What are the BEST Magic Shows in New York City for 2021?
New York is home to great magicians old and new including Dan White, Speakeasy Magick, Monday Night Magic, A Taste of Magic and more. Touring magic shows can usually be found in New York's many performing arts theatres, but if you are looking for something more local, there are several wonderful and stylish hotels with a resident magician like the Nomad Hotel, McKittrick Hotel or Lotte New York Palace Hotel.
Or visit one of the oldest magic shops in New York, Tannen's Magic, and catch a show. Other venues for magic include restaurants, comedy clubs and festivals. And if New York City is the cultural center of the United States, shouldn't it have the best magic shows in the country too? Well it does, with magic and illusion shows from Broadway-size touring shows to small, intimate "parlor shows" for a handful of select guests, with the magic happening right in YOUR hands! So, forget that cheesy musical and catch some of the top New York magicians. This is THE Magic Show NYC list for you!
What are the Top Magic Shows in New York Now?
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Monday Night Magic
The Players Theatre
115 MacDougal St
New York City, NY 10012
Monday Night Magic in Greenwich Village is the longest running off-Broadway magic show in New York City. It has been host to several hundred different performers, both young up-and-coming acts as well as seasoned performers. Each week on Monday night the show will feature three different artists who each bring their own brand of wow to the stage. During intermission, the audience is also treated to some up-close magic at various locations in the theatre. And as an extra bonus, you can take your ticket for the evening and use it to get a discount that night at several select restaurants close by.
Food and Drink: There is a lounge on the premises where drinks may be purchased.
Age Restriction: This show is not recommended for children under 12, and children under 8 will not be admitted.
Parking: There is free parking on the street after 6pm. Be sure to secure your vehicle and don't leave valuables in the car.
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Champions of Magic
RBTL's Auditorium Theatre
885 E Main St.
Rochester, NY 14605
These five international magicians come together for one fantastically theatrical show. Included in the grand spectacles are levitation, disappearance, and teleportation, as well as some wonderful up-close magic and mind-reading. Together these top magicians have over 20 million online views between them, and they will be sure to thrill and surprise audiences everywhere. Featuring Kayla Drescher, Alex McAleer, Fernando Velasco and Young & Strange.
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Piff the Magic Dragon
Count Basie Center for the Arts
99 Monmouth St
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Piff is instantly recognizable! Who wouldn't be dressed up in a green dragon suit, holding a fluffy white chihuahua? It goes without saying that Piff's show is part magic and a huge part comedy. The comedy is dry, sardonic, and well... British. After all, Piff hails from Great Britain where he first honed his skills but also has his own Las Vegas magic show. His show allows for some audience participation and a little good humored ribbing. And if you like especially cute dogs, Mr. Piffles the chihuahua is an extra bonus. Be sure to catch Piff and his Lucky Dragon Tour as there is sure to be sorcery, snacks and snark on hand.
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Michael Carbonaro
The Vine at Del Lago Resort and Casino
1133 Ridge Road
Waterloo, NY 13165
Michael is probably best known for his television show The Carbonaro Effect. He is a prankster at heart, and on his show he would pose as a regular Joe who then pulls magic tricks out of his hat (so to speak) to freak out the unsuspecting public. His sometimes ridiculous explanations for what was going on, (never letting on that it was magic), made the situation even funnier. In his live show Michael brings all his wit and quirky humor to the stage, with sleight of hand, performance art and bizarre antics that will surely make for an evening of upbeat fun.
Age Restriction: Must be 21+ to attend.
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Matt Roberts
Club Bonafide
212 East 52nd St
New York City, NY 10022
Matt presents Bonafide Magic, Direct from 42nd Street. This all ages show has a little bit of everything for everyone. There's magic, sleight-of-hand, mentalism and even a twist on one of Houdini's famous tricks. These matinee shows are 80 minutes long and will have you both ooohing and aaahing and laughing out loud. Matt has a Bachelor of Arts in theatre and his quick wit and spontaneous style have earned him accolades and entertainment opportunities.
Show Duration: The show is 80-minutes long
Age Restriction: All ages.
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Rick Thomas
Tarrytown Music Hall
13 Main Street
Tarrytown , NY 10591
After years of traveling the world, doing countless Vegas shows and doing numerous television appearances, Rick is on tour with a spectacular show. His stage show is big, bold and beautiful. His years as a ballroom dancer add a grace and fluidity to his performances that few magicians can match. He has won numerous awards including Stage Magician of the Year given by The Academy of Magical Arts. His shows will keep the whole family enthralled from young to old. With over 600 shows a year under his belt, Rick's shows are polished, exciting and professional.
