Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide - 2019
Uniquely Chicago Special Event Venues
2018-12-14 10:11:18
These incredible city spaces create a one-of-kind experience you’ll only find in Chicago.
OUTDOOR VENUES
The scenic Chicago Riverwalk has several beautiful outdoor venues, including two new additions specializing in cider and beer. The Northman Beer & Cider Garden is the outpost of Chicago’s first cider bar, while Chicago Brewhouse showcases local beer paired with diverse foods representing Chicago’s various neighborhoods.
Millennium Park can accommodate up to 7,000 people between several event venues, including the elegant Jay Pritzker Pavilion that is often the center of concerts and music festivals, thanks to its incomparable acoustics.
The seasonal Rooftop Terrace at Navy Pier offers the best views of summertime fireworks on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. The terrace fits 1,000 guests for a cocktail party or 350 for a seated dinner.
SKYLINE VENUES
360 CHICAGO on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center (now known as 875 North Michigan Avenue) offers four flexible spaces with panoramic lake and city views for groups of up to 550. Treat your guests to a turn on TILT, a huge hydraulically tilted bay window that offers a breathtaking downward-facing view of Chicago.
At Skydeck Chicago on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, up to 300 guests (175 seated) can mingle among the clouds. Daredevils can venture onto The Ledge, a series of glass boxes extending from the facade of the building and hovering 1,353 feet above Chicago.
MUSEUMS
The colorful and interactive American Writers Museum (the only museum of its kind in the nation) is a hot new cultural venue, accommodating up to 250 for a standing reception.
The Art Institute of Chicago offers a multitude of event spaces, including the lovely Impressionism galleries where Monet, Cézanne and Degas join guests for cocktails. Private museum tours are an added bonus.
The Kovler Atrium and Kern Terrace Garden are stunning indoor and outdoor spaces at the Museum of Contemporary Art, seating 300 indoors, 500 in a garden tent and 900 for a reception.
All three world-class attractions at Chicago’s Museum Campus offer incredible skyline and Lake Michigan views. Surprise guests with an interactive stingray touch experience before dancing among dolphins at the Shedd Aquarium. Traverse the globe at The Field Museum, where guests can marvel at Máximo, the largest dinosaur ever discovered, newly stationed in Stanley Field Hall. Treat guests to a mesmerizing sky show at the Adler Planetarium before retreating to the Solarium, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible city and lake views year round.
Rent the entire Museum of Science and Industry for massive parties of up to 12,000 guests. Its unique Smart Home private event space has a beautiful outdoor garden, and seats 40 for dinner or 100 for an indoor cocktail party.
In Lincoln Park, sip drinks next to a historic ‘L’ car and explore fascinating exhibits at the Chicago History Museum, the city’s oldest cultural institution.
SPORTS VENUES
Batting cage and bullpen sessions can be arranged for guests at Wrigley Field. On Chicago Cubs game days rent a private suite, such as the Fannie May Bleacher Sweet for 100 guests.
Gallagher Way, Wrigley Field’s adjacent open-air plaza, can host 3,000 reception-style, with catering from Hotel Zachary at Gallagher Way restaurants, including Mordecai and Big Star.
At Wintrust Arena on the McCormick Place campus, suite rentals with a personal attendant are available for up to 16 guests to watch a Chicago Sky WNBA game or concert.
Guaranteed Rate Field can seat 342 or fit 600 standing during a Chicago White Sox baseball game, combining the party deck and Home Plate Club spaces.
Both the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls play at the United Center, but the highlight of the United Center Atrium is undoubtedly the bronze Michael Jordan statue, which makes an incredible centerpiece for private banquets and cocktail parties.
The Chicago Sports Museum in Water Tower Place offers several options, including a venue buyout for 600 seated or a 1,200-guest standing reception, with catering by Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch.
Soldier Field has a number of indoor and outdoor venues, including the landmark Colonnades with Burnham Harbor views that can accommodate up to 2,000 people. You can even rent the whole stadium for a capacity of 63,000, including 133 sky suites.
PRIVATE EVENT SPACES
Groups can try glassblowing at Ignite Glass Studios, a 9,000-square-foot space that includes an urban garden and rooftop deck.
Up to 700 guests can mingle under the world’s largest Tiffany glass dome in Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center. This architectural landmark contains a half-dozen event spaces, including the Claudia Cassidy Theater (accommodating 300 people).
At Lincoln Park Zoo, the Prairie School-style Café Brauer is an understated venue for seated dinners and receptions for up to 800 guests in the Great Hall and loggias.
Historic Revel Motor Row near McCormick Place was home to the city’s first Cadillac dealership, and has a total capacity of 2,600 in varied spaces that include a charming outdoor courtyard.
HOTEL ROOFTOPS
Waydown at Ace Hotel Chicago can host up to 50 guests on its patio. Or opt for Prairie, the hotel’s fifthfloor rooftop garden with unobstructed skyline views.
Sophisticated parties will enjoy exquisite Italian cuisine in a modern atmosphere at Rooftop at Torali at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago.
Begin with cocktails on the terrace and awesome Millennium Park views at Cindy’s atop the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, before moving to a seated dinner in the private Library.
LH at LondonHouse Chicago is the only tri-level rooftop in the city, located directly across from the picturesque Wrigley Building, and boasts an impressive cupola.
There’s an unmistakable dance club vibe at ROOF on theWit, which accommodates up to 300 people under its retractable roof.
Devereaux at the Viceroy Chicago is another trendy option, with a seasonal pool bar and 18th-floor lounge set in the middle of the Gold Coast.
TOP ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUR PARTY
Energize your party with live music, team building activities and personalized improv comedy.
Nobody can guarantee laughs better than The Second City, whose alumni include Amy Poehler and Steve Carell.
The top dueling piano act in the country, Howl 2Go brings boundless energy and a repertoire of hit songs from every genre.
Chicago Entertainment Agency has a stellar roster of musicians and DJs on hand, from tribute bands to Latin and hip-hop performers.
Carmel Creative can secure a host of high-profile national talent for events, along with providing script writing services.
If you’re looking for interactive fun, A-Z Entertainment, Ltd. pulls off game shows brilliantly, from Deal or No Deal to Jeopardy and even Survivor.
©Central. View All Articles.