With every year, event space in Chicago grows in magnitude and innovation. The windy city is on the cutting edge of repurposed architecture and environmental initiatives, and it shines through in the downtown Chicago venues. From small corporate parties to international conventions, these 25 venues in Chicago capture the city’s event expertise.
Keep reading to explore the best Chicago venues, including:
1. The Best Chicago Corporate Event Venues
2. The Best Chicago Venues Music
3. The Best Party Venues Chicago
4. The Best Small Event Venues Chicago
5. The Best Chicago Venues For Sustainability
6. The Most Unique Event Spaces Chicago
The Best Chicago Corporate Event Venues
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
WHY IS IT COOL? The historic Chicago Athletic Association hotel is located in the Loop directly across from Millennium Park. This 4-star hotel offers 7 bars and restaurants, the first Topgolf Swing Suite in a Chicagoland hotel, a plush, vintage, athletic style and plenty of meeting space.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, meetings, board meetings, banquets, cocktail receptions
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 17,000 square feet of meeting space, including 3 boardrooms, 2 ballrooms, The Tank (a semi-private first floor meeting space that once served as the pool for the Chicago Athletic Association) and Stagg Court (which once served as the gymnasium, and now offers 300 banquet style seating and 475 theater style).
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: The Chicago Athletic Association hotel works with the National Resource Defence Council to provide educational programming.
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, valet parking
WHY IS IT COOL? Named a top Chicago Hotel by Conde Nast, the Drake Hotel is a National Historic Landmark. The Drake Hotel was renovated in 2017 and provides modern style in a traditional setting.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, meetings, board meetings, banquets, cocktail receptions
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 35,000 square feet of meeting space across 19 meeting rooms; the Gold Coast Room seats 600 banquet style and 490 theater style
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: The Drake Hotel is committed to social responsibility, which is exemplified by its efforts to reduce energy usage, conserve water, and use recycled materials.
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, valet parking
WHY IS IT COOL? theWit is an award-winning hotel with smart technology-enabled meeting rooms, striking design features, stunning views and a year-round rooftop restaurant. theWit Hotel was renovated just this year and is walking distance to great shopping, dining, and theaters.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Meetings, board meetings, conferences, cocktail receptions
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 14,000 square feet of event space across 16 function rooms
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: Thermostats are motion sensor to optimize efficiency
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, valet and garage parking
Hyatt Place Chicago Downtown/the Loop
WHY IS IT COOL? Hyatt Place Chicago Downtown/the Loop is a business style hotel located in the heart of Chicago’s Loop district. For convention goers, the hotel is very convenient to the McCormick Place Convention Center.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Meetings, board meetings, cocktail receptions
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 2,000 square feet of event space across four function rooms
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: Hyatt Place Chicago Downtown/the Loop is LEED Silver certified
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, valet and garage parking
WHY IS IT COOL? The Peninsula Chicago is a luxury conference venue that offers posh interiors, expansive views of the city, and amazing service. The Peninsula Chicago offers a “Healthy Meetings” program, which includes healthy meal options, fitness activities, and spa treatments.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, meetings, board meetings, banquets, cocktail receptions
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 20,000 square feet of event across 11 function rooms; the Grand Ballroom seats 320 banquet style and 330 theater style
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: The Peninsula Chicago believes in a philosophy they call “sustainable luxury.” Examples of their initiatives include sustainable seafood sourcing, low temperature laundry, and energy-efficient lighting
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, valet and garage parking
The Best Chicago Venues Music
House of Blues Chicago
WHY IS IT COOL? The House of Blues is a large event venue that is “part Mississippi Delta juke joint and part 1920’s opera house.” The Music Hall offers a large open-concept floor space with stage and multi-level balconies. House of Blues Chicago offers full-service event production.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Performances, large meetings, galas, banquets, cocktail receptions
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 55,000 square feet of event space across 5 function rooms; the Music Hall can seat 250 banquet style and 1,000 reception style
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, garage parking
WHY IS IT COOL? Built in 1928, Lincoln Hall is a performance venue in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. The mid-size concert venue has an industrial feel with murals, metal fixtures, and exposed brick. It offers open floor space, balconies, and several built-in bars.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Performances, large meetings, galas, banquets, cocktail receptions
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 6,000 square feet of event space across 7 function rooms; can accommodate 310 seated banquet style and 500 reception style
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house, off-site catering allowed
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, garage parking
WHY IS IT COOL? Thalia Hall was originally built as an opera house in 1892. It reopened in 2013 as a Bohemian style, modern-day town hall, with a performance space, two bars, and a tavern. The performance hall offers open-concept floor space and a balcony.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Performances, large meetings, galas, banquets, cocktail receptions, weddings and holiday parties
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Can accommodate 240 seated and 800 reception style
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Valet, street parking
WHY IS IT COOL? Designed by famed architect Frank Gehry, the Pritzker Pavilion is the showpiece of Millennium Park. Rental of this very large outdoor event venue includes use of the stage, rehearsal room, amphitheater, and lawn.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Performances, large meetings, galas, banquets, cocktail receptions
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 4,000 in fixed seats, 7,000 in lawn seats
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: N/A
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, garage parking
The Best Party Venues Chicago
Atwood
WHY IS IT COOL? Atwood serves up local, seasonal New American food with a modern, airy atmosphere. Located just a few blocks from Millennium Park, Atwood features huge windows, beautiful leather banquettes, and a spacious private dining room.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Meetings, cocktail parties, team celebrations, client events
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: The Burnham private dining room can seat 24 or 40 reception style
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, valet and garage parking
WHY IS IT COOL? One of Chicago’s hottest restaurants, the Girl and the Goat has a secret door to “the Underground Goat,” it’s basement private dining space. The space has an industrial vibe with exposed brick, beamed ceilings, and metal fixtures.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, cocktail parties, team celebrations, client events
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Can accommodate seating for 26
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: The Girl and the Goat practices sustainability through responsible sourcing, a ban on disposable water bottles, and recycling program.
