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. Have an enchanting evening at the Forbidden Forest
Gather your friends and head to the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience for a night of magic and laughter. Wander the glowing forest paths together, laugh over your miscast spells, and take selfies with magical creatures lurking among the trees. Compete to see who summons the coolest Patronus, share a giant Butterbeer, and swap stories under the enchanted lights. It’s a night full of surprises that’s equal parts spooky, magical, and totally unforgettable with your crew. Secure your tickets here!
2. 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!
📅 Summer 2025
📍 Morgan MFG
🎟️ Tickets: $35 per person–grab them here before it sells out!
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!
📅 August – December 2025
📍 St. Regis Chicago
🎟️ Secure your spot here.
4. 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
5. 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!
6. 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.
📅 8/2
📍 Stan Mansion
🎟️ Tickets: $50.50 to $70.50–Grab them here!
7. Celebrate your next girls night out for the holidays at the Bellevue
For a festive girls’ night out, The Bellevue Chicago sets the tone with twinkling lights, lush garlands, and cozy seating perfect for lingering over cocktails. Share crowd-favorites like truffle fries, crispy calamari, and roasted Brussels sprouts, or nosh on standout dishes we love like the Bucatini Carbonara or Faroe Island Salmon. Throughout the season, the chic Gold Coast restaurant is extending its holiday hours, offering Christmas Eve brunch, a lively New Year’s Eve celebration with a midnight Prosecco toast and DJ, and a New Year’s Day brunch to kick off 2026.
Visit one of the most beautiful restaurants in Chicago!