The Top 30 Unique Chicago Event Venues for One-of-a-Kind Gatherings

If you’re planning an event, there’s no better place than Chicago. It’s home to hundreds of hotels and conference centers, a large international airport, great local transportation, and a whole lot of history. (Just don’t ask for ketchup on your Chicago hot dog.)

And for planners looking outside of the box, there are tons of unique Chicago event venues that deliver amazing experiences you couldn’t find anywhere else. The only problem with finding the right one is knowing where to start!

That’s why we rounded up 30 one-of-a-kind Chi-town event spaces that can quite literally get the party started.

30 Unique Chicago Event Venues

1. The Ivy Room

Location: River North

Capacity: Up to 200

Great for: Weddings and large corporate events

Why we love it: Dreaming of a classic ballroom feel? Or a garden party under twinkling lights? Maybe a nightcap in a swanky lounge? Whichever vibe you’re going for, The Ivy Room is here to deliver. A sister space to the Dining Room at Tree Studios, the Ivy Room offers many unique spaces.

2. City Winery: Chicago

Location: West Loop

Capacity: 150 seated or 300 standing

Great for: Intimate dinners, concerts, weddings

Why we love it: Known for providing world-class “urban wine country” to the masses, City Winery: Chicago is a unique private venue. They’re the obvious front-runners in the wine-tasting department. City Winery also provides guests with access to their barrel room. They can also rock out in the concert venue, and explore a massive back patio for any and all event needs.

3. House of Blues: Chicago

Location: Marina City in the Loop

Capacity: Up to 1,800

Great for: Concerts, activity-based events

Why we love it: If name recognition alone doesn’t get you jazzed on this space, then read on. Part of the Live Nation family, this renowned music venue is more than capable of hosting a variety of events. It gives planners tons of flexibility ” from the menu to the music. Choose from a variety of semi-private rooms or rent the entire House of Blues for a large party.

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4. Chicago Sports Museum

Location: Magnificent Mile in River North

Capacity: 700 standing or 250 seated

Great for: Fun corporate events

Why we love it: Want to relive the hardcourt magic of MJ? Take a virtual swing in Wrigley Field? The Chicago Sports Museum is a fantastic option. This event space offers an unmatched amount of interactivity and fun, making it an especially unique choice amongst corporate event venues.

5. LondonHouse: Chicago

Location: North Loop on the Riverwalk

Capacity: Up to 350

Great for: Weddings, social events, and corporate meetings

Why we love it: You’ll be sure to leave with a distinct Euro-feel after an event at the LondonHouse. It’s known for being the only in Chicago with a three-level rooftop space. With four private dining spaces and ten meeting rooms in total, London House offers 25,000 square feet of unparalleled event space. Plus, their onsite event team will equip your meeting with top-notch catering and cutting-edge AV.

6. The Thompson Chicago

Location: Gold Coast

Capacity: 200 guests

Great for: Corporate meetings, weddings

Why we love it: The plush environment of the Thompson Chicago makes for an unforgettable event setting. Slick British design meets warm American accents ” all combined with incredible views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Choose from 12,000 total square feet of event space suited for banquets, meetings, weddings, and more.

7. Thalia Hall

Location: Lower West Side

Capacity: 240 seated or 800 standing

Great for: Performances, holiday parties, galas, weddings

Why we love it: Looking for a beer cellar? Food hall? Tack room? Grand ballroom with a twist? Thalia Hall is the on-point joint. Attendees will enjoy the best food and booze the city has to offer. All while spending time at the historic hangout they know and love.

8. The Underground Chicago

Location: River North

Capacity: 450 guests

Great for: Corporate buyouts, holiday parties, birthday parties

Why we love it: Popular among club-goers in Chicago, Underground Chicago offers much more than strobe lights and bottle service. Turn the lights up a bit and enjoy this beautiful venue for your next event. The most transformative space in the River North area, the Underground has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.

9. The Zhou B Art Center

Location: Bridgeport

Capacity: Up to 1,000 standing

Great for: Weddings, cocktail parties, corporate events

Why we love it: One of the top art centers in the city, the Zhou B Art Center is always up for accommodating. Runway fashion shows? Got it. Lavish cocktail parties? Not a problem. Fans of natural light and world-class artwork will find it a dream to work with this 28,000 sq. ft. venue.

10. Untitled Supper Club

Location: River North

Capacity: Up to 150

Great for: Private dining, corporate events, business meetings, weddings

Why we love it: The name does this space justice. There’s an unmatched mystique about Untitled Supper Club that keeps locals and visitors alike crawling back for more. Maybe it’s the extensive whiskey library (500 varieties!) or “backstage” seating area that gives this place the gusto behind its one-of-a-kind events.

