55 Bachelor Party Ideas for Every Groom

TLDR:

• Bachelor parties don't have to be crazy events, as you can have something classy and create a great experience for your group.
• Our list of ideas is comprehensive and contains ideas for all types of folks.
• Just because we use the term "bachelor party" there are a lot of other instances where these event ideas will work.

Let's get started with bachelor party planning!

Ah, the bachelor party. The pre-wedding ritual of celebrating a groom before the wedding. Typically, while the bride-to-be spends her time at her bachelorette party, the groom-to-be would hold bachelor parties that involve a weekend away, a few nice meals, drinking, and other daytime activities that suit the groom’s style with his close friend(s) and groomsmen.

We’ve come to understand that a great bachelor party consists of wild weekends full of debauchery—and they certainly can be. However, don’t get caught up in the stereotype: A bachelor party can be anything you want it to be. This Reddit thread proves it.

Zola has compiled a comprehensive list of ideas for bachelor party games and activities. So, whether you’re into the great outdoors, a super sports fan, or want to settle into the traditional bachelor party planning mentality, we have ideas for you.

Of course, we also enlisted the help of a few experts, including McKenna Folmar, a wedding planner at Events by McKenna. "When it comes to bachelor parties, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach—especially with today’s creative grooms and their friends," she says. "From sentimental gatherings to over-the-top adventures, bachelor parties have evolved far beyond the typical night out." So, are you ready for some great ideas?

Once you’ve read through the best bachelor party ideas below, read through our step-by-step guide on planning a bachelor party to really get the wheels in motion.

Bachelor party ideas - weekend getaways

If your bachelor party guests live in various states (or even countries), it might be best to plan a weekend away. Whether meeting in a centralized location, or somewhere new and exciting, there are many different types of multi-day travel ideas for you and your friends to celebrate your bachelor party.

Why are weekend getaways popular? "Destination parties give the groom a mini-vacation before the wedding," reveals Folmar. "It’s a chance to escape the routine and spend quality time with friends in a memorable location. These trips tend to go all out with fine dining, epic night-outs, and a sense of adventure."

1. Rent a cabin in the woods

If you’re someone who likes the idea of hanging out with your friends out in nature, try going this direction. Through platforms like Airbnb, you’ll be able to secure an amazing house or cabin that fits your entire group.

2. Visit a national park

The recent craze of collecting National Park stamps has nature lovers traveling near and far to see the best Mother Earth has to offer. Whether you decide on the Florida Everglades or California’s Yosemite there are 61 different parks to choose from in the USA.

3. Head off to Las Vegas

It’s quintessential bachelor party territory. So grab a few buddies and head over to Sin City. Just remember: What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas.

4. Take a cruise

Cruise ships are a unique bachelor party option suitable for everyone in your bachelor party thanks to a bevy of entertaining options like bars, casinos, and pool decks.

5. Go camping

Some of the best bachelor party camping ideas are hiking, fishing, or just hanging out with friends around a campfire.

6. Visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

This is one of the best bachelor party ideas for bourbon lovers, and the area surrounding Louisville is a must-go. Take a bus tour of popular bourbon distilleries—without having to worry about a designated driver.

7. Go to a live music festival

If you and your crew are big on music and partying, hit a major music festival together to enjoy the live band and night raves.

8. Visit a new country

If getting a new stamp on your passport sounds like an amazing idea, grab your crew and venture out. Check airlines for deals and jump on an opportunity.

9. Rent an RV

Outdoor bachelor party ideas don’t always have to involve the elements. While road tripping with your buddies may take longer than a weekend, rent an RV and make your way down a scenic road intended to be covered in a couple of days. Try the California coast or the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Carolinas.

10. Go off to the races

If dressing in seersucker and rocking a koozie are two of your favorite things, you might want to head off to the horse races. From the Kentucky Derby to the Preakness races in Maryland, there are many big events to choose from where you and your friends can sip on Mint Juleps and enjoy the weekend.

11. Plan a beach getaway

According to Brittney Poole, wedding planner at Forever Moments, heading surfside is a laid-back idea. "Many of my couples tell me they take the weekend to relax on the sand," she says. "Specifically, going during a festival or air show also makes the experience more memorable." One of her couples also did an over-the-top bach experience on the beaches of Cancun.

12. Opt for an urban event

According to Folmar, destination bachelor parties are still going strong, and she cites Nashville and Miami as topping the list for an unforgettable weekend of festivities. "Whether it's booking a suite at a top resort, hitting exclusive clubs, or lounging by the pool with VIP service, these experiences are all about luxury and indulgence," she adds.

