Find Outdoor Event venues for rent in Chicago, IL

About Chicago

Famous for its iconic buildings and skyscrapers, Chicago is one of the largest and most populous cities in the United States. It’s known for its diverse change in climate - with hot summers and cold and snowy winters - and its many iconic attractions, including the famous sculpture, "The Bean," and other famous buildings like the Tribune Tower and the Willis Tower.

Chicago is also well-known for its local food offerings. The “Chicago-style” pizza is one of the must-try dishes in the city, as is its "Chicago-style" hotdogs. And, if that's not enough, you’ll find hundreds of bars, clubs, and plenty of attractive outdoor space to choose from, many of which offer fantastic live music.

While you may not expect a city to be the best choice for an outdoor event, you’ll be blown away by the selection of venues and spaces the Windy City has to offer. In fact, visitors head to Chicago to enjoy Lake Michigan and the mild weather, open outdoor spaces, and active community of things to see and do all year round.

There are plenty of beer gardens and rooftop bars with skyline views or conference centers big enough to hold your holiday party, wedding reception, or corporate events.

For something different, try holding your private party near one of the many outdoor spaces like the Navy Pier or Lincoln Park Zoo or maybe have a private dining party in Streeterville or in the Bridgeport area with its historic aesthetic making a perfect backdrop for your next event.

• Fun Fact:
  A Chicago-style hot dog, or "Chicago Red Hot," as it's traditionally called, is an all-beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun, often topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, pickled sport peppers and a dash of celery salt.

Outdoor Event Options in Chicago

Chicago offers everything you could need to host a spectacular event in an outdoor space, from a simple birthday party to full-blown wedding receptions, with plenty of local vendors and services to help ensure your next event goes off without a hitch.

Just like there is plenty of indoor space, there are plenty of outdoor party venues and spaces for an outdoor event in downtown Chicago, like Irving Park, The Bridgeport Art Center, Lake Shore Dr, Lincoln Park Zoo, and The Navy Pier that can accommodate groups with enough space for a seated dinner or an outdoor party. They all have stunning views of the city skyline and are the perfect location for your next outdoor celebration.

• Transportation
  Your guests will have no issues arriving at your event space in Chicago IL, even if it’s located away from the Chicago River. Taxi companies and Lyft are easy to find throughout the city, so you won’t have to worry about guests arriving late to your outdoor space.

• Caterers
  Chicago has some of the best catering options for outdoor events in the country. Whether you opt for a buffet spread or an a la carte dinner party, you’ll find some unique offerings to add to any menu for an outdoor event Chicago. For a more casual affair with outdoor seating, consider adding Chicago-style hot dogs or Chicago Italian beef sandwiches to the menu.

• Photographers
  If you’ve made an effort to create unique outdoor venues in Chicago, you’ll want to capture the event with a local photographer. Consider adding an arrival photo stop as your guests arrive at your outdoor party's entrance, or just opt for candid shots as the evening progresses. If you're near Lake Michigan, remember to add some shots there too.

• Equipment Rental
  When hosting an outdoor event in Chicago IL, you’ll often need to provide chairs and tables. Equipment rental companies are abundant in Chicago, so you won’t struggle to find somewhere to accommodate the party size for a corporate event or a unique space. If your venue offers live music or entertainment, you’ll also find plenty of options for audio and video and sound system equipment rental for your next party.

• Decorations
  Just because you are hosting an outdoor event with a spectacular view, it doesn’t mean you should scrimp on decorations. Chicago has some fantastic party and event stores that can decorate your event space with balloons, banners, and table settings and create the perfect backdrop for your next outdoor space.

Event Planning Companies in Chicago

Once you've secured an amazing venue for your next outdoor event in Chicago, consider hiring one of the city's top event planners to make sure your party goes off without a hitch.

• On The Scene
  Based in Chicago since 1969, On The Scene offers award-winning events throughout the city. As a full-service event management company that prides itself on excellence, its team of professionals will work with you to understand and create your company’s perfect space. Hire them to transform your Chicago venue into a space that will wow your guests.

