About Chicago
Chicago, the Windy City, is a vibrant and exciting place to visit. Home to world-class attractions like Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the Field Museum, Chicago is known for its stunning skyline and picturesque views. The energy and atmosphere of the city are truly distinctly felt throughout any visit.
With so many great places in Chicago to explore and experience, there is no better way to experience it than with a big party. Whether celebrating a 21st birthday or 40th anniversary – if you rent out space at a local venue or host a backyard celebration – large birthday parties in Chicago are always fun and unique.
From games in Burnham Park on Lake Michigan’s shoreline to deep-dish pizza topped off with a classic scoop of locally made Garrett's popcorn, hosting big parties in this Midwestern city creates an unbelievable experience that your guests won't forget anytime soon.
Large Birthday Party Options in Chicago
- Catering
Make your birthday party one to remember with gourmet catering from Fancy Foods. They'll work with you to create a menu that will delight your guests, whether you're looking for elegant hors d'oeuvres or a sumptuous feast.
- Musicians
Add some flair to your birthday party with live music from the Happy Birthday Band. They specialize in making birthdays extra special with custom-made songs and personalized performances.
- Makeup
Let the team of professional makeup artists help you look your best for your big day. They'll work with you to create a look that's perfect for your party, whether you want to go natural or glam.
- Event Planners
Make sure your birthday party is everything you've dreamed of with help from our team of experienced event planners. They'll take care of all the details, from finding the perfect venue to booking the right entertainment, so you can relax and enjoy your big day.
- Photography
Capture all the memories of your birthday party with photos from Joe's Photography. He'll work with you to get the perfect shots, whether you want candid snapshots or posed portraits.
Large Birthday Party Vendors in Chicago
- GUSSIED
If you're looking for a live band that will bring the party, you've found your match! GUSSIED loves playing music that makes people happy and gets them moving. Their sound is a unique blend of bluegrass, rock n' roll, and classic hits. GUSSIED pride itself on being versatile and able to please any crowd. They love to play all kinds of events - from farm weddings to country club parties. No matter what kind of event you're hosting, they've got a music package that will suit your needs. GUSSIED has a professional sound team that can handle any size event, and they're always happy to help you choose the perfect songs for your special day.
- Party City
Balloons are an essential part of any party! The party gifts from Party City are perfect for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and all other special occasions. Your friends will be so delighted to see the message when they open your gift! Last but not least, Party City’s balloon delivery service makes it simple to get balloons sent straight to your home. And if you live in the area, they'll even fill them with helium on-site!
- Boutique Bites
At Boutique Bites, they believe that good food and great presentation go hand in hand. They specialize in custom catering and event planning, working hard to create the perfect mix of style and substance for every client. They produce events throughout the city of Chicago and its suburbs. Boutique Bites plans and manages your entire event, from start to finish, including rentals, set-up, staff, and execution. Black tie galas in stylish city venues, tented weddings in private residences (when permitted), and multi-day corporate events. At Boutique Bites, the goal is simple: to make your event unforgettable.
Pros and Cons of Large Birthday Parties in Chicago
Hosting a large birthday bash in Chicago can be both a spectacularly fun experience and a source of stress. From finding the perfect venue for the event to feeding all your guests - planning a birthday party for more than twenty people is no small feat. With that said, there are plenty of pros and cons to keep in mind when deciding whether hosting such an affair will be worth it.
Advantages
- Parties in Chicago can be very fun and festive.
- There are lots of activities/entertainment options in the city.
- Your celebration can be personalized with a custom menu, music, makeup, and photography.
- Chicago’s massive size allows for parties with a large number of guests.
Disadvantages
- Your Chicago party may be expensive to plan and execute.
- Party planning can be chaotic and overwhelming.
- Parties require considerable coordination and planning.
- May be difficult to find vendors who are available on the date of your party.
Tips on How to Organize Large Birthday Parties in Chicago
Planning a large birthday party in Chicago can seem daunting. With its bustling attractions, delicious restaurants, and vibrant nightlife options, there is an abundance of things to consider when organizing a successful shindig:
- To get started, setting a budget is key so that you can evaluate what activities or venues are in your price range.
- Accessible locations with plenty of space and adequate parking should also be taken into account depending on the size of your group.
- You may want to splurge on an exciting activity or popular restaurant to make it memorable for everyone involved.
- If you’re looking for something low-key yet still satisfying, hosting at home might be your best bet with its many amenities such as access to music and personal entertainment systems.
- Regardless of location, planning months ahead will ensure ample time to secure reservations and make other necessary arrangements ahead of time.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Chicago Cultural Center
The Cultural Center is one of the most beautiful buildings in Chicago. It was originally built to be the city's library and a Civil War memorial, but today it houses a variety of cultural attractions. The Cultural Center features an indoor theater, free public art galleries, panel discussions, a huge ballroom, and even a café. The main attraction of the Cultural Center is the Tiffany Dome. The Tiffany Dome is the largest mosaic glass dome in the world. This is truly a magnificent work of art. When you visit the Cultural Center, be sure to step inside and look up at the Tiffany Dome. You are sure to be amazed by its beauty.
- The Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum is a 25-minute drive from Chicago, and it's a lovely slice of nature. This park is massive, covering 1700 acres of gorgeous outdoor land. It's dedicated to research and conservation efforts for trees and plants from all over the world. Admirers can view specimens from every corner of the globe. The main reasons people visit the arboretum are its numerous hiking trails, maze garden, and educational trolley system which provides knowledge about the different wildflowers along the route. The provided paths vary in level of difficulty, so there is something for everyone to explore.
- Chicago Botanic Garden
Botanic Garden has a wide variety of plants, from orchids to trees, and tranquility water features, there's something new around every corner. Furthermore, the garden and its 27 zones are always evolving and developing, so you may return again and again to discover something new. The Garden doesn't stop at being picturesque - it also holds various events throughout the year. If you plan on visiting during December, make sure to attend Lightscape - a momentous light show trail event!