Find Party venues for rent in Chicago, IL

About Chicago

Chicago, IL is one of the largest cities in the United States and is the most populous city in Illinois and Midwestern US, with a population of nearly three million people. When you step into one of Chicago's neighborhoods, you'll notice an amalgam of cultures from different countries, manifested in its architecture, music scene, clothing shops, and food. Its nickname the "Windy City" is not about the breeze that comes from the surrounding lakes. Instead, it's believed to originate from the city's cunning and self-promoting bravado, especially during the 1890s when it outcompeted New York City and St. Louis as the location of the controversial World’s Columbian Exposition.

Chicago is a beautiful city dotted with iconic public artworks. One can't miss Cloud Gate, also called "The Bean," a stainless steel sculpture by Indian-British artist Anish Kapoor situated at the Millennium Park. Pablo Picasso also installed an untitled monumental sculpture in Daley Plaza in 1967. Many of the nation's best museums, including the Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the WNDR Museum, also call Chicago their home.

Chicago's climate is characterized by cold winters, warm summers, and frequent fluctuations of humidity levels and cloudiness—a type of climate classified as humid continental. Although the surrounding lake moderates the temperature, Chicago can experience weather extremes which can be hazardous. The extreme summer heat can cause discomfort, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion, especially among children and the elderly. On the other hand, people must be wary of frostbite and hypothermia during extremely cold winters. Thus, many people consider the spring and fall temperatures to be the most pleasant. Still, regardless of the weather, visitors can fully enjoy exciting activities year-round—from sunbathing in the summer and ice skating in winter, to simply soaking in the breathtaking views of the city's iconic skyline.

With generally nice weather, a bustling metropolitan atmosphere, lively nightlife, and plenty of commercial establishments around, Chicago is a great place to host a party. A city this huge is home to a variety of venues and party-related businesses such as caterers and equipment rental services, so you can throw a party with little to no stress at all. Whether you want to party in an urban spot in the heart of the city or prefer the artsy, bohemian stomping grounds in the West Town, there’s an event space perfect for any occasion. From huge mansions and estates to quaint cafes and artsy museums, you can book any of these lively party venues in Chicago!

Party Options in Chicago

While party planning can be fun, sorting out the details can be time-consuming and stressful. Fortunately, Chicago has outstanding party service professionals who can help you, allowing you to focus on enjoying the party.

• Caterers
  A private party is incomplete without food! It's one of the most anticipated parts of any occasion. The kinds of food you'll serve will depend on several factors, such as the theme of the party, your preferred cuisine, your budget, and any dietary restrictions of your guests. Casual parties fare well with buffet-style catering and food trucks, while more formal occasions match well with full-course, sit-down meals. Chicago has an exciting food scene, so you'll have many cuisine options to choose from. Some venues offer in-house catering, so you won’t have to look elsewhere. Many caterers around the area can deliver on location, whether it's a rooftop venue in a skyscraper or a remote hidden gem.
  

• Bands and DJs
  Good music is often synonymous with a good party, and Chicago is the city that won’t let you down. Hire a DJ to curate music and mix songs, perfect for wedding receptions and birthday parties. You can also invite live bands to play blues, jazz, rock, or any of your group’s favorite songs. Scout around downtown Chicago on a Friday night to discover hidden talent who can serenade you at your next event. You can also search online for the best DJs in Chicago—make sure to read reviews to help you decide.
  

• Decorators
  Finding a perfect party venue is hard enough, but decorating hundreds of square feet can be equally challenging. Thankfully, Chicago has numerous experienced decorators to do the hard work for you. Make your birthday party or wedding reception more fun with gorgeous balloon arches or flowers. Elevate corporate events or family gatherings with elegant backdrops and tablecloths. In every Chicago neighborhood, you're sure to find an expert decorator for your party.
  

• Lighting
  Lighting can easily be overlooked during planning, but the right lighting can significantly affect the mood of a party, and therefore, the guest experience. Disco lights and gobo lights are best for dance parties, while soft, diffused lighting is perfect for intimate occasions such as birthday parties and wedding anniversaries. If you need help in this department, consider consulting an event planner—these people are experts in creating the right mood that works best for an event.
  

• Costumes
  If you decide to mix it up a little and throw a costume party, Chicago has stores and suppliers with different costumes for all event types, from Halloween to vintage or any theme of your choice. Look for a costume vendor with an excellent selection of items or a rental company that will allow you to use their quality products at a fraction of the cost. This way, you and your guests can transform into your favorite characters for the upcoming event.