• Urban Allure Events
  This fabulous Chicago-based event planning team will take care of everything before you arrive at your outdoor event in Chicago IL. Whether you are planning an intimate cocktail reception or a large gathering, they’ll tailor their services to fit your requirements, and offer packages with your budget in mind.

• Star Events Chicago
  With over twenty-five years’ experience hosting events in the city, you’ll be in good hands with Star Events Chicago. If you are planning a large event with music, food, and a huge guest list, they are among your best option when it comes to planning a large Chicago event. They have experience in venues like Lincoln Park, on the shores of Lake Michigan, Humboldt Park, Wicker Park, and more.

Pros and Cons of Having an Outdoor Event in Chicago

Advantages

• Catering
  The catering in Chicago will elevate your outdoor event and offer something new and exciting that your guests will remember for years to come.

• Live Music Offerings
  If you are hosting an outdoor event, consider hiring one of Chicago’s talented musicians to entertain your guests.

• Transportation
  The city’s transportation links are excellent, and it’s easy to fly into Chicago from most major cities in the country.

• Outdoor Venue Options
  You’ll be impressed with the outdoor event venue options in Chicago. In comparison to other cities you may be considering, you’ll find this city offers unique spaces for any size of event. Whether you want to host your next outdoor event at a rooftop beer garden with exposed brick walls and views of the Chicago skyline or at one of the luxurious Grand Ave locations with onsite catering and an event manager to take care of you, you'll find the perfect place to hold your next party.

• Inclement Weather Venues
  Some outdoor venues in Chicago have a retractable roof that can be opened or closed to suit the weather or floor-to-ceiling windows for your baby showers or bachelorette parties, making these private event spaces work no matter the weather.

• Hotels for All Budgets
  Your guests will easily find a hotel or apartment in the city to fit their needs and budget. Many also offer on-site catering.

Disadvantages

• Cold Winter Months
  The weather in Chicago during the winter months will make it nearly impossible to host an outdoor event during this time.

• Noisy
  If you are hosting an event during a game day or when another big event is happening in the city, you may find Chicago to be noisy and crowded during this time.

• Traffic
  The traffic can be horrendous in the city during events and rush hours, so ensure your guests leave plenty of time to arrive at the venue. You could also choose a venue that's just a short walk from the nearest public transport.

• Expensive Vendors
  Chicago venues are usually more expensive for private dinners and intimate gatherings, and this is reflected in the cost of vendors in the city.

• Costly Venue Rental
  Outdoor event venue locations can be extremely costly in Chicago. When you add on all the additional vendors you will require, the cost of your event can mount up. Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood and Stockton Dr offer an unforgettable experience attracting multiple bookings.

Famous Locations in Chicago

Check out these famous Chicago locations to take some great pre-event photos, or to mingle with your guests after the event.

• Millennium Park
  Millennium Park is the ideal spot for your guests, with plenty of accommodation options in the area. During the summer months, visitors love the outdoor concerts and colorful murals here. Of course, no visit to the city is complete without seeing the Bean, which is better known as Cloud Gate. This huge sculpture is the perfect backdrop for family or corporate photos, and it has the perfect setting.

• The Museum of Science and Industry
  This is one of the most inspiring museums in the city and is great for kids and teens. It was the first museum to use hands-on features in the US, and it offers an ever-changing rotation of exciting exhibits. It is also the perfect venue for an engagement photoshoot with beautiful city views. While not part of the great outdoors, this museum is one of the most beloved Chicago venues for a lovely time.

• Willis Tower Skydeck
  View this absolutely gorgeous city from up above by heading to the Skydeck in the Willis Tower. If you are lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you’ll enjoy seeing breathtaking views that stretch over four states. The SkyDeck is located on the 103rd floor, and its best-known feature is the Ledge, with its glass floor overlooking the city down below, offering panoramic views. Perfect for birthday parties and views of the city center.