11. Loyola University

Location: Rogers Park & Gold Coast

Capacity: Up to 260

Great for: Business meetings, multi-day conferences

Why we love it: Loyola has two campuses with many different buildings and outdoor areas. The Lake Shore campus adjacent to Lake Michigan offers some of the most beautiful views in the region, and the Water Tower Campus is located in center city, conveniently close to all of the best attractions.

Its full-service facilities offer everything the city’s best spaces do and more! Catering and on-site dining establishments, overnight accommodations for up to 1,500 people, meeting spaces that take up to 700, and state-of-the-art AV technology.

12. Navy Pier

Location: Streeterville

Capacity: More than 1,500

Great for: Almost anything!

Why we love it: With over 8 million visitors a year, Navy Pier is an attraction in its own right. Where it really shines, though, is as an event space. It has diverse spaces, such as Festival Hall, a massive convention space, and the Aon Grand Ballroom. It also has the Lakeview Terrace, the Rooftop Terrace, and 36 total meeting rooms, the venue can take on just about anything ” including the catering.

13. Office Evolution

Location: O’Hare

Capacity: Up to 18

Great for: Meetings with out-of-towners

Why we love it: Office Evolution is especially great for business conferences and trainings, as well as expositions and competitions. The location is incredibly close to the airport, making it easy for travelers to attend. With multiple conference rooms and a larger meeting room ” all equipped with LCD projectors and screens whiteboards, flip-chart easels, and ergonomic chairs ” you’ll have everything you need for a successful meeting.

14. The University of Chicago

Location: Hyde Park

Capacity: Up to 475 (theater style) or 250 (reception style)

Great for: Multi-day corporate and youth group events

Why we love it: The University of Chicago isn’t just a hub for the world’s best and brightest. It’s also an event space that celebrates Chicago’s history and architecture. Offering housing for up to 3,600 guests and over 50 meeting and event rooms, the school is the perfect meeting space for large companies, youth groups, and more. Most events take place in Ida Noyes Hall, which features eight spaces.

15. The Museum of Science & Industry

Location: Jackson Park

Capacity: Up to 12,000 standing

Great for: Interactive corporate events, award dinners, conferences and more

Why we love it: The Museum of Science and Industry combines education, science, and history with incredible event space. The museum is located right by Lake Michigan and was opened to the public in 1933. It can cater to smaller groups and features on-site catering and décor. Who wouldn’t want to mingle beneath a 747 plane, dine in a garden, or attend a wedding beneath a giant rotunda next to a classic train?

16. Morgan’s on Fulton

Location: Fulton Market

Capacity: 165 guests

Great for: Cocktail parties, wedding ceremonies, receptions, corporate parties

Why we love it: Morgan’s on Fulton has you covered for any type of event. Boasting a 6,000-square-foot rooftop, gorgeous gallery, and the Suite C indoor space, you’ll find many amenities here. You can expect are a 1,500-square-foot penthouse with floor-to-ceiling windows, full interior & exterior bars, perimeter gardens, and private cabana areas ” just to name a few.

17. Greenhouse Loft

Location: Logan Square

Capacity: 175 seated or 225 cocktail style

Great for: Weddings, fundraisers, corporate meetings

Why we love it: The beautiful Greenhouse Loft offers over 3,000 square feet of fully customizable event space. It boasts some of the most incredible natural light any building in the city has to offer. It’s drop-dead gorgeous, designed with an eye for photography. It also is Chicago’s most sustainable wedding venue ” so it should be no surprise that it’s also one of the most popular.

18. Revel Fulton Market

Location: Fulton Market

Capacity: 10,000 standing or 850 seated

Great for: Weddings, galaces, performances and corporate events

Why we love it: If you’re looking for an on-trend, unique Chicago event venue that still speaks to history, Revel Fulton Market fits the bill. Nestled in Chicago’s former meatpacking district, the urban-chic warehouse house is incredibly flexible. It features an easily-transformable large room with adjoining spaces in the city’s hottest neighborhood.

19. Offsite Chicago

Location: West Loop

Capacity: 100 attendees

Great for: Board meetings, trainings, and other meetings

Why we love it: A premier Chicago corporate venue, Offsite Chicago is an all-inclusive space. It offers ample possibilities for brainstorm sessions and board meetings in an inspiring and creative space. Their team radically simplifies the rental process, giving you the option to choose between the Main Room and the Mezzanine.

20. Space 1858

Location: West Town

Capacity: 50-60 seated or 85-100 standing

Great for: Showers, weddings, birthday parties, art shows

Why we love it: With its chic, loft-style interior, Space 1858 is a beautiful space to hold an intimate gathering. You can rent the space for 6-8 hours, including some helpful features. It includes a set of 17 tables, white folding chairs, use of the kitchen area and sound system, and dependable Wi-Fi.

