About Chicago
Chicago is a city located on the shores of Lake Michigan and is the third most populous city in the United States. It's known for its iconic skyline, world-class museums, and vibrant neighborhoods. The city boasts an array of outdoor spaces that offer a variety of experiences, making it easy to find something enjoyable to do no matter the season.
From its numerous public parks, beaches, and boat launches along Lake Michigan to its hidden green spaces in residential areas, Chicago provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. For people looking for a unique venue to host their outdoor events, Chicago’s abundance of outdoor locations makes it an ideal event host. Whether you’re seeking a quiet spot with scenic views or an action-packed destination surrounded by bustling activity, you’ll find plenty of options.
The mix between urban energy and natural beauty makes Chicago an ideal location for any type of outdoor event imaginable – from feasts under starry skies to corporate team-building retreats held outdoors amidst nature’s beauty.
Outdoor Space Options in Chicago
- Event Planner
Hire a professional event planner to organize your outdoor space event in Chicago. This planner will handle all the details, from arranging catering and flowers to setting up the venue and creating a timeline for the event.
- Flowers
Decorate your outdoor space event with beautiful flowers. You can choose fresh or decorative blooms that match the theme of your event or simply select a variety of brightly-colored sweet-smelling flowers.
- Catering
Serve delicious food at your outdoor space event in Chicago. No event is considered a hit without great food. Many local caterers specialize in outdoor events, so you can quickly find one that fits your needs and budget.
Outdoor Space Vendors in Chicago
- Amazing Edibles Catering
Amazing Edibles Catering is an award-winning catering company located in downtown Chicago. They specialize in fresh, seasonal, and local cuisine, and their menus are designed to suit all occasions. From corporate events to weddings, they have the experience to make your event a success. Their team of chefs sources the freshest ingredients from local farmers and purveyors, and their menus are tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're looking for a casual buffet or an elegantly plated meal, they will work with you to curate a unique menu that your guests will remember.
- Dilly Lily
Dilly Lily is a premium high-end floral design shop that has been creating custom arrangements inspired by color, nature, and design for its loyal clientele since it opened its doors. The team of talented floral artists at Dilly Lily is dedicated to providing their clients with the highest quality of service and beautiful arrangements that will make any event special. From weddings, functions, and parties to corporate events and private events, Dilly Lily has the perfect arrangement for every occasion. Located in the historic Lincoln Park neighborhood, Dilly Lily is the go-to floral design shop for Chicagoans who want only the best for their celebrations.
- Rosy Events
Rosy Events is a Chicago-based event planning and production firm that creates one-of-a-kind festivals, social events, weddings, fundraisers, conferences, and corporate events. Their team of experienced professionals is passionate about making every event a success. They work closely with their clients and customers to understand their vision and create an event that exceeds their expectations. They take care of all the details so their clients can enjoy their special day.
Pros and Cons of Outdoor Events in Chicago
Outdoor spaces in Chicago offer plenty of benefits to residents, visitors, and event hosts alike. However, outdoor spaces also have their drawbacks that are worth having in mind when searching for the perfect event location.
Advantages
- Outdoor spaces in Chicago are a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
- Outdoor spaces offer the perfect place to people watch and take in the city sights.
- There's a wide range of unique and memorable outdoor spaces to choose from in Chicago.
Disadvantages
- Some outdoor spaces in Chicago can often be quite crowded, especially during peak times.
- The most popular outdoor spaces in Chicago book out quickly during the busy summer months, so you'll need to make a booking well in advance.
- In some cases, outdoor spaces in Chicago can be quite noisy, especially if there is a lot of activity going on.
Tips on How to Organize Outdoor Events in Chicago
Chicago is a great city to live in, especially if you enjoy spending time outdoors. Between the city's parks, gardens, and beaches, there's no shortage of outdoor spaces to enjoy. If you're looking to make the most of Chicago's outdoor offerings, here are some tips on how to organize your outdoor event:
- Start by assessing your needs: What sort of event are you hosting? Will it be casual or formal, social or corporate? Will there be a theme? Once you know what you need you can start searching for the right space.
- Compare venues: From beaches and parks to lush private gardens, there are many wonderful venues to choose from in Chicago. Compare a variety of options to find a space that suits your needs.
- Organize party rentals: Now it's time to think about the furniture and equipment need to make your outdoor venue function perfectly. This could include tables, chairs, tents, glassware, dance floors, and much more, so browse the catalogs of local party rental services.
- Food and entertainment: Next, think about food and drink for your event. Compare caterers to find a delicious (and affordable) menu for your celebration, and consider hiring a bartending service if needed. Don't forget about party games, activities, and even live performances to keep everyone entertained.
- Plan B: Finally, make sure you have a backup plan in place in case of bad weather.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Nelson Algren Memorial Fountain
The Nelson Algren Memorial Fountain is located in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. The fountain was designed by noted architect Lawrence Halprin and was dedicated in 1981. It is a hexagonal granite structure with six bronze relief panels that depict scenes from Algren's novels. The fountain is named for Nelson Algren, a Chicago-based writer who won the National Book Award for his novel "The Man with the Golden Arm." Algren was known for his gritty, realistic writing style, and his work often explored the darker side of urban life. The Nelson Algren Memorial Fountain is thus an appropriate tribute to a writer who captured the essence of Chicago in his work. Visitors to the fountain can enjoy its tranquil beauty and reflect on Algren's legacy as a chronicler of the city's history.
- The remains of "Polish Broadway"
In the heart of Chicago's west side lies a unique neighborhood that blends old and new, Polish culture and hipster cool. Once known as "Polish Broadway" for its abundance of Polish delis, bakeries, and nightclubs, the area has undergone a transformation in recent years. But even as new businesses have cropped up, the neighborhood has retained its character. Visitors can still find Polish sausage and pierogi at the local delis, and live music spills out of the clubs on weekends. The area is also home to many art galleries, vintage shops, and trendy cafes. Whether you're looking for a taste of old-school Polish Chicago or a glimpse of the city's up-and-coming scene, this neighborhood is worth exploring.
- The 606, aka Bloomingdale Trail
The 606 is a three-mile-long elevated trail that runs along an old railroad line on Chicago's west side. The track is a destination for runners, cyclists, and walkers, and it provides views of the city skyline and the surrounding neighborhoods. The 606 is also home to various plants and animals, including more than 200 species of birds. The trail opened in 2015 after 10 years of planning and construction. The project cost $155 million and was funded by a combination of private donations and public funds. The 606 has been hugely popular, with more than 1.5 million tourists in its first year alone. It has become an integral part of the city's infrastructure, and it is one of the key reasons why Chicago is considered one of the best cities in the world for walking and biking.