Private Events
The Barrel Run® specializes in transforming standard gatherings into extraordinary adventures with our fully customizable private event packages. Whether you are organizing a client appreciation or team building corporate outing, hosting a personalized private tasting or prohibition tour, or celebrating a milestone wedding, our Barrel Bus delivers a truly unique atmosphere that turns a simple outing into a legendary celebration. From start to finish, every detail of your outing is developed and executed to ensure a seamless, high-end experience.
The Blueprint
- The Experiences: Brewery, Distillery & Winery Tours, Prohibition & Architectural Tours, Pizza & Beer Tours, Chocolate & Wine Tours, Pub Tours, Weddings
- The Gathering: Corporate, Team Building, Client Appreciation, Birthdays, Family & Friend Outings, Pre-Wedding Festivities, Milestone Occasions
- The Capacity: We operate meticulously engineered Barrel Buses® / Barrel Trolleys® with capacities of 22 and 36.
- The Range: Premier group experiences extending through Chicago’s historic core and the entire suburban landscape.
- The Atmosphere: The unique setting serves as an immediate conversation starter, keeping your group connected and engaged throughout the run.
Corporate Outings
Client Appreciation & Team Building
The Barrel Bus is a premier setting for building rapport and celebrating company culture. From custom Tasting Tours to Historical Tours, we transform transit into a legendary professional experience. Our unrivaled atmosphere sparks synergy, ensuring time spent between stops is the most impactful part of your retreat.
Private Brewery, Distillery & Winery Tours
Dive into Chicago’s craft scene with our Private Brewery, Distillery, and Winery tours. Enjoy behind-the-scenes access and exclusive tastings. Complete your journey by pairing the tour with legendary Chicago-style pizza or full-service dining packages. We offer a seamless, curated experience from start to finish.
Private Prohibition & Architectural Tours
Step back into the roaring twenties with our Prohibition Tours. Experience Chicago’s skyline and bootlegging history aboard the iconic Barrel Bus. From Al Capone’s rise to a speakeasy visit for libations, we reveal the city’s notorious mob underworld. Discover the secrets of the 18th Amendment on this immersive journey.
Unique Custom Tasting, Food & Historical Tours
We custom-craft any experience with unlimited possibilities. Past favorites include cocktail classes, wine and chocolate tours, and pizza pairings—but these are just the beginning. If you can dream it, we can build it. Share your vision and we’ll custom-build a unique event that goes far beyond the ordinary.
Weddings
We understand that transportation is an important part of your wedding day, and we would be honored to deliver a truly one-of-a-kind, classy experience for you and your wedding party. The Barrel Bus serves as a stunning, hand-crafted backdrop for your most cherished wedding photography.
Real Reviews from our Customers
Highly Recommend
Our team of 35 had an amazing time on the Barrel Bus! Ted and Denise were very friendly and accommodating throughout the whole process. Highly recommend for corporate team events!
The Team was Incredibly Professional
I hired The Barrel Run for a corporate networking event on October 1. Not only was the team incredibly professional from a planning perspective, but the day-of execution was exceptional as well! The uniqueness of the event was a major draw for those who joined us. For a corporate networking event, the natural changing of seats as you get on/off the bus was perfect for keeping the conversations going! Whenever we're back in Chicago, The Barrel Run will be my first call.
Money Well Spent
We had such a great time on the brewery tour. Our hosts were very nice and friendly. Between the beer and the transportation in a barrel bus, it was 100% money well spent. I highly recommend it!!
I Would Pay an Admission Fee Just to Ride in it
This is like stepping onto a barrel time machine made by Doc Brown. The door opens just like Doc's train at the end of Back to the Future III. This bus is a piece of sheer beauty alone before a tour even starts. I would think this could be showcased in a freaking movie since the craftsmanship is out of this world. I would probably pay an admission just to ride in it...... oh wait, you're telling me my admission brings me to a place with booze and free samples?!
Perfect Event for Our Clients
The Barrel Run was the perfect event for our clients. We went to three stops and heard about Chicago's prohibition history along the way. David, Danielle, and the team were very organized and communicative. I would highly recommend The Barrel Run for your next event.
Outstanding Hospitality and an Unforgettable Tour
Truly an amazingly unique experience that I recommend for everyone to consider taking part of. I had the pleasure of being able to organize a private personalized tour with a group of friends from all over coming into to celebrate my birthday. Outstanding hospitality from my initial inquiry, through the actual experience and on to the post experience follow up. A highly recommended addition to any Chicago must do list. CHEERS!!!
4.9 Stars • 310 Reviews
4.8 Stars • 176 Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your capacity for private events?
The Barrel Buses can handle a total seated capacity of 58. We can also incorporate additional Charter Buses for any group size. There is no limit to our total capacity.
Can you operate in the suburbs?
Yes, we can host private events anywhere in the Chicagoland area.
Can you combine experiences?
Yes, it is very popular to combine our experiences. For example, we host Historical Tasting Tours where we can incorporate stories and history with tastings at multiple locations. Or we can include dinner and drink stops before dropping off at a sporting event, and then transport back after the game.
Can we tailor our own itinerary?
Every private event is fully customized according to your desires. Along with incorporating stops from our partner list, you can also incorporate stops at locations of your choice.
Get in Touch with The Barrel Run
Let's Plan Your Unforgettable Event
From celebrations to curated corporate outings, we specialize in designing unforgettable experiences. Share your vision with us below, and we will engineer every detail to perfection.
Other Ways to Reach Us:
Looking For Our Public Tours?
Join one of our signature public tours and explore Chicago’s craft beer scene aboard our iconic Prohibition-era Barrel Bus. Great beer, great company, and a one-of-a-kind ride—no planning required.