Find Private Party venues for rent in Chicago, IL

About Chicago

Dominated by steely skyscrapers, Chicago perches on the western shore of Lake Michigan near Illinois’ border with Indiana. It’s home to outstanding art galleries, a buzzing cultural scene, enticing restaurants, and a sporting culture that includes names such as the White Sox and the Cubs.

Regularly voted as one of the best big cities to live in the United States, Chicago is an undeniably attractive place to host a party. This city is not just cost-effective but also features an array of skilled vendors and event planning firms, making it perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, corporate events, and private events. There's also a wide selection of venues, ranging from private party rooms and semi-private dining spaces to private event spaces with a dance floor.

Private Party Options in Chicago

Already booked a private dining room or event space in Chicago? It’s time to start looking for experienced vendors who can offer everything from floral features to food and all your equipment needs. Vendors are often flexible enough to cater to any event, whether it's an intimate wedding reception or a large-scale corporate event.

Caterers
Most parties include some form of catering, whether it’s snacks and dips or a multi-course sit-down meal. Chicago catering companies can deliver the cuisine you’re after in the style you prefer.

Florists
Add color and fragrance to your Chicago birthday party or corporate gathering venue with the help of florists who can create bouquets and other floral arrangements to decorate the space. You can opt for something classic like roses or go with potted plants to give your venue a “green” touch.

Photographers
Capture all your memories by hiring a professional photographer for either a couple of hours or the event’s duration. They’ll take high-quality images that can later be shared on your social media channels or promote brand awareness of associated companies.

Furniture Rentals
If your event space doesn’t come with all the equipment you need, you can easily rent tables, chairs, and decor from one of the city’s equipment rental companies. Most businesses can deliver and set up the furniture at your event space for free.

Event Companies in Chicago

Need help finding your event venue or organizing the gathering? The city’s experienced event planning teams can be of assistance. Most offer services that can be tailored to your needs, whether it’s theme brainstorming, securing vendors and party venues, or day-of-event management.

Fierce Productions
Fierce Productions is renowned for organizing cocktail parties and dinner parties with a theatrical edge, making them ideal for party planners who want something “outside of the box.” They can help you to plan your event either in person or virtually, reflecting the changing demands of the modern-day world.

LOLA Event Productions
With over 60 years of combined experience in the event planning industry, LOLA is one of the most trusted names in the business. They’ve appeared in numerous “best of” lists, with plenty of industry professionals giving them their stamp of approval.

Absolute Production Services
Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a huge celebration, Absolute Production Services can deliver an event that meets your needs. They can assist in helping to find your private party venue, sourcing talented vendors, and ensuring the event itself is executed flawlessly.

Pros and Cons of Private Parties in Chicago

While there are plenty of benefits to have in organizing a party in Chicago, it's worth being aware of the potential challenges you might encounter in this city.

Advantages

Diverse choice of private party venues
Chicago boasts plenty of venues where you can host your party, from industrial warehouses to sophisticated lofts and light-filled residences. This means you can find the space that will cater to your needs and your design aesthetic.

Affordable rental prices
Property prices in Chicago are still relatively affordable when compared to some other major cities in the United States, which means you can have your party in the heart of all the action without having to pay as much for the experience.

Professional vendors
Chicago’s network of professional vendors is extensive, and there is no shortage of florists, DJs, caterers, or beauty professionals to bring your party visions to life.

Easy transportation options
Have out-of-town or international guests attending your party? Chicago’s international airports and Union Station make it easy for guests to get into the city, whether they’re coming by plane or train.

Plenty to see and do
Chicago boasts an abundance of cultural and sporting attractions, so you and your party guests can make a whole weekend of it. Get your cultural fix at the Art Institute of Chicago or see the White Sox in action before spending a fun-filled evening at Navy Pier.

Disadvantages

Unfavorable weather
The name “Windy City” says it all. Chicago’s winds can be relentless at times, which detracts from the appeal of being out and about exploring. In the summer, things can get very hot and humid, while in winter, the temperatures drop to bitterly cold levels.

Bad traffic
Chicago’s traffic has a bad reputation, and when you consider that the streets regularly come to a standstill during rush hour, it’s easy to see why. This could be an issue if you plan on hosting your party in the city center or along one of its major transportation corridors.

Parking is difficult
Associated with Chicago’s traffic issue is its parking problems, and it can be next to impossible to find a place to park in the downtown area. Opting to use taxis or ride-share services is one way to get around this issue, ensuring you and your party guests arrive on time.

High taxes
Chicago has a few taxes that might come as a surprise to out-of-towners. Groceries and restaurant bills are taxed, which is something to keep in mind if you’re self-catering your party.

Famous Locations in Chicago

Millennium Park
Sprawling across 24.5 acres, Millennium Park is an attraction-filled green space in the heart of Chicago. It’s home to the monumental Cloud Gate sculpture, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the Lurie Garden, and the striking BP Pedestrian Bridge.

Art Institute of Chicago
Home to nearly 300,000 works, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the city’s premier cultural institutions and occupies an attractive Beaux-Arts-style building designed for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. It’s particularly renowned for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections, with highlights including Grant Wood’s American Gothic and The Old Guitarist by Pablo Picasso.

Willis Tower
The Willis Tower was the tallest office block in the world when it was built in 1970 and still dominates the Chicago skyline. It boasts a 103rd-floor SkyDeck that offers incredible views across the city and a glass-floored box known as “The Ledge” that’s designed for a vertigo-inducing experience.