21. Ovation

Location: Near West Side

Capacity: 200 seated or 250 standing

Great for: Music-themed events, parties, weddings,

Why we love it: Ovation transforms daily. During the week, it’s a creative and collaborative workspace that’s home to more than 30 artists, musicians, and DJs. But on the weekend, it becomes a blank canvas for any soirée. Amenities include DJ services, a custom photo booth, wood dining tables, a sound system, coat check, and much more.

22. Catalyst Ranch

Location: West Loop

Capacity: 325 standing or 210 seated

Great for: Spunky weddings, creative meetings

Why we love it: Catalyst Ranch creates unique event experiences through globally-inspired decor that’s both retro and modern all at once. It’s a favorite on Off-Beat Bride, and it’s also won “Best Chicago Conference Venue” and “Best Venue for Small Meetings” thanks to its versatility and tireless special events teams. The all-inclusive pricing leaves no surprises while the creative flair makes it a “catalyst” for amazing gatherings.

23. Venue 1420

Location: South Loop

Capacity: 250 standing or 150 seated

Great for: Corporate events, parties, weddings and experiential events

Why we love it: Venue 1420 understands that Life is about connection. Connections begin with experience! Located on world-renowned Michigan Avenue, this unique Chicago event space can accommodate experiences from meetings and weddings to full-fledged fashion shows.

24. Moonlight Studios

Location: West Loop

Capacity: Up to 500

Great for: Social gatherings, corporate events, and weddings

Why we love it: A repurposed factory, Moonlight Studios is 15,000+ square feet of industrial-chic space that transforms into one of the most elegant, lively event centers in Chicago. The modern, neutral tones along with the lighting and dining tables make it a beautiful, blank canvas that’s just begging for gatherings.

25. Savage Smyth

Location: River North

Great for: Fundraisers, creative events

Why we love it: With a jaw-dropping rooftop and an eclectic indoor space, Savage Smyth is colorful, curated, and nothing short of immaculate. Labeled a unique space for innovators, entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations, the space caters to experiences that stick with attendees long after the event is over. It’s almost impossible not to fall in love with the floor-to-ceiling steel entry doors, breathtaking city backdrop, and bounty of other amazing features.

26. Ravenswood Event Center

Location: Ravenswood

Capacity: Up to 400

Great for: Weddings, corporate events, and parties

Why we love it: going for an industrial look? The industrial urban loft that is Ravenswood Event Center might fit the bill. There are multiple event spaces, ranging from $3,500 to $8,000 for the day, depending on the date and room. Choose the atrium and loft event space for natural lighting, or go for the showroom for a larger space with a completely different, out-of-the-box vibe.

27. Museum of Contemporary Art

Location: River Noth

Capacity: Up to 1,000

Great for: Corporate and non-profit events, weddings, showers, and parties

Why we love it: The unmatched view of Lake Michigan pairs with some of the most important contemporary art of our time at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The terrace, atrium, and sculpture garden call out to summer wedding receptions, baby and bridal showers, and engagement parties.

28. The Wit Hotel

Location: North Loop on the Riverwalk

Capacity: Up to 350

Great for: Corporate meetings, parties, social events, weddings

Why we love it: Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s arts and shopping district lies incredible views, one-of-a-kind design, and catering for even the most discerning of tastebuds. Of the multitude of available event spaces, the 27th-floor rooftop lounge of the Wit Hotel especially stands out and is open year-round. How do they do it with Chicago’s brutal winter cold snaps? It’s all thanks to a modern design featuring a retractable roof.

29. Union Station

Location: West Loop

Capacity: 1,500 seated or 2,500 standing

Great for: Large weddings and corporate events

Looking for something on the larger end of our list of unique Chicago event venues? At Union Station, guests can enjoy a collection of newly-renovated event spaces that house a piece of Chicago history. Choose from the Burlington Room, Pennsylvania Room, Adams Terrace, or the Founders Room. Based on the size and feel you want for your wedding or corporate event, this has it all.

30. Guaranteed Rate Field

Location: Wentworth Gardens

Capacity: From 5 to 5,000+

Great for: Sports events, performances

Why we love it: You might still call it Comiskey Park or The Cell, but today the Home of the White Sox is called Guaranteed Rate Field. This ballpark offers a choice of six event spaces of all sizes. Executive Chef Troy Tornabeni will whip up a mouthwatering, personalized menu for any event to help you really knock it out of the park. (Cubs fans, don’t be upset ” if Wrigley could be rented, we would have included it, too!)

Wondering about a destination other than the Windy City? Check out our lists for other event cities known for amazing venues.