We get it: You want your drinks, your meals, your crafts, your time…your way. And why shouldn’t you? The world is your oyster, as it were. Plus, your favorite people want things their way, too. Some have food intolerances, some take their drinks just so, and all of you have strong preferences. 

It’s time to get the group text going and coordinate dates. You’re about to enjoy a VIP DIY experience tailored to you—and all in your favorite city on the shores of the Salish Sea. Let’s talk about a deeply personalized Edmonds outing, whether you’re crafty, culinary, or ready to kick back with the perfect G&T. 

Gallaghers’ 

For a hands-on DIY experience in Edmonds, gather your friends and head to Gallaghers': Where You Brew, a community-focused, interactive brewery established in 1995. Craft your own beer, wine, cider, or even root beer under the guidance of knowledgeable beer coaches. The brewing process itself takes only about two hours of your time—the perfect activity for an afternoon with friends! You can choose from over fifty recipes spanning every ale style imaginable—from hoppy wheat beers to thick stouts and everything in between—then work at your own copper-clad brewing kettle to create a batch that suits your taste preferences.

What makes Gallaghers' especially exciting for groups is its party-friendly atmosphere. With no facility fee for gatherings held during your brewing session, you're welcome to bring food and make a celebration of the experience. The space works wonderfully for tons of occasions, from bachelor and bachelorette parties to team-building events and birthday brew-ha-has. 

After your brewing session, you'll return in 2-3 weeks for a bottling party, where you'll package approximately 132 bottles of your custom creation. Don’t be afraid to get competitive and host a brew-off and let the most crowd-pleasing beer win! Want to enjoy a pint or fill a growler? You can do that at Gallghers’, too. But, for friends and neighbors looking to bond over something more meaningful than just sharing drinks, Gallaghers' offers the satisfaction of crafting something together that you can continue to enjoy for months afterward.

Glazed & Amazed

For the art-forward among us, Glazed & Amazed offers the perfect creative escape right in the heart of downtown Edmonds. This welcoming walk-in studio specializes in Paint Your Own Pottery, Glass Fusing, and Canvas Painting with no studio fees and no appointments necessary (score!). 

Open six days a week (closed Wednesdays), the spacious main floor provides a fun environment, where you’re surrounded by ceramics and supplies. You and your friends and family can unwind and chat while bringing your artistic visions to life. Whether you're pottery painting novices or experienced crafters, Glazed & Amazed’s staff makes sure everyone can create something beautiful to take home.

If you’re hoping to host an even more memorable gathering, Glazed & Amazed offers party options, too. Their upstairs private party room accommodates up to 18 people for weekend gatherings, while larger groups of 18-35 can reserve the entire downstairs studio during non-business hours. Both options allow for food and drinks to be enjoyed after painting is done (no crumbs on the art, okay?!), making it perfect for birthdays, team-building events, or just a fun get-together with friends. 

They even host monthly special events like Kid's Night, Preschool Storytime, Handprint Day, and seasonal Glass Extravaganza and Ornament workshops. Bonus: Glazed & Amazed’s To-Go Paint Kits are ideal if you don’t have a ton of time to spare. 

Scratch Distillery

This local distillery, founded by Kim and Bryan Karrick in 2015, handcrafts exceptional spirits using organic, non-GMO ingredients sourced from Washington State farmers. 

Scratch’s award-winning lineup includes vodkas, whiskeys, aquavits, and more, but it's their personalized GINiology program that gives sippers the ultimate interactive experience. During this unique class, participants sample 33 botanicals used in gin production—from juniper and elderflower to pink peppercorn and cucumber—before crafting their very own gin recipe. By the end of the evening, everyone takes home a bottle of their custom-created spirit, with their recipe safely stored in Scratch’s vault for future reorders. How cool is that?

The GINiology experience begins with a classic cocktail and an informative session on gin's history and production methods. The small class size (ideally eight participants) ensures personalized attention as you explore which botanicals make your mouth happy and decide whether you prefer more heat, citrus, spice, or floral notes in your custom blend. At $150 per person including your bottle of personalized gin, this hands-on experience offers both education and a tangible takeaway that delivers fun, stories, and deliciousness long after your visit.

For larger groups, Scratch Distillery can arrange private GINiology classes. This option is great for work events or special celebrations. 

Bonus: Scratch’s tasting room has become a community gathering spot. For friends who want to bond over an educational, fun, and super-customizable experience, Scratch Distillery delivers the perfect cocktail of it all.

Table for 12

Right downtown Edmonds, Table for 12 gives its guests a deliciously interactive experience that's perfect for humans hoping to bond over the joy of cooking. Table for 12’s airy kitchen studio also serves as the creative headquarters for the popular online food brand 12 Tomatoes by day. By night (and on weekends), it transforms into an intimate cooking school. The space welcomes groups of up to twelve guests at a time (Table for 12—get it?) and provides hands-on culinary instruction from expert resident chefs in an interactive, fully-stocked setting. Whether you're an accomplished chef or just starting your culinary journey, Table for 12’s classes make mastering new techniques and recipes accessible to everyone. Some upcoming options? “Greens, Greens, Greens”; “Pasta Making”; “Sunsets In Santorini”; “Taco Tuesday”; and “Middle Eastern BBQ.”  

Plus, Table for 12 is a great place to host a private event! From custom cooking classes where everyone participates to chef-prepared dinners where you just lean back and enjoy, you’re in for a real treat when you opt to take over the space with only your crew. Choose from private family-style meals, elevated coursed chef's table dinners, and appetizer and tapas parties—all designed to deliver high-end dining experiences right in the heart of Edmonds.

For friends who prefer learning remotely, Table for 12 also hosts online classes, which allow participants to sharpen cooking skills from their kitchens while still enjoying expert instruction. At this welcome new addition to town, every cooking class concludes with a communal meal. Heart-warming, huh? 

DIY, But Better

See how exploring Edmonds on your terms can be super satisfying, totally personalized, and extra fun? Come to try one or two of the ideas we’ve presented and return to finish the list. They’re all just too good to miss. 

And don’t forget to bring us along even if you don’t actually bring us along. Tag us in your social posts! We’re @exploreedmondswa on Facebook and Instagram. 

So, where to first?