Top Illinois Classes & Workshops - page 2

Learn the secrets of making one of Mexico’s most celebrated dishes during this beginner-friendly, local-hosted cooking class. Meet your Michelin-trained chef guide at her home, enjoy a refreshing hibiscus agua fresca upon arrival, and roll up your sleeves. Your guide will break down the steps to make an authentic mole sauce, and share tips as you go. Finally, sit down to enjoy your tasty and traditional meal.

Experience Chicago in a new way on this small-group Segway tour. Visit Chicago’s "front yard," and see more of the sights in less time. Glide along the fragrant floral paths of Grant Park to the famous Buckingham Fountain. Then, travel along the banks of Lake Michigan to the Museum Campus for top-notch views of the city’s iconic skyline. Guided Segway training and helmets are included, making this a beginner-friendly tour.

Step into our vibrant candle-making studio and unleash your creativity! Craft candles with friends and family, blending custom scents in a welcoming space. Take home your masterpiece the same day, making memories and experiencing Chicago in a unique, unforgettable way. Join us for a non-traditional workshop designed for instant gratification and lasting inspiration!

This is a unique opportunity to design AND print your t-shirts. Upcycle screen printing is an eco-friendly alternative to commercial t-shirt printing.

Visitors to Chicago who want to capture fantastic vacation photos shouldn’t settle for smartphone selfies when you can book a professional photographer. With this photo shoot experience, simply meet your photographer-guide and enjoy a session with iconic Chicago landmarks as your backdrop. Photo shooting spots in Chicago: Millennium Park (including Cloud Gate) Willis Tower Skydeck Chicago Riverwalk Navy Pier North Avenue Beach The Magnificent Mile Wicker Park Lincoln Park Rooftop Chicago (extra charge may apply depending on the venue) Capture your most memorable moments during this private photo shoot. Return from your trip with beautiful, high-quality vacation photos — the best souvenir you can take home. PLEASE NOTE: This photo shoot package covers only one location from the list. Adding more locations will increase the package fee. The service fee mentioned is per person. This is not a group price. Please specify your preferred location from the list when making your booking.

Get to grips with Italian pasta in this Florentine-inspired hands-on class in Chicago, hosted through Cozymeal, which connects you with top-rated local chefs. Carpaccio, hand-filled ravioli, a fresh vodka sauce and citrus cookies – four courses, four distinct techniques, one deeply satisfying Italian meal. Your hands-on cooking experience features: - Marinated Vegetable Carpaccio – assorted vegetables, homemade herb dressing and fresh herbs - Beef Ravioli – flour, eggs and seasoned beef - Vodka Sauce – olive oil, tomatoes and vodka - Italian Lemon Drop Cookies – flour, butter and eggs You will leave with real pasta-making skills and a fresh perspective on Italian cuisine, from antipasto to dessert. Guests are welcome to bring wine or beer to enjoy throughout the experience.

Feel like a local when you attend a private cooking class in your host’s home—and learn how to make a multi-course menu of Indian-Mexican dishes—with this one-of-a-kind outing. Pick between lunch and dinner options, head to your host’s Chicago residence, and roll up your sleeves. You’ll learn to cook a range of creative fusion dishes, including tandoori paneer quesadillas—and will then enjoy your home-cooked food together.

Our "Fluid Art" experience is truly unique. It offers a mesmerizing journey into the world of art unlike any other. Participants are guided through an exciting process using acrylic paints, silicone, a hair dryer, and a gas burner to create captivating patterns on canvas. This dynamic and spontaneous art form is suitable for everyone, whether you're an art enthusiast or a beginner. You'll be amazed by the intricate and unexpected designs that emerge, making each piece one-of-a-kind. It's a therapeutic and enjoyable activity that guarantees a memorable artistic adventure.

This tour is special because it combines a personalized street and night tour experience with expert photography guidance in Chicago. You’ll explore both iconic landmarks and hidden streets, capturing the city’s character from golden hour through to its dazzling night lights. As skyscrapers glow and trains blur past, your professional guide helps you master techniques like composition, long exposure, and low-light shooting. Designed around your skill level, this private tour ensures one-on-one coaching, creative development, and unique photo opportunities. It’s more than sightseeing—it’s a hands-on journey through Chicago’s streets after dark, where every corner becomes a chance to create striking images. Creative composition, using lines, repetition, camera angles Training your eye: finding subjects, lighting, composition Taking control of your camera: f-stop, shutter speed, ISO and focusing Reviewing your photography

Save time and energy with an at-home cooking class, and perfect the techniques to create a Chicago classic—deep dish pizza. From the comfort of your own kitchen, enjoy one-to-one tuition from a private, online teacher (and Chicago native). With a recipe and ingredient list emailed to you ahead of your chosen start time, crafting your own delicious pizza couldn't be easier.

