Chicago is absolutely littered with gorgeous event spaces. From classic museums and elegant ballrooms to historic landmarks, mansions, and secluded rooftop bars — the Windy City really does have it all.
But if you’re sick and tired of coordinating private events at busy, overpriced, and impersonal venues, you may be on a mission to book somewhere a little further off the beaten track. Don’t worry, we’ve compiled some real gems.
For 15 years, our huge community of event creators has been using Eventbrite to put on some of Chicago’s weirdest and most wonderful events. We know all the best spots, and we’re more than happy to share.
This guide will walk you through what to look for when digging through Chicago event venues and what it means to be a hidden gem in a city of amazing event spaces, and we’ll let you in on 10 of the best hidden gems in Chicago.
What to look for in a Chicago event space
Chicago is one of America’s most vibrant cities, so you shouldn’t be surprised to hear the city plays host to a dizzying number of event venues. With so many options, it can be hard for event planners to know where to start their venue hunt.
Fortunately, no two venues are 100% alike — so if you’re looking for the perfect Chi-Town venue to match your vision for a particular event, there are some key considerations you can use to guide your search.
Event size and venue capacity
The first consideration in your search for the perfect event space has got to be the size of your event.
Let’s say you’re hosting a big awards ceremony for a charity or corporate business. Your search for Chicago event venues will be limited to high-capacity venues like the House of Blues in Marina City.
But if you’re planning an intimate dinner, the House of Blues won’t do.
Instead, you’ll need to focus on small venues so your event doesn’t feel empty. As a point of reference, we’re talking about a quiet place with class, like the Untitled Supper Club in River North. It’s a unique spot along the Chicago River that makes any special event shine.
Not quite sure what to expect in the perfect venue? Check out our comprehensive guide on how to make sure you’re looking at the right locations.
Venue location and accessibility
Let’s face it: there’s no point booking a beautiful hidden rooftop bar off The Loop if none of your guests can find it.
Location is a huge aspect of choosing the perfect Chicago event venue. You’ve got to select a venue that’s easy for your guests to get to, whether by car or public transport.
To choose the right location, you’ve got to go into negotiation with a venue manager with an understanding of your audience. Find out where most of your guests are coming from and how they will get to the venue.
For example, let’s say you’re planning an event where guests come in from all over town. You’ll want a central location with easy travel links to the “L.” One of our favorites is Spin. It’s got a lot of character, it’s fun, and it’s super close to the train.
By contrast, if you’re planning a conference where guests fly in from all over the country, you’ll want a venue close to the Chicago Midway International Airport or O’Hare International Airport. If this is your case, we recommend Bella Luna. It’s classy, the food is world-class, and it’s a stone’s throw from the airport.
At the end of the day, Chicago is a pretty big place — there’s always something on.
Take a look at our events guide for an idea of the types of events that are popular in different parts of town — it should provide you with a good springboard.
Venue amenities and services
No matter how beautiful the venue, you need to ensure you’re booking an event space with all the amenities, services, permits, or insurance required to stage your event without a hitch.
Let’s say you want to plan an event with food trucks. You’ll need an outdoor venue with ample parking space so your food truck vendors can park, plug in, and conduct a full service. Loyola University might be a good place to start, if you’re looking for that kind of space.
But if you need all-inclusive Chicago event venues that include drinks and catering, you’ll want to limit your search to places with the necessary kitchen equipment and catering staff to make it happen.
If you ask us, one of our favorite all-inclusive spots is Catalyst Ranch on West Randolph. We’ll talk about Catalyst a little more in just a minute — it’s one of Chicago’s best-kept secrets.
Like it or not, venue amenities can make or break the best event. It must have the right meeting spaces, meeting rooms, ballrooms, or halls to match your event.
Take a look at our guide on all the logistical requirements you’ve got to think about when booking a venue.
Indoor venues vs. outdoor venues
The summers can be hot, and the winters are cold — but Chicago has some of the country’s most beautiful outdoor event venues. You can’t plan an event in Chicago without factoring in the weather. After all, it’s not called The Windy City for nothing.
An outdoor venue allows you to embrace the city’s natural beauty.
But the weather is a risk, so it might be safer to go with a hybrid or indoor venue. Other factors in deciding between indoor and outdoor Chicago event venues include the need for decorating, capacity, and the types of permits a venue has.
As an example, let’s say you’re looking for an outdoor Chicago venue that shines with natural beauty. Take a look at the Chicago Botanic Garden. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a prettier spot in all of the Midwest, and it’s got a huge variety of spaces to suit any type of event.
