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, or heading to a Candlelight concert 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. Victoria’s Secret casting near Chicago is the perfect excuse for a girls’ day out
Aspiring models, this is your moment! Victoria’s Secret is bringing its open casting tour to the Chicago area this June, and you could be next to walk the iconic runway. Taking place at Woodfield Mall from June 3–4, 2026, the casting invites locals to audition for a spot in this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and the chance to land an exclusive contract with IMG Models. Let’s just say, this is your shot to step into the spotlight. Learn more here.
📅 June 3–4, 2026
📍 Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Illinois
2. 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
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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!
8. 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
9. Have a giggle 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.
10. 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.