When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
The Magic Parlour
Why The Magic Parlour is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago at 50 West Randolph Street, The Magic Parlour offers a unique and intimate magic theater experience led by Dennis Watkins, a third-generation magician and mind-reader. This award-winning show combines storytelling and baffling magic, allowing guests to reconnect with their sense of wonder as illusions unfold mere inches away. The setting evokes an old-world charm with an inviting cocktail bar just steps away, so visitors can sip on crafted drinks before settling in for the 90-minute performance without intermission. Performances occur six times weekly, offering flexibility for locals and visitors alike. Beyond public shows, The Magic Parlour warmly welcomes private events, corporate gatherings, and special celebrations, adding personalization and exclusivity to any occasion. For those desiring an even deeper dive into the magical arts, the Encore Room VIP Experience provides an intimate post-show session with Dennis, including additional magic and personal insights. Its central downtown location alongside Goodman Theatre and Petterino’s restaurant rounds out an unforgettable evening of dining and entertainment, making The Magic Parlour an exceptional place for friends to meet, laugh, and be amazed together.
Here's what people think of The Magic Parlour
As of recent, The Magic Parlour holds a 5-star rating based on 194 reviews.
User reviews consistently praise The Magic Parlour for its intimate and jaw-dropping magical performances, highlighting Dennis Watkins' extraordinary skills as a magician and storyteller. Many reviewers note the personal connection Dennis creates with his audience, making each show feel special and uniquely tailored. Positive reviews often mention the charming and cozy atmosphere of the venue, the opportunity to witness magic up close, and the professionalism and warmth of the staff, along with the excellent value offered for an immersive entertainment experience. The addition of cocktails enhances the overall experience, allowing guests to relax before the show. On the other hand, a few critiques occasionally point to the show's price as being on the higher side and suggest that food is not served inside the parlour itself, requiring guests to eat beforehand or afterward. Some attendees remark that the close seating might not suit those uncomfortable in intimate settings. Overall, the overwhelmingly favorable feedback and five-star ratings on platforms like Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor affirm The Magic Parlour’s reputation as a must-visit Chicago attraction for magic enthusiasts and casual audience members alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Vee Food Life
As soon as we walked in we felt like we were in a totally different era! The venue is pretty centrally located near theater district with ample parking garages and near public transportation. Loved the decor and details of the space. The bar had a nice selection of drinks available and one drink was included with our ticket. I had the smoke and mirrors as I enjoy fire..a fun cocktail! I enjoyed the variety of available seating and how the chairs are at different heights so everyone would be able to see no matter where they sat. I loved the entertaining mixture of improv and magic! Dennis was very engaging and left us all in awe as the magic unraveled through the performance. An additional add on encore performance can be added on for an even more intimate magic performance after the show.
Salil Gandhi
Dennis is amazing! Great show. Support close. If you ever wanted to be a part of a magic show, there's a good chance you will be in this one. Entertaining and nice that the ticket includes a free cocktail. Worth the price.
Phil Goldberg
Amazing show. Dennis is a topnotch showman, drawing the audience in with humor and skill. We were invited to a friend's birthday party, not realizing that we would be treated to a magic show as well. It's an intimate setting - perhaps room for a hundred guests - so you can see pretty much everything that Dennis appears to be doing. Despite being up close to the action, the tricks were pretty flawless and left us all wondering just how the hell he did them. I definitely recommend a visit if you are in the area.
Laura Eichhorn
Attended the matinee today, second time at The Magic Parlour. Mind - blowing show, great for all ages. From the moment you walk through the door, you can feel it in the air that you are in for something special. Dennis and the staff treat everyone like a VIP and truly care about every guest having a wonderful time. Worth every penny and I can’t wait to go back and share the experience with more family and friends.
Molly Lynch
We recently visited the Magic Parlour for a work outing. We weren't quite sure what to expect, and we were blown away. Dennis was an incredible performer and he engaged so well with our audience! His tricks kept us surprised, confused, and laughing. He truly transported us and we all walked away in the best mood. I would highly recommend this show whether you're a local, visiting, or need a team outing! Well worth it!
How to reach The Magic Parlour
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Why The Magic Parlour may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Magic Parlour with your friends?
Gathering your friends at The Magic Parlour offers more than just a night out; it’s an extraordinary shared experience filled with astonishment, laughter, and wonder. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, The Magic Parlour is renowned for its intimate atmosphere and world-class magic performed by third-generation magician Dennis Watkins. This is not your typical crowded theater show; it’s a cozy, elegant suite designed to bring the magic close to you. Watching Dennis perform sleight of hand, mind reading, and mentalism up close creates an electrifying collective energy among friends as you all try to decipher his mind-boggling feats. The camaraderie generated by sharing moments of disbelief and applause makes it an unparalleled bonding experience. Moreover, Dennis’s friendly and engaging style ensures that everyone in your group, whether novices or magic aficionados, feels welcome and part of the action. The Magic Parlour is perfect for friends seeking a unique, sophisticated, and memorable outing — one that serves as both entertainment and catalyst for fun conversations long after the show ends. Add to that the option of visiting the “Encore Room” next door for exclusive tricks and mingling, and you have the ideal destination to rally your friends for an amazing evening.
What magic activities are offered at The Magic Parlour that make it ideal for group meetups?
At The Magic Parlour, the primary activity is Dennis Watkins’s 90-minute one-man magic show, designed as an intimate experience with limited seating in a small suite. The show features a blend of traditional and modern magic techniques, including stunning card tricks, intricate sleight of hand, and powerful mentalism that amazes even seasoned magic fans. Unlike large-scale illusions, Dennis favors up-close magic that makes audience members feel involved and engaged throughout each sequence. He draws on a rich heritage of classic magic intertwined with witty storytelling, delivering a performance that flows seamlessly from one mind-blowing moment to the next.
