Find Banquet Hall venues for rent in Chicago, IL

About Chicago

Bursting with an endless list of things to do and sights to see, Chicago, IL, is considered a true cosmopolitan playground. Chicago is an innovative city, as evidenced by its reversed flow of the Chicago River, which was emptied into the Mississippi River instead of Lake Michigan. It is bordered by 26 miles of lakefront, and the area along Lake Michigan includes 26 beaches.

The Windy City is where you can relish Midwestern history. It displays a profound appreciation for the arts,—it's home to an estimated 255 music venues, 250 theaters, and about 200 dance companies.

If you're looking for a conventional event venue, Chicago offers lists of beautiful banquet halls that serve as great locations for various private events. Whether you're planning a professional networking event or a fun birthday party, choosing the right event space in Chicago is crucial.

Banquet Hall Options in Chicago

Suppose you are scouting for an event venue for your wedding reception, anniversary party, or corporate event. In that case, you can't go wrong by hosting any large event at a banquet hall in Chicago. Downtown Chicago boasts an array of event spaces ranging from modern banquet halls to elegant event venues ideal for corporate events or vibrant wedding receptions. However, choosing a banquet hall perfect for your next event means that you'll need some assistance from local professionals.

Venue
Most banquet hall venues in Chicago come decked out with a majority of the furnishings and accessories needed for diverse occasions. That includes tables and chairs as well as decorations. Many of these venues also offer modular space options, allowing for flexible configurations to match the specific needs of your event.

Catering
Booking a banquet hall venue in Chicago might also cover the cost of food but in some cases, you might have to get an external catering company to handle the meals. Buffets are usually popular with banquet events but it all depends on the specific occasion.

Entertainment
Music is an integral part of banquet events to keep guests entertained throughout. Depending on the theme of the event, you can include bands, musicians, DJs, stand-up comedy, magic shows, and circus acts in the schedule of activities.

Master of Ceremony
An experienced Master of Ceremony knows how to guide guests through the different stages of an event so that no one feels lost. They are tasked with managing the flow of events to also ensure that the occasion maintains a lively atmosphere.

Transportation and Logistics
Your guests should sit back, relax, and enjoy the event. You can make it easier by overseeing transportation and logistics. Perhaps team up with taxi companies to provide transport at a discounted rate if you can't pick up the tab entirely. Provide detailed information about how to get to the banquet venue including navigation details and public transportation routes.

Banquet Hall Companies in Chicago

Total Event Resources
Total Event Resources knows precisely what it takes to deliver an experience. Their list of services includes event strategy, logistical arrangements, full-service production, and marketing.

Urban General Store
Urban General Store started operations in 2008 and has since become one of Chicago's premier online gift stores. They offer selections of inspirational items including novelties, accessories, cards, and books.

Chicago Award Source
Chicago Award Source supplies congratulatory trinkets that are suitable for achievement-based occasions. Their catalog of awards-based products includes plaques, executive desk sets, resin sculptures, and trophies. They also offer customization as well as engraving services.

Pros and Cons of Banquet Halls in Chicago

Chicago provides all the big-city comfort you'd expect to host a successful event. However, like anywhere else under the sun, it's a metro area that presents both advantages and disadvantages. You should find out what you stand to face before securing a banquet hall venue in Chicago.

Advantages

Great food
Chicago gets a huge thumbs up when it comes to its selections of dining establishments that offer finger-licking goodness. An occasion hosted at a banquet hall is worthy of a feast.

Diversity
You'll find a banquet hall in one of the city's neighborhoods that reflects the spirit of your event. With 77 distinct neighborhoods that best display the city's diversity, Chicago is multicultural, tolerant, and welcoming.

The culture
Chicago is big on its museums, theaters, and music venues. It goes to show that the city embraces cultural and artistic expression, and you won't have trouble finding a banquet hall that aligns with your purpose.

The public transit system
Your guests won't have trouble getting to the banquet hall venue because the city has a diverse and efficient public transit system. There are 145 train stations alongside 129 bus routes operating in the city.

Sports
Folks in Chicago take their sports quite seriously because professional basketball, baseball, soccer, and hockey teams hail from the city. If your heart is set on a sports-themed event, then you are definitely hosting it in the right place.

Disadvantages

Winters are rough
If the flooding doesn't get in the way of your guests accessing the banquet hall venue in Chicago, the freezing temperatures might just dissuade them from attending altogether. Winters in the city are brutal with blistering winds to boot.

Traffic
The crazy bottlenecks experienced around Interstate 290/294 should tell you that if possible, you want to avoid selecting banquet hall venues that use that route.

Parking
Don't sour your guests' experience even before they enter the banquet hall venue on account of not providing ample parking space. Parking in Chicago is a nightmare, so consider offering valet parking for the special occasion.

Chicago is expensive
Discounts will take you a long way when planning an event in Chicago. It's one of the nation's most expensive metro areas particularly when it relates to food, utilities, and transportation.

Pollution
The city's waterways have a well-known history of flooding and certain areas of the city are prone to dealing with sewage overflows. To be on the safe side, avoid venues located in the basement of buildings.

Famous Locations in Chicago

Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is home to the Chicago Cubs and touted as the second-oldest MLB park in the nation, not far from the lively Lincoln Park area. Visitors can take in-season ballpark tours to explore the field, press box, as well as dugouts. Perhaps you might be lucky enough to watch the Cubs duke it out against another major team.

Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain
The Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, a stone's throw from the Gold Coast Historic District, is considered the largest water-based feature globally. Nestled within Grant Park, it features fountain springs that offer a daily spectacle that wows visitors every time.

Navy Pier
Established in 1916, this former shipping facility now serves as a beloved amusement park. The Navy Pier occupies 50 acres taken up by concert venues, parks, dining establishments, and several other attractions.