15 Epic Chicago Birthday Ideas for a Celebration to Remember
As a lifelong Chicagoan, I firmly believe this city is the perfect backdrop for any celebration. Am I biased? Sure, maybe. But I stand by it so in this post I’ve rounded up some epic Chicago birthday ideas to convince you of the same.
If you’re a fellow local, let me know what you’d add to this guide! If you’re visiting, you won’t be disappointed. Read on for both splurge-worthy and budget-friendly Chicago birthday celebrations.
15 Epic Chicago Birthday Ideas
Whether you’re planning your own birthday celebration or that of a loved one, here are my top picks for a memorable ocassion:
1. Helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view
Taking to the skies in a helicopter tour is right up there when it comes to bucket list ideas – so why not treat yourself or someone else to a birthday flight?
You’ll get a bird’s eye view over the city, while your pilot points out iconic sights. From Millenium Park to Wrigley Field, the photo opps are unrivaled.
My friend’s sister actually got engaged on one of these Chicago helicopter tours! If it’s proposal-worthy, you know it won’t disappoint for a milestone birthday either.
🚁 Click to book a helicopter experience
2. A side-splitting comedy show
They say that laughter is the best medicine. So what could be better on your birthday than embracing those feel-good vibes? In fact, last summer I took a friend out to see a show as part of her birthday celebration. We had a blast!
While there are comedy venues all over Chicago, The Second City offers live shows every night, and specializes in comedy theater and sketch shows.
I’ve been multiple times, and it’s cool to know that some of the biggest names in comedy started out right here.
3. Gastronomy at a Michelin-starred restaurant
Birthday meals don’t get any better than fine dining in Chicago. The city has around 20 Michelin-starred establishments. Ever and Oriole have two stars each, while Alinea and Smyth boast three stars apiece.
I celebrated one birthday at Sepia years ago, and still look back on it fondly.
But if you want to go all out there’s no doubt that the top tier choice is Alinea, which is in a category all its own.
Even a Greek tour guide I met in Crete had heard of Alinea, and said it was on his restaurant bucket list! Book well in advance if you want to secure a table here.
If you can’t get into a Michelin-starred restaurant, one awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand is the next best thing. You can always find a full, up–to-date list by checking out the Michelin Guide.
4. A satisfying meal at a Chicago Steakhouse
Committed carnivores will love the chance to chow down on a succulent steak for their birthday.
Chicago has far more than its fair share of places to savor prime cuts, including several listed in the Michelin Guide. Such as Bavette’s Bar and Boeuf, Chicago Cut, Maple & Ash, Prime & Provisions and RPM Steak.
Alternatively, pick one at random – or based on the latest reviews – and have fun finding your own favorite.
One that I really like is Chicago Chop House. A more affordable yet charmingly delectable option is Tango Sur.
5. Sumptuous spa experience
Pampering yourself at a spa is always a top pick for a birthday whether you go alone, with your partner or BFF, or as a group.
For something memorable, book yourself some time at Aire Ancient Baths, which offers traditional treatments within renovated River West factory buildings dating from 1902. The therapies offered here are based on Greek, Ottoman and Roman rituals.
Head spas are also increasingly popular lately. Venues such as New Century use natural, herbal products to cleanse, massage, repair, and rejuvenate your hair and scalp.
6. Be dazzled by a fireworks lake or river cruise
On selected days, you can cruise along the river or across Lake Michigan while watching a dazzling fireworks display above the iconic Chicago skyline (which I’d easily award one of the best in the world).
During summer months, end of May through the end of August, the skies are filled with colorful explosions on Wednesday (9pm) and Saturday (10pm) evenings.
What a way to celebrate a birthday – especially if it’s a big one! You could either book a private sailboat to take in the fireworks from the water, or stay on land and watch from Navy Pier.
⛵ Click here to book a Fireworks sailing experience
7. Catch a vibe at a Speakeasy
For a cozy, intimate setting that feels more exclusive check out one of Chicago’s speakeasies.
Places like Brando’s, Club X, The Drifter, The Gatsby, The Office, Three Dots and a Dash (super fun for tropical island vibes), and The Violet Hour are the hottest joints at the moment.
But keep your ear to the ground to discover the latest openings.
8. See sorcery at Trickery Chicago
As someone who delivered a ‘how to do magic tricks’ presentation when I was in the sixth grade I’m SO glad magic is cool again as adults.
Witness the seemingly impossible, as it unfolds before your very eyes, by visiting Trickery Chicago. Hidden away near Wrigley Field, you’ll find this to be a small venue meaning you’re right up close to the onstage action.
You’ll get some adult comedy alongside a magic show with plenty of fun crowd-work involved, so leave the younger kids at home and go expecting to have some fun!
Plus, it’s a BYOB show (cups and wine / bottle openers provided) and only 1-2 hours which makes it the perfect pre- or post-dinner event.
