Chicago Activities after 8pm

Whether it’s a night out with my girlfriends or alone, I am always looking for things to do around the city. Some days, I leave work wired and I need a way to unplug. I’m at the point in my life in which I crave experiences, not bottomless margaritas. After asking around and researching, I discovered 10 fun things to do in the city after 8pm.

Brooklyn Boulders

Brooklyn Boulders in the West Loop.

Located in the West Loop is the Brooklyn Boulders, an indoor rock climbing and workout center. For your first climb, you can pick between Roped Climbing and Bouldering (climbing without ropes). Open until 11pm on weekdays.

Comedy Show

“Do You Believe in Madness?” at The Second City.

Laughter is the best medicine, and luckily Chicago is home to some of the best comedy houses. If you are a fan of standup comedy, The Laugh Factory is said to have comedy’s top stars as well as emerging talent. The Second City is known for their popular sketch shows and improv classes. Another well-known spot is The iO Theater, which is considered to have the best improv shows in Chicago. Late night shows begin at 10pm.

Corepower yoga

Unlike other yoga studios in the city, CorePower Yoga offers classes as late as 8pm. CorePower offers classes suitable for beginner to expert yogis. There are multiple studios in the Chicago area including West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town and Lincoln Park.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving

iFLY in Lincoln Park.

iFLY is an indoor skydiving facility. Via wind tunnel, you can experience the thrill of skydiving without physically jumping out of a plane. You can also optimize your flight with virtual reality– skydive over exotic locations or base jump over the Alps!

Myopic books

Myopic Books in Wicker Park.

Myopic Books is one of Chicago’s oldest and largest, stocking its three levels with everything from fiction to philosophy. This iconic bookstore was awarded Chicago Magazine’s “Best Used Bookstore” and The Chicago Reader’s “Reader’s Pick– Favorite Used Book Store.” Myopic Books welcomes the community for live music, poetry readings and more. I love stopping in for a post-dinner stroll. Open until 11pm.

Music Box Theatre

Step back into the 20s when visiting Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre on Southport Ave. Unlike other movie theaters, only independent, foreign, cult and classic films are played. General admission starts at $11.

Sports Game

Whether it’s the Bulls at the United Center, Bears at Soldier Field or Cubs at Wrigley Field, there is always a sports game in town to attend.

Freeze & Float

Floating Tank at Freeze & Float Spa.

Spend a relaxing evening with Freeze & Float. Located in the River North neighborhood, Freeze & Float Spa offers Float therapy, Cryotherapy and Infrared Sauna. Each service works to improve your overall wellness. The spa is open until 8am-10pm. 

Yamato Massage + Bar

Open until 9pm on weekdays, Yamato Foot Massage + Bar is the perfect spot after a long day at work or after a tough workout. This massage parlor offers foot reflexology or full body treatments. Yamato also offers alcoholic beverages if you want to completely unwind.

Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Michigan Ave.

Chicago is home to the largest Starbucks in the world. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a 5-floor immersive experience. On each level you can find exclusive beverages, pastries and coffees. The fourth floor is home to the Arriviamo Cocktail Bar which features coffee and tea cocktails. Free admission, and open 7 days a week– I suggest going on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds. Closes at 10pm.

BONUS: Candlelight Concerts

Whether you are looking for an intimate classical music performance or a romantic candlelit experience, Candlelight Concert is the ultimate combination of both. This series of candlelit performances of iconic music features violinist David Lisker and pianist Ilya Friedberg (at the Stan Mansion) and the Euclid Quartet (at the Newberry Library). Late night performances begin at 9-9:30pm depending on venue.

What am I missing? Please share your favorite things to do in the city with me on Instagram or Facebook!

XX,

MD