About Chicago
Perched along Lake Michigan, where the Great Lakes open into the Mississippi River watershed, Chicago has long been at the forefront of American culture and innovation. The city has a long, diverse past. Its first permanent settler was a Haitian explorer, and the city has embraced immigrants since that time.
Much of the city is woven into America’s fabric, including its professional sports teams, its role during Prohibition, hosting the World’s Fair, and more. The city is also home to the Art Institute of Chicago and many world-class art and history museums. The city even has its own place in film history, its namesake, “Chicago.”
With its central location, historic past, and modern amenities, you’ll find the perfect film screening space in Chicago. You’ll also be able to treat your guests to amazing food, recreation opportunities, and Midwest hospitality.
Screening Space Options in Chicago
Once you’ve decided on your Chicago screening space and you’re ready to create a one-of-a-kind experience for your guests, you’ll find thousands of local businesses and service providers available to assist you.
- Catering
Films are often accompanied by popcorn, sodas, and candies, but why not up your game? There are hundreds of restaurants and catering services that can give your guests a true taste of Chicago, from signature deep dish pizza to sausage and peppers. There are options for every meal of the day, including breakfast, boxed or plated lunches, buffets, and upscale entrees. Many companies also provide beverage services and most special dietary needs can be accommodated.
- Furniture Rental
Whether you’re going for a classic theater-style setup or plan to get more creative with floor cushions and couches, there are several rental agencies that can help you out. The agencies rent a variety of items, from basics such as tables and simple chairs to specialty furniture, big-screen TVs, audiovisual equipment, and decorative items.
- Interior Design
Make your film debut exciting and memorable with a carefully crafted guest experience. Talented and professional interior designers can turn any ordinary space into a unique theater screening experience using design elements such as flowers, fabric, and staging. Forget the plain screening rooms and go for a themed or intricately decorated masterpiece to showcase your work.
Event Planning Space Companies in Chicago
After securing your event planning space in Chicago, it is time to gather the local companies that are going to help you get it ready. Luckily, the Windy City has a wide array of event planning companies in town.
- Liven It Up Events
Your film screening is more than just a screening – it’s an exciting culmination of your hard work. For more than a decade, the planning team at Liven It Up Events has been dedicated to creating unique concepts and experiences for all types of events. Liven It Up can help you take your screening to the next level by taking your vision and goals and building an exciting concept around them. The full-service event planning package includes venue selection, budgeting, event design, trusted vendor recommendations, and more.
- Fierce Productions
Inspired by a love of theater, Fierce Productions founder Laura Reitsma created a company dedicated to producing fabulous events while serving Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. Along with the firm’s dedication to being inclusive, every company on its trusted vendor list has also signed a pledge to be inclusive and welcoming to every individual. Along with traditional planning options, Fierce Productions also offers one-of-a-kind entertainers to liven up your party.
- Frank Event Design
Owner and creative director Frank Adonoplas has been orchestrating grand events of all types and sizes throughout Chicagoland for more than 20 years. Adonoplas has been awarded Event Planner of the Year by Event Solutions for his exciting creations and dedication to both the customer and guest experience. The firm offers full-service planning, partial planning, and hourly consulting services depending on your event needs and budget.
Pros and Cons of Screening Spaces in Chicago
Chicago’s place in American history and trendy modern edge make it a great place to find a screening space that meets your needs and budget. There are a few pros and cons to keep in mind, before packing for your screening space in Chicago.
Advantages
- Shopping
Take home souvenirs, shoe sports memorabilia, and more – Chicago is known for its world-class shopping along the Magnificent Mile.
- Diversity
Chicago has been a culturally and ethnically diverse city from the beginning, and there are many ways to experience different parts of the world here.
- Art and History
Chicago has many national historic landmarks, art and science museums, and interactive experiences for nearly every interest.
Disadvantages
- Weather
Winter in Chicago is cold with an average snowfall of more than three feet, while summer is hot and incredibly humid.
- Expensive
Chicago is one of the most expensive cities in the country, with an average increase of 20 percent above the surrounding area.
- Crime
Some areas see high instances of violent crime, but these areas are generally limited to easily avoided neighborhoods.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Cloud Gate – “The Bean”
A trip to Chicago wouldn’t be complete without a photo opportunity in front of what has become affectionately known as “The Bean.” The sculpture, which was unveiled in 2004, was inspired by liquid mercury – its shiny, stainless-steel surface reflects everything from the Chicago skyline to the visitors walking around and underneath it. The gateway to Millennium Park, the sculpture is 33 feet long, 42 feet wide, and 66 feet long and weighs about 110 tons. The surrounding Millennium Park offers many other attractions for a full day of sightseeing.
- Chicago Riverwalk
Whether you just want to take a stroll along the banks of the Chicago River or enjoy some great food and drinks at some of the shops and cafés along the path, the Chicago Riverwalk is 1.25 miles of waterside fun. All along the path, you can spot sculptures and murals as well as memorials and banners. In addition, you will find several parks, boat rental and cruise stations, and the Chicago Water Taxi.
- The Art Institute of Chicago
One of the largest and oldest museums in the world, the Art Institute of Chicago was opened in 1879 and has a collection of more than 300,000 pieces. Besides the permanent attractions, the museum features 30 special exhibitions every year. The Asian artwork dates back almost 5,000 years with 35,000 objects. Some of the famous pieces in the museum include Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, and van Gogh as well as Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol.
