Chicago: Trickery Magic Show BYOB & General Admission

Summary

Quirky chicago night out magic laughter byob trickery theater

You’ll step into Trickery’s intimate Chicago theater with your own drinks in hand (BYOB), settle in among locals for an hour of wild magic and laughs, and maybe get called up on stage yourself. Cups and openers are ready if you need them. Leave with a grin—and possibly still wondering how he did that last trick.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s shaking a bag of chips behind me while I’m still trying to figure out how the guy on stage made that card disappear. We’d barely sat down at Trickery—just off Halsted, you can’t miss the bright little sign—when our host started pulling people into his world. He grinned at us like we were old friends, even though I’d never seen him before in my life. The room’s small enough that you can hear every laugh (and every awkward cough from someone trying not to spit out their drink). It’s BYOB, so there are bottles clinking and someone passing around plastic cups—felt more like a weirdly fun house party than a theater.

I tried to pour wine without splashing it everywhere (they have openers and cups if you forget), but honestly, I almost missed the first trick because I was too busy watching everyone else react. The show’s about an hour—fast, sharp, sometimes just plain ridiculous. At one point he asked where we were from and when I said “not Chicago,” he winked and said, “We’ll fix that.” There’s this moment when he does something so quick you’re left blinking at your friend like, “Did that really just happen?” And the crowd—mostly locals from what I could tell—was loving it. Someone even brought snacks from the 7-Eleven down the street (I might do that next time).

When we spilled back onto Cornelia Ave after, it felt like we’d all been let in on some kind of secret joke. The air outside was colder than I remembered. Still thinking about how he guessed my card—I mean, maybe it’s just clever hands but it felt like actual magic for a second there. If you want a night out in Chicago that doesn’t take itself too seriously—and lets you bring your own bottle—this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Attend Trickery Chicago Magic Show

• Arrive 15 minutes before show
• Enter theater at 3453 N Halsted Street
• Enjoy one-hour BYOB magic show

Top questions

Where is Trickery magic show located in Chicago?

The show is at 3453 N Halsted Street, near Cornelia Ave.

How long does the Trickery magic show last?

The performance runs for about one hour.

Is seating assigned at Trickery or general admission?

Seating is general admission; doors open 15 minutes before showtime.

Can I bring my own alcohol to Trickery?

Yes, Trickery is BYOB for guests aged 21 and over.

Are cups or bottle openers provided at Trickery?

Cups and bottle openers are available for guests to use during the show.

Is there ice available at the venue?

No ice is provided, but there is a 7-Eleven nearby at 3407 N Halsted Street.

Is public transportation available near Trickery?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the venue.

Is this show suitable for children?

The show is intended for adults and not recommended for guests under 12 years old.

What’s included

Your evening includes entry to Trickery’s lively BYOB magic show in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood—with cups and bottle openers provided if you need them—and plenty of laughs packed into an hour-long performance before heading back out into the city night.