🪄 Click here to get your tickets
9. Play at Puttshack or Flight Club
For a full evening’s entertainment that includes more than food and drinks, book a slot at Flight Club or Puttshack. Both serve yummy food and cocktails.
Flight Club also offers a digital darts experience, while Puttshack is the place to play a tech twist on traditional mini golf. Perfect for anyone seeking a more active yet still laid-back celebration, or anyone who has a strong competitive streak.
I’ve been to both, albeit for more casual occasions. When it first opened, my work team held a happy hour outing at Flight Club. More recently, I spent an evening at Puttshack with a couple girlfriends.
They’re both fun and lively without being obnoxious, definitely recommend.
10. Board the craft brewery barrel bus
The Barrel Run is a barrel-shaped bus complete with a prohibition era theme and wood cladding. It will transport you between the city’s best craft breweries for half a day, so you can try all of Chicago’s top drops.
Not only do you get to sample the wares at several breweries, but you can also learn all about how craft beer is made.
It’s suitable for beginners as well as die-hard fans, and perhaps best of all is the fact that someone else will be driving you around town in style.
11. Drag show brunch at Kit Kat Lounge
Head to the city’s leading drag show lounge for brunch on a weekend and you’re likely to join a full house.
This mega popular brunch event offers delicious food, a long and colorful cocktail list and of course, the chance to be entertained by some of the best divas in the biz.
We celebrated a friend’s birthday here some years ago and then bar-hopped in the area. If you’re looking for a fun afternoon of drinks and dancing, this is the perfect place to kick it off.
12. Belt out a big hit at a karaoke bar
Singing is good for the soul. So if you like to combine socializing with belting out a hit or two, a karaoke bar could be the ideal birthday celebration venue.
The city’s top venues include Green Light, which is also a Korean pub; U-Star, which is both affordable and spacious; and Brando’s Lincoln Park for the friendliest service in town.
13. Afternoon tea at The Peninsula
While you might not get much change out of $1,000 for a room, you can experience five star style at The Peninsula without staying overnight. Book afternoon tea here and you can savor fabulous food while savoring the sumptuous surroundings.
Expect finger sandwiches, fluffy scones, and pretty cakes and pastries to nibble on while drinking the finest tea or coffee. You can also sip a celebratory glass of champagne, which is included in the price.
14. Staycation at Chicago Athletic Association
Even if you live here, see the city as visitors do by booking a room at the Hyatt Chicago Athletic Association hotel. It’s historic, it’s centrally located in The Loop, it has Cindy’s rooftop bar for unparalleled views over Millenium Park, and offers four star facilities at reasonable rates.
The character-packed Chicago Athletic Association hotel even has a ballroom with stained-glass windows, sporty-themed decor, an indoor bocce ball court, chic cocktail lounge and more.
🏨 Click to check prices & availability for your dates
15. Live music at Green Mill
Did you know that Chicago-based Al Capone had his own seat at the Green Mill? Once, he even transformed it into a Speakeasy, where jazz was played and illegal liquor downed.
The venue has also starred in numerous movies, from Next of Kin to The Lake House. Today, the Green Mill cocktail lounge is the best live music bar in the city, with jazz artists jamming and performing nightly.
You can’t reserve a table, order fancy cocktails, or pay in cash here, but you can expect live jazz and swing seven nights a week, between 8pm and midnight.
Budget-friendly Chicago birthday ideas
While the ideas above are ideal if you’re ready to go all out, you don’t have to splash a lot of cash to enjoy a memorable Chicago birthday.
What really enriches any special occasion is the company, even when it’s only wonderful you that you’ll be spending the day with. Having a mindset of gratitude and doing things that will make you happy are sure-fire winners.
To get you started, here are some budget friendly ideas for celebrating your big day in Chicago.
- Beach day at a venue such as North Avenue Beach
- Nature walk through Lincoln Park or along the 606 trail
- A picnic (complete with birthday cake!) at Millenium Park
- Stroll along the Riverwalk, stopping at cafes or museums en route
- Follow the Lakefront trail on foot or two wheels
- Visit Lincoln Park Zoo, where entry is free
- Attend a free festival, if the dates fit with your special day
- Discover a new neighborhood you’ve never been to before
- Cook yourself a special meal at home
- Order take-out from one of your favorite, go-to places
- Take a long, lingering soak in the tub
- Journal your ideas and intentions for the year ahead
- Spring-clean or reorganize your space as your favorite music or movie plays in the background
Spending your birthday solo? There are plenty of great things to do alone in Chicago. I should know, I’ve done most of them!
Wishing you a very happy Chicago birthday!
So, how will you spend your Chicago birthday? Whatever you choose, I’m wishing you a very FUN and happy celebration in my home city.
If you’re ready to dedicate a full weekend to your Chicago adventures, check out my Chicago 4-day itinerary.