This beginner-friendly chocolate class turns a classic confection into an approachable, rewarding skill. Led by Chef Janet, the experience focuses on teaching essential techniques while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and fun. You’ll learn how to temper chocolate correctly, experiment with popular fillings and use molds to create beautifully shaped treats. Chef Janet breaks everything down step by step, making the process easy to follow even if you’ve never worked with chocolate before. With plenty of tasting, hands-on practice and a supportive environment, this Chicago class is ideal for dessert lovers, curious home cooks or anyone looking for a creative night out that ends on a sweet note.

Chicago has architecture that stops you in your tracks, a lakefront that stretches to the horizon and neighborhoods full of color and character. With instruction tailored entirely to your group of 2 to 4, you'll quickly get to grips with the skills that separate memorable images from forgettable ones: light, composition, exposure and framing, whether you're on a smartphone or a digital camera. No rushed theory, no generic advice. Just hands-on coaching at your own pace. Then it's out into the city itself. On a guided photo walk through urban landmarks and open lakefront scenes, your instructor will be right there with you, helping you read the light and find the correct frame. Leave with sharper instincts, full control of your device and a collection of images that finally do Chicago justice. Perfect for groups of friends, couples or families, whether you're visiting for the first time or you've lived here for years and never quite managed to capture it the way you imagined.

Unleash your creativity at a private Art Splash painting session in Chicago. Perfect for group celebrations, birthdays, or corporate events, this 40-minute experience lets you get hands-on with bold paints, premium tools, and a 12x16 canvas to take home. Protective clothing is provided—so you can embrace the splash, layer colors, and express yourself freestyle, no art skills needed! Your group gets a private room and expert guidance, ensuring an unforgettable, laughter-filled activity for anywhere from 6 to 80 people. Just arrive ready for creative fun and leave with a unique piece of art (allow up to five days for full drying).

Transform your gatherings into memorable culinary celebrations with Chicago Mama’s Kitchen. Specializing in Puerto Rican cuisine, we offer immersive mixology and cooking workshops tailored to any occasion, from intimate dinners to corporate events. Delight in crafting hand-made empanadas and refreshing cocktails with expert guidance, ensuring a fun and flavorful experience for all. Perfect for birthdays, team-building, or just a fun night in, your workshops can accommodate groups of up to 50. Bring the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico to your home or office and savor an unforgettable culinary journey. At Chicago Mama’s Kitchen, guests dive into hands-on culinary and mixology experiences that celebrate Latin flavors with a Chicago twist. Led by Chef Inez Melendez, each class blends culture, creativity, and community—teaching authentic recipes, craft cocktails, and heartfelt hospitality in a warm, communal kitchen setting.

Chef Janet, a seasoned head chef, personal chef and culinary instructor, has served and educated countless food enthusiasts throughout her career. Let Chef Janet's expertise and charisma guide you in mastering the art of dumpling-making. This class takes place at a beautiful local venue known for its warm atmosphere and excellent craft beers. In this session, you'll start by preparing meat dumplings (vegetarian option available) using ingredients like carrots, cabbage, scallions, garlic, ginger and soy. You'll then create a tasty dipping sauce with soy and citrus. The class concludes with steaming or pan-frying your dumplings and enjoying your flavorful creations. What to Expect: - Step-by-step guidance from a talented chef who makes it make sense. - A fun, beginner-friendly class where no one judges your knife skills. - Tasting, laughing and leveling up your kitchen game. - Ideal for: a solo outing, date night, girls’ night or group fun.

Here's what you can expect during your 1.5-hour private room experience: Shooting/Spinning Art Experience: Collaborate with your group to create a masterpiece on a large canvas (24x36 inches) using our unique Shooting/Spinning technique. Each team of seven people will work together to shoot down balloons filled with paint, then watch as we spin your canvas to create mesmerizing abstract art. Art Room Experience: Indulge your inner artist as you each create your own masterpiece on a personal canvas (16x20 inches). Choose your colors, unleash your creativity, and bring your vision to life in our inviting art room. Paint: High-quality acrylic paints provided for all your artistic endeavors. Premium Clothes Protection: Keep your party attire clean and stylish with our premium clothes protection, ensuring a worry-free painting experience. Book your party at Shot of Art today and prepare for an unforgettable experience!

Unleash your creativity and learn the basics of screen printing in this beginner-friendly Chicago workshop. Bring your own t-shirt or sweatshirt and use professional equipment—and 20+ bold, premade designs—to create a unique, wearable piece of art. Guided by local experts at Remade in Chicago, you’ll master the ink-pulling technique, try layering or mixing designs, and leave with a one-of-a-kind upcycled tee. No experience or art skills required—just bring your imagination and a shirt to print. Perfect for individuals, friends, or creative groups!

