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 ILLfest, the top EDM music and art festival, for a fun girls’ getaway!
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. Enjoy this epic bingo party
If you’re looking for a night out with the girls that includes an epic party, bingo, confetti showers, lip-sync battles, dance-offs, epic prizes and more, look no further! Bingo Loco will definitely be a night you won’t forget!
📅 May 23, June 6, June 13, 2025
📍 Morgan MFG
🎟️ Tickets: $35 per person–grab them here before it sells out!
2. A glam night in Wonderland
Let’s get curiouser and curiouser. Joffrey Ballet’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland heads to the Lyric Opera June 5–22—and it’s nothing like your average night out. Expect bold costumes, surreal sets, and characters like a tap-dancing Mad Hatter and a fierce Queen of Hearts. Created by the Tony Award®-winning team behind The Nutcracker, this U.S. premiere brings a wildly imaginative twist to the classic tale. It’s whimsical and way more fun than your usual group plans.
📅 June 5–22, 2025
📍 Lyric Opera of Chicago
🎟️ Get your tickets before they disappear down the rabbit hole!
3. Attend this festival-style golf tournament this August
LIV Golf Chicago returns to Bolingbrook Golf Club from August 8–10, 2025! Experience the energy of this high-profile event right in your backyard. Even if you’re not into golf, you’ll find unforgettable parties, crave-worthy street eats, and a surprise performance from one of your favorite ’90s bands. Secure your spot here!
📅 August 8-10, 2025
📍 Bolingbrook Golf Club, 2001 Rodeo Dr, Bolingbrook, IL 60490
4. See Dressed in History: A Costume Collection Retrospective at the Chicago History Museum
Head to the Chicago History Museum’s brand new exhibition taking over the second floor, Dressed in History: A Costume Collection Retrospective, which opens on October 19 for a limited time. Explore over 70 fascinating artifacts, garments, and accessories, including a red sequin burlesque costume, a pair of original Air Jordan 1s, and a beautiful white tulle gown by Christian Dior. The exhibit is divided into four sections: Everyday/Sportswear, Couture & Designer, Historic Dress, and Art & Fashion, showcasing Chicago’s rich history in fashion, from manufacturing to retail.
“Clothing is an artifact all of us can relate to, and Chicagoans have a long history with fashion as consumers, retailers, designers, and manufacturers,” says exhibition curator Jessica Pushor. “From the birthplace of mail-order catalogs to the large garment manufacturing industry from 1880 to the 1920s, Chicago has had a major impact on fashion history and continues to do so through the city’s design schools, local designers who call Chicago home, and retail establishments. We hope visitors will leave the exhibition with a better understanding of the holdings in our costume collection and the intriguing stories these objects can tell.”
📅 Now open
📍 Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614
5. Step into another world at Wonderverse Chicago
Venture to Oak Brook, just 20 miles west of the city, for a 45,000-square-foot world of fun and adventure at Wonderverse! There are incredible VR experiences like Jumanji: Reverse the Curse and Ghostbusters Academy, Uncharted Escape Rooms, a Zombieland-inspired arcade, and a delicious restaurant and bar onsite.
Find out more here!6. Plan a girls’ trip to ILLfest, the highly popular EDM and Street Art Music Festival
Grab your bestie and prepare to head to ILLfest, the most popular EDM music festival this May 30-31, 2025. Make the quick trip to Austin and see over 40 artists across three stages and dozens of incredible muralists!
🎧🎶Grab tickets now before they sell out!
📍 Travis County Expo Center
7. Head to the “wine-d down” experience at Upstairs at The Gwen!
Grab your closest friends for a night of half-priced bottles of wines and exclusive wines by-the-glass specials starting at 3 p.m. at Upstairs at The Gwen.
📍The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
8. Visit this retro-futuristic painting pop-up
Grab your closest friends and your paintbrushes for a unique night out. Neon Brush is a fun painting workshop with a twist—you’ll be in the dark. Thanks to fluorescent lighting, your artistic masterpieces will light up as you sip on delicious cocktails throughout the night. We can’t think of a more fun night out!
📍 Virgin Hotels Chicago
🎟️ Tickets: $37 per person—grab them here!
9. 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!
10. Get nostalgic for Bridgerton at this themed Candlelight Concert
Dearest gentle reader,
The top-rated Candlelight Concert series is preparing a concert dedicated to the iconic soundtrack of Netflix’s highly successful show, Bridgerton! The Stan Mansion will be transformed, surrounding you with hundreds of candles, setting the stage for an incredible string quartet to perform modern songs in Regency-era style like ‘Thank U, Next’ by Ariana Grande, ‘Cheap Thrills’ by Sia, and ‘Give Me Everything’ by Pitbull.
📅 6/28
📍 Stan Mansion
🎟️ Tickets: $50.50 to $70.50–Grab them here!
11. Indulge in a delicious meal at one of Chicago’s top restaurants
Something we often hear from friends who’ve moved away is how much they miss the incredible food scene here. And honestly, as Chicagoans, we get it! We can’t think of anything better than snagging a reservation at one of the city’s most coveted restaurants, trying new menu items, or exploring that ‘secret’ spot everyone’s been raving about with your best friend.
For the ultimate ‘girl dinner,’ head to the West Loop’s Bar La Rue for martinis, fondue, fries with aioli sauce, lobster rolls, and Caesar salads.
Looking to try the new 8-course menu Roop at the progressive Indian Restaurant ROOH, then don’t miss out! This $95 per person meal is as beautiful as it is delicious with standouts with rich, delicious flavors like the Rogan Josh with smoked yogurt, papaya, and rice.
Visit one of the most beautiful restaurants in Chicago!