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Street and garage parking
Cindy’s Chicago
WHY IS IT COOL? Situated on top of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy’s has amazing views of Millenium Park. This highly rated restaurant has a glass roof, stylish, vintage décor, and an outdoor terrace. And it’s open for brunch!
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Brunch meetings, parties, cocktail parties, team celebrations, client events
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Private dining for 10-150
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, valet parking
WHY IS IT COOL? Part art gallery, cocktail lounge, and restaurant, Fulton Market Kitch was named “Coolest Looking Bar” by Chicago Magazine. Located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, Fulton Market Kitchen offers private dining space to accommodate groups of all sizes.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR?
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Can accommodate 200 seated with a full restaurant buyout, 12 seated in the Private Dining Room, 20 in the Private Salon, 18 in the Elevated Dining Room, 30 in the Banquette Dining Area, and 60 in the Studio
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, street and garage parking
WHY IS IT COOL? Tied House is a highly rated restaurant from James Beard award winning chef Debbie Gold. Tied House takes an elevated approach to Mid-Western comfort food in a modern setting. The restaurant offers 5 private event spaces, including a patio with fireplace.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Cocktail receptions, parties, team events, client events
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: The Loft can accommodate 100 seated and 200 reception style; The patio can accommodate 40 seated and 80 reception style; the Bar can seat 45 and 60 reception style; the Dining Room can seat 42 and 80 reception; the restaurant can seat 220 for a full buyout
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, garage parking
Credit: Design by Gensler | John Stoffer
The Game Room at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
WHY IS IT COOL? The Game Room at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is a vintage style game room with billiards and other bar games. The space has a built in bar and cocktail and regular table seating. If you’re looking for a stylish, casual, fun venue for your next event, this is the venue for you!
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, cocktail receptions, team events, client events
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Can host semi-private groups of 10-150; full buyout for groups 150-250
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, valet parking
Credit: Clayton Hauck
The Best Small Event Venues Chicago
The Froines Room at the Thompson Chicago
WHY IS IT COOL? The Thompson Chicago is a boutique luxury hotel in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. Their Froines Room not only offers full meeting services and high tech AV, it also features a huge arched window, lots of natural light, and pre-function space.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Meetings, cocktail receptions, dinners, client events
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 608 square feet of event space with a maximum capacity of 60
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, valet and garage parking
The Dining Car at the Loew’s Chicago Downtown Hotel
WHY IS IT COOL? Loew’s Chicago Downton Hotel is a luxury hotel just steps from the Navy Pier. The Dining Car Room is an intimate event space with natural light, stone flag floors, and interesting lighting fixtures.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Meetings, cocktail receptions, dinners, client events
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 805 square feet of event space with a maximum capacity of 80
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: Loew’s Chicago Downtown Hotel practices sustainability by installing state-of-the-art room temperature sensors, recycling, using low-flow shower heads, and partnering with Chicago’s Honey Co-Op
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, valet and discounted garage parking
WHY IS IT COOL? Creativo Loft is a bright loft space, perfect for small groups. This centrally located venue boasts tall ceilings, hardwood floors, and lots of natural light.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Small conferences, meetings, workshops, cocktail receptions
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Can accommodate 92 seated banquet style, 120 reception style, and 60 conference style
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: N/A
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, garage parking
The Ivy Room at Tree Studios
WHY IS IT COOL? Tree Studios is a beautiful, ivy covered building located on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The Ivy Room’s white walls, large windows and open-concept floor plan make it an ideal blank canvas for creating truly customized events.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Banquets, meetings, cocktail receptions, product launches, brand activations
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Can accommodate 220 seated banquet style and 375 reception style
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, garage parking
Credit: Anjai Pinto
The Best Chicago Venues For Sustainability
WHY IS IT COOL? If you’re a fan of green architecture and a serene vibe, the Studio Gang Tree House may just be the oasis you’ve been looking for. The Studio Gang Treehouse is a modern indoor/outdoor event space that can accomodate 60 attendees.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Meetings, conferences, cocktail receptions, product launches
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Can accommodate 60
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: Studio Gang’s green roof doesn’t just conserve energy, it’s also planted with native plant species for prairie habitat restoration
CATERING: N/A
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, garage parking
WHY IS IT COOL? The Joinery is a chic warehouse venue with an incredible skylight, wood beam ceilings, and living walls. The Joinery features reclaimed wood tables and vintage industrial antiques throughout its event spaces.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Banquets, cocktail parties, meetings, product launches, brand activations
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 2,400 square feet in the main room
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: N/A
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, free street and lot parking for an additional fee
The Langham Chicago
WHY IS IT COOL? The Langham Chicago was named #1 Luxury Hotel in the US by TripAdvisor. The Langham Chicago offers meeting space with huge windows, panoramic views of the city, and state of the art meeting technology.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, galas, banquets, cocktail receptions, meetings, board meetings
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 15,000 square feet of event space across 12 meeting rooms, the Devonshire Ballroom can seat 312 banquet and theater style
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: The Langham Chicago is LEED Gold certified.
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, valet parking with in/out privileges, garage parking
WHY IS IT COOL? The InterContinental Chicago is a large 4-star hotel located on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The InterContinental Chicago completed a $13 million renovation on it’s historic tower space in 2013 and boasts sophisticated modern furnishings in meeting rooms rich with original detailing.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, galas, banquets, cocktail receptions, meetings, board meetings
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 45,000 square feet of meeting space across 30 meeting rooms
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: The InterContinental Hotel Chicago was the city’s first Energy Star rated hotel.
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, valet parking
Greenhouse Loft
WHY IS IT COOL? Greenhouse Loft is a LEED Platinum certified building with towering 16 ft glass windows hardwood floors, and a sky garden. This fully customizable space comes with an onsite event manager and limited onsite parking.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Meetings, cocktail receptions, banquets, product launches, brand activations
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 3,600 square feet of event space
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: Greenhouse Loft is a LEED Platinum building.
CATERING: N/A
TRANSPORTATION: Limited onsite parking, Valet parking can be arranged through the event manager
The Most Unique Event Spaces Chicago
Lincoln Park Zoo
WHY IS IT COOL? The Lincoln Park Zoo offers several event venues on its leafy, sprawling campus sure to fit groups of all sizes.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, banquets, cocktail receptions, meetings, client events
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 5,353 square feet of event space across 10 function areas
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: Lincoln Park Zoo is a uniquely sustainable event venue, as exemplified by its prarie habitat restoration project and new construction that follows LEED guidelines.
CATERING: N/A
TRANSPORTATION: Complimentary Parking
Cinespace Chicago Film Studios
WHY IS IT COOL? Located on the West side of downtown Chicago, Cinespace Chicago Film Studios is an active movie lot. Their fully customizable film studios are available for event rentals and can accommodate groups of various sizes.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, meetings, cocktail receptions, banquets, product launches, brand activations
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 20 sound stages that can accommodate groups 30-2,000
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: N/A
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, complimentary on-site parking
WHY IS IT COOL? Ignite Glass Studios is a light filled indoor/outdoor space with a rooftop terrace and garden. Event enhancements can include glass making demonstrations and classes.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Cocktail receptions, parties, banquets, meetings
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: The Urban Garden is 2,400 square feet, the Rooftop Deck is 3,290 square feet, and the Event Space is 3,290 square feet; the entire rental can accommodate 220 seated banquet style and 350 reception style
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: N/A
TRANSPORTATION: Street parking, valet parking can be arranged through event manager
Union Station Chicago
WHY IS IT COOL? Union Station is an iconic Chicago landmark, with recently renovated event spaces. Union Station offers beautiful original architectural elements and can accommodate very large groups.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Banquets, galas, meetings, conferences, cocktail receptions, product launches
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 23,500 square feet of event space across 5 event spaces; can accommodate 1,500 seated banquet style and 2,500 reception style
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORTATION: Convenient to train, garage parking, valet parking can be arranged through event manager