Party Vendors in Chicago

Ready for your party in Chicago? Event venues are top on any prep list, but you might need extra help from a party and private event planner. They can help organize your party, find suitable intimate event spaces, and iron out every detail so you can relax and focus on hitting that dance floor.

• Affairs With Linda
  Affairs With Linda organizes social and corporate events and parties. They can cover everything from finding event venues and transportation to organizing the ceremony and the reception. They have experience planning and coordinating cozy intimate gatherings and larger events such as galas or wedding receptions. With over 30 years of industry experience, Affairs With Linda has been a trusted partner with long-standing relationships with local vendors in the area.
  
  
• Liven It Up Events
  Liven It Up Events is a full-service event production company based in Chicago. The talented team works closely with clients to organize intimate weddings, grand receptions, birthday celebrations, holiday parties, anniversaries, or even art shows. Even if you don’t know where to start, Liven It Up Events will help you develop a clear vision of what you want to achieve with your event and bring such a vision to life. They will also assist in identifying a theme for your event, finding the ideal location, and executing everything from start to finish.
  
  
• A Perfect Event
  A Perfect Event is an award-winning event planning and design firm with years of experience in creating and developing social gatherings. They've done everything from birthday celebrations and baby showers to wedding ceremonies, cocktail parties, and even industry-wide corporate events. They can help you find the best Chicago event venues and take care of the decorations, catering menus, and event coverage.

Pros and Cons of Parties in Chicago

Finding an excuse to party is easy enough, but a good party planner should know their chosen location well. Evaluate the pros and cons of organizing a party in Chicago before you decide.

Advantages

• Lake Michigan
  Chicago’s location right on the vast Lake Michigan offers a great opportunity for throwing an unforgettable beach party during the warmer months. A scenic setting means having a beautiful backdrop for photography.
  

• Great venues
  Fancy a garden party at Lincoln Park, a sophisticated cocktail party in a historic hotel lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows, or maybe a groovy music night in a jazz club off South Loop? Chicago has many event spaces available, so you’re sure to find the perfect location for your private events.
  

• Services
  Chicago is a large and diverse city, home to numerous vendors and service providers. Whether you need a party planner, a chef for private dining, or a caterer for a corporate gathering, you’ll find skilled professionals who can help ensure everything runs smoothly at your special event.

Disadvantages

• Traffic
  Unfortunately, even the Windy City isn’t immune to traffic jams. Make sure to plan your routes ahead if you’re transferring from one event venue to another to minimize any delays.
  

• The weather
  While summer is warm and pleasant, Chicago winters can be freezing. Luckily, many event spaces in the city are usually indoors, which makes them the perfect venue for parties, sun or snow.
  

• The price
  Typical of a big city, some private event spaces in Chicago can be more expensive than others—think of the Gold Coast or event halls in Hyde Park. Party planners should ask about venue packages and discounts to get the best deal.

Famous Locations in Chicago

• Skydeck Chicago
  Brave the heights and take the lift at Willis Tower, Chicago’s tallest skyscraper. On its 103rd floor is the Skydeck, where viewers can get a bird’s eye view of a total of four states, making it an unmissable attraction in Chicago. It’s one of the most fascinating vantage points in the Loop, where visitors are taken over 1,353 feet in the air. The Skydeck offers a 30-60-minute interactive experience that provides interesting tidbits about the history of Chicago and the tower.
  
  
• Navy Pier
  If you want to enjoy free public programs, see major Chicago attractions, shop, or dine, Navy Pier is the place to go. It’s a legendary lakefront destination that’s often packed with tourists and locals who want to immerse themselves in Chicago’s rich culinary tradition and cultural heritage and enjoy recreational opportunities. Be sure to check out the rides and games at Centennial Wheel and Pier Park or explore the city sights by cruising on Lake Michigan, with boats departing from Navy Pier.
  
  
• Lake Michigan
  Chicago is nestled on Lake Michigan, which is one of North America’s five Great Lakes and the only lake located entirely in the U.S. The city’s convenient location means residents and tourists can enjoy over 1,600 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and beachfront areas. The shoreline is dotted with numerous resorts that offer water sports and activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, or participating in sightseeing cruises. If you don’t want to sail or cruise, you can bike along the lakefront path or relax on the beach.