Chicago is a city filled with talented locals, honing their craft in everything from the art of stained glass to cake decorating to flying trapeze and beyond. And luckily, many of these gifted residents are sharing their trade with the world through engaging classes and workshops across the city.
Chicago workshops
If you’re looking for something to do as a group, these fun one-day workshops make a great activity for a birthday, bachelor and bachelorette party, and other celebrations. If you’re solo, they’re the perfect way to brush up on a skill or learn something new. It might even inspire a new hobby.
Check out these fun classes and workshops you can find in neighborhoods all around Chicago.
Arts and crafts workshops
Glass blowing at Ignite Glass Studio: In the West Loop area, these private lessons offer hands-on experience with a professional glassblower, who will help you create multiple glass objects.
Rug making at Freestyle Ceramics and Tufting: Learn how to tuft at this multidisciplinary studio in the Bridgeport neighborhood. Choose your own image and watch it come to life as a colorful rug.
Ceramics workshop at Little Black Pearl: This long-time community arts center in the Kenwood neighborhood hosts public ceramics workshops. Explore the fundamentals of hand building and create a piece to bring home.
Stained glass at Flan’s Glass: The classes at this woman-owned studio introduce the art of stained glass through approachable beginner courses. You’ll even take your completed piece home the same day.
Jewelry making at Lillstreet Art Center: This community center in Ravenswood hosts a variety of one-day creative workshops, featuring ceramics, printmaking, metalsmithing, textiles, jewelry making, and more.
Leather 101 at Chicago School of Shoemaking and Leather Arts: Master the basics of working with leather during the Leather 101 course at this Ravenswood school. Create your own handmade leather item, such as a cuff, clutch, pet collar, or belt.
Glassblowing at Firebird Community Arts: In Garfield Park, this welcoming art studio hosts public glassblowing classes with no experience required. Come with your curiosity, leave with a glass cup, bowl, or paperweight.
Cooking classes
Cake decorating at Bon Vivant: These mega-popular classes are the perfect combination of educational, social, and delicious. Attendees will learn skills to decorate beautiful cakes and cookies, often centered around a fun theme.
Cooking classes at The Chopping Block: This long-time Chicago institution has taught thousands of people how to level up their cooking skills. Choose from courses on knife skills, sauces, bread baking, sushi, pasta, and more.
Italian cooking classes at Tutore Italian Cooking School: In Avondale, this inviting cooking school has mastered an approachable method for teaching Italian cuisine. Students can learn to whip up a risotto, craft a bolognese, make their own pizza, and more.
Coffee workshops at Metric Coffee: This Chicago-based coffee roaster offers interactive coffee workshops led by expert baristas. Learn to pull the perfect espresso shot or craft a silky latte with these hands-on classes.
Self care workshops
Candle making at Embers + Apothecary Co: This gorgeous space in the South Loop is the perfect place for a unique outing with friends. Learn how to craft your own candles, including creating a custom scent blend.
Yoga classes at Garfield Park Conservatory: Find your zen at these relaxing yoga classes, held inside the stunning Horticulture Hall of the Garfield Park Conservatory.
Face mask bar at Scratch Goods: This interactive BYOB skincare experience lets you mix your own clay mask from simple, food-grade ingredients.
Dance and movement classes
Trapeze classes at Get a Grip Trapeze: Beginners are welcome at this high-flying acrobatic school, with classes on trapeze, aerial silks, trampoline, and more. They also offer private group classes.
Dance classes at Old Town School of Folk Music: This long-running school hosts adult dance classes and workshops for all skill levels. Learn techniques from ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and other dance styles from around the world.
