General Information
WHAT IS THE CHICAGO MAGIC LOUNGE?
Chicago Magic Lounge is a live entertainment venue in Chicago dedicated to close-up magic, featuring curated performances, a speakeasy-style performance bar, and a full evening experience centered around intimate magic.
Does Chicago Magic Lounge have a DRESS CODE?
While we do not have a formal dress code, we recommend dressing it up a bit so that you feel as chic and glamorous as the venue itself.
ARE THERE AGE RESTRICTIONS?
The Chicago Magic Lounge is a 21+ venue. Persons aged 16 - 20 may attend shows in the Harry Blackstone Cabaret with a parent or guardian. Patrons of the Performance Bar MUST be 21.
What can I expect at a Chicago Magic Lounge experience?
Chicago Magic Lounge presents close-up and parlor magic inspired by Chicago-style magic traditions. Guests can expect close-up magic in an intimate setting featuring interactive performances and storytelling, alongside a full-service bar and kitchen available throughout their experience.
Where is Chicago Magic Lounge located?
The Chicago Magic Lounge is located in Andersonville on Chicago’s North Side, just a short ride from downtown and the Loop. Known for its independent shops and vibrant arts scene, the neighborhood offers a more relaxed, local alternative to the city’s busier entertainment districts.
DO YOU SERVE FOOD?
Yes! We serve savory small plates ideal for sharing. Food is available in the Performance Bar beginning at 6 pm and in the cabaret as soon as guests are seated. Food and beverage table service is available throughout the show. See our Food & Drink menus here.
CAN I BRING FOOD/CAKE/CUPCAKES FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY? / DO YOU DO ANYTHING SPECIAL FOR BIRTHDAYS?
We do not allow outside food or beverages in our establishment. However, we do have food and drink available, and we are pleased to offer the birthday person a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or non-alcoholic sparkling.
Is there a food and drink minumum?
No, there is no food and drink minimum.
Does Chicago Magic Lounge have parking?
We do not have a parking lot or valet service. Street parking on Clark and Ashland is free after 10 pm, and some of the side streets may be available without a permit. We are closest to the #22 Clark bus, #92 Foster bus, or a 10-minute walk from the Argyle red line. We are approximately a 20-minute ride from downtown by taxi, Lyft, or Uber. See our Location & Travel page located in the Plan Your Trip section of this website for more information.
Tickets & Seating
DO WE NEED TICKETS?
For all formal shows in the theaters, yes. We have ticketed performances at the Harry Blackstone Cabaret Theater™ seven days a week. 654 Club performances occur Thursday - Sunday directly after the Signature Show and are included with Front Row and Premium tickets.
Upon purchase, you will receive a confirmation email with your tickets attached. If you do not receive your confirmation email within 30 minutes of purchase, please check your spam folder or contact us at boxoffice@chicagomagiclounge.com.
Access to the Magic Bar does not require a ticket.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I PURCHASE TICKETS?
As of the writing of this FAQ guide, our 7:00 pm Signature Show on Fridays & Saturdays sells out more than a week in advance, so we recommend planning ahead and purchasing early. For the rest of the week, you can view upcoming availability and secure your seats on our Chicago magic show tickets page.
THE WEBSITE SAYS THE PERFORMANCE I WANT TO ATTEND IS SOLD OUT. DO YOU HAVE A WAITLIST AVAILABLE?
We only have a waitlist for our Signature Show performances. When seats for a sold-out performance become available, our ticketing system sends notifications to multiple waitlist entries, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The waitlist is reset at 5 pm on the day of the sold-out performance.
After 5 pm on the day of the sold-out performance for all shows, guests may only be added to the waitlist here in person and must be present to claim any seats that may become available. We will know if tickets become available approximately 30 minutes after seating begins.
How long is the show?
The running time varies from show to show. Our Monday through Wednesday night shows run approximately an hour and forty-five minutes. Our Thursday through Sunday evening shows run from two hours for patrons who have purchased Rail, Elevated Banquette, or Mezzanine tickets to two-and-a-half hours for premium ticket holders (includes 654 Club performance). For more information about our shows, visit The Shows.
DO I HAVE AN ASSIGNED SEAT OR IS SEATING GENERAL ADMISSION?
Every Chicago Magic Lounge show features assigned seating. The guest selects seat assignments at the time of ticket purchase. If you have specific seating needs or requests, please get in touch with the Patron Services team at boxoffice@chicagomagiclounge.com or call 312-366-4500, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
The Harry Blackstone Cabaret features an unobstructed view from every section. The cabaret-style seating allows maximum access to view the stage and enjoy a cocktail – this also means that you and your party may share a table with guests from another household.
Click here to take a virtual tour of the cabaret.
