Chicago offers tons of unique experiences, but nothing beats enjoying them with a friend. Here are some of our favorite happenings perfect for a BFF day—whether you’re booking a spa day, dining at one of the city’s most fabulous restaurants, heading to a Candlelight concert, or checking out a one-of-a-kind experience for a fun evening!
Keep scrolling for our list of the top things to do with your best friend in Chicago! Who’s ready for a night out with your nearest and dearest?
1. Unleash your inner child at this unique Minecraft experience
Looking for a fun group outing near Chicago? The immersive Minecraft experience is the perfect spot to explore with friends, whether you grew up playing the game or just want something different to do together. Step inside a life-sized blocky world filled with interactive challenges, iconic biomes, and photo-worthy moments as you work together to complete missions and explore the experience. From battling mobs to collecting resources and uncovering hidden surprises, it’s a nostalgic adventure that’s even better with a group.
2. Head to Gallagher Way for a free night of Hispanic culture, music & performances
Celebrate Chicago’s Hispanic culture and traditions at Hispanic Heritage Night at Gallagher Way on Friday, September 11 from 6–10 p.m. This free, family-friendly evening will feature live music and performances, including a special performance by Hasta Mañana. Guests can also enjoy special offers from nearby eateries, including 10% off dine-in at Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern and Hattie B’s with proof of attendance.
📍 Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60613
📅 Friday, September 11 from 6–10 p.m.
3. Sip wine and laugh the night away at this unique Chicago comedy experience
Comedy comes before snobbery at this innovative standup and wine tasting event in Chicago. Six different wines are brought to the table as the comedian onstage guides you through the notes, even offering up suggestions for food pairings. It’s not about becoming an expert, it’s just about laughing and having fun with your friends
📅 25 July, 5 September & 9 October
📍 Chop Shop, Chicago
🎟️ Tickets: From $68 per person
4. This popular fashion retailer is bringing its pop-up to Chicago this September
Global online fashion and lifestyle retailer SHEIN is bringing its Pop-Up to Chicago from Thursday, September 10 through Sunday, September 13. Located on the first floor of Block 37 at 108 N. State St. in Chicago’s Loop, the pop-up will give shoppers the chance to browse women’s, Curve, and men’s styles in person. The pop-up will be open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
5. Bask in the light of a Candlelight concert
Candlelight Concerts are great for friends looking to disconnect from their screens and share a truly special moment together in some of Chicago’s most stunning architectural gems. Whether your group is into the classical brilliance of Vivaldi or wants to hear tributes to modern artists, the vibe is effortlessly cool and inclusive. Thousands of flickering candles create a relaxed, Instagram-worthy atmosphere where you can just sit back, vibe to the music, and enjoy a high-end cultural experience without any of the usual stuffiness.
📅 Throughout the year
📍 Various locations
🎟️ Tickets: From $40 per person
6. Bandit in the West Loop is the ultimate happy hour spot for drinks, bites & bathroom selfies
Looking for a fun happy hour spot in Chicago? Bandit in the West Loop is perfect for after-work drinks, group hangs, and epic bathroom selfies. The vibe is playful and unapologetically over-the-top, especially in the bathrooms, where the guys’ room is covered floor-to-ceiling in Britney Spears posters, while the girls’ bathroom features Justin Timberlake photos with “Cry Me a River” written across the walls. It’s safe to say we spent some time there admiring Justin’s best fan photos over the years.
As for food, don’t skip the Diplomat sliders, gooey cheese sticks, poke bowl, steak tacos, loaded nachos, and crispy wings — especially on Wing Wednesday when they’re just $1 each. Pair it with $10 well drinks, a Thirsty Thursday pitcher special, or the $15 Burger & High Life combo on Miller Monday for the ultimate happy hour lineup.
Some standout cocktails included the Bandit Smash (tin cup bourbon, sage, lemon, pineapple, mint), The Samantha (Grey Goose, cranberry, lemon, cucumber, sage, and basil), and the Spicy Fella (Patrón, cardamom, pineapple, serrano, and lime).
7. Treat yourself to a calming girls night out with a soothing sound bath
Treat yourself to the ultimate girls night with a serene floating meditation and sound bath at The St. Regis Chicago. Set under a soft glow at the indoor pool, you’ll unwind on floating beds as calming sound bowls and guided meditation help you reset and recharge. End the evening with a champagne toast and a take-home gift.
