Chicago is a big city with many opportunities and a rich history. It is among the top three most populated cities in the United States. The climate in Chicago is moderate; it stays cool in the fall and spring months and is pleasantly warm in summer, while winters can be frigid.
Large skyscrapers abound in the city, showcasing the iconic Chicago skyline. It's also home to many iconic restaurants that serve food other than traditional 'Chicago fare,' from Chicago-style pizzas and hotdogs to oven-baked pies. It also offers many world-renowned attractions, including museums—such as The Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, and the WDNR museum—as well as an aquarium and many historic monuments.
Whether catching a show at the historic Chicago Theatre, enjoying a comedy show at a club in the West Town neighborhood, or experiencing an opera performance downtown, Chicago is a hub for those who appreciate art in all its forms. With such a vast array of attractions and people, it is a fantastic option for any large gathering, but given its assortment of live music venues and many concert services, it's the best place to go to host a concert. From the intimate feel of Thalia Hall to historically rich sites like the Vic Theatre, there is space for every genre and event size.
Sweating the details of your Chicago event? Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of services that can help lend a hand in making your concert a success.
Amphitheater's
Chicago is home to many stunning amphitheaters and concert hall venues you can book right way. From ample outdoor space to an eclectic indoor spot, you won’t have to look very far to find your perfect Chicago concert venue.
Outdoor Spaces
Thanks to the moderate climate in Chicago, you’ll be able to rent an outdoor space for the majority of the year. Northerly Island provides a stunning backdrop of the Chicago River, while Union Park offers surprisingly large spaces that you can use for photoshoots or any other pre-concert activities you need to complete.
Recording Studios
If you need to finish a recording before or after your concert, you’ll have no shortage of choices in Chicago venues. With the city being such a hotspot for many artists and musicians already, you’ll find a variety of recording studios to help you record your concert. The vibrant music scene, influenced by legends of blues, hip-hop, and house music, provides a rich sonic landscape for recording.
Film Studios
Looking to create adverts or social media clips to promote your concert? You’ll find large and small film studios in the surrounding area, all of which will offer you the full amenities you’d expect from this type of facility.
You may be worried that planning a concert in Chicago will be too difficult. If you are unfamiliar with the city and the various vendors and music venue settings, it will be a challenge. Here is a list of performance and event companies in Chicago. Working with an event planning company can help you create a successful concert.
Liven It Up Events
Liven It Up Events is a full-service Chicago event planner with experience planning and producing a wide variety of events, including weddings, corporate events, social networking occasions, and concerts. They can help you achieve a realistic vision of what you want your concert to look like and make it happen.
Chicago Event Management
This Chicago-based event production company offers a suite of services to help make your event unforgettable. In addition to the full-service planning and production work, the also offer event equipment rental for large-scale events.
Total Event Resources
This rockstar team of event planners can help you ideate and execute the perfect Chicago concert performance. They will take care of your messaging, event design and production, and destination management to help make your concert extraordinary. Total Event Resources is a one-stop concert shop.
As you start deciding where to host your concert, it is important to weigh the pros and cons evenly. Every city you consider will have both positives and negatives. Below are some pros and cons of hosting a concert in Chicago.
Lots of Guests
The large city offers a vast population of potential guests, ensuring the success of your upcoming concert.
Lots of Venues
Chicago offers many different performance spaces to choose from, and even iconic locations like Metro and Park West.
Good Weather
Chicago enjoys a moderate climate, with beautiful weather in spring, summer, and fall for outdoor events.
Music Culture
The city is home to many great musicians and music fans. Its vibrant music scene has even given rise to bands like Sonic Youth.
Winter Weather
Hosting an outdoor concert in Chicago's winter weather is not advisable despite the moderate climate.
Popularity
While a vast population is a plus, the competitiveness is higher. Popular live music venues can book up quickly.
Bad Traffic
The traffic can be overwhelming if you are not used to it. Therefore, additional preparation and vehicle hire for your band and large equipment are necessary.
Pricey Venues
Hosting a concert in Chicago can be expensive, whether you're booking a large live music venue, a historic opera house, or even a movie theater for a more intimate setting. This necessitates a detailed budget allocation.
Chicago Harbor Lighthouse
The glowing beacon of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse has been a guiding light for countless sailors since it was first constructed in 1893. Standing tall at the southern end of the northern breakwater, this automated active lighthouse has been instrumental in protecting the Chicago Harbor from the unpredictable waters of Lake Michigan. Over the years, the lighthouse has witnessed many changes in the Windy City, but it remains a steadfast presence, a symbol of safety for all who venture out into the great blue beyond.
The Stephen A. Douglas Tomb and Memorial
The Stephen A. Douglas Tomb and Memorial stand as a remarkable tribute to the legacy of one of America's most remarkable politicians. The senator, best known for his role in the Lincoln-Douglas debates that forever changed American politics, was a towering figure in his day. Today, visitors can come to pay their respects to Douglas and learn more about his extraordinary life and career. Located in the heart of the Bronzeville neighborhood, the Stephen A. Douglas Tomb and Memorial is a must-see destination for anyone interested in American history.
Site of Old Fort Dearborn
Standing proud beside the Chicago River, Fort Dearborn was a symbol of strength and power for the United States in 1803. Built by Captain John Whistler and his troops, this fortress served as a strategic point to protect and defend American interests in the region. Named after Henry Dearborn, then Secretary of War, this fort was a testament to the prowess of the army in constructing such a mighty structure that could withstand the test of time. Today, we look back at Fort Dearborn and appreciate the triumphs and tragedies that transpired there.