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Masters of Illusion - Live!
Bergen Performing Arts Center
30 N. Van Brunt Street
Englewood, NJ 07631
Masters of Illusion is a popular television show that started on the CW network. From there it has become one of the most popular traveling illusion shows on the big stage. Thoroughly modern and utterly mind-blowing, you will enjoy an evening of grand magic. The current stage show features Ben Blaque, Farrell Dillon, Dan Sperry and Titou. You could travel all the way to Las Vegas to see this show, but why not catch it while on tour? You'll be glad you did.
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Masters of Illusion - Live!
Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at the Count Basie Center
99 Monmouth St
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Masters of Illusion is a popular television show that started on the CW network. From there it has become one of the most popular traveling illusion shows on the big stage. Thoroughly modern and utterly mind-blowing, you will enjoy an evening of grand magic. The current stage show features Ben Blaque, Farrell Dillon, Dan Sperry and Titou. You could travel all the way to Las Vegas to see this show, but why not catch it while on tour? You'll be glad you did.
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David Caserta's Haunted Illusions
Bergen Performing Arts Center
30 N. Van Brunt Street
Englewood, NJ 07631
David's show is just in time for Halloween! Haunted Illusions is a show that is great for the whole family and there will be plenty of spooky delights and new illusions. People will levitate, appear and disappear, and the whole audience will be invited to get into the act. David has been seen on America's Got Talent and Penn and Teller's Fool Us, and is a top touring illusionist in the country. You'll laugh and then gasp and have plenty of fun with David's tricks and stage full of treats. This is an afternoon show, so the whole family can enjoy this Halloween special.
Age Restriction: Suitable for ages 5 and older.
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The Clairvoyants
The Vine at Del Lago Resort and Casino
1133 Ridge Road
Waterloo, NY 13165
This Austrian duo wowed American audiences in 2016 on America's Got Talent. They made it all the way to second place. They have won many awards for Mentalism and also the title Stage Magicians of the Year 2016, awarded by the Magic Castle. They have appeared in the stage production The Illusionists and have traveled the world mystifying audiences with their show The Clairvoyants. Their show is a thought-provoking display of mentalism and illusion.
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Speakeasy Magick
The McKittrick Hotel
530 W 27th St
New York City, NY 10001
Join Todd Robbins as he welcomes visiting magicians and illusionists for a magical soiree. An intimate evening of magic. Todd is a sideshow master who helps to bring the evening alive with his historical knowledge, insights and expert showmanship. Each evening a different guest magician is invited to share their own brand of close-up magic and illusionist's delights.
Show Duration: The show is approximately two hours long.
Food and Drink: Cocktails can be purchased and enjoyed at your table.
Age Restriction: This show is geared towards and adult evening out.
Parking: There is no parking at the McKittrick Hotel, but there are several parking garages nearby.
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Dan White
Nomad Hotel
1170 Broadway
New York City, NY 10001
Dan's shows sell out fast! His show, "The Magician" is in collaboration with Theory II. This intimate show will have you totally fooled, baffled and surprised. Audience participation is a big part of the show and guests are included in almost every illusion. Dan has been a consultant for David Copperfield in Las Vegas and has created magic for stage and screen, being featured on both the Discovery Channel and the Travel Channel. Dinner and/or cocktails can be enjoyed on-property but are not included in the ticket price. Recommended for adults 18 and older.
Show Duration: The performance is approximately two hours long with one brief intermission.
Food and Drink: Tickets are for admission only. Available for sale will be wine, beer, and a selection of cocktails. There will be a light snack provided and the option to purchase small items from a limited food menu.
Age Restriction: 18 Years and older.
Parking: There is no parking at the Nomad Hotel, but there are several parking garages nearby.
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A Taste of Magic
Select Restaurants in New York
New York City, NY
Close-up conjuring and wonderful cuisine come together in an evening to be remembered. Enjoy a fabulous meal and a show all for one price. You will be treated to up-close magic right at your table... between courses of course. This is a treat for everyone in the family and there are two times each night to choose from. Also, choose from several restaurants in the New York area. Impress a date or bring a crowd, it is certainly a fun way to spice up just another night of dining out.