Learn more about future sessions here!
📅 Throughout the year
📍 St. Regis Chicago
🎟️ Secure your spot here.
8. Give your verdict at The Jury Experience
The Jury Experience is the ultimate high-stakes challenge for a group of friends who love a good true crime deep dive or a heated group chat debate. You and your crew become the actual jury, working together to dissect forensic evidence and witness testimony. Whether you’re trying to crack a complex murder mystery or arguing the ethics of an AI car crash, this 60-minute immersive show turns your night out into a collaborative brain-teaser.
📅 Various dates
📍 Edlis Neeson Theater – MCA
🎟️ From $46 per person
9. See a play at the legendary Steppenwolf Theatre in Lincoln Park
Plan a night out with friends at Chicago’s iconic Steppenwolf Theatre, one of the city’s most celebrated destinations for live performances. Known for its bold productions and award-winning talent, the theater offers everything from thought-provoking dramas to contemporary plays in an intimate setting that makes every show feel immersive.
Located in Lincoln Park, it’s the perfect excuse to grab drinks at the on-site Front Bar before settling in for an unforgettable evening of theater. Catch upcoming productions like Catch as Catch Can, comedian Alex Edelman’s new show What Are You Going to Do, and more.
10. Play high-tech mini golf just outside Chicago
Looking for a fun night out with friends? Puttshack is a great pick if you’re looking for a night out with some healthy competition! With glowing mini golf courses, music and automatic scoring, you can just focus on having a blast. Order a few shareable bites like the Puttshack Poutine and Mediterranean Lamb Skewers, and don’t skip out on the creative cocktails.
📍 Find it in Oak Brook and Skokie
11. Chill at The Jazz Room
The Jazz Room at The Den Theatre is the perfect spot for a night out with friends, transporting you back to the golden age of jazz. With its 1920s speakeasy vibe, atmospheric lighting, and intimate seating, you can sip cocktails while professional musicians perform soul-stirring tributes to legends like Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong.
📅 Various dates
📍 The Den Theatre
🎟️ From $47 per person
12. Have a luxurious spa day
Booking a spa day with friends is hands-down one of our favorite ways to unwind and relax! It makes us feel like we’re on vacation, even if it’s only for the day since many of the city’s top spas can be found in some of our favorite hotels with incredible views. You and your friends can enjoy the most relaxing treatments from facials and massages to manis, and pedis. One of our favorite parts is visiting the steam rooms or saunas before or after our treatments.
If you want to splurge, check out AIRE Ancient Baths for an incredible treatment. Plan to soak in their several thermal baths inspired by ancient civilizations in various temperatures in a historic candlelit former factory.
If we don’t want to break the bank, we head to The NOW Massage for an affordable yet uniquely designed spa experience that rivals high-end, exclusive day spas. The soothing decor and relaxing sound of waves crashing always transports us straight to Tulum, making it the perfect escape without leaving the city.
Check out our favorite spas all over the city here!
13. Let loose at WhirlyBall Chicago
WhirlyBall Chicago is an excellent spot for a high-energy outing with friends, offering a hilarious mix of bumper cars, lacrosse, and basketball. It’s impossible not to have a blast as you zip around the court competing for bragging rights, and the fun continues off-court with bowling, multi-level laser tag, and a great selection of craft beers.
📅 Open every day
📍1825 W. Webster Ave., Chicago, IL 60614
14. Have a laugh at a comedy club
Chicago’s comedy scene is legendary, and catching a show with friends is the ultimate way to experience the city’s sharp wit. From the iconic improv stages of The Second City and iO Theater to the intimate stand-up vibes at Zanies and the Laugh Factory, there’s a venue for every sense of humor. Take a look at our list of the best comedy clubs in Chicago for inspiration.
15. Visit Little India
You can spend hours hopping between tasty restaurants for authentic butter chicken and dosas in Little India, browsing shops filled with colorful saris and intricate jewelry, and grabbing some world-class street snacks. It’s an absolute must-visit neighborhood that’s perfect for a group that loves to eat well and explore somewhere unique together.
