Abracadabra! Chicago continues to appear as a premier destination for magic. The city’s magic scene is filled with unique options, making it the perfect activity for date nights, birthday celebrations, and outings with family or friends
What are some fun magic shows in Chicago?
- The Hand & The Eye: A dinner-and-a-show experience housed inside a historic downtown mansion.
- Chicago Magic Lounge: A hidden, speakeasy-style venue with multiple types of magic on display.
- The Magic Parlour: The city’s longest-running magic show, dedicated to close-up magic.
- Cosmic Underground: An intimate neighborhood venue with magic and mind-reading.
Chicago has long been an influential place in magic history. During the early 20th century, the city became known for “Chicago-style magic” — a distinctive brand of close-up magic that’s fast-paced, infused with humor, and often performed in a restaurant or bar setting. Today, many magicians still regard Chicago as one of the most important destinations for close-up card magic.
Grab your tickets today to these one-of-a-kind magic experiences in Chicago.
The Hand & The Eye
The Hand & The Eye is Chicago’s newest magic venue. This transformed historic mansion, located in the River North neighborhood, offers five levels of spell-binding shows and experiences. The venue contains 37 rooms filled with secret chambers, curated artwork, and intimate performance spaces.
The show blends Chicago’s historic magic traditions with modern immersive storytelling. Throughout the evening, guests follow a choreographed journey that includes sleight-of-hand tricks, illusions, and world-class talent — no two experiences are alike.
The Hand & The Eye experience is 21+ and lasts around three hours, including a 90-minute sit-down dinner. Reservations are required and cocktail attire is suggested. This is the perfect spot for a date night or a special celebration.
Chicago Magic Lounge
This speakeasy-style magic experience is located in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. Hidden behind the facade of a small neighborhood laundromat, the Chicago Magic Lounge is an intimate retro-inspired venue serving up handcrafted cocktails, small plates, and captivating magic.
Patrons can enjoy tableside close-up magic, followed by on-stage performances from a rotating lineup of professional magicians.
Performances are seven days a week and typically last around 2.5 hours. The venue is 21+, but guests age 16+ are allowed with a legal guardian. The bar area is open to the public. The show is great for birthdays, visiting family, or any type of fun gathering.
@choosechicago A washing machine is the most magical entrance in Chicago. 🪄 Converted from a 1940s commercial laundry building, the Chicago Magic Lounge is a 7,200 square-foot, art deco-style theater and lounge. It includes a speakeasy performance bar, a 107-seat cabaret theater, and a close-up gallery featuring Chicago-style sleight of hand. Chicago Magic Lounge 📍 5050 N Clark St #ChicaGOandKNOW♬ original sound – Choose Chicago
The Magic Parlour
Experience jaw-dropping magic right in the heart of downtown Chicago.
Dennis Watkins, the acclaimed third-generation magician and mind reader, has teamed up with the Goodman Theatre and Petterino’s Restaurant to create a custom-designed theatre dedicated solely to the art of close-up magic
Running since 2009, The Magic Parlour is billed as Chicago’s longest-running magic show. The performance is a tour de force of classic magic and mind reading that leaves guests speechless night after night.
The Magic Parlour is meant for an adult audience, but guest ages 12+ are welcome. Cocktail attire is suggested. After the 90-minute show, you can opt for more magic with a VIP card table experience with Dennis.
Other magic shows and experiences
- Cosmic Underground: This magical experience is built on immersive storytelling and a heavy emphasis on audience interaction. There’s also mind-reading and lots of laughs.
- Trickery: This intimate theatre in Lakeview hosts a hilarious one-man magic show for only 30 guests at a time. Plus, it’s BYOB, making it a great casual date night.
- The Rhapsody Theater: This historic venue in Rogers Park hosts regular magic shows, featuring illusionists from around the country.
- Museum of Illusions: The fascinating world of illusions is brought to life with captivating exhibits that play tricks on the mind. The mind-bending installations will shock the senses and puzzle your perceptions.