WHAT IF MY PARTY IS PURCHASING TICKETS SEPARATELY? CAN WE BE SEATED TOGETHER?
Seating for all performances in the Harry Blackstone Cabaret is assigned at the time of purchase. While we always strive to be accommodating, we cannot guarantee it if your tickets are not adjacent.
HOW EARLY SHOULD WE ARRIVE?
We recommend arriving no later than 15 minutes before the time listed on your ticket. You can arrive any time after we are open to enjoy cocktails and card tricks before the show! The Performance Bar opens at 5:00 pm daily and features bar magic from open to close. Seating is limited, and entrance to the bar is based on capacity.
Do you allow late seating?
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may cause some to arrive late. In such cases, we will do our best to accommodate, but please be advised that late arrivals may result in the loss of selected seats. In the interest of other patrons and the performers, we will not be able to seat latecomers later than 30 minutes after the time listed on their ticket for most shows. For The Close-Up Show, we will not seat latecomers later than 10 minutes after the time listed on their ticket.
DO YOU OFFER GROUP RATES?
A discounted group rate is available for groups of ten or more for performances Monday through Thursday only. Fill out our group event form or contact our Box Office for more information at 312-366-4500.
CAN I CHANGE/CANCEL/REFUND TICKETS?
While we are unable to offer refunds on ticket purchases, we are glad to exchange them with another performance or provide gift card credit. If you are unable to attend the performance, we ask that you contact us at least 24 hours before the event so that we may exchange your tickets or issue a gift card for the amount of the ticket purchase. We do not offer gift card refunds or exchanges for past events. There is no fee to exchange tickets. Any changes to groups totaling eight or more tickets must be made two weeks before the performance. See Terms and Conditions.
If the weather forecast is bad, will you cancel / offer refunds?
The show must go on! We do not cancel shows or offer gift card refunds or exchanges because of inclement weather. Welcome to Chicago!
What is Chicago-style Magic?
Chicago-style Magic refers to the city’s tradition of close-up, intimate magic performed in real-world social settings like bars and restaurants, where guests experience magic just inches away at their table or in small groups.
Why is Chicago known for close-up magic?
Chicago has a long-standing tradition of close-up magic performed in social settings such as bars and restaurants. This style was shaped and popularized by influential performers including Matt Schulien and Johnny Paul, who helped define the art of intimate, audience-involved magic in everyday venues. Their approach emphasized direct interaction, skill-based performance, and entertainment woven into social spaces rather than traditional theaters.
How is Chicago-style Magic different from other magic shows?
Unlike large stage illusions, Chicago-style Magic focuses on close-up, interactive performance. The magic happens in intimate environments such as bars, restaurants, and lounges, creating a personal and immersive experience for guests.
Is Chicago-style Magic good for a date night?
Yes. Chicago-style Magic is perfect for a date-night experience because it combines live entertainment, conversation-friendly settings, and interactive performances in a relaxed social environment.
Guests can stop by the Performance Bar for a casual drink and close-up magic throughout the evening, or attend one of our rotating ticketed magic shows in Chicago, rooted in a style of close-up parlor magic that originated here.
Do I need to be a fan of magic to enjoy the experience?
No. The experience is designed for all audiences—even people who don’t consider themselves “magic fans.” The performances are visual, interactive, and engaging, whether it’s your first show or your tenth.
THE PERFORMANCE BAR
WHAT IS THE PERFORMANCE BAR?
The Performance Bar is our front bar and lobby, set in a beautiful Art Deco–style space where guests can enjoy cocktails and watch close-up magic in an informal, up-close setting.
Every night from 5:00 PM until last call, a magician performs fast, funny, and surprising 20-minute close-up sets with brief breaks.
CAN WE MAKE RESERVATIONS/DO WE NEED TICKETS FOR THE PERFORMANCE BAR?
No ticket is required. We do not accept reservations for The Performance Bar. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited by capacity.
When is the best time to visit The Performance Bar?
To maximize your chance of seeing bar magic:
Sundays–Thursdays: arrive before 6:15 PM or after 7:15 PM
Fridays & Saturdays: arrive before 6:15 PM, between 7:15–9:00 PM, or after 10:15 PM
The bar opens at 3:00 PM on Sundays and at 5:00 PM on all other days, with bar magic beginning at 5:00 PM. Guests attending earlier shows are also welcome to enjoy bar magic after the performance. See our Location & Travel page for closing hours.
Accessibility
IS THE THEATER WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?
The main floor of the Harry Blackstone Cabaret Theater™ and 654 Club are accessible for patrons who use a wheelchair or scooter, or patrons who cannot walk stairs.
DO YOU OFFER ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES?
Assistive Listening Devices are available at the Box Office for any performance in the Harry Blackstone Cabaret Theater™ and 654 Club. ASL interpreters may be scheduled upon request.