Best Party Venues in Chicago

In a city full of great party venues, choosing the right one can be tough. Chicago has one of the most thriving party scenes in the country. The vibrant culture, world famous restaurants, top notch local vendors, and iconic architecture make this city a perfect location to host any and all celebrations. 

As a local party venue in Chicago, our team at Le Loft understands there’s so many decisions to consider when planning a successful event; We’re here to help! This article will guide you through the process, talking you through considerations like size and capacity factors, popular locations, ambience, and budget friendly venue.

Bookmark this page as your plan for your unforgettable event. 

What makes a great party venue?

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A great party, like many things in life, is not the result of just one thing; it’s a combination of many factors that all come together to create that magic combination. The venue isn’t the only factor, but it is one of the most important. What makes for a great venue you ask? Think of the senses, sight, sound, touch, smell, and see. Your venue should touch on all these things in all the right way.

Atmosphere Matters.

How a space looks and feels to be will make a big difference in your guests experience. The layout, lighting, and decor all create a vibe that leaves a huge impression. For example, when we renovated our space, one of the first things we did was tear out overhead florescent light and add chandeliers, sconces, pendants, and tracks. Lighting alone can make or break a mood.

Sound on.

What’s the sound system like in the space? Can you easily hook up to the speakers to play your music? Is there a system for djs to connect or open space for them to bring their own rig? Make sure to check for all this when researching.

What size party venue should you rent?

Deciding on how many guests are on your invite list will be the first step in narrowing down your options for a party venue. You’ll want to make sure to look for a place that comfortably holds all your guests. Size matters! If you go too big, guests will be spread out and the vibe dies. Some larger venues offer ways of partitioning off their space to make a more intimate setting if your guest list is smaller, be sure to ask if this is an option.What’s the layout like?

Additionally, consider levels and layout. Will your event span multiple floors? We’ve seen a number of high-end corporate events where this was an intentional choice. One event was at a converted bank in Brooklyn where guests were directed through the vault in the basement after dinner to find a speakeasy with a casino and circus vibe. Tour guides led guests to the Modern Wing for cocktail hour, before being directed downstairs for the official program. 

If you’re planning a smaller event like a 30th birthday party, you can achieve a similar effect by having guests celebrate in the front of a space for happy hour and dinner, before being led behind a moveable wall to a staged disco floor at the rear of the space. 

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EVENT SPACE NEAR ME LE LOFT

Where is the event space located?

Location is another key factor to consider when booking your party venue. Is there public transit nearby? What are the parking accommodations like? Is the venue wheelchair accessible? Many party guests expect to take private transit, so don’t be afraid to choose a spot you love even if it doesn’t have a parking lot or a little off-the-beaten path. Just be sure to inform your guests so they can plan accordingly.

Budgeting for a party venue

Costs for party venues in Chicago can vary widely depending on the size of the space, the location, and the services included. A great venue can make all the difference for your party. So while the expense might seem high, it’s often well worth the memories. Many budget 40-50% of their overall costs to the venue. But, there are a few additional things to consider; Will your event be a “one-stop-shop?” For example, if you’re getting married, can you also get ready and have your ceremony at the venue? If so, that can save you a lot of money and time. 

Does the event space need decor?

Additionally, the ambiance and design of the space is important to consider. Some places are blank canvases and need a lot of additional decor, while others are already designed to appeal to a broad audience and do not require a lot of additional enhancements. You should also inquire whether your venue provides any amenities like tables, chairs, and furniture.

Another factor in pricing for venues is the time of year and day of the week. Many venues charge a premium rate for Saturdays during peak season, between June through October. If you’re looking to get a deal, you might opt for a non-weekend date or time of year that’s less popular. 

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Party venue locations in Chicago

When it comes to finding the best party venues in Chicago, options range from lavish opulence to quirky and fun. From rooftop gardens with stunning views to industrial lofts with a trendy vibes. Below you’ll find a list of popular options that fit a range of budgets. 

Top Party Venues in Chicago

best party venues art institute of chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago

The Peninsula Chicago – $$$$

Elegant space with top notch service.
Ideal for: Corporate events, elegant parties.

The Art Institute of Chicago – $$$$

Modern design lovers, this ones for you. 
Ideal for: Art lovers, unique celebrations.

The Field Museum – $$$$

Unique features that make it stand out.
Ideal for: Themed parties, educational events.

Chicago History Museum – $$$$

Insights into the historic charm.
Ideal for: Cultural events, history enthusiasts.

Bridgeport Art Center – $$$
Lofted space with large capacity.
Ideal for: Cultural events, large weddings

Ovation Chicago – $$
Brick walls and skylights make this space modern and elegant
Ideal for medium to large events

Morgan Manufacturing – $$$
Industrial complex with multiple rooms
Ideal for: large events

Salvage Once – $$
Vintage, industrial vibe
Ideal for: medium to large events

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Ovation Chicago
chicago party venue le loft
Le Loft Chicago

Unique Party Venues in Chicago

Le Loft – $
Hip and stylish open layout loft 
Ideal for small-mid size events of all kind. 

Emil Bach House – $$
Frank Lloyd Wright home with ample light
Ideal for: smaller events

Floating World Gallery – $$

Gallery space and wedding venue
Smaller-mid size events of all kind.

Ace Bounce – $$$
Play pingpong while celebrating with your friends
Ideal for: birthday parties and corporate events

Tips for Booking Your Venue

Plan Ahead. Chicago’s most popular party venues often book up years in advance. Planning ahead can make all the difference. If you’re having trouble finding your dream spot, consider going off season or booking on a Friday or Sunday 

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Visit in Person. While many places offer walkthrough videos, seeing a place in person lets you experience the space first hand and map out how you might plan your event. You’ll also be able to ask the owners or managers important questions and learn firsthand important details to know in advance. Preparation is key!

Ask the Right Questions. When interviewing venues, make sure to ask about important policies, like deposits, cancellations, and decor limitations. Are there sound ordinances? Are children and pets allowed? Many places have answers to frequently asked questions, so you can always look for those in advance, but asking in person is recommended too.

Read Review. Reviews are a great resource for verifying the professionalism of a space and experiences with their guests. Reviews often mention important details like customer services and other nuances that might not be listed in the venue description. 

In summary, the best party venues in Chicago offer unique settings that contribute to the overall experience of the celebration. Considering factors such as size, ambiance, location, and cost will help you find the perfect venue for your next event. Chicago offers so many great spots to host your event, from the lavish to the trendy. We hope this guide helps when choosing the one that’s right for you! If you have other questions we didn’t answer, please leave a comment below or send us an email to [email protected]