The Chicago River, Lake Michigan, the famous Lincoln Park Zoo, and the stunning city skyline! What more could you want as backdrops for your milestone birthday, private party, or reception in one of the outdoor event venues in Chicago, IL?
Giggster has a fabulous selection of outdoor spaces for all types of festivities, private parties, and gatherings. Whether it's a rooftop bar with a view of the Chicago skyline, a beer garden on Lake Shore Dr, or a luxurious home with an expansive garden in the stylish River North neighborhood, Giggster has something for all tastes, budgets, and needs.
It doesn't matter if you're organizing a college reunion, a fashion soiree, a casual get-together, or a company team building—we've got accessible event spaces at a price you can afford. It means event planners can put together memorable celebrations on a budget without compromising quality.
Let us help turn your simple gathering into a lavish affair. Browse Giggster's listings and discover the perfect outdoor event venue in Chicago that will impress your guests.
With more than hundreds of Chicago listings on our platform, you're sure to find a spacious garden, an elegant courtyard, or a stunning outdoor photo location that suits your vision. Read on to explore what other options you have on Giggster.
Looking for a unique space where your guests can have fun in the middle of the summer? Book a poolside terrace and party in style. These venues are usually located close to public transport options for easy travel.
Do you want to impress your guests with a fabulous view? A rooftop bar or lounge might be exactly what you need. It could be a restaurant with a full bar or a chic diner with a bartender and a DJ to help keep the party going all night.
Who says it has to be fancy? If minimalism and privacy are more your thing, a charming urban garden in Chicago is the place to be. Set up the chairs, fairy lights, and streamer to create a party feel.
For corporate events with numerous employees, consider a 105-ft yacht with all the amenities for a luxury trip. Everyone will feel like a VIP in a luxurious yacht with a wet bar, sun deck, and jacuzzi.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: From scenic locations along the Chicago River and poolside terraces to outdoor patios and hidden oases in the Windy City, Giggster features 232 unique outdoor event venues for intimate gatherings and social functions.
Hassle-Free Booking: Giggster has a user-friendly platform where you can book venues for as low as $25/hour. You can now filter your search based on venue type, rental price, amenities, and more.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Giggster offers a 24-hour free cancellation policy. You can postpone or cancel your booking without extra charges, provided you cancel within 24 hours of confirmation and the booking is made at least 48 hours before the event.
Platform Protections: Giggster has excellent optional protection packages for its renters. You can book a Lincoln Park Hidden Oasis Patio and Cafe knowing you have complete protection from damages, cancellation, and event liability.
When planning bachelorette parties or baby showers in Chicago, you're in for a treat. There are many positives to hosting an outdoor event in this city. However, you should also know the negatives of a place before you finalize your booking.
Advantages
An event outdoors means you and your guests can enjoy fresh air, lots of sunlight, and a relaxed atmosphere. They'll be at ease throughout the celebration and you get to gather in a place with amazing views of the city or nature.
In Chicago, you can find outdoor spaces everywhere for events of all sizes and themes, from a bright patio and a trendy rooftop bar to a historic garden and any waterfront location.
Most outdoor venues offer flexibility in setup and decor, allowing you to move furniture around and design the room to match your vision.
Disadvantages
The city experiences extreme rain, snow, and winds. When you plan an outdoor bash, check the weather forecast and have backups like tents or access to an indoor area.
Some outdoor venues may have limited amenities like electricity, furniture rentals, and restrooms. You may have to arrange for these or hire additional vendors, which could increase your overall expenses.
You'll have limited control when planning an event outdoors. You're often at the mercy of the weather and you can't do much with noise outside.
Always have your theme, purpose, and budget in mind when looking for a spot to host your corporate event or social gathering. To help you get started, this guide lists our favorite outdoor spaces among Giggster's 232 inspirational venues in Chicago.
Rooftops – Party Under The Stars. You can have an impressive outdoor party under the stars with a rooftop bar located above the city. Magnificent city views with a tasty menu will ensure your guests have fun.
Creative Spaces – Customizable and Inspiring. Sometimes, you don't have to start from scratch to create the event of your dreams. Instead of setting up everything, discover Giggster's tons of creative spaces that will give you creative inspiration. These include open-air studios and galleries, outdoor cafes, and heritage museum lawns.
Breweries – Intimate or Unique. Beer lover or not, you'll love the distinct charm, personality, and style of local breweries. Look for a Chicago brewery with an open area where you can serve craft beer, organize activities, and host live music.
Nature Spaces – Unique Photos. When looking for the best outdoor event space, you can't take those picture-perfect natural spaces out of the equation. Parks, gardens, and beach areas are obvious choices, but backyard patios, courtyards, garden terraces, and waterfront spots should also be on the list, perfect for informal soirees.
Lawns – Eclectic Gatherings. Many lawn venues are extremely versatile, so it's up to you how you'll reimagine this seemingly dull space into a gorgeous party setting. You can set up the lights, chairs, tables, and balloons on the lush greenery and have a bar for a cocktail-style private event.
Outdoor events in Chicago can be a lot of fun, but without proper planning, you may encounter challenges and negative outcomes. Apart from finding the perfect venue, here are other things you must remember to increase your chances of an enjoyable event that everyone will remember for a long time.
Explore Chicago Venues – Don't pick the first place you see or book that venue just a short walk from where you work. Chicago has 232 incredible options, so due your diligence until you find one that has plenty of room for your guests, the right amenities and services, and a cozy ambiance that will make everyone feel welcome and relaxed.
Check Availability – Outdoor venues tend to get booked earlier than others, especially in the pleasant summer and spring seasons. See if your desired venue is available for your event, but try to be flexible with dates to secure the space you want.
Prepare the Food and Drinks – Whether it's a small get-together with your closest friends and family or a formal cocktail reception, food and drinks should always be part of the gathering. Is it going to be a seated dinner or buffet, and what food and drinks are on the menu? Perhaps, you want to serve local favorites and craft cocktails, depending on the nature of the party.
Plan For Bad Weather – Chicago's weather can be a bit unpredictable and an event in an outdoor space is the most vulnerable. It's better to have a contingency plan in place so nothing can put a damper on your party.
Chicago isn't exactly an affordable city and can even be more expensive than other famous places like Miami or San Francisco. But don't despair because we have budget-friendly hacks that you can try to save money when planning your next event.
Can you rent equipment and tools?
Renting furniture, crockery for a dinner party, cutlery, lighting, a sound system, and even things like fire pits can help reduce your overall party expenses. Purchasing everything outright will be too impractical and expensive for events that only happen once a year.
Can you minimize decor costs?
Unlike an indoor space, most outdoor event venues on Giggster don't need a lot of decorations. When you have the skyline, nature, or scenic landscapes as your backdrop, you only need minimal decor items like fairy lights, balloons, or streamers to enhance its beauty and vibe.
Book the venue early.
Booking the venue early is a great way to save money. It gives you more opportunities to negotiate venue rentals and services and helps you get early-bird discounts and surprises.
Why settle for less when you can host corporate events, birthday parties, weddings, or gala in extraordinary outdoor event venues in Chicago? Browse Giggster's listings to find luxurious homes, nature stays, rooftop bars, and more, and put together an event that people will look back on fondly for years.