Hosting a successful event at one of the top event spaces in Chicago starts with understanding your client and his or her needs., This is then transposed into a good plan and strategy. Next is finding the right venue that matches elements of your client’s vision. Finally, you will be managing the event to the finest detail to ensure that it runs smoothly on the day.
If you’re looking for the ideal venue to host a client’s event, we have scouted the Chicagoland area to find the top spaces for you to choose from.
Chicago has venues across the city – from the South Loop and the Gold Coast in downtown Chicago. Within the 77 communities in the city, there’s an exciting diversity of cultures and personalities that feed into the venues located in each.
Chicago has spaces for all events, from business meetings to big flamboyant wedding receptions. Even birthday parties and private dining events on a rooftop deck have a perfect Chicago venue waiting for them!
So let’s dive right in and give you the good stuff!
Top 5 Event Spaces in Chicago
Often referred to as the Windy City, Chicago has some of the most awesome spaces for events.
Business and leisure people alike are spoilt for choice when considering a venue. This handy list of the top five will help event planners find the Perfect Venue for your clients.
And everywhere is easily accessible! The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will get guests pretty much anywhere between the suburbs and the city. There are rail lines and buses that run through the expanse of Chicago.
Some spaces host their own events that event planners can tag onto, or even festivals and themed parties. Some allow you to make the place into exactly what your client wants by bringing in your own decor. You can also design a fabulous custom menu. And don’t forget to use a good event planning system like Perfect Venue to make sure everything runs smoothly.
1. SPF
Social Play Fun (or SPF) is your go-to spot to get active, enjoy good food, and do it with your favorite crowd.
Specializing in the most popular sport to hit the U.S. of A. – pickleball – SPF also offers other ball sports including multiball, Bocce, and various other sports. This 42,000-square-foot indoor playground has dedicated itself to bringing you the most fun you can have under one roof.
Host a birthday party at the venue, or do something different for your next special event. It’s also a great space to get your team out of the office for fun corporate events. Or just head across for some good old-fashioned social time (with a bit of competitive spirit thrown in!)
SPF has an all-day cafe to keep you fueled for the fun, and will soon be bringing lunch and dinner options to the creative space.
2. The River Room at Burning Bush Brewery
An intimate Chicago event venue, The River Room at Burning Bush Brewery comfortably catering for 150 to 200 guests. It is the ideal spot for events ranging from close family gatherings to weddings.
The main venue is an open-plan event space with an industrial theme. High ceilings and big windows invite lots of natural light inside. This is completed with beautiful views of the Chicago River and Hyde Park Corner – the ideal backdrop for weddings or large corporate functions.
If you’re a bride or bridal party, the Private Suite will give you the space and privacy to prepare for your wedding day. With comfortable furniture, three vanity stations, a full-length mirror, and a refrigerator, you have all you need to comfortably ease into your memorable day.
And if the outdoors is more to your liking, the outdoor deck is a secluded space to host a cocktail party, Sunday brunch, or sunset event.
3. The Depot at Norwood Park
For an event with a bit of a difference, The Depot at Norwood Park is located in one of Chicago’s most historic train structures.
Built in 1907, the train station was renovated in 1999 and boasts high ceilings, period-era artwork, and a gorgeous central chandelier. The historical vibe takes you right back to the turn of the century. You can almost feel the flurry of feet walking through the train station as you step across the original maple flooring and trim.
The venue offers a compact kitchenette, sink and washbasin, and two ADA-compliant bathrooms.
This is ideal for meetings, intimate gatherings, a private party, or special events such as Bar Mitzvahs, engagements, or graduation parties.
The Depot at Norwood Park allows you to fully customize an event to your precise needs and requirements.
4. Azul Mariscos
Bring some Latin-inspired pizzazz to your event at Azul Mariscos.
The venue is located along the Chicago River in the popular Goose Island neighborhood. This makes it one of the best event spaces to enjoy a cocktail or delicious food against the backdrop of the city skyline.
Explore the tastes of the ocean with some high-quality seafood during a semi-private dining event. Or tuck into the broader menu of burgers, pastas, and interesting tacos. Or go all out and book the whole venue in a buyout. For a little more privacy, there’s also the private dining room for a more intimate event.
The event venue features one of the city’s biggest open-air rooftops, with a boat dock and covered terrace seating.
5. Gallery Guichard
If you’re in the Bronzeville area, Gallery Guichard is a wonderfully creative space to host your next event.
The contemporary gallery is loved by the locals for community events. Check out what local and global artists are creating, to feed your inner artisté. The space can comfortably accommodate up to 299 guests in a reception-style setup. So no problem including those plus-ones, or the fourth cousin removed for a wedding ceremony.
The larger space is also great for corporate events, launches, or big announcements. But the 7,000-square-foot venue can also host smaller, more intimate gatherings, with the flexibility to work with your choice of caterer.
Whatever your event size, the experienced event planning team brings the expertise you need to create the perfect event for your needs.
The Bottom Line
Chicago has so many phenomenal venues and event spaces to offer, that are conveniently located near you or the guests you’d like to host. You can find anything from private event spaces and party venues in downtown Chicago, to more intimate spaces along Lake Michigan.
Event planners have a true venue menu to choose from – be it a unique venue like the train station, or a contemporary space with exposed brick walls. Or take it a step further to an art center with a dance floor! Chicago has a multitude of versatile spaces that you can customize into the ideal setting for your next special occasion.
These top five Chicago event venues are a good starting point to whet your appetite for what the city has to offer.
And if you’re a venue wanting to level up your versatile space and make your events the smoothest-running, most stress-free in the city, try Perfect Venue’s event management software. Watch the quick demo, or try the free 14-day trial to help your unique space become the next best venue not just in Chicago, but across the U.S.!
