How to Rent an Arcade Space for Your Event in Chicago
If you want to inject some fun and nostalgia into your birthday party or other special event, try hosting it in an arcade space. These venues are great for leisure time with friends and friendly competition at your corporate events. In fact, they're so versatile that you can use them for a diverse range of occasions.
In Chicago, you'll find many arcade bars in which to enjoy some high-energy entertainment. The city offers other entertainment, too, such as high-quality shopping experiences and sports games. It's great for those weekend-long bachelor parties or family reunions shared with people traveling from other cities.
Head onto Giggster to find some of the best and most affordable arcade spaces in Chicago, whether you're looking for venues with nostalgic pinball machines, ones with traditional bar settings, or distinctive locations that help you put your own spin on gaming with great mates. Party in a unique way!
Why Choose Giggster for an Arcade Space Venue
If you're ready to host your upcoming event in an arcade space, head onto the Giggster app.
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If you want to give your guests a unique experience, head to a virtual reality event space where you can immerse yourself in a range of fun experiences.
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For a dash of elegance, book a cozy home that's filled with luxurious interiors and a game room. Drink innovative signature cocktails while playing arcade games in a comfortable space.
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For game nights with access to outdoor spaces, choose an event space with a beautiful courtyard or garden so you can enjoy fresh American food at the BBQ station after a gaming session.
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If you want a huge helping of nostalgia at your event, head to a retro arcade with amenities like pinball machines and other free vintage arcade games. Perfect for a chill night with all your closest friends!
Amazing Arcade Spaces Starting at Just $19 USD/hour
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Whether you're looking for a relaxed gaming room or an event space with gaming amenities and other party areas, Giggster's 759 listings provide a wide selection from which to choose your perfect venue.
Hassle-Free Booking: If you require information about venue features, amenities, or pricing, Giggster gives you all the details on its user-friendly platform. And, the inspiring spaces start at just $19 USD/hour.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: If you have to cancel your event, don't worry; Giggster offers free cancellations within 24 hours of booking confirmation, as long as the booking is made at least 48 hours before the event.
Platform Protections: If you're worried about something going wrong, opt into Giggster's optional protection packages that cover damage and liability. Rent Classic Chicago Versatile Venue with the knowledge that you're covered.
The Best Events for an Arcade Space Venue in Chicago
Whether you want a low-maintenance night or something filled with entertainment and nightlife, you should try booking an arcade space. Here are some events that you can host inside an arcade space.
Reunions – Intimate Gatherings. If you're hosting a family or school reunion, rent an arcade space where you can enjoy good times while connecting with special people. It's a nice way to fill your event with entertainment in a laid-back setting where people don't have to dress up.
Networking Events – Chilled Nights. For those panic-inducing events like networking sessions, you can remove the pressure by booking a location like an arcade event space. Distract yourself by enjoying a world of excitement with games and a delicious menu instead of filling the space with awkward conversation.
Cocktail Receptions – Unique Celebrations. You can host an important occasion like a wedding, cocktail reception, or engagement party in an arcade bar. Choose a flashy space with great lighting and outdoor areas. In this way, the gaming can be one part of an amazing (but mellow) night!
Corporate 'Dos – Fun End-of-Year Parties. Whether you're hosting a corporate event on a Friday night or social events, rent a club in the city with amazing lights, sound, and DJ equipment, and gaming areas. You can make the most of your time in the versatile and modern venue.
Birthday Dinners – Casual Gatherings. If you want to host a birthday or other social event, consider a restaurant with gaming amenities, so you and your guests can enjoy delicious deep-dish pizza or other Chicago favorites after trying your hand at dozens of arcade games.
Chicago Arcade Space Location Must-Haves
When you're booking an arcade space in Chicago, you want to ensure that the venue has the right amenities so that you get everything you want.
What games are available? Consider your guests' preferences when selecting an arcade venue. Have vintage and modern games to appeal to more people attending your event.
What other amenities are provided? Your event space should have other features or amenities, such as a dining room or comfortable lounge, so that you can participate in various party activities, such as feasting from a full menu or grabbing signature drinks in a traditional bar setting.
Does the venue layout flow? There should be enough room for people to engage in different party activities and move around to pursue different interests. If the space isn't clear in terms of navigation, make DIY signage, which will form a part of the decor.
Pros and Cons of Events at Chicago Arcade Space Locations
Are you inspired by the old-school vibes of the Galloping Ghost Arcade, USA's largest arcade, or the bar vibe of Headquarters Beercade? Host your own arcade game event. Here are some pros and cons of choosing Chicago as your location.
Pros
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Chicago has a variety of arcade spaces to explore, whether you're looking for something retro or modern.
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Arcade space venues sometimes have multiple rooms for different party activities, giving you greater versatility when planning events.
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Arcades give your guests a unique and creative atmosphere they won't find elsewhere.
Cons
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Arcade game spaces can be limiting in terms of capacity.
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Arcades can be noisy, which could interfere with your social event.
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Arcade space decor and styles don't appeal to everyone.
How to Plan an Arcade Space Event
When organizing an arcade space occasion, whether a corporate or social event, you should consider some important planning tips so that you create a memorable time for everyone on your guest list.
Include Good Food – You want people to have delicious food at hand while they're playing games and having a fun time. This could be provided in the form of snacks or a buffet. If you're hosting a lunch or dinner, consider setting it up in a different area of the venue to ensure quiet time (arcades can be noisy!).
Cater to Different Guest Preferences – Not everyone is keen on arcades, but that shouldn't be a problem provided you book a venue that has multiple rooms. While some guests can have a fun time playing NBA Jam, Donkey Kong, or other games, the rest can relax in the lounge or watch the gorgeous Chicago skyline from the outdoor patio.
Check the Venue Capacity – You should make sure that the venue offers enough capacity for all your guests, bearing in mind that most arcades don't cater to larger groups. If the event space is only an arcade space, this could further be limiting, unlike larger spaces that have different rooms and spaces in which to host an occasion.
Make the Event More Entertaining – Instead of just offering guests the chance to play games, reward them with fun gifts and prizes. Or, set up a photo booth so that your guests can take pictures together to celebrate the event. You can make a simple backdrop for a DIY photo booth.
How to Save Money on an Arcade Space Rental in Chicago
While you might not think you need to worry too much about your party budget because arcade spaces are pretty straightforward, you might end up with expenses at the end of the night. Avoid them by booking an affordable space on Giggster that starts at $19 USD/hour, and by following these tips.
Set a token limit.
Some arcades accept physical tokens or quarters, while modern spaces make use of prepaid cards. Whatever the payment system, try to set a limit for guests so that they don't run up a bill and leave you with the extra charges. While you're at it, check the venue for any free play packages!
Bring your own food and drinks.
Instead of opting for on-site catering options, you can save money by keeping your menu casual for arcade-style events. Make your own snacks and meals, or consider a buffet or food truck that will provide your guests with enough food throughout the event.
Book a daytime event.
It can be more affordable to schedule an event during the day instead of at night, as it generally reduces your alcohol costs while preventing you from having to serve your guests dinner. Better yet, host your event during the week instead of on weekends!
Plan Your Arcade Space Event with Giggster
On the Giggster app, you can start searching for an arcade game venue to make your upcoming event memorable and creative. If you're tired of the tried-and-tested party venues, a gaming location will boost everyone's enthusiasm while keeping your costs low. Ready, set, play!