13. Rent a ski cabin

When it comes to the best winter bachelor party ideas, renting a ski cabin is among the top. Being in an A-frame in the middle of the mountains is a great way to add in a sporting adventure while kicking off your bachelor party celebration through bonding with your friends.

Daytime bachelor party ideas

14. Go for a hike

Setting out on a day hike is a great way to enjoy your surroundings and have plenty of time for meaningful moments with your friends. Sometimes cheap bachelor party ideas like this one are the best for a little bonding time.

15. Float down a river

Grab an inner tube and float along the river, if possible. Some locations even have bars and restaurants at various stops along your tube ride.

16. Sign up for an obstacle course

Instead of an individual or singular event, try signing up for an obstacle course that puts you together in teams. This is one of the most memorable sober bachelor party ideas that you’ll all enjoy.

17. Try paintballing

If competition is your thing, split into teams for a few rounds of paintball outside.

18. Throw a backyard BBQ

Fire up the grill, get out the floaties (if you have access to a pool), and throw an awesome BBQ bachelor party. If you or your friends don’t have an outlet to host a BBQ party, try looking online to see if you can rent a house in your area for the day.

19. Hit a food and wine festival

Looking for bachelor party food ideas for a groom who’s a foodie? Bring together the most delicious celebration by hitting up a food and wine festival. From Disney’s Epcot to the Catalina Wine Mixer, food and wine festivals are always a huge hit. Look up local food festivals nearby or in the surrounding cities.

20. Take a brewery tour

Many cities around the country pride themselves on their expansion of craft breweries. While places like Denver and Asheville have become popular, look around for local breweries in your city and see what flights of beer or tours they’d be happy to offer you and your friends for a bachelor party. Jump in a party bus and let someone else take the wheel for the day while you sit back and enjoy with friends.

21. Go on a food tour

You can live in a city or neighborhood for years and not know about all the best eats. A food tour is a great way to appease the empty stomach and the tastebuds.

22. Visit a vineyard

While you may need to head out of a city for this one, you may find that a beautiful vineyard is closer than you imagined. Find one within a few hours of you and enjoy a day full of wine tasting and cheese.

23. Go to a monster truck rally

Watch cars crush other cars—a truly unique experience!

24. Buy tickets to NASCAR

There are so many motorways consistently hosting NASCAR races. For your bachelor party, pick a track closest to you and see what driving fast really means.

25. Take a white water rafting trip

Nothing says teamwork like sitting in a boat with your buddies as you’re scaling down the rapids.

26. Rent ATVs

Ride your way through some rough terrain on ATVs.

27. Go hunting

Okay, so this is one of the more unique bachelor party ideas on our list: Skeet shooting. Hunting's humane cousin, skeet shooting requires a level of precision and skill. Compete against your friends to see who has the highest levels of concentration and dexterity.

28. Learn a new skill

Whether you try painting, cooking, or axe throwing, find a local artisan who can teach your crew something new.

29. Do a night of go-kart racing

Go-karts are fun no matter what age you are. Put the pedal down and whoop it up. This idea is a good one for alcohol-free friends.

30. Take a risk

According to Folmar, adventure-themed bachelor parties are a big hit. "Think weekend getaways filled with hiking, camping, and even extreme sports like rock climbing, white-water rafting, or zip-lining," she says. "These trips are great because they not only offer a thrill but also give the groom a chance to bond with his closest friends in a natural setting, away from the noise of everyday life."

31. Rock climb

Whether on inside boulders or out in nature, there are plenty of mountains to be climbed by you and your guys.

32. Visit a theme park

If you love rollercoasters, find the closest one and see how many times you and your friends can ride the most thrilling one.

33. Try a tour or an Airbnb Experience

Look up local tours or experiences via booking platforms. It may surprise you what you learn that your home city or the city you’re staying in has to offer.

34. Go fishing

There’s a fish in your area to catch. A fishing trip is a great way to bond and pass the time with your friends for a memorable bachelor party.

35. Learn to surf

While this activity pertains to those closest to the ocean, surfing is a great athletic activity that will count as your workout for the weekend.

36. Play competition games

Speaking of competition, bring the edge up a notch by having your party compete in competitive games. This can be anything from beer Olympics to friendly pick-up basketball.

