducing a creative spin on the classic. Attendees will join Native 312 and Studio WIP to create their very own individual graffiti art, with some sips along the way. All the paint equipment, tarps, etc. included for a fabulous event!
Psst - would you rather have your team collaborate on one piece of art to fill your awesome office with? We can do that too!
Cool T
Invite your guests to explore the intersection of street art & fashion design with this workshop with Studio WIP. Guests will receive a t-shirt in their size to use as a canvas for their creative imagination! Studio WIP will teach them how to apply spray paint and stenciling techniques to fabric for an incredible effect! Sips included to make the night extra special!
Lettering 101
Did you know calligraphy is proven to increase mindfulness and reduce stress? Join our calligraphy experts to learn the art of calligraphy this season! Guests will learn about the art form, gain technique, create something beautiful (adorable note cards) and lean into the relaxation! Soothing sips and ambiance included.
Grow Wild
Floral shop meets cocktail bar in this floral cocktail party. Get ready for a wild night of floral design and cocktails with LeeLee’s Garden and Pour Souls Cocktail Club. While sipping botanical craft cocktails, you’ll learn how to create a modern botanical centerpiece with a curated selection of flowers, greens and accents all while getting a little bit wild!
Vertical Air Plant Garden
In this botanical craft workshop with LeeLee’s Garden, your team will learn all about the popular Tillandsia (air plant). You’ll learn how to care for these remarkable plants (they need a little more love than just air alone!) Each guest will get to choose 5 plants, moss, and a cork bark base, then receive step-by-step guidance to create a vertical air plant garden. The finished project is a little piece of paradise for your home or garden.
Flower Crown Bar
Create your own flower crown with the help of floral designer Leelee Dameron of Leelee's Garden. We'll have a selection of flowers for you to choose from and pre-greened crowns to make it easy for you to create your own #boho flower crown. You'll learn the basics of crown making, then you'll get to make your own to wear all festival season long.
Gotta Let it Burn
Discover the art and science of candlemaking in this immersive and hands-on candlemaking workshop! Join local candle making experts, TEN|4 Candle Co., for an exciting experience as you learn the techniques, materials, and creative processes behind crafting your very own unique candles. Whether you’re a beginner or a budding candle enthusiast, this class will ignite your creativity and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the timeless craft of candlemaking.
Astro Curious?
It’s the perfect time to explore what's written in the stars! Attendees will learn about astrological signs in this fun, engaging hour long workshop with The Modern Astrologer! Attendees receive an astrology workbook, a crystal and a palo santo stick to cleanse their space and minds. Expect lots of ‘aha’ moments and meaningful self and group reflection!
Want to add aura photography? We got you!
The Trickery Magic Show
Come one, come all and experience the WOW that is The Trickery magic show. Part comedy, part magic, part tricks - The Trickery is an incredible experience to behold! Your guests will love how interactive the show is - making it easy to get to know each other! Because no good show should go without drinks, we also add a fun trickery inspired bar to the experience!
Scratch Goods Mask Bar
Treat your guests to some self-care with the local, clean, skin-care experts at Scratch Goods. They will be led through a self-care tutorial using Scratch Goods products - expect hot towels, an oil cleanse, customized clay masks, face oils and a jade roller massage. Everyone leave feeling refreshed and glowing. Botanical sips included for a stellar experience!
Scrub A Dub
Looking to upgrade your skincare routine? Look no further! At this workshop, a Scratch Goods Instructor will guide guests through a DIY sugar scrub class. Clean ingredients, containers, and labels will be provided for attendees to customize their exfoliating sugar scrub. These scrubs will leave skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Sips are included to top off this amazing experience!
Live Sound Meditation
Reconnect with yourself this season. Join meditation and live sound bath expert, Jay Taylor, for a meditation like no other. Each session begins with an introduction to sound meditation followed by the setting of intention. Next, you will take some deep breaths, get comfortable and open yourself up to the interaction of the instrument’s frequencies with your body. A truly memorable experience!