Top Illinois Gala Venues

• 1 Gala Album
• Spaces for 250-350 Guests
• 1 Historic Space
• 1 Loft

Welcome to the Firehouse Art Studio! A gathering place to celebrate life, community and art in Chicago's oldest firehouse. We are a mission driven organization focused on self expression, opportunity, and empowerment. Today, the Firehouse Art Studio is a gathering place for creative learning and communal celebration, but many visitors may not realize the significance of the building they’re walking into. The Firehouse Art Studio is actually the oldest firehouse in the City of Chicago! It was the first fire station built after the Chicago fire in 1871. It was constructed in 1872 and opened as a Firehouse in 1873. Chicago Fire Department’s Engine 18 moved into the building that year and it remained their home for the next 135 years. The back area of the building was designed for the horses, the front area for the wagons they pulled. The entire second floor was made up of offices and living quarters, each room with its own fire pole so the sleeping firefighters could quickly slide into action. In 1916, the front facade was redesigned and recessed making room for the widening of Roosevelt Rd. and the back of the building was expanded. The floors were reinforced and the overhead doors were enlarged to make room for a new era of fire trucks that would soon replace the horses and wagons. This was the only major alteration in the building’s history and even then, most of the original features were left untouched.

• 1 Gala Album
• Spaces for 140-1,750 Guests
• 11 Museums
• 11 Landmarks
• 11 Total Spaces

Since its opening in 1930, Shedd Aquarium has ranked among the world’s leading aquariums, and it’s the No. 1 cultural attraction and “must-sea” destination in Chicago. Discover another side of Shedd—as the incomparable locale for your next evening event. Encounter unbelievable animals from aquatic environments around the world, plus eye-popping architecture, at popular cultural destination in Chicago. The city’s iconic skyline and Lake Michigan’s blue expanse create a stunning backdrop for any private event. We can provide you with a spacious, gracious setting for a dinner and a cool coastline or breezy terrace for a cocktail reception. A celebration at Shedd Aquarium means superb service, top-of-the-line facilities, and beautiful surroundings. The Azure’s Sales and Catering team at Shedd Aquarium has the passion to help clients bring their events and imagination to life within incredible spaces. We bring years of culinary experience, focusing on in-house catering and special event designs. From stunning views of the Chicago skyline to world-class cuisine, guests are surrounded by the beauty and wonder of aquatic life. Get ready to host in new and refreshed exhibits and spaces in the coming years.

• 1 Gala Album
• Spaces for 20-500 Guests
• 2 Restaurants
• 2 Outdoor Spaces
• 3 Event Spaces

VU Rooftop provides a variety of unique options within its 13,000 square feet to meet all of your event requirements. Choose from VU's nooks, rooms, and event spaces, which include private bars, al fresco areas with fire pits, a boardroom, the club bar, the solarium, and terraces with jaw-dropping views of the lake, downtown, and the west. In this modern designed space, enjoy an ingredient and locally-driven beverage program, top-notch noshing, and unparalleled views of the lake and downtown. Our space, which is the size of a full city block, can hold up to 500 people. The venue is designed to transform to the needs of our guests. VU has the ability to properly celebrate and gather for any occasion, from variable set-up to moveable walls. VU's event spaces come with different levels of furnishings. Rentals vary based on the need for space, the number of guests, and the type of event happening. If a rental is required, your event coordinator will send over an estimate of the rental cost, which will be added to your final event order.

• 1 Gala Album

VENEISHA, VENUE OWNER, EVENT PLANNER + DESIGNER Veneisha is passionate about and committed to helping people. She is a connector who loves to bring people together. In and out of her professional life, she is always finding herself in the middle of planning fun and memorable events for the people around her. She has leveraged her experience working with different planners into creating a coordination style that is unique. She specializes in personalizing diverse events for each client and handling stressful event situations with grace. Her signature is creative and tasteful designs with incredible attention to detail and structured + logistical event flow. Clients who choose to work with Veneisha appreciate her candor, caring personality, and sincerity. She is proud to be friends with previous clients. Veneisha takes greatest satisfaction in seeing everyone happy and is always grateful for the opportunity to make greatness happen. Veneisha loves spending quality time with her four beautiful kids, and Husband. Trying new things, and traveling, is one of the best things she loves to do in her free time.

• 1 Gala Album
• Spaces for 70 Guests
• 1 Event Space

Dedicated to serving the communities we are in since 2005. Served in a Premiere Casual Atmosphere, Billy Bricks® has specialized in the craft of thin-crust, Neapolitan & New Haven Inspired Pizza, Baked in an Authentic Wood Fired, Brick Oven Since 2005. Serving pizza, sandwiches, soups & salads, and desserts the way they were meant to be.