Highly recommended is the optional “Encore Room” experience immediately following the main show, where Dennis performs additional awe-inspiring tricks in a private, relaxed setting. This extra segment allows your group to interact more personally with the magician, ask questions (though he cleverly keeps his secrets), and enjoy another round of astonishing sleight of hand. This three-part evening — main show, encore, and social time — makes it a perfect group activity because it balances entertainment with interaction and conversation time. Everyone leaves feeling they witnessed something truly special while bonded by the experience. The Magic Parlour’s charm lies in that intimacy and the personal touch Dennis brings, making it far superior to generic large magic venues for groups wanting to connect through fun and amazement.
Why is The Magic Parlour’s setting perfect for hosting friends and family meetups?
The Magic Parlour’s setting is intentionally crafted to create a warm, inviting environment that encourages laughter, awe, and connection. Housed in an adaptable suite beneath Petterino’s restaurant, the space retains a vintage, elegant ambiance that complements the classic style of Dennis Watkins’s magic. Unlike conventional theaters or large event halls, this venue offers proximity — no one sits more than a few feet from the magician, ensuring everyone can clearly see the intricate details of the tricks. The small group seating allows the audience to react collectively in a way that amplifies the energy and keeps the mood upbeat and thrilling.
For families or groups of friends, the intimate atmosphere removes the barrier between performer and spectator, making it easier for everyone to engage, share reactions, and even participate in the magic moments without any embarrassment. Dennis’s friendly interaction style fosters a welcoming community feel, so whether you come with kids — though the show is better suited for older children and adults due to complexity — or a group of longtime friends, it feels like you’re invited into a private gathering rather than a commercial event. Additionally, the adjacency of the Encore Room and a bar space nearby makes it simple to extend the meetup into an after-show social, perfect for reminiscing about the illusions and deepening bonds over drinks. This blend of elegant design, closeness, and flexibility makes The Magic Parlour an exceptional choice for meaningful gatherings.
How does Dennis Watkins’s style elevate The Magic Parlour experience for groups?
Dennis Watkins, a third-generation magician and a member of The House Theatre Company, infuses every performance with both exceptional skill and heartfelt charisma. His style is a thoughtful combination of sharp intelligence, wit, and genuine warmth, all of which contribute to making the show approachable and mesmerizing at once. He never embarrasses participants but instead draws them in with playful invitations to join the illusions, encouraging laughter and camaraderie among attendees. This approachability is critical for groups because it keeps the atmosphere lighthearted and inclusive, helping everyone feel part of the magic rather than distant observers.
Equally important is Dennis’s mastery of slight of hand and mentalism. His tricks are not flashy stunts but rather finely honed, artful demonstrations of dexterity and psychological insight that leave viewers intellectually intrigued as well as entertained. This balance makes for a sophisticated evening out that stimulates conversation and shared curiosity afterward, qualities that truly distinguish The Magic Parlour from more spectacle-driven magic shows. The seamless flow of routines, combined with Dennis’s storytelling and engaging personality, ensures that every member of your group stays fully captivated from start to finish. His presence is a cornerstone of why this venue excels as a gathering spot for friends and family seeking not only entertainment but a memorable event hosted by a consummate professional.
What makes The Magic Parlour a highly rated and recommended place for celebrations and special events?
The Magic Parlour boasts a perfect 5.0 rating based on nearly 200 reviews, reflecting consistent guest satisfaction and strong word-of-mouth endorsements. Many testimonials highlight the show as one of the most fun and unique experiences—marking it as an ideal venue for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or simply a special night out with loved ones. The inclusiveness of Dennis’s performance style, the elegance of the setting, and the intimate scale all converge to create an atmosphere where every guest feels valued and connected, making any group event feel personal and distinctive.
Moreover, the flexibility of the venue to accommodate different group sizes and needs adds to its appeal. Whether hosting a small reunion or a larger party, The Magic Parlour offers tailored experiences including private bookings, group discounts, and the option to extend the evening with the Encore Room. Clients report that the event coordination is professional and that Dennis is happy to customize portions of the show to fit special occasions, enhancing the celebratory mood. This combination of top-tier magical artistry and excellent customer service has earned The Magic Parlour a reputation as one of Chicago’s premier destinations for memorable group gatherings, ensuring that every event feels as magical as the tricks performed on stage.
How can groups best plan their visit to maximize the experience at The Magic Parlour?
To ensure an unforgettable visit, groups should consider booking their tickets well in advance, as the intimate nature of the show limits seating and demand is high. Selecting tickets that include access to the Encore Room is highly recommended, as it adds a valuable extension of the magic experience with more personal engagement and additional illusions in a relaxed setting. Groups might also coordinate to arrive early and enjoy Petterino’s nearby restaurant or bar for pre-show dining or cocktails, setting a festive tone for the evening.
Communication with The Magic Parlour’s event team may help customize the experience for celebrations or larger groups, including arranging seating preferences and any special acknowledgments during the show. It is beneficial to remind attendees about the show’s suitability for mature audiences, as the magic’s mentalism and subtlety are best appreciated by teens and adults. Finally, embracing full participation by eagerly engaging with Dennis’s invitations during the performance will enrich the shared sense of amazement and laughter, making the outing truly collective. With these thoughtful preparations, friends and families are guaranteed a magical night full of memories and connections that will be talked about for years.