Heading to a big city is always a popular choice for bachelor parties. They have everything you could ever want within arm’s reach, plus it’s super easy to get around — ideal if you’re planning to drink your body weight in alcohol. While sometimes overlooked in favor of nearby cities like Chicago, Indianapolis is the 16th largest city in the U.S., and you can bet your bottom dollar it’s got loads going on.
So, if you’re planning a bachelor party in Indianapolis, you’re in the right spot. Here’s everything you need to know for an unforgettable bachelor party in the Hoosier City.
Indy has many ideal bachelor party activities, particularly if your groom is a big sports fan. The city is home to the Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Colts, and the Indianapolis Indians, so it’s pretty easy to catch a game or two while you’re there. The city is also home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a famous track where you can watch a thrilling race and the Indy500. Other cool activities include brewery tours, paintballing, supercar driving, and more. You’ll also discover a bustling nightlife with nightclubs, bars, and strip clubs aplenty. For the tamer bachelor party, there are also great sports bars and restaurants.
In short, there’s no reason not to choose Indianapolis for the groom-to-be!
Whether planning a day trip or an entire wild weekend, we have plenty of bachelor party ideas in Indianapolis to consider.
As mentioned, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the perfect place to take a wild ride while keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground.
Races occur almost daily, and you can purchase tickets online, making this activity easy to organize in advance. While you’re there, check out the well-stocked pro shop and pick up a souvenir or two.
For grooms who prefer to be behind the wheel, we recommend Xtreme Experience. Act like a billionaire for an hour or two and race supercars such as a Lamborghini Huracán or Ferrari 488 GTB. Prices start from $79, and you can book packages for your entire crew.
If a supercar is too much for your gang, Fastimes Indoor Karting offers a calmer experience while still providing plenty of fun. You can also order pizza, beer, and wine, making it an ideal lunchtime or early evening event.
For bachelors who prefer something a little more active, Go Ape is a good pick. This treetop course features over 40 obstacles and a 305-foot zipline.
If thinking about climbing trees makes you dizzy, try something at ground level. Ragnarok Axe Throwing gives you and your boys plenty of opportunity to expend some energy. You can buy drinks while you’re there and even organize catering if you want to throw axes and a banquet at the same time.
Indy Acres Paintball offers a classic bachelor party activity with four large paintball arenas. Rent an arena privately so you don’t waste your ammunition on strangers.
If your planned day starts and ends with beer, try the local craft breweries with a tour.
Sun King Brewing offers tours that include samples of all six of its core beers. BrewsLine offers tours of three to four Indy breweries, with three to four samples provided at each stop. If getting drunk is the aim of the game, this is how you win it!
In the evening, there’s no shortage of carnage and cocktails for you and your crew to discover.
No one’s driving, but you still need to get around. Why not travel in style by booking a party bus?
Indy Joy Rides and Indianapolis Party Bus both offer party buses and limousines, fully decked out with a sound system, lights, and more. You can drink to your heart’s content without worrying how you’ll get home.
There’s no shortage of bars and restaurants in Indianapolis. Picking the best one for your crew will be the hard part!
For sports fans, we recommend Average Joe’s Sports Bar, where you can take in the sports memorabilia while tucking into some decent pub grub.
The Rathskeller Restaurant offers a German bier garden experience, with the menu and beer to match. Situated in downtown Indianapolis, this establishment offers a convenient location.
Also, downtown, the 1933 Lounge is more upmarket, with amazing cocktails and appetizers.
Tappers Arcade Bar will take you back to your teenage years with retro arcade games galore, pinball, and plenty of craft beer and cocktails to enjoy while you play.
For night owls, we recommend heading to Nicky Blaines Cocktail Lounge. This nightspot offers a place to chat and enjoy a few drinks before things get rowdy.
For more privacy, The Red Room offers two party rooms for rent. With zero room charge, this is an affordable place to host an intimate party with just you and your best buddies.
Later on, the Red Room transforms into a lively nightclub, so if joining the throngs of partygoers is on the cards, you don’t even need to leave. You can also move to the venue’s rooftop bar and chill under the stars.
If live music is more your bag, go to Hi-Fi Indy or MOKB. Both host bands and gigs every weekend, so you’re bound to find something the groom will love.
For those that want something more risqué, PT’s Showclub boasts four stages, six VIP suites, and over 30 girls performing daily. This place is open until 5 a.m. on the weekends, so it’s one of the best bars to head to when everything else has closed. Just make sure you take note of the strict dress code beforehand.
Bachelor parties include drinking alcohol and group activities and games. For example, karting, paintball, and beer pong are often on a bachelor party itinerary. For those less inclined to party, camping, hiking, and outdoor pursuits are also popular bachelor party ideas.
It’s customary to invite the groom’s male friends and family to a bachelor party. It is also fine to just invite the wedding party. Only invite people to a bachelor party if they have also received an invite to the wedding.
It is not customary to give a gift at a bachelor party. Instead, bring something everyone can enjoy, such as a bottle of liquor or a party game.
At a bachelor party, it’s fine to get drunk, but don’t become a problem or a liability. Also, bachelor party pranks are encouraged but don’t do anything that could jeopardize the groom’s upcoming marriage, job, or health
The average bachelor party includes eight guests, but ultimately, it’s down to you and the groom as to how many people you invite. Some grooms want a big, wild party; others want a calmer, more intimate affair.
If you’ve settled on Indianapolis for your bachelor party, rest assured you won’t be bored for a single minute. You’ll give the groom the ride of his life and send him off in style.
If you’re panicking about the planning, though, chill. At The Groom Club, we’ve got all the tips, hacks, and ideas to concoct the perfect party for the groom. Whether you need help mixing an awesome drink, deciding what to do, or finding a unique location, we’re here to make it easy.
