CORPORATE MURDER MYSTERY EVENTS
Your Team Building Just Got a Lot More Interesting
Forget the trust falls and awkward ice breakers.
Your team deserves better than another cookie-cutter corporate event. They deserve an experience they’ll actually talk about at the water cooler for months.
Welcome to murder mystery team building—in an aircraft hangar.
What Happened at Our Last Public Event
Our January 2025 Prohibition-themed murder mystery dinner sold out and created a waiting list. The event recap got over 6,000 views on social media. Guests showed up in full 1920s costume, solved a murder, and immediately asked when they could do it again.
Then something interesting happened: Business owners who attended approached us the same night asking if we’d create a private version for their companies.
That’s why this page exists. Because we realized corporate teams are craving experiences that actually bring people together—not another PowerPoint and rubber chicken dinner.
Why Murder Mystery Works for Corporate Events
Unlike typical team building, murder mysteries naturally create:
✓ Cross-department collaboration – Everyone has clues, everyone matters
✓ Creative problem-solving – No right way to crack the case
✓ Organic networking – People actually want to talk to each other
✓ Memorable shared experience – Your team will reference this for years
✓ Zero forced participation – The format is inherently engaging
Plus: It happens to be incredibly fun, which makes it not feel like work.
Your Venue Is Part of the Story
This isn’t a hotel conference room.
Your team will step into our 1, 500 sq ft aircraft hangar tucked on a 22-acre farm in Rockford, Illinois. Original aircraft memorabilia on display. Craft spirits lining the walls. Atmosphere you can’t rent anywhere else.
We’ve hosted everything from intimate 15-person dinners to 200+ person spectacles. The space adapts to your vision.
Led by:
- Master Distiller Tim Ford – Former airline COO and CEO, ATP-rated pilot, 40+ years aviation experience
- Master Mixologist Addie Ford – Craft cocktail designer, event orchestrator, 30+ years people experience
This isn’t outsourced to a third party. You’re getting the owners, the vision, and the whole experience.
How It Works
Before the Event:
- We can customize the mystery with your company references, inside jokes, team dynamics
- Each attendee receives a character assignment with backstory and costume suggestions (costume optional)
- Your team gets a password to enter the “speakeasy”
The Night Of:
- Arrival: Guests check in, receive clue packets, grab a themed cocktail
- Round 1: Appetizer grazing table while mingling and gathering initial clues
- Round 2: Plated dinner service (real china) as the plot thickens
- Round 3: Dessert grazing table and final clue reveals
- The Reveal: Who solved it? Who was the murderer?
Total event time: 3-4 hours of immersive entertainment
Package Options
BRONZE PACKAGE – The Classic Mystery
$100/person | 30-person minimum (Tax/Tip/Gratuity Included)
What’s Included:
- Pre-written murder mystery plot (multiple choices like 1920s Prohibition, 1928 Aviation theme, or other future options)
- Character assignments for all attendees
- Three-course dining experience (Period appetizers, 2 plated dinner options, Period desserts)
- Two premium cocktails per guest featuring Barnstormer spirits
- Professional event coordination
- Venue rental (aircraft hangar & surrounding area)
- Murder mystery facilitation and reveal
- Tax and gratuity included
Best For: Teams wanting a turnkey experience without customization
SILVER PACKAGE – The Customized Experience
$125/person | 30-person minimum (Tax/Tip/Gratuity Included)
Everything in Bronze PLUS:
- Customized character names incorporating your team members
- Company-specific references woven into the plot
- Inside jokes and team dynamics integrated into character backstories
- Photo booth with 1920s props and backdrops
- Event photography (digital album delivered within 1 week)
Best For: Companies wanting a tailored experience that feels uniquely theirs
GOLD PACKAGE – The Full Production
$150/person | 40-person minimum (Tax/Tip/Gratuity Included)
Everything in Silver PLUS:
- Fully custom murder mystery plot written specifically for your company
- Themed décor enhancement beyond our standard hangar setup
- Premium spirits upgrade – featured cocktails using our limited-edition releases
- Post-event highlight video (2-3 minute recap, professionally edited)
- Keepsake materials – custom-designed event programs each guest takes home
Best For: Companies hosting major celebrations, milestone events, or client appreciation nights
Add-On Options (Any Package)
- Additional cocktails: $10-$15/each beyond the included two
- Bottle purchases: Discounted pricing on Barnstormer spirits for attendees
- Extended venue time: $200/additional hour
- Premium Menu Options Market rate upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What days/times are available?