• 2 Gala Albums
• Spaces for 750-1,400 Guests
• 1 Ballroom

The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago offers a sophisticated setting for weddings and events, blending modern luxury with stunning city views. Located in the heart of downtown, near Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile, it provides a prime location for local and out-of-town guests. The hotel's event spaces, including the grand Atlantic Ballroom and rooftop terrace, offer a range of options for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, receptions, and gatherings. With over 28,000 square feet of versatile event space, Radisson Blu Aqua can accommodate various events, from intimate weddings to grand celebrations. The rooftop terrace, featuring views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, is a standout option for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hours. The hotel also offers customizable wedding packages, including in-house catering by a team of professional chefs who work closely with couples to create personalized menus. Beyond weddings, the Radisson Blu Aqua is an ideal venue for corporate events, galas, and social gatherings. Guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations, with room blocks available for event attendees. Known for its impeccable service, modern amenities, and elegant design, the hotel is a top choice for those seeking a premier event venue in Chicago.

• 1 Gala Album
• Spaces for 200-350 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Outdoor

Our Health & Safety Protocols for COVID-19 • Daily Team Wellness & Temperature Checks • Protective Equipment and Masks for Whole Team • Frequent & Extensive Handwashing • Safe Distancing Measures & Reconfigured Layout • Contactless Check-In and Check-Out with Digital Key • All Guest & Service Areas Frequently Disinfected with EPA Approved Disinfectant Products • Expert-Guided Food Safety Protocols & Audits the Exceed Health Department Standards LondonHouse Chicago is a full-service, luxury lifestyle hotel with 452 luxury guest rooms and suites featuring scenic views of North Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, the Chicago River and many other city landmarks. The amenities at LondonHouse Chicago include LH, Chicago’s only tri-level rooftop featuring private dining spaces, an indoor bar, outdoor rooftop terrace and a private top floor Cupola, a chef-driven restaurant and Bridges Lobby Bar. LondonHouse Chicago also has 25,000 square-feet of meeting and event space, including two ballrooms for social dinners and weddings of up to 300 guests, or receptions for 350 or more. When just as many locals as guests gather to sip, taste and take in the views, you know you are in one of the Chicago’s best spots. From the reception champagne bar to the tri-level, indoor/outdoor rooftop bar to intimate in-dome dining, you’ll come together at LondonHouse Chicago for the skyline views and stay for the amazing dining, cocktails and conversations.

• 1 Gala Album
• Spaces for 80-8,505 Guests
• 3 Outdoor Spaces
• 1 Event Space
• 6 Total Spaces

Navy Pier is the premier destination in the Midwest offering two exhibit halls, 36 meeting rooms, the historic Aon Grand Ballroom and Lakeview Terrace, all overlooking the lakefront with unparalleled views of Chicago’s beautiful skyline. These dramatic and diverse spaces are ideal for trade and consumer shows, conferences, business meetings and special occasions of any size. Flexible mixed-use meeting space combines with the Pier’s leisure, dining and entertainment options all at your fingertips. Conveniently located steps from Michigan Avenue and with thousands of hotel rooms nearby, Navy Pier’s versatile venues, exceptional customer service, and delectable cuisine will all create an event that your guests will remember forever. Besides distinctive space, Navy Pier has a dedicated and expert event team who will help you every step of the way to ensure flawless coordination, seamless execution and guarantee the success of your event. Navy Pier offers a variety of amenities including on-site exhibition and audio visual services, on-site enclosed parking and covered drop-off areas to the Festival Hall complex and the Aon Grand Ballroom.

• 1 Gala Album
• Spaces for 26-170 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Stephanie Izard was born in the city of Chicago in the state of Illinois. She was born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut, and went on to the University of Michigan and Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Arizona before returning to Chicago in 2000 to pursue her culinary profession. She opened her first restaurant, Scylla, in Bucktown in 2004 after working under some of Chicago's best chefs (Jean-Georges Vongerichten at Vong; Sean McClain at Spring; Dale Levitski at La Tache). She had the opportunity to participate on Bravo's Top Chef a few years later, and she won as well as being selected fan favorite. Stephanie met her business partners, Rob and Kevin of BOKA Restaurant Group, and the idea for Girl & the Goat began to take shape. The restaurant debuted in Summer 2010 after great thought and consideration was given to the location in the West Loop. Just a few years later, Stephanie opened Little Goat Diner across the street, followed by Duck Duck Goat on Fulton Market in 2016. The James Beard Foundation nominated Girl & the Goat for best new restaurant in 2011, and Izard received the Beard award for Best Chef Great Lakes in 2013. In 2010, she was named one of Food & Wine Magazine's "Best New Chefs." Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz, James Beard award-winning restaurateurs, have become one of the country's most successful owner/operators after creating 20 profitable restaurants over two decades. They have not only constructed a thriving restaurant company, but a restaurant culture based on excellent chefs, imaginative hospitality, and stunning design.