But if you’re planning an event that requires a weather-proof indoor option, you’ll be spoilt for choice on the Magnificent Mile. That’s the best place to start your search.
Are weather concerns holding you back from booking an outdoor event venue in Chicago? Take a look at our pro tips on how to weather-iproof your next big outdoor event.
What are the best hidden gems in Chicago?
Now that we’ve talked about the factors you need to consider when sifting through Chicago event venues, it’s time to zoom in on some of the best hidden gems Chi-Town has to offer.
To help you in your search, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorites. Let’s take a look.
1. Firehouse Chicago
Located on the North Side, away from the hustle and bustle of the Loop, you’ll find Firehouse Chicago.
As you might have guessed from the name, Firehouse Chicago is a unique venue housed in a restored firehouse. But you might not expect an event venue with a firepole to be so elegant — well, Firehouse Chicago is elegance incarnate.
The Edgewater spot is the perfect intimate space for a smaller wedding ceremony, dinner, gathering, or private party. It has a wide range of amenities you can pick and choose from, and it’s pretty affordable compared to some of Chicago’s other hidden gems.
Why we love it: Speaking from an event creator’s perspective, we love venues that look and feel authentic. Built in 1906, Firehouse Chicago is an authentic part of the neighborhood’s fabric. As a venue, it’s been tastefully integrated in line with the area — making it a fun space that makes you feel totally local.
2. Catalyst Ranch
If you’re planning an event that’s quirky and unique, Catalyst Ranch could be the perfect match.
It’s just across from Fulton Market, and it’s easily accessible for any guests with mobility issues or who require extra access support.
But what really makes Catalyst Ranch shine is its decor. It’s loud and fun, and it’ll be a major talking point when your guests arrive. It also has all-inclusive catering and drinks, which means fewer vendors to go back and forth with.
Why we love it: We’ve been going to Catalyst Ranch for a long time — and we love its quirky decor and its unique events. It puts on regular comedy nights, shows, workshops, and everything in between. But it’s also a regular spot for business meetings with a bit of character.
3. 360 Chicago
Formerly called the John Hancock Observatory, 360 Chicago is just about the highest event space in the Midwest. It’s got one-of-a-kind views from the 94th floor — from the city’s beautiful skyline to the stunning shores of Lake Michigan.
360 Chicago also has capacity for 550 guests, bragging a preferred event caterer and decorator for convenience. Any event you book here will be one to remember.
Why we love it: You simply won’t get better views of the city or Lake Michigan, and we never get sick of it. 360 offers a “wow factor” no other Chicago event venue can offer.
But don’t just take our word for it — check out 360 Chicago’s event creator page on Eventbrite and have a look at the huge range of events they’ve hosted. We can even help connect you with the venue to start bouncing ideas.
4. Ignite Glass Studios
Ignite Glass Studios is an art lover’s dream day (or night) out. It’s one of the country’s most beautiful artisan glass studios — and it’s not just for show.
If you book an event at Ignite, your guests can watch live glass-blowing demonstrations in the background at your event. This space is ideal for intimate events. It’s got a capacity of 220, but where it really shines is its Urban Garden. It’s a quirky and secluded courtyard surrounded by one-of-a-kind glass art that will get your guests talking and is totally Instagram-worthy.
Why we love it: Neighborhood residents love its unique art, demonstrations, and workshops. That’s why it makes for one of the most unique event spaces in Chicago.
Want to try your hand at planning your very own workshop? Eventbrite can help you set up a workshop event page and get the word out in minutes.
5. Klairmont Kollections
One of Chicago’s more unconventional hidden gems is the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum.
Handing your guests private access to 300 cars over 100,000 square feet, Klairmont Kollections is a sprawling event space with some unique icebreakers. By choosing to host an event here, you’ll also get to enjoy the museum’s one-of-a-kind 1957 Chris Craft Boat bar.
Additionally, it offers a cater-friendly kitchen so that you’re able to appoint your dream caterer to create a personalized menu for your guests.
Why we love it: Klairmont Kollections is a car lover’s dream, and it’s on the Northwest Side, away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Chicago.
Take a look at Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum’s event creator page on Eventbrite to get a better idea of the amazing events they’re used to hosting. We can even connect you with the venue so you can start making inquiries.
6. The Library at 190 South LaSalle
The Library at 190 South LaSalle oozes elegance. Featuring Palladian windows, two-story bookshelves, and classic chandeliers, your guests will be dazzled by its incredible decor.
It can be perfectly staged for an intimate event — but The Library also benefits from 7,000 square feet, so you can hike up your capacity as required.