37. Participate in a scavenger hunt

Don’t assume that low key bachelor party ideas are any less fun than those that require more time or money. Divide your party into teams and compete in a local scavenger hunt game—or design your own.

38. Go golfing

If the groom-to-be is big into his sports, consider some bachelor party golf ideas. It's a great way to enjoy hours of bonding while spending time outside with your friends. Bonus points if you and your friends have similar skill sets and can compete out on the course.

Nighttime bachelor party activities

39. Stargaze

Whether you’re searching for a sky of stars atop a mountain or in a field of fireflies, nature can add a surreal lens to your bachelor activities.

40. Go to a concert

If your favorite band or musician is coming to a venue close to you, invite your friends along for a themed bachelor party. Hire a driver for the night to get you there and back home safely.

41. Eat a fancy dinner

Elevate the usual bachelor experience with a special evening at a luxe restaurant.

42. Hit up a comedy club

If you’re looking for funny bachelor party ideas, this has the potential to be up there with the best.

43. Host a game night

From Monopoly to Code Names, if you love board games or video games, invite your friends over for a game night.

44. Set up a bar crawl

Have your Best Man (or most responsible person in the group) plan a themed bar crawl for your bachelor night.

45. Sing karaoke

Rent a room, order some drinks, and sing your heart out to your favorite hits.

46. Escape the room

Host your bachelor party at an escape the room venue, where the mental skills of everyone attending will work together to help you all escape.

47. Interactive experience

For fun bachelor party ideas that offer something a little different, try an interactive dinner. If you’ve never tried a murder mystery dinner or gone to Medieval Times, we highly recommend this entertaining meal style.

48. Go to a sporting event

There’s almost always a pro-sports game happening close by—even better if you go see the groom’s favorite team.

49. Hit the arcade or do laser tag

Barcades—bar and arcade combination locations are popping up in most major cities. Sip on drinks and play your favorite old-school video games or test those rusty laser tag skills.

50. Go bowling

Between drinking pitchers of beer and hitting strikes or spares, you and your friends are bound to have an amazing time at your bachelor party.

Finish each day with some nighttime fun that will keep the party going—if you have the energy. Just like that, you have a full bachelor party itinerary—no matter what kind of weekend you’re hoping to have with your crew.

Creative bachelor party ideas

51. Plan a sports weekend

Do you and your crew love sports? Turn it into a weekend event! "For sports-loving grooms, planning a weekend around a major sporting event—like a championship game or golf tournament—is a great way to celebrate," says Folmar. "A baseball road trip, golf outing, or even renting out a suite at a stadium can make for an incredible time."

52. Get sentimental

It's ok to feel nostalgic. "We’ve seen guys opt for a low-key weekend at a family cabin or a meaningful location," recommends Folmar. "Others have arranged dinners with close friends and family members, where they share toasts, stories, and good company in a relaxed setting." These events foster a deep connection while reminiscing.

53. Build on a theme

There is also an uptick in creative events. "From themed murder mystery dinners to escape room challenges, the focus is on making the event interactive and engaging," Folmar says. "For those looking to add a bit of creativity, themed parties can range from classic black-tie dinners to ‘80s throwback nights or movie marathons."

54. Go over the top

At times, life calls for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, such as private yacht charters, helicopters, or renting out venues. According to Folmar, "These events are all about luxury, with no detail overlooked—high-end catering, private entertainment, and exclusive locations are all part of the package."

55. Check things off the groom's bucket list

Have something on your bucket list? Build it into the bach party! "Whether it’s skydiving, a cross-country road trip, or attending a once-in-a-lifetime concert, these bachelor parties are designed around a dream experience the groom has always wanted to do," suggests Folmar. Not only is it exciting, but the groom gets to do an amazing activity with his BFFs by his side.

Why use the term "bachelor party" for our ideas?

BTW: we use the term “bachelor party” throughout this article. But if you’re planning a bach bash, a bachelorx party, a wedding send-off, a joint bach party, or something else, we hope you have just as much fun trying out the ideas above.

How to personalize the bach bash

"No matter the style, bachelor parties have become an extension of the groom’s personality, offering endless opportunities for creativity and fun," says Folmar. "Whether it’s an intimate gathering or an over-the-top celebration, the best bachelor parties are the ones that reflect the groom’s interests and bring together the people closest to him."

No matter which picks you choose from our list, you're sure to have a good time. Fill your bachelor party itinerary with these fun group activities that all your best men will enjoy. Are you headed to a bachlor party and need a gift for your groom? Check out our gift guide for grooms.