Show Duration: Dinner and the show are approximately two hours long.
Food and Drink: The price includes the show, a three course meal, and tax. It does not include beverages.
Parking: Please check with the hosting restaurant for their parking availability.
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Sam Eaton
Guild Hall at the Little church
1 E 29th St,
New York City, NY 10016
Sam is a skilled mentalist and his show the "Quantum Eye" will have you mesmerized. This show is suitable for all ages and Sam makes full use of the audiences, asking them to join him on stage, while he works his magic on them, reading their thoughts and leaving them stunned and asking, "how did he do that?" The off-broadway theatre, Theatre 80 started life as a speakeasy and has a colorful history as a theatre. It is the perfect space for Sam's intimate and interactive show.
Show Duration: The show is 90 minutes with no intermission.
Food and Drink: This show does not include any food or beverages.
Age Restriction: The show is sophisticated and family-friendly, but may not be visually entertaining for children under 7 years of age. No children under age 5 admitted in theatre.
Parking: There is free parking at nearby parking garages.
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Steve Cohen
Lotte New York Palace Hotel
New York City, AZ
Steve's show, "Chamber Magic", takes place in an elegant "salon" inspired by Manhattan magic in the early 20th century. Limited to just 60 guests per show, you will be treated to "a demonstration of modern conjuring". Dress up in cocktail attire, arrive at the famous New York Palace and find yourself mesmerized by mind reading, conjuring and sleight of hand. Steve's show has been seen by a long list of celebrities and Woody Allen called it "a religious experience"! This show is for adults only.
Show Duration: The show is 90 minutes.
Food and Drink: The Lotte New York Palace Hotel has several food and beverage options on site including a restaurant, bar and pastry shop.
Age Restriction: Adults only.
Parking: There is parking at the adjacent parking garage.
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Noah Levine
Tannen's Magic
45 W 34th St #608
New York City, NY 10001
Now in a digital format... Imagine heading into an old office building at night. All the doors are locked and a few workers are still leaving. You arrive at your floor, walk down the hall, and open an unmarked door and inside is a magical treasure chest. It's Tannen's, the oldest magic shop in New York lined with books, DVDs, props, and magical secrets. You grab a drink, sit down, and the lights dim so only one remains, lit above a card table. Noah begins with a deck of cards.
Show Duration: The show is 70 minutes.
Food and Drink: Drinks are available for purchase at your table.
Age Restriction: Age 16 and older.
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The Parlor of Mystery
South Shore Theatre Experience
115 S Wellwood Ave
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
The Parlor of Mystery is the brainchild of five local magicians who wanted a place of their own to perform in an intimate setting with others to create a modern, funny and grown-up evening of magic. With a new line-up of magicians each month from both near and far, you can come back time-and-again to see the show and always be entertained with something new. See experienced illusionists along with up-and-coming conjurers in an up-close parlor atmosphere. The shows are hosted by the parlor's originators who also share some of their own talents alongside the talented and constantly changing line-up of mystifying performers.
Age Restriction: Not suitable for children.
Parking: Street parking is free on Sundays. Additional parking is available behind the theatre as well as a second entrance to the theatre.
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Houdini Museum
Houdini Museum
421 7th Ave, 3rd floor
New York City, NY 10001
Houdini was one of the world's most renowned magicians and escape artists. He traveled the country daring jails and mental asylums to lock him up, only to find hours later that he'd escaped the most outrageously difficult locks, chains and cells. At the Houdini Museum, not only can you see 100s of amazing objects that Harry actually used in his acts, and memorabilia related to him, but there are also magic classes, lectures and performances being offered. There is a magic stage for private performances, and they always have a few magicians and sideshow performers around to dazzle and entertain you. To top it all off, there's also a magic store so you can start practicing to become the next greatest magician!
Food and Drink: There is no food or drink available.
Age Restriction: Family friendly.
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Times Square Magic
LOL Times Square Comedy Club
711 7th Ave #2nd
New York City, NY 10036
This is a comedy club that has an evening magic show every night. The show is an hour long, and features illusionists and mentalists. As with most comedy clubs there is a 2 drink minimum, and be forewarned that the price for those drinks (even water) is kind of high. It explains the low ticket price. In fact if you do a little googling, you can find free tickets for this show. But in the end you will still fork out a chunk of change for the two drink minimum, especially if you bring the whole family, as it is billed as a kid friendly show. However we suggest you don't take your kids to see the comedy show afterwards, as it may or may not be appropriate for the youngsters. We advise you check out online reviews if considering this show.
