Chicago has many unique experiences, but there’s nothing quite like enjoying it with one of your friends. Here are a few of our favorite happenings this fall that are perfect to pair up with your BFF, whether you’re in the mood to book a spa day, want to check out one of the most fabulous restaurants in the city or jetting to ILLfest, the most popular EDM music and art festival!
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. 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
2. 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!3. Plan a 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
4. Head to the Gwen Hotel’s Bites & Vines: Food & Wine Pairing Series
Grab your closest friends for a night of wine and delicious food at The Gwen Hotel’s popular food & wine pairing series Bites & Vines. The next one is on Friday, December 6, 2024, so get ready to indulge in an exquisite Gloria Ferrer wine experience paired with delicious tapas.
📍The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
5. 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!
📅 11/23, 11/24
📍 Virgin Hotels Chicago
🎟️ Tickets: $37 per person—grab them here!
6. 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!
7. See the Sage Barnes Reflections exhibit
Check out artist Sage Barnes Reflections exhibit at Arlo’s Living Room Gallery in Arlo Chicago. Known for blending abstract and street art, Sage has recently unveiled his Blooms series in collaboration with Square One Gallery and art curator Jasmine Arakel. His works feature beautifully intricate resin layering, creating a unique sense of depth and weightlessness. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience these latest works of art, on display through December 2024.
📅 Until December 2024
📍 Arlo Chicago
🎟️ Open to the public – guests can scan the QR code for more info and to purchase art!
8. 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.
📅 11/01 and 11/20
📍 Stan Mansion
🎟️ Tickets: $50.50 to $70.50–Grab them here!
9. Catch a concert featuring your favorite artist
Chicago’s music scene? It’s seriously one of the best. Whether you’re into rock, hip-hop, or anything in between—there’s always something for everyone to enjoy.
Here’s some of the popular artists coming to Chicago this fall!
Justin Timberlake – The Forget Tomorrow World Tour
📅Sunday, October 27, 2024
📍United Center
Sting
📅Monday, October 28, Tuesday, October 29, Friday, November 1
📍Auditorium Theatre
B-52s
📅Saturday, November 2, 2024
📍Riviera Theatre
42 Dugg
📅Tuesday, November 12
📍House of Blues
See more concerts to check out in Chicago here!
10. 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!