• 1 Gala Album
• Spaces for 100-1,700 Guests
• 3 Event Spaces

Housed in a renovated historic building, Morgan Manufacturing offers over 32,000 square feet of world-class space. Created with a focus on modularity, Morgan Manufacturing is built to seamlessly host gatherings, large or small. Soaring ceilings, exposed concrete, glass and steel create the industrial elegance Morgan Manufacturing is known for. Whether you have a distinct vision or would like us to guide you, our team at Morgan has decades of combined experience and can assist and support you from A to Z. We are truly full service, combining creative event planning with technical capabilities and resources.

• 1 Gala Album

Award winning architecture. Expansive views of beautiful Wilder Park. And the iconic McCormick House—designed by modern master, Mies van der Rohe. Weddings, Holiday Parties, Ceremonies, Corporate Events—and any other time you want to bring people together in a beautiful, sophisticated environment. Come and celebrate your special occasion in a contemporary suburban environment located just 17 miles west of Chicago.

• 1 Gala Album
• Spaces for 299 Guests

“Step Away from the Norm and into a Natural Setting!” Dedicated in 1998 and newly remodeled, the Andrew B. Barber & Clarence D. Oberwortmann Horticultural Center, a 12,000 square foot facility, was built adjacently to the Bird Haven Greenhouse. It’s limestone exterior with wooden-beamed entryway and easy access to a charming outdoor-covered deck with patio seating is conducive to the natural surroundings of the 630 acres of Pilcher Park. The Horticultural Center is an ideal rental facility for any special occasion. The spacious main hall, with a capacity of 254 people sit down dining and 299 people reception style, can be subdivided into three smaller rooms to suit smaller sized gatherings. Private Bridal Room is also available. The Center attractively enhances the Bird Haven Greenhouse complex while providing additional space for a rental banquet hall. The Italian Renaissance style greenhouse, which is perfect for wedding ceremonies, features spectacular floral shows with seasonal motifs during the fall, winter, and spring. The Outdoor formal gardens are open June through October. The Bird Haven Greenhouse’s formal gardens are the perfect setting for an outdoor wedding or come inside for an intimate ceremony among the beautiful flowers and greenery. The hall is perfect for wedding receptions, parties, showers, communions, business meetings, reunions and more! The Horticultural Center provides a truly unique and memorable site to host your next special event.

• 1 Gala Album
• Spaces for 33-800 Guests
• 5 Restaurants
• 1 Outdoor

Joe’s is a 20,000 square foot warehouse-style venue located near Lincoln Park in Chicago. Joe’s specializes in sports, live music and private parties. Joe’s features five party room, each offering its own unique environment.

• 1 Gala Album
• Spaces for 100-500 Guests
• 3 Hotels
• 3 Ballrooms

Whether you're joining us in the Windy City for work or for fun, the recently renovated Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel is ready to help you create lasting memories. Located steps from the Theater District, our award-winning hotel will captivate you from the moment you arrive until the day you say your goodbyes, with thoughtful amenities and world-class service. Step into our intuitively designed lobby, which features a VIP R Lounge, Artist Studio, Coffee Bar and Library. Unwind in your spacious room or suite and enjoy deluxe bedding and superb downtown Chicago views. Take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool or get your workout in at our Fitness Center. Our dining options include a hip rooftop bar with great views, as well as American cuisine and terrific cocktails. Host an event in one of our elegant venues, including the Chicago Ballroom, or walk outside of the hotel and explore the Theater District and other notable downtown attractions. We look forward to welcoming you to Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel.

