Rent Empty Warehouse Spaces in Chicago for Filming, Events & Photoshoots

How to Rent an Empty Warehouse for Your Event in Chicago

Need a lot of room for that awesome interactive workshop, a gritty look for your photo shoot, a cool, industrial-chic space for your pop-up event, or a delightful blank slate you can dress up for your reception, rehearsal dinner, anniversary celebration, birthday soiree, or any event? Those empty warehouse spaces in Chicago are a blank canvas waiting for you. Don’t let that vision just stay in your head. Browse Giggster’s listings to discover a unique venue for your next event and see what magic you can create.

From empty studios in West Town to brewery production spaces and refurbished urban warehouses in the heart of Chicago, we have unconventional venues perfect for just about anything. Set your budget and tell us what project or event you have in mind, and we’ll give you a curated list of venues and hidden gems that are easy on your wallet.

Why settle for cookie-clutter venues when you can create a setting that matches your brand or personality? Get the Giggster app today and find a spot that will help bring your vision to life.

Incredible Empty Warehouses Curated by Giggster

Whether you’re looking for a new party spot or a one-of-a-kind venue unlike any you've ever used for an art exhibition, milestone celebration, or baby shower, Giggster has you covered. Besides the typical ballrooms, office buildings, banquet halls, and other commercial spaces, more options await you here like Creative Warehouse Space.

• Make your dream project a reality in one of our secure film production warehouses with individual rooms for castings, meetings, interviews, and small events. Many great films and cinematic productions have started here, so you know you’re in good hands.

• Art shows, corporate events, and even memorable celebrations look great in a 1962 refurbished urban warehouse in Windy City. You have the whole place for your group, including original skylights to let in natural light, so there's no need to bring complex lighting equipment.

• Trying to find a place with that certain word...spark? Create one in a large, open truss warehouse space with polished concrete floors and industrial windows. There are no ready-made shelves or sections to limit your creativity.

• If you’re looking for a unique, raw industrial space in Chicago, Giggster has it, too. The high ceilings, skylight, exposed bricks, and two overhead doors are available for easy access and convenient operations.

Amazing Empty Warehouse Spaces Starting at Just $38/hour

Exceptional Variety & Quality: From raw, industrial warehouse spaces to venues with cool architectural details and a lot of character, Giggster has excellent options for you. Discover 26 inspiring event and production locations that fit your vision.

Hassle-Free Booking: See an empty warehouse you like within your price range? Book it right away on the Giggster app. Pay as low as just $38/hour, and you get to secure your dream venue.

24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: If your plans change and you need a new location or postpone your project, don’t worry about penalties. You can cancel for free within 24 hours of confirmation, provided the booking is made within 48 hours before the shoot or event.

Platform Protections: You won’t want to deal with damages, last-minute disruptions, or liability, but anything could happen, so it's good to know you’re covered. Giggster has your back with our optional protection packages, ensuring you’re not without support if something unexpected pops up.

The Best Events for an Empty Warehouse in Chicago

Pretty much anything that benefits from a large space with a flexible layout, a bit of character, and a unique ambiance would be awesome in Chicago's empty warehouse spaces. Here are a few ideas that might inspire you.

• Live Music Shows – Drop the Beat. Warehouses have that gritty feel that can amp up certain kinds of music, like electronic, rock, metal, and even edgier hip-hop. Find empty warehouses with soundproofing that lets you play with the acoustics, set up a killer stage to, and have fun with the crowd.

• Poetry Events – Beyond the Bookshelves. Poetry readings, spoken word events, open mics, and literary festivals—you name it! Warehouses create an interesting atmosphere and offer a nice change from traditional bookstore settings or museums. And the contrast between the stark, open warehouse and the intimate, personal nature of poetry reminds us that art can bloom in the most unlikely of places.

• Film and Photo Shoots – Get the Perfect Shot. Photo and film shoots in an industrial space like a warehouse are a no-brainer. It’s a goldmine for photographers and filmmakers. Whether you’re a newbie or a skilled professional, the creative possibilities in this space are endless. You can build sets, leave the blank slate as is, and get those wide, sweeping shots.

• Rehearsals – From Rough to Ready. Consider a change from studios and book an empty warehouse to practice your routines. It offers a massive, budget-friendly spot for dance troupes, bands, theater groups, etc., to spread out and practice. You can stretch your legs and move around in a private place that’s free from distractions.

• Milestone Celebrations – All Night Parties. Consider a warehouse party on your next birthday, anniversary, retirement, or graduation. Rent a Chicago warehouse property with built-in lighting, or set up your own, along with other decor pieces and maybe a dance floor to create the vibe you want.

Chicago Empty Warehouse Location Must-Haves

Just because you need a blank canvas space doesn’t mean you can settle for any empty room. No matter if it’s a small event or a large production project, you must set your standards high for a venue and prioritize what matters most based on your specific requirements.

Size matters. This is because it affects your guests’ convenience and enjoyment. Warehouses are open and spacious, but is it big enough for the scale of your project or event and the number of attendees you expect? As you search for a venue in Chicago, Illinois, you should have a rough idea of how much space you need.

Prioritize everyone's safety above all else. There’s no point in booking a spacious site if it poses security and safety threats to people. So before you fall in love with a place, check for safety features like fire exits, surveillance systems, crowd management, and so on.

Is it easy to access? Everyone should be able to reach the location and access the venue without a major trek. Also, how easy is it to get equipment in and out of the property?

Things to Consider for Renting an Empty Warehouse in Chicago

Wondering if an empty warehouse is the perfect venue for your next content or gathering in Chicago? The answer to that depends on what exactly you’re looking for and your needs. To help you decide, here’s our short list of the pros and cons of such a decision.

Advantages

• With an empty venue, you’re free to dress it up to create the ambiance and look you want for your shoots or events. You can even make different zones or simply have one open room to do whatever your creative vision dictates.

• Chicago has all sorts of empty warehouses and industrial spaces in numerous neighborhoods, so you can find one that matches the style you’re going for.

• Exposed bricks, high ceilings, huge windows, and concrete floors are some of the elements you’ll find in Chicago’s empty warehouses, which create a unique and memorable feel.

Disadvantages

• Because it’s empty, you’d have to bring everything, from tables and chairs to linens and decor, which can be costly and tiring.

• Don't expect a built-in kitchen, fancy bathrooms, or beautiful furniture. You’ll have to deal with basic facilities that most traditional venues already have.

• Warehouses don’t always have the best cooling and heating capabilities, so it’s wise to prepare extra heaters or fans, depending on the weather in Windy City.

Planning Your Event in an Empty Warehouse in Chicago

So, you’ve got the key to an empty warehouse in Chicago and can’t wait to turn your ideas into reality? Read on for some tips and tricks to throwing a legendary warehouse event.

Set a Realistic Budget – It’s so easy to get carried away and fill that empty space with all the good things you want for your celebration. But before you regret it later, set your budget early in the planning process and try to stick to it. Figure out your must-haves and nice-to-haves to identify what you need to get first.

Find a Venue – Keep those warehouse essentials in mind as you scout for a location. Don’t just look at pictures—visit the venue to get a feel for the place and picture your activities happening there.

Decorate It – This is where the magic starts. An empty warehouse is nothing but a bare room until you transform it into your dream venue with the right decorations, lighting, music, and furniture.

Little Things Matter – Small details can make or break your event, so be sure nothing falls through the cracks. The trash cans, clean signage, and cozy seating areas—all these could affect your guests' overall experience.

Saving Money on an Empty Warehouse Event

Because of its strong economy and desirable amenities and services, it’s no surprise that Chicago is one of the country’s most expensive cities. But it doesn’t mean only those with an unlimited budget can host an event here. Check out our money-saving hacks if you want to plan an event in Chicago on a budget.

Timing is your friend.

It’s not always a matter of where you rent; sometimes, it’s also about when you book. Weekdays and mornings are the best days and times because venues often offer lower rates on their services and rentals.

Can you DIY?

You don’t have to do it yourself from start to finish, but DIY when you can. For example, instead of hiring a catering service, a potluck-style setup is a more affordable alternative. Also, let your creative friends and family help you decorate and spruce up the space.

Embrace the raw aesthetics.

Don’t try to fight that unpolished industrial look—embrace it. Find ways to use the unique architectural elements and features like concrete floors and exposed brick to your advantage, so you don’t spend much on decorating or building a set.

Find an Empty Warehouse with Giggster

Feeling inspired yet? If you've got even a spark of an idea, Giggster's listings are the perfect place to fuel that fire. Go get the Giggster app today to discover empty warehouse spaces in Chicago and let your imagination run wild.