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40th Birthday Party Ideas in Chicago That Rock

Rockin’ 40th Birthday Party Ideas in Chicago

 

Is your big day coming up? Or, maybe you’re planning a birthday bash for your friend, spouse, or co-worker. Chicago is home to plenty of incredible spots to ring in your 40th year. From excellent eats to top of the line entertainment, no matter what you’re into, Chicago won’t disappoint. We’ve compiled a list of the best 40th birthday party ideas and venues The Windy City has to offer! With a bit of thought and planning, this year’s birthday party will be memorable, fun, and anything but typical.

Snapshots of different types of foods including baked goods and rice

Whether you’re in the mood for savory or sweet – or maybe a little of both – let Sidewalk Food Tours for Chicago introduce you to the best!

  1. Join one of our customizable Sidewalk Food Tours for an exclusive taste of The Windy City.

 

Are you or someone special to you turning the big four-zero? This is a big milestone, and it should be celebrated accordingly. For an unforgettable 40th, join us on a walking food tour and taste the best dishes Chicago has to offer. Choose between River North and Wicker Park neighborhoods to get an authentic taste of the best food in the city. We’ve carefully scoped out all the best spots for a deep-dish pizza, tapas, donuts, and so much more. On the Chicago Sidewalk Food tour, you and your party guests will be given VIP access to Chi Town’s best eats. One of our expert guides is on hand to take you to the lesser-known spots that the locals rave about. While on your tour, you won’t just be feeding your bellies either, expect to learn fun facts, hear stories, and learn about the unique history of Chicago.

a room with lots of colorful lights and a large TV screen

Dust off those pipes and show ’em what you’ve got with a night of fun and music at Lincoln Karaoke

  1. Sing your heart out at Lincoln Karaoke, Chicago.

 

If you’re looking for a place to sing Beyonce’s latest tracks at the top of your lungs, while showing off your killer dance moves, this is the place to go. This upbeat karaoke bar is outfitted with 18 private rooms, each with a flat-screen TV, sofas, and enough mics for your gang to have their moment to shine. The best part about this venue is the privacy. No one who’s not in your party will be able to see or hear you, so it really gives a chance for party guests to let loose. To help get the party started, there’s a slew of refreshing cocktails and tasty snacks will be delivered to you while you’re singing. Lincoln Karaoke takes care of it all, so all you have to worry about is whether or not you’re going to sing a rendition of ‘I will Survive’ or ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine.’

two spa areas including manicure and pedicure spots and a spa locker room

Nurture your inner peace and bring in the new decade of life by preparing yourself mind, body, and soul with a visit to Spa Space

  1. Take a chill pill, recoup, and relax at Spa Space.

 

Who says a birthday party has to involve late nights? For a more chilled vibe, bring your best girlfriends to a day at Spa Space. It’s one of Chicago’s top-rated, and they have everything from manicures and pedicures, massages, to relaxing acupuncture treatments. They even have a special area of the spa dedicated only to parties. What better way to celebrate turning 40 than a day dedicated to your well being! We highly recommend you check out one of their spa day packages and check back on the site regularly; they usually have special sales running at the beginning of each month. Look and feel your best with the VIP treatment at Spa Space. Booking a party here with your best girlfriends may just be exactly what the doctor ordered!

a white party bus that is parked on the side of a road

Why choose just one location to visit on your night of celebration when you can explore the town on a personal party bus with Elite Chicago

  1. Treat your friends to a night out on the town with Elite Chicago.

 

If turning 40 means getting to party all night with your best friends, we’re here for it! A party bus is a perfect way to bring all of your close friends together. You can choose to stay on the bus the entire night, or take it on the town and arrive at all the clubs and bars in style. Each bus is equipped with top of the line sound systems, a mini-fridge, and a loyal driver who will take you safely from point A to point B. If you plan to drink on your birthday, use the party bus to ensure your guests will remain safe throughout the night. This is a chance for you and your friends to get all dressed up and hit the town like rockstars.

a sandy beach next to a body of water

Dig your toes in the sand and bring in 40 with salty skin and sun-kissed cheeks, courtesy of Rainbow Beach!

  1. Spend a day at the South Side, Rainbow Beach

 

If you’re a summer baby, pack a picnic and head over to the beach. Just imagine celebrating another year of life with wine, cheese, sunshine, and the people closest to you. Don’t forget to bring the sunscreen or tanning oil if you want to catch a tan. The beach is fully equipped with concession stands, public Wi-Fi, and there’s a lifeguard on duty all summer long. This is an excellent idea if you want to incorporate a family-friendly birthday party. Kids and adults alike will enjoy basking in the summer sun!

a group of people standing around a long table cooking

Get in the kitchen for your born day with a cooking class hosted by The Chopping Block

  1. Learn a new skill for your 40th with an expert cooking class at The Chopping Block.

 

The Chopping Block is Chi Town’s premier school for home cooks. They offer a slew of intimate, interactive cooking classes for corporate events, birthday parties, and private lessons. Gather up your troops and head to the Chopping Block’s state-of-the-art kitchen to learn how to cook some of your favorite meals. Their private cooking parties are guaranteed to be as much fun as they are educational. Choose from seasonal menus, or learn how to cook classics like Chicago style deep dish pizza, homemade pasta, Mediterranean delicacies, and so much more. Each event at The Chopping Block can be catered to your party’s specific needs. You and your guests will be treated to an exceptional class taught by one of Chicago’s premier chefs, and of course, you get to taste the fruits of your labor and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal.

a dark room set up with a stage set up for a game show

Bring on the humor and competition and become a contestant for your birthday with a visit to The Game Show Game Show

  1. Experience outrageous fun at The Game Show Game Show.

 

For a party that’s truly unique and a little more “out there,” bring your party guests on a game show! This place has all the quintessential game show accessories like the ‘Wheel of Fortune Cookie,’ and ‘Spin-It-To-Win-It challenges. You and your party will be expected to answer tough trivia questions and complete challenges, all while dressed in epic sequence. One of the coolest things about this venue is that they actually broadcast your party’s game show live! Maybe you have some family or friends from out of town who couldn’t make it to the party? If so, they can now engage in all the fun. Game show players will win real prizes, and guests will compete for the coveted 1st place prize and title of Game Show King or Queen.

a wall of ceramic pieces and an empty room with a line of pottery wheels

Show off your skills and inspire your inner creative spirit at Chicago Ceramic Center

  1. Let your creative juices flow at Chicago Ceramic Center.

 

Don’t worry; you won’t need Michelangelo-level skills to create a stunning piece of artwork. Gather your friends and family and head over to Chicago Ceramic Center host your own private clay party. You and your guests will spend the party learning the basics of ceramics and get the chance to create a piece of your own. If this sparks an interest for you, you’ll be glad to hear they also host regular classes for adults of all skill-sets. Take your turn at the wheel, but let us warn you, it’s a bit harder than it looks! That’s no reason not to roll your sleeves up and give it a try, though.

a bar in a winery with barrel taps

Sip-Sip-Hooray! Taste the evening away in celebration of your trip around the sun and explore the City Winery

  1. Sip on award-winning wine at City Winery.

 

What’s better than wine fresh from the barrel? That’s just what City Winery in Chicago does best. Explore the winery with your closest friends and sip on the best vino in the city. For an unforgettable 40th birthday bash, book one of their wine tasting tours. Taste wines stored in 250 French oak barrels with grapes sourced from California, Oregon, and Washington State. The award-winning selection of red and white wines at City Winery is not to be missed. For the perfect birthday event, one of the wine experts will take you and your guests on a guided tour through the winery.

snapshots of a bowling alley

Gather your Gutterball Gurus and head down to 10 Pin Chicago for a game (or few) of bowling

  1. Bowl in luxury at 10 Pin Chicago.

 

Relive some of the best childhood memories. Who didn’t love going bowling as a kid? Well, now it’s even better because you can drink! Also, bowling alleys have had a major upgrade since your 10th birthday party at the local alley. Bowling alleys like 10 Pin look like they came straight out of the future. They have two premium lounges and the largest HD video wall in Chicago. Their speciality is hosting fun events for birthdays, corporate events, and family gatherings. Booking a party with 10 Pin will give you and your party guests unlimited access to the best bowling alleys, a private table, and dedicated servers and bartenders. Don’t think you and your guests will have to munch on beer nuts and pretzels, either. At 10 Pin, they also offer a first-class dining experience. Even if you don’t bowl a strike, this will be a 40th birthday party for the books!

 

 

 

 

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