A: We primarily book corporate events Monday–Thursday evenings (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM typical window). This keeps our weekends open for public events and doesn’t conflict with your team’s work schedule. Weekend options available for additional fee.
Q: How much advance notice do you need?
A: Minimum 3 weeks for Bronze package, 4 weeks for Silver/Gold packages (allows time for customization and character assignment coordination).
Q: Can we accommodate dietary restrictions?
A: Absolutely. We handle vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and most allergies with advance notice. Just let us know when booking.
Q: What if someone doesn’t want to dress up?
A: Costume is 100% optional. We encourage it because it enhances the experience, but plenty of guests come in business casual and have a blast. Zero pressure.
Q: Do we have to solve the mystery to have fun?
A: Not at all. Some teams go full detective mode, others just enjoy the storyline and social aspect. There’s no “wrong” way to participate.
Q: Can we invite clients or mix departments?
A: Yes! Murder mysteries work great for mixed groups—clients, partners, cross-functional teams. The format naturally breaks down silos.
Q: How many people can you accommodate?
A: Comfortably 40-50 guests indoors or 100+ guests indoor/outdoor (Weather permitting) depending on the setup. Smaller groups feel intimate; larger groups create spectacle. We’ve done both successfully.
Q: What about alcohol for non-drinkers?
A: We always provide mocktail options using our spirits’ flavor profiles (minus the alcohol). Non-drinkers get the same craft cocktail experience.
Q: What about Beer and Wine?
A: Current Illinois Law restricts us from serving Beer and Wine (as we don’t produce them) New law takes effect Jul/August 2026 which will allow us to include Craft Beer and Wine offerings.
Q: Can we tour the distillery?
A: Distillery tours resume in May 2026 (winter weather limits access to production areas). If your event is spring/summer/fall, we can absolutely add a tour component.
What Your Team Gets Beyond the Event
✓ Shared inside jokes that last for months
✓ Cross-department connections that actually stick
✓ Stories worth telling (your team will post about this)
✓ A break from the usual corporate event formula
✓ Photo/video assets for internal comms and culture marketing
And honestly? A damn good time.
Ready to Book or Have Questions?
Step 1: Contact Us
Email: marketing@barnstormerdistillery.com
Phone: (815) 269-4069
Subject line: “Corporate Murder Mystery Inquiry”
Step 2: Tell Us About Your Event
- Preferred date(s)
- Approximate headcount
- Which package interests you
- Any customization ideas you’re already thinking about
Step 3: We’ll Schedule a Planning Call
We’ll walk through logistics, finalize your package, discuss customization, and lock in your date with a deposit.
Location & Logistics
Barnstormer Distillery
6969 South Main Street
Rockford, IL 61102
GPS Note: You’ll head down a gravel road to the aircraft hangar at the top of the hill. It’s part of the adventure.
Parking: Winter Ample on-site parking for 25+ vehicles. Summer Ample on-site parking for 100+ vehicles
Accessibility: Ground-level venue, ADA accessible
Climate Control: Fully heated/cooled hangar space
See the Space in Action
Want to experience the venue before booking?
Visit us during our regular tasting room hours:
- Friday: 3 PM -8 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 8 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
- Please check our Calendar for special times and closures | View Full Calendar |
Or schedule a private venue tour by calling (815) 269-4069
A Note From the Owners
“We built this distillery in an aircraft hangar because we believe experiences should be memorable. Your corporate event doesn’t have to be boring just because it’s work-related. Murder mysteries give people permission to play, collaborate, and connect in ways that trust falls and PowerPoints never will.
If your team deserves better than the usual corporate event playbook, we’d love to help you create something they’ll actually enjoy.”
– Tim & Addie Ford
Master Distiller & Master Mixologist
You’re One Email Away From a Better Corporate Event
Contact us today:
marketing@barnstormerdistillery.com
(815) 269-4069
Or visit us:
Barnstormer Distillery
6969 South Main Street, Rockford, IL 61102
Follow us for event updates and behind-the-scenes content:
Facebook: Barnstormer Distillery
Instagram: @barnstormerdistillery
All events subject to availability. Alcohol served to 21+ only. Deposits required to secure booking. Full event details and contracts provided upon inquiry.