6 Shows in Chicago Worth an Afternoon

1.Trickery Chicago Magic Show

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.) · from $41Our pick

At Trickery in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, magician Aaron leads an intimate, roughly one-hour show of close-up tricks, audience participation, and cheeky comedy. Bring your own drinks; cups and bottle openers are available. The room holds up to 36 people, and the humor is aimed at adults.

“Magic At Its Best. We decided to do this on a whim & it made our evening memorable. I’m a professional entertainer, it’s hard to impress me but everything from the production to the performance was captivating and down right entertaining. I’ll be back…. With friends!”

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2.Chicago Fire TV Show Set Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Ride with Chicago guide Deen to filming locations from Chicago Fire, including Lottie’s Pub, Firehouse 51 when access allows, and the Fire Academy. The roughly two-hour tour also passes the Bean, Museum Campus, and Chicago Cultural Center. Hotel pickup is offered within five miles of the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile.

“Deen is an amazing tour guide and he has so much education and was so knowledgeable with all places that he shared with us on the tour! This tour went beyond our expectations and I would highly recommend it!”

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3.Chicago Fire TV Show Set Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 43 reviews · 2 hours

Join a private, two-hour Chicago Fire TV tour with pickup within five miles of downtown. Guide Deen often leads the drive between Firehouse 51, Molly’s, the Chicago Fire Academy, and city sights. Access can change with filming and firehouse operations, and some stops are self-guided.

“very fun guide didnt mind if tour was longer than it was supposed to be very well done ! good job”

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4.Chicago P.D. TV Show Set Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Follow Chicago P.D. locations around the city with a driving guide, private transportation and pickup within five miles of downtown. You’ll see Lottie’s Pub, the Firehouse 51 exterior, District 21, Millennium Park and the Cultural Center. The tour lasts about two hours and costs $315 per group of up to three.

“Best activity ever! My husband is a Chicago PD fan and he LOVED this tour. Such a cool opportunity to see some of what’s seen on the tv program. So glad we had the experience and would definitely recommend the tour. A must see if you love Chicago PD.”

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5.Chicago’s Fireworks Show aboard Tall Ship Windy!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $113

Sail aboard Tall Ship Windy for about 90 minutes, watching Chicago’s fireworks from Lake Michigan with Navy Pier and the skyline in view. The public cruise includes a boarding ticket and a full-service bar, where you can buy drinks by credit card. No guide names are provided.

“Enjoyed this experience. Great view of the fireworks and city skyline. Be sure to give yourself extra time to drive/Uber to Navy pier due to the heavy traffic.”

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6.Peep Show Ticket in Chicago

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $40Best value

At 8 pm, BimBamBoom’s Peep Show brings two acts of original burlesque striptease together with comedy, magic, music, drag and audience interaction. Expect a rotating cast of up to four dancers and lively hosts in an adults-only show. General admission costs $40, drinks are extra, and you must be at least 21.

“Small venue in the basement of the building. Three performers having to perform twice. A 4th did some weird act possibly trying to fill time.”

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