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Mexico with a hands-on cooking class at Su Casa Mexican Restaurant. Guided by experienced chefs, participants will learn the art of crafting authentic tamales and tacos from scratch. This class is tailored for all skill levels, making it an ideal setting for food enthusiasts eager to enhance their culinary repertoire. As you knead, roll, and fill your creations, anticipate the rewarding moment of tasting your delicious handiwork, complemented by chips, salsa, and a refreshing drink.

Experience Chicago at its most magical—and admire views that few other visitors get to see—on this evening Segway tour. Visit popular Grant Park and see Buckingham Fountain’s summertime light show, with an illuminated Windy City skyline as the perfect backdrop. Then, glide along the lakefront, and admire Chicago's weekly summer fireworks display at Navy Pier from a secret location. Guided Segway training plus the use of a helmet are included.

SHOOTING&SPINNING IS ALLOWED FROM 18 YEARS OF AGE. In case it is a group, everyone must be 18+ What sets our Date Night Art Experience apart is the perfect blend of excitement, creativity, and connection in a vibrant, interactive setting. You won’t just paint—you’ll shoot paint-filled bombs with a BB gun, spin your canvases to create mesmerizing fluid art patterns, and splash paint freely in a dedicated studio space where messy fun is encouraged. Plus, you can customize playful "hugs" T-shirts as part of the experience. This exclusive combination of dynamic art techniques and uninhibited expression makes the experience energetic, memorable, and deeply engaging. Whether it’s your first date, anniversary, or a special night out, you’ll leave with unique, colorful masterpieces—and unforgettable memories shared in a lively, joyful atmosphere. Book now to turn your date into a creative celebration that’s truly one of a kind!

Discover the fundamentals of sushi-making in Chicago during this immersive class hosted through Cozymeal. Limited to 8 guests, the workshop showcases the precision and artistry of Japanese cuisine. The menu you will prepare includes: - Sushi: Spicy ahi-tuna roll with avocado, cucumber and aioli - Sushi: Shrimp tempura roll with jalapeño, cucumber and miso aioli - Dessert: Tropical fruit with tōgarashi and honey With step-by-step guidance from your local sushi chef, you’ll gain confidence in rolling techniques and flavor pairing. Guests are welcome to bring wine or beer to complement the meal, making the evening both educational and enjoyable.

SHOOTING&SPINNING IS ALLOWED FROM 18 YEARS OF AGE. In case it is a group, everyone must be 18+ Experience the enchantment of Shot of Art - After Dark, where creativity meets nightlife in a truly unique way. Step into our atmospheric setting and let your imagination run wild as you paint and create amidst the evening glow. Our signature Shooting/Spinning activity adds an exhilarating twist to your artistic journey. Armed with an airsoft gun, you'll aim at balloons filled with vibrant paint, unleashing a burst of color onto your canvas. Then, watch in awe as we spin your paint-splashed masterpiece into a stunning abstract work of art, creating mesmerizing patterns and textures. Ideal for date nights or group outings, Shot of Art - After Dark promises an unforgettable experience filled with creativity, laughter, and excitement. Embrace the magic and let your inner artist shine! Please note: This activity is suitable for ages 18 and above.

Enjoy a unique sushi-making experience at a local distillery in Chicago with Chef Janet! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to craft fresh, restaurant-quality sushi while sipping on expertly distilled spirits available for purchase. Start by steaming and seasoning the perfect sushi rice, then prep fresh ingredients for two signature rolls. You’ll assemble a vibrant veggie roll with sweet mango, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber, followed by a classic California roll featuring surimi, avocado, and cucumber. With Chef Janet’s expert guidance, you’ll master the techniques of rolling sushi and slicing it into picture-perfect pieces. Whether you're looking for a fun night out, a unique date idea, or a new culinary skill to impress friends and family, this class offers the perfect blend of great food, hands-on learning, and a relaxed distillery setting. Book your spot today for a sushi and spirits experience like no other in Chicago!

You’ll be creating a unique fragrance that is true to you! We save it on file so you can order refills (at a discounted rate as long as you keep your bottle) and we rotate fragrances on the bar so you can always come in to create a new scent too! We’ve been around for over 30 years (established 1993) and have been a hidden gem in Chicago’s beautiful Lincoln Park area for the entire time. Nothing beats experience and trained perfumers to help guide and create the right proportions for you! We are BYOB—just board liquor allowed. But beer, wine, or a few hard seltzers are ok. It’s the perfect outing for date night, bachelorette parties, bridal showers, birthdays, business outings or even solo! For bigger groups (5+) you will have to book on our website or give us a call for instructions. It is a private activity in the sense that you get your own table or seating with your reservation—just like you would at a restaurant.