Location: Chicago
Top Things to do in Chicago
Things to do in Chicago, Illinois (IL): The Best Performances
The windy city is a cornucopia of modern art, fine dining, cutting edge comedy, and die-hard sports fans. Snap a photo of your reflection in the silver Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park before heading to Grant Park to get hit with the refreshing spray of Buckingham Fountain. There are dozens of museums and theater companies in Chicago, so a cultural experience is never hard to find. You’re sure to laugh your head off at the Second City Theater, the professional launch pad of many famous comedians.
Restaurants in Chicago
1. The Magic Cabaret
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
2. The Magic Parlour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 545 reviews
The Magic Parlour starring Dennis Watkins is an intimate evening of classic magic and mind-reading performance with this 3rd generation magician presented weekly by The House Theatre of Chicago in the historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel.
Reviewed By M1888ZR - Michigan, United States
The Magic Parlour with Dennis Watkins was a wonderfully magical evening. Our party ranged from 22-75 and everyone had a fantastic time. The up close and intimate setting is what really sets this show apart from others. Dennis is a fabulous magician and entertainer!
3. The Artistic Home
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
4. Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 463 reviews
Reviewed By CaptTrouble - Hudson, United States
My husband and I walked around this pavilion while visiting Millennium Park. Designed by Frank Gehry, who also designed the Weismann Art Museum in Minneapolis and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, this concert venue seats 11,000 people (4,000 fixed and 7,000 lawn). It opened July 16, 2004. It is very large and airy, which would be good for summer concerts as it can get really hot in Chicago in the summer.
5. Chicago Magic Lounge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,029 reviews
The Chicago Magic Lounge is dedicated to re-introducing you to a style of magic created in the Windy City. Bar magic began in 1915 at a little place called Schulien's. After that, over 15 Magic Bars opened up all over the city over the next 80 years. However, with the last one closing in 1999, the city has lost the true art of "Chicago-Style Magic". Now, the magic is back. In the classic Chicago style, we perform table-side, at the bar, and on the stage. Come back nightly for a fully immersive, interactive, and unique theatrical experience. Cocktails and card tricks, the way magic was meant to be seen. Magic Bar: 5:30 P.M.: Mon-Sun, No Tickets Required. Ticketed Events: Mondays at 7:30 pm: Live Music and Close-Up Magic. Tuesdays at 7:30 pm: The Showcase: New & Experimental Works. Wednesdays at 7:30 pm: our Artist-in-Residence Series. Thurs-Sun at 7:00 pm: The Signature Show. Fri-Sat at 10:00 pm: The Signature Show, Sundays at 12:00 pm: The Family Show
Reviewed By ctworthley
What an amazing experience! I was taken to the Chicago Magic Lounge for my birthday and loved every minute. From the table magicians to the main act on stage, the magic was, well, baffling - as it should be - truly entertaining and more fun than I could even have imagined. Highly recommended!
6. The Magic Penthouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 146 reviews
Imagine sitting on a rooftop, in the heart of downtown Chicago, with your favorite drink in hand, listening to live music, enjoying delicious food and awesome company, all while watching the most impossible magic. Each month we handpick 4 of the best magicians around to showcase their unique approaches to magic, in a fun and lively party setting...it's one event NOT to miss!!
Reviewed By sdgoldstein
We visited The Magic Penthouse a while ago and loved every minute of the mind blowing experience. We then hired Sin to work at a fundraiser that we hosted and he was incredible working in the crowd and speaking in front of 350+ people. Go highly recommend!
7. Hamilton
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 407 reviews
Reviewed By craigc409 - Bend, United States
Caught Hamilton at the CIBC Theater in the city. Great cast and musical score. Found out it was playing there and couldn't pass it up. Concierge at the hotel located our tickets on the main floor orchestra section for $105 each. Well worth it.
8. Trickery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Chicago's most entertaining magic show. Fun, intimate, sometimes outrageous, and always hilarious. Plus BYOB.
Reviewed By Balanger - Chicago, United States
When in you life have you seen live magic less than 5 feet from you? This up close and magical show is both funny, clever and vastly entertaining. Set in a cozy, 24 seat living room styled theater I was delighted by the skill of Aaron (the magician) and surprised by the sheer comedic timing. You cannot go wrong with this intimate entertainment site. There is alot of magic happening in Chicago these days but this is completely different than the other magical shows in the city!
9. Drunk Shakespeare
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 116 reviews
"The best thing to ever happen to the theater" Slate Magazine "A live action Drunk History" TimeOut Magazine "Zany, rowdy and debaucherous" New York Times. One actor has 5 shots of whiskey and then attempts to perform in a Shakespeare play. There is a hidden library at 182 N Wabash Ave with over 10,000 books. Running Time: 90 minutes. Food & drink available. 21+ only. Photo ID required.
Reviewed By 366kg - Chicago, United States
Shakespeare and Chicago Improv, I’m in heaven. Shout out to a hard working and talented cast. They have No fear. Small and intimate space. No bad seats. Easy to get to Loop location. Drinking highly encouraged.