The Library’s picturesque shelves are covered in more than 50,000 volumes. It creates a unique ambience you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Why we love it: This is one of the most elegant and unique event venues in Chi-Town. We love visiting The Library for its Gatsby vibes, and it’s a surefire way to create the wow factor for your event.
Want to learn more about non-traditional venues like The Library at 190 South LaSalle and why they will wow your guests? Download our comprehensive guide and find out.
7. Café Brauer
Looking for a wild event? Head to the Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s home to Café Brauer, a stunning and historic Prairie School-style landmark and a listed building.
As an indoor venue, it’s jaw-dropping — but it’s also got outdoor appeal. There’s loads of al fresco seating looking out onto a picturesque pond. This leaves your guests surrounded by wildlife, which doesn’t often happen in a city of almost three million people.
Café Brauer has a 250-person capacity for seated events or 500 if you’re planning a cocktail-style reception event. The venue does have a preferred catering partner that can feed your guests, but you’re permitted to book and bring in your own external caterer, too.
Why we love it: Café Brauer is a stunning building, and its surroundings in Lincoln Park make it a calming oasis from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
Want to get a better feel for Café Brauer and the space it has to offer? Try popping down to one of Lincoln Park Zoo’s regular events and experience it for yourself. You can take a look at their Eventbrite creator page to see what’s on and even get in touch to ask questions about using their spaces.
8. Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium is Chicago’s most out-of-this-world event venue. It’s perfect for big corporate events or private parties, covering a wide range of indoor and outdoor spaces.
When you organize events here, you gain access to the planetarium’s two domed theaters and more than 60,000 square feet of unique and fascinating exhibitions. Catering is taken care of in-house, and menus and pricing are created on a bespoke basis.
With stunning lake views from the northeast tip of Lake Michigan, the Adler Planetarium is the perfect place to wow guests from all over the world.
Why we love it: The Adler Planetarium is an American institution. Built in 1930, it’s the country’s oldest planetarium. It’s part of the fabric of Chicago — and it’s also a quirky space that’ll make your event stand out from the crowd.
9. Morgan Manufacturing
Located on Chicago’s exciting West Loop, Morgan Manufacturing perfectly embodies Chicago’s rich industrial history.
It’s got 32,000 square feet of unique and authentic industrial space. You can dress it however you want — but even as a blank canvas, it infuses character into any event.
Your guests will also be wowed by Morgan Manufacturing’s 23-foot built-in bar, six-pitched skylights for amazing natural light, and huge dancefloor.
Why we love it: Ask any Chicago event planner where to go for a big dose of industrial chic, and Morgan Manufacturing will be their first suggestion. From an event creator’s perspective, we love it because it’s been perfectly reintegrated into the neighborhood, turning a potentially gloomy industrial site into an icon of style.
To get a better feel for the space and the types of events it can host, take a look at Morgan MFG’s event creator space on Eventbrite. You won’t be disappointed.
10. Zhou B Art Center
Based on West 35th Street, the Zhou B Art Center will immerse your guests in the priceless artworks of the iconic Zhou Brothers.
Although it’s designed to support catering staff, the Zhou B Art Center operates a bring your own (BYO) policy. That leaves you free to choose the caterer or chef of your choice at your event. The center is housed in Chicago’s historic Bridgeport neighborhood, and it’s got two different spaces that can accommodate up to 750 guests.
Why we love it: The Zhou B Art Center isn’t just an inspiring indoor space. It also owns and operates a Secret Garden on Morgan Street. We love the ambiance, with its lush greenery and serene pond.
Not sure whether you’d prefer to use an indoor space like the Zhou B Art Center vs. its outdoor sister space? Explore our guide to hosting outdoor events and how to deal with variables like bad weather.
Which Chicago Event Venue Will You Choose?
There’s no place in the world quite like Chicago. It has character and class you won’t find anywhere else — which is why so many incredible hidden gems are dotted across the city.
But to sift through all those Chicago event venues, you need to know what you’re looking for. That means understanding what your clients are after, desired event capacity, the amenities you need, location, and everything in between.
That being said, it doesn’t matter how specific your requirements are. If you can dream it, Chicago’s got a hidden gem for you. And if you need support adapting your dream venue to suit your unique requirements, Eventbrite has you covered.
For example, our venue mapping feature lets you create custom table layouts and seating arrangements to make sure your chosen venue works perfectly alongside your vision. That means you can start populating your event space and planning months before a guest ever sets foot inside the venue.
So, are you ready to start planning your next event in Chicago? Join Eventbrite now and learn how you can supercharge your event management with Eventbrite Boost.
