A killer location can make or break your next event – how do you choose the right one?
When it comes to career paths, few deal with more details and choices than event planning. The stress of making the right choices becomes even tougher when you’re using someone else’s money to pull things off. It takes careful consideration for what your specific event needs to choose the perfect location.
10 things to consider when choosing an event location
- Location
- Parking
- Capacity
- Amenities
- Layout
- Atmosphere
- Accessibility
- Insurance
- Acoustics
- Cost
Sounds simple, right? Of course not. It’s no small feat to find a location that fits all of your guests in your price range with free parking and an open space concept. Not every location is going to have everything on the list above. Choosing the right event location is about deciding which features are most important to you.
Best event locations in Chicago
The best time to book a venue for your next event is anywhere from 4–6 months in advance. This gives you time to view the site, make a downpayment, and begin planning the logistics of your event. Luckily, we’ve done some of the work for you and compiled this list of Chicago event locations.
| Methodology: All of these event locations were recommended by Chicago-based event planners or were chosen based on the criteria mentioned above. If you’d like to have your event space considered for our list, please email the author of this piece. |
1. Revel Fulton Market
Photo credit: Revel Space
| Neighborhood: Fulton Market Address: 1215 W Fulton Market Capacity: 1,400 Website: Revel Space |
This industrial-chic warehouse boasts more than 30,000 sq.ft of event space with the option to rent the entire space or just rooms at a time. The open format allows for sprawling use of the entire space that can quickly transform into something more private if need be. Revel Fulton Market is located near some of Chicago’s highest rated restaurants and is just a five minute cab ride from downtown Chicago.
|
G2 hosted our first ever conference REACH 2019 at Revel Fulton Market, read about how we pulled it off without an event planning team.
|
2. Salvage One
Photo credit: Salvage One
| Neighborhood: West Town Address: 1840 W Hubbard Street Capacity: 250 Space: Salvage One |
Recommended by Kate Lerman, Owner of Chicago Vintage Weddings, this 60,000 sq.ft event location features three floors of spacious open-floor space. Known mostly for hosting weddings, this space offers a perfect rustic vibe for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The courtyard and outdoor ceremony location provides ample space for intimate soirees, while the four indoor spaces have the right feel for any event.
3. Theater on the Lake
Photo credit: Prevue Meetings
| Neighborhood: Lakeview Address: 2401 N Lake Shore Dr. Capacity: 1,500 Website: Theater on the Lake |
As one of the only lakefront event venues in the city, Theater on the Lake offers something truly unique. The sprawling 12,000 sq.ft space can accommodate plated dinners for up to 500 guests and the outdoor patio can comfortably hold up to 100 guests. Theater on the Lake also has the option to rent the on-site stage and has a grand central bar in the main room. This event space is perfect for weddings, concerts, and social events alike.
4. Mayne Stage
Photo credit: Mayne Stage
| Neighborhood: Rodgers Park Address: 1328 W. Morse Ave. Capacity: 275 Website: Mayne Stage |
This historic theater has been an architectural wonder for more than 100 years. The distinct 1920’s art-deco style is championed throughout the space, while still maintaining modern amenities. The three different options for rental, the theater, the mezzanine, and the lounge, provide any event planner with a variety of options for a range of occasions.
5. Emil Bach House
Photo credit: Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
| Neighborhood: Rodgers Park Address: 7421 N Sheridan Road Capacity: 130 Website: Emil Bach House |
Recommended by Claudia Gutierrez of TawaniEnterprises, Emil Bach House is Chicago’s only Frank Lloyd Wright private vacation home and venue rental. It was built in 1915 and lovingly restored in 2013. For events, guests can take advantage of the home’s beautiful outdoor space, which includes the Japanese Tea House and gardens. The property holds up to 130 guests for outdoor events, and 25 guests inside the main house. It’s the perfect location for an intimate get together or wedding.
6. Moonlight Studios
Photo credit: Moonlight Studios
| Neighborhood: West Loop Address: 1446 W. Kinzie Capacity: 130 Website: Moonlight Studios |
Located in the heart of West Loop, Moonlight Studios is easily accessible by public transit. This space features lofted ceilings and more than 15,000 sq.ft of production and event space. While its open floor plan makes it a popular choice for weddings, the added green room and production office make it a popular spot for corporate events and photo shoots.
7. SPIN Chicago
Photo credit: SPIN Chicago
| Neighborhood: River North Address: 344 N. State St. Capacity: 700 Website: SPIN Chicago |
If you’re looking for a venue with a twist, SPIN Chicago is the place for you. This ping-pong bar and social club offers large parties of up to 700 people to rent the space out for events. With two full levels of sprawling seated space and ping pong tables, as well as an outdoor patio available, this urban-chic location is sure to wow your guests.
8. The Ivy Room
Photo credit: Life in Bloom Chicago
| Neighborhood: River North Address: 12 E Ohio St Capacity: 180 Website: The Ivy Room |
A bright spot settled in the middle of downtown Chicago, the Ivy Room lives up to its name. Stunning green ivy paints the side of this historic building and offers breathtaking views for all your guests to enjoy. Located just two blocks from the Magnificent Mile, the central location allows for easy access for all of your guests. Both the outdoor patio and the ballroom can accommodate more than 150 guests, giving you the flexibility to choose what best suits your needs.
9. Park West
Photo credit: Park West Facebook Page
| Neighborhood: Lincoln Park Address: 322 W Armitage Ave Capacity: 800 Website: Park West |
Looking for a little bit of rock and roll for your next event? Park West is a popular concert venue located in Lincoln Park that has it all. The 11,000 sq.ft facility has 5 tiered levels, 2 balconies, 7 bars, and VIP booths facing the dance floor and stage. And because it’s a music venue, Park West is equipped with a state of the art light and sound system.
10. Savage Smyth
Photo credit: Yelp
| Neighborhood: River North Address: 920 N Franklin St Capacity: 600 Website: Savage Smyth |
This 16,000 sq.ft venue offers two floors of luxurious event space that hold a combined 600 guests between them. With a location centered in the heart of the city, Savage Smyth has one of the best views of the city directly overlooking the Chicago skyline. A mix of modern and old-fashioned make this space an eclectic location suited for any occasion.
Location, location, location
Choosing the right event location can be a tough call regardless of your experience in the field. That’s why finding the right venue in advance is the most important part of the event planning process. With this guide, you’re hopefully well on your way to finding the perfect spot for your next shindig.