• 1 Gala Album

Enjoy everything that River North has to offer and make plans for a memorable evening with a large party at a restaurant that has private dining rooms or event space for private gatherings. Due to the versatility of the space, the Hubbard Inn is an excellent choice for private or semi-private dining in Chicago, as well as for hosting out-of-town visitors and family members who are in town. Restaurants that provide private dining rooms are an excellent choice for hosting all types of parties and events, including cocktail receptions, brunches, business events, late-night bachelor and bachelorette parties, and engagement parties. The Hubbard Inn offers a variety of menu options, including those for breakfast, supper, late night meals, and delectable drinks, making it easy to arrange events and catering to all of your party's requirements. Fill out the event request form on our website with the specifics of your party if you would like more information or to submit an event request, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

• 1 Gala Album
• Spaces for 250-300 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Summer House Santa Monica is Chicago's go-to spot for private dining events such as birthday dinners, bridal and baby showers, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, and more. Summer House's knowledgeable Private Parties staff works with guests to plan every element of their special celebration. Summer House also provides full-service catering for off-site events of various types, including First Lady Cruises in Chicago. Please fill out the form on our site or contact our staff to inquire about private dining or off-premise catering. Summer House, which is now even bigger and better, offers a light and airy setting. Guests will be transported to a California-style paradise by the substantially expanded facility. Comfortable booths, full bar seating throughout the restaurant, and two main dining rooms are included in the whole restaurant buyout. Wedding receptions, corporate meetings, and large-form parties looking for a West Coast hideaway would love this area. In our All-Seasons Courtyard, you can host your next little gathering. A retractable roof, brick-lined walls, and lit string lights characterize this hidden gem. Work with our staff to develop your vision and customize the area with a private bar, gift table, buffet, and other amenities. This semi-private table, located in the main dining area of our new "Beach House," provides an appealing backdrop and lots of vistas to take in. When celebrating important anniversaries, hosting productive meetings, and more, use this room for personal parties and small group outings. When you're at The Beach House, it's always golden hour! When you visit our newest space in the building, expect to be greeted by our famous "YES" sign and vivid vegetation. The Beach House features a private bar area, comfy booth seating, high-top tables, and plenty of space for your gathering.

• 1 Gala Album
• Spaces for 60-2,000 Guests
• 4 Landmarks
• 1 Outdoor
• 5 Total Spaces

For nearly a century, Chicago's Union Station has been an iconic structure and a marvel of modern transportation. It was conceived by Daniel Burnham and constructed by Graham, Anderson, Probst, and White. It is a beloved element of Chicago history and a valuable asset for the city's future. It is a large building worthy of the city's prominence as a national railroad center. The spectacular event facilities at Chicago Union Station will transport you and your guests to a special era in our city's history, one steeped in historical glamor and bursting with excitement and energy. Organize your event at a one-of-a-kind location. This Beaux-Arts station's meticulously refurbished event halls are ideal for every size and style of occasion, from small corporate meetings to big galas and weddings. The Great Hall In 2019, a $22 million restoration of the Great Hall was finished, returning the area to its original colors and brightening it with a repaired and protected skylight. The North Great Hall or the South Great Hall can be rented. Depending on the date and approval, the entire space may be available. The Burlington Room This unusual chamber, which was once a women's waiting room and beauty parlor, has been closed to the public and utilized as a railroad "paper storage" in recent decades. Fortunately for us, the area was painstakingly rebuilt in 2016 and relaunched as a private event venue known as The Burlington Room. The room's magnificent ceiling, champagne-colored columns, and French block murals have been painstakingly restored to their early 19th century luxury, ready to enchant guests with an old-world grandeur that is unique in Chicago. Founders Room This lovely area was once the Legacy Club, a members-only lounge that was open to the public for a daily or monthly charge. In 2019, it was converted to private event space as part of Union Station's expansion of event spaces. This lovely space, now known as the Founders Room, has towering ceilings, great workmanship, and plenty of natural light, making it ideal for any gathering. Pennsylvania Room On the second floor of the Metropolitan Lounge sits the famous Pennsylvania Room. The Pennsylvania Room is easily accessible from Canal Street and provides polished, sophisticated surroundings to its guests. Events of all sizes are welcome, but we can't help but think that the venue is especially well-suited for early evening cocktail parties and late night after-parties, thanks to its sleek setting and ample seating possibilities. Adams Street Balcony This beautiful balcony, which overlooks the magnificence of Union Station, is the ultimate urban environment. This area is located at the station's Adams Street entrance and provides access to an outdoor patio that is ideal for an indoor/outdoor event, cocktail hour, or reception.

• Spaces for 40-300 Guests
• 2 Event Spaces
• 3 Meeting Spaces

Designed with meetings and special events in mind, the Gleacher Center at University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business features streamlined architecture, versatile room formats and state-of-the-art technology. With stunning views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, the location in the heart of Chicago’s business community, just blocks away from the Loop and steps away from the Magnificent Mile, the Gleacher Center offers the perfect atmosphere to conduct impressive meeting and events in prestigious surroundings.

• Spaces for 50-320 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom
