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Private Events at Diversey River Bowl in Chicago, IL

Looking to host an unforgettable event in Chicago? Diversey River Bowl is where fun meets flexibility. Whether you’re planning a corporate outing, milestone birthday, kids’ party, or private celebration, we offer everything you need—laneside service, full bar and restaurant, a concert-quality light show, and a team that knows how to throw a party. 

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Why Choose Diversey River Bowl?

Located right on the Chicago River, DRB has been a local favorite for decades. We’re more than just bowling—we’re a full-service experience. Delicious menu with food, drinks, sound, and lights that bring the energy of a nightclub to your private party.

What Sets Us Apart

  • Locally owned and operated since 1986
  • Featured on WGN, Chicago Magazine, and Chicago’s Best
  • A+ rating from the BBB with a complaint-free award

Weekday Event Space with AV Setup

Looking for a professional space to host a presentation, meeting, or daytime gathering? Our venue is available Monday–Friday, from morning until 6 p.m., and comes equipped with audio/visual capabilities to support your event. This option is perfect for:

  • Company meetings or trainings
  • Client presentations
  • Daytime celebrations and gatherings

Please note: Our presentation space is only available for daytime weekday rentals and cannot be booked for evening or weekend events.

Types of Private Events We Host

Corporate & Team-Building Events

Team building doesn’t have to be boring. Treat your group to a few frames, then unwind with craft cocktails and great food. We offer semi-private and full buyout options with flexible AV setups, presentation space, and catering packages that work for any group size.
Perfect For: 
  • Company parties 
  • Team outings 
  • Client entertainment 
  • Leadership retreats  
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Adult Birthday Parties & Social Events

Want to celebrate in style? From birthday blowouts to bachelor(ette) parties and reunions, DRB’s light show and sound system turn any gathering into a full-blown experience. Combine bowling with our bar, restaurant, and optional arcade access to create your own vibe.
Popular Options:  
  • Reserved lanes with food & drink packages
  • Private or semi-private sections 
  • Full venue buyouts for large parties 
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Kids’ Birthday Parties

We make kids’ parties easy and exciting for parents. Our kid-friendly lanes, bumpers, pizza-and-pop combos, and arcade game options make this a hit every time. Book your child’s birthday party with fun, safety, and simplicity in mind.
Every Kids’ Party Includes: 
  • 2 hours of bowling 
  • Shoe rentals for the group 
  • Food, drinks
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Weddings, Fundraisers & Special Occasions

From offbeat wedding receptions to laid-back fundraisers and everything in between, DRB brings energy, personality, and fun to your celebration. We make it easy to host a memorable event—with great food, music, and all the good vibes.
Every Special Occasion Can Include:
  • A private or semi-private space
  • Customizable music, food, and drink packages
  • Flexible timing and planning support
  • Optional bowling and arcade add-ons
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What’s Included in Your Event Package

Every DRB event includes more than just a bowling lane:
Lane time + shoe rentals
Food & drink packages *customized to your event
Access to bar & full-service restaurant
Concert-quality light & sound system
Dedicated event coordination from booking to party

Custom message for your party on our outdoor sign available at request.

Event Spaces & Capacity
We host groups of all sizes—from small birthday gatherings to full venue buyouts.
Semi-private events: *Up to 40 guests
Private events: *Up to 150 guests
Full venue rentals: *Up to 300+ guests

Looking for something custom? We’ll help you plan it.

PLAN MY CUSTOM EVENT

How the Booking Process Works

Booking your event at DRB is simple:
  • 1. Submit an inquiry through our booking form
  • 2. We’ll contact you to confirm date/time availability and answer any questions
  • 3. Get a quote with clear pricing and package options
  • 4. Secure your spot with a signed contract and a card on file
  • 5. Finalize your food & drink selection and you’re good to go!

We keep communication clear and pricing transparent—no surprises.

FAQs

Is there a minimum group size?
We host events of all sizes, but certain packages have 10-person minimums.
Outside food is not allowed, but decorations are welcome with approval. Let us know what you have in mind.

Yes, we have on-site parking available on a first-come basis.

Yes, we offer audio/visual setups. Custom playlists are only available for full-venue buyouts.
Yes, our facility is ADA accessible.

Kid's Birthday Parties FAQs

How many pizzas/pitchers will my party receive?
Every 5 children equals 1 large one-topping pizza & 1 pitcher of pop.
Yes, the kitchen will be open at 11am & you’ll be able to order from our full menu.
Yes, the bar will be open at 11am & alcohol will be available for purchase.
Yes, cake, cupcakes & ice cream are all allowed to be brought in.

Yes you can.

The only non-soda options we offer are lemonade, pink lemonade & raspberry iced tea.

If you would like to bring in juice boxes or water bottles as an alternative, that’s not a problem.

No, we will provide these items for you. Though you are welcome to bring in your own if desired.
No outside food is allowed aside from the above mentioned cake, cupcakes & ice cream. The exception to this rule is if a severe food allergy or a religious dietary restriction would prevent consumption of the food we serve. (please let us know in advance if this is the case)

Adults will need their own lane to bowl, which will be charged at the walk-in rate for that day.

You will be asked during the booking process if you would like any extra lanes for adult bowlers.

Note: If you are booking automatically via our lane reservation system, you will not be asked about adult bowlers. If you anticipate adult bowlers, we suggest submitting an inquiry using the form below.

Yes, we have ramps, bumpers & light weight balls for the kids. All are available upon request, just let the person working the front desk know which items you’ll need
For parties starting at 11am, 10am is the earliest you can begin setting up. For parties in the subsequent time slots, 30 minutes before the party is usually the safest bet.

Yes, headcount can be adjusted at any time.

However, letting us know about any changes is important to ensure lane availability.

The amount of lanes your party will have is determined by headcount; we generally do 5/6 kids per lane.

Every two lanes is one triangle table.

Note: The amount of folding tables you’ll receive scales based on party size.

What Our Guests Say

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