20 Magnificent Chicago Event Venues
Hugging Lake Michigan is a sprawling city of 2.7 million people. One with 580 parks, more than 5,000 restaurants, 700 public art installations, and 39,000 hotel rooms. One that marries Midwestern hospitality with big-city access. One whose name is as iconic as its flavors and architecture: Chicago. Thanks to its central location, Chicago is one of the most sought-after convention towns in the country. Here are twenty-two venue-shaped reasons why.
Fulton Market
Capacity: Inquire
Location: 2412 S. Michigan Ave.
Great For: Conferences, Fashion Shows
At 30,000 square feet, Fulton Market is one of Chicago’s go-to venues for large and creative gatherings. In the heart of the meatpacking district, the trendy spot is a frequent destination for fashion shows and any other event in search of a space that can be transformed to match to a specific vision.
The Signature Room at the 95th
Capacity: 500
Location: 875 N MICHIGAN AVE
Great For: Company Dinners
For more than 25 years, the Signature Room has treated guests to unparalleled views (and a fabulous excuse to visit one of Chicago’s most iconic buildings.) The private event space, located atop the famous John Hancock Building, shares a food & beverage team with the sister restaurant one floor higher. A no-brainer destination for an impressive gathering following a day of board meetings.
Moonlight Studios
Capacity: 500
Location: 1446 West Kinzie Street
Great For: Conferences, Meetings, Company Parties
Some event spaces are made to simply offer space to mingle. Moonlight Studios is not one of those spaces. Rather, their knockout team partners with visionaries and conference planners to execute on colorful, demanding ideas for high caliber conferences and parties. A fabulous destination for key presentations and product launches, LED lighting and poppy decor has never looked more at home.
The Langham
Capacity: 340
Location: 330 North Wabash Avenue
Great For: Corporate Meetings, Receptions
One of Chicago’s most esteemed modern hotels, the Langham is where class and creativity intersect. The hotel’s professional event staff take pains to host corporate meetings without a hitch, and receptions guaranteed to impress. 15,000 square feet of event space is distributed among a dozen different spaces, offering a perfect fit for crowds from 5 to 340. Among the Langham’s best perks? Its lovely interiors leave little need for decor.
Chicago History Museum
Capacity: 1500
Location: 1601 North Clark Street
Great For: Meetings, Weddings
Outfitted with an outdoor plaza, indoor theatre, and multiple additional dedicated event spaces, the Chicago History Museum is a flexible and fascinating destination for meetings, parties, and receptions that forge memories. Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, the museum features gorgeous architecture and inspiring exhibits. And yes, venue rental grants guests free access to most exhibits for the first 90 minutes of any event.
Motor Row
Capacity: 2600
Location: 2400 S. Michigan Ave.
Great For: Cocktail Parties, Musical Events
This former home of the Illinois Automobile Club, built-in 1936 and designed by architect Philip Maher, has been transformed into an event-hosting metropolis, with more than 20 individual spaces covering 50,000 square feet. Its 4000 square-foot outdoor courtyard is the perfect backdrop for summer soirees and musical events alike. With capacity for up to 2600, Motor Row is a space with spunk.
Salvage One
Capacity: 250
Location: 1840 W Hubbard St
Great For: Wedding Receptions, Company Parties
60,000 square feet of former warehouse space has never looked warmer or more inviting. Salvage One features rich colors and textures of brick, wood, and glass, plus a collection of eclectic furniture available for use by event-goers. A number of different rooms offer capacity for up to 250 individually, or more if renting a combination of spaces. Just need a snapshot? Salvage One is a frequent photo op spot, too.
The Rookery Building
Capacity: 200
Location: 209 South LaSalle Street
Great For: Galas, Fundraisers
In the heart of Chicago’s financial district sits one of the city’s most historic buildings. The Rookery features a majestic lobby designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that–get this–can itself be rented for a gala your guests will never forget. Whether throwing a wedding fit for royals or a gala to thank your most generous benefactors, the Rookery is both timeless and unparalleled.
Field Museum
Capacity: 4500
Location: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr
Great For: Galas, Corporate Celebrations
In the decor department, dinosaurs are hard to beat. In Chicago’s event venue scene, the Field Museum is, too. One of the country’s most esteemed museums, the Field’s atriums, theatres, and yes, dinosaur exhibits, offer spaces for events both massive and intimate. Plus, your rental fee helps promote the museum’s mission: “a journey of discovery across time to enable solutions for a brighter future rich in nature and culture.”
Chez
Capacity: 200
Location: 247 E Ontario St
Great For: Weddings
Both convenience and chic, Chez is a venue that focuses on one thing and does that thing to perfection: weddings. Chez describes itself as “a white canvas to hold your wedding dreams.” Far from minimalist, its opulent white curtains, glowing chandeliers, and clear chairs create a luxurious atmosphere that can be personalized with your own touches of color and whimsy. Plus, its location affords easy access to downtown hotels for out-of-town guests.