Show Duration: The show is 60 minutes.
Food and Drink: There is a full bar and a two drink minimum purchase for this show.
Age Restriction: Billed as "a show for the whole family".
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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Lyric Theatre
214 W 43rd St
New York City, NY 10036
This is the 8th book in the beloved Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling and the first of the stories to be made into a live stage performance. Witness the magic and mystery that is Harry Potter and enter the wizarding world. Harry is now much older and married with three children. His troubles are far from over as his son Albus struggles with his families past. Adapted for stage by John Thorne and Jack Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is pure enchantment and wildly theatrical. The secret to this magical theatrical experience is that it is in two parts. So if you want to get the full story, you have to see two plays.
The Magic Show NYC History
Magic, especially in New York, was originally seen as a lower-class, street level spectator sport. People would stop on the street to watch a magic card trick while street urchins would pick the pockets of the staring crowd.
It is speculated that the first magic act was performed around 2700 BC. Recorded from fragmented accounts, a renowned Egyptian magician known as Dedi performed what many believe to be the very first ball trick, that is making one appear or disappear (the details are pretty sketchy). From there, noble men and women looked for and employed magical entertainers within their court. From these humble starting grounds modern magic was eventually born.
As magic traveled around the globe, and performers perfected and created new and entertaining acts, the demand for magic grew. The desire to be wowed fueled magicians to develop more daring shows, better tricks, and even more dangerous stunts. These magic shows stayed in New York longer because of the interest and size of the audience.
As magic shows moved from neighborhood to neighborhood in New York, so too did petty crime. Not many "genteel" people liked these magic shows, feeling that it only appealed to the lower classes and had no place among decent New York society. By the late 1800s that all changed.
The birth of Erik Weisz in Budapest Hungary in 1874 probably seemed like any other birth for that era. Erik migrated with his family to America and moved from Wisconsin to New York. At the age of nine young Erik became a trapeze artist and later in 1891 started his career in magic, changing his name to a more suitable stage name, Harry Houdini.
New York wasn't exactly excited about young Harry's magic career so he set out on the road, earning his fame as an escape artist in Europe before returning to New York in 1904. Now the city that wasn't so supportive of magic, wanted Houdini and his amazing escapes. One of his most popular escapes was the escape from the sunken box on the banks of Manhattan in the East River. Harry Houdini had converted New Yorkers into magic lovers.
From sketchy beginnings to the world-famous Harry Houdini, New York became a town where magicians and magic shows could grow. Establishments like Martinka's Magic Shop and Tannen's became stores that catered to up-and-coming magicians. Later magicians like David Copperfield, Chris Angel, and David Blaine found New York to be the birthplace of their fame and fortune.
Modern magic shows featuring illusions, escape artistry and even mind-bending thought suggestion are now considered the height of entertainment throughout the Big Apple.
As with many things in life, where you start out isn't always where you end up. This is true for magic in New York City. Once maligned as a breeding ground for criminal activity, now magic shows and performers are sought after entertainment throughout the world.
PAST Magic Shows NYC
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Chris Angel
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre
205 W 46th St
New York City, NY 10036
Criss's show Mind Freak in Vegas is loud, big, raunchy and full of pyrotechnics. In order to take his show on the road, Criss has created a more intimate and raw version of his usual over-the-top show. This is Mind Freak Unplugged. You still get Criss Angel and all his theatricality, as well as some of his most iconic illusions. You also get sleight-of-hand, magic and mentalism. If you are a huge Criss Angel fan, then this show will certainly please.
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Justin Willman
Carolines on Broadway
1626 Broadway
New York City, NY 10019
Justin is no stranger to television specials, and his show, "Magic for Humans", premiered on Netflix this summer with six bedazzling episodes. He has been seen multiple times on Ellen and the Tonight Show, and has performed in the White House. His latest tour, the Fake Believe Tour, is just what the doctor ordered. He is a modern entertainer, who is fresh, funny and fueled with magic talent and comedic charm. You might also find Justin on the other side of the country with his Roosevelt show in LA.
As with everything in NYC, there is a plethora of options, and magic is no different. Whether you originally were looking for a small theater show near you or looking for an elaborate illusion show on tour, we are thrilled to have introduced you to the Best Magic Shows in New York!
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