Best Event Venues in Chicago

In determining the best event venues in Chicago, IL, one must first recognize the gathering’s intended purpose. From cool and quirky, to grand-scale and multifunctional, this guide provides an introduction to the top venues in town.

Unique Chicago Event Spaces

LondonHouse is Chicago’s only three-level rooftop space. In addition to the impressive rooftop, four private dining spaces and ten meeting rooms host smaller functions, and the Juliette Grand Ballroom seats up to 350 guests.

Sports fans, take note. One of the sportiest and unique event spaces in Chicago is the Chicago Sports Museum. This amazing location features a grand collection of memorabilia. There is a variety of space options, with the largest being the venue buyout that seats 600 guests or hosts a 1,200-attendee reception.

Large Venues

Located in the heart of Chicago’s Marina City, the House of Blues can be rented for events seeing up to 1,800 attendees. This renowned Chicago music venue boasts quirky decor and is legendary in the music industry.

An icon in television and film is the massive Cinespace, a film studio on the downtown’s west side. Measuring in at a staggering 1.45 million square-feet, the collection of soundproof stages ranges in size from 8,000 to 20,000 square-feet and can be rented for gatherings of all sizes.

McCormick Place, the nation’s largest convention complex, is located in Chicago and features four state-of-the-art buildings that have a combined total of 2.6 million square-feet. With assembly seating for 18,000 people, and four ballrooms ranging in size from 21,000 to 100,000 square-feet, large affairs find a comfy home at McCormick.

Visiting Chicago for a convention or trade show? Check out our trade show models in Chicago. We staff for big events like trade shows throughout Chicago and the entire USA.

Here’s a great video on the House of Blues:

Affordable Event Venues

Those hoping to not sacrifice flair for affordability need only look to The Keith House, an 1870s mansion located in the heart of the Prairie Avenue Historic District. Accommodating up to 90 people, this remarkable destination ranks high in charm.

Casual and fun are dominating themes at Pinstripes, which seats up to 220 guests. An outdoor fire pit, upscale bowling lanes and bocce courts afford guests an unforgettable experience that will not break a host’s bank.

An explosion of color greets visitors at the lively Catalyst Ranch. This vintage-inspired gathering place can host up to 200 guests and will certainly leave a lasting impression on those with an appreciation for vibrancy and whimsy.

Iconic Event Spaces

Those looking for a location steeped in the city’s history have excellent options. Navy Pier’s offerings are expansive, accommodating small groups in one of 36 meeting rooms or large-scale conventions in their 170,000 square-foot Festival Hall. The beauty of any of their spaces is their location on Lake Michigan. The impactful skyline views from Navy Pier are unparalleled.

Speaking of scenery, perhaps the best event space with a Chicago skyline view is 360 Chicago, a space at 875 N. Michigan Ave. Nestled on the 94th floor of the building formerly known as the John Hancock, this venue accommodates groups ranging in size from 30 to 600. The views from this floor are nothing short of spectacular.

The majestic Cultural Center boasts two Tiffany glass domes and was Chicago’s first central public library after its 1897 completion. Groups as large as 800 can collect for standing receptions. For sit-down dinners, up to 450 guests can be accommodated in the building’s Sidney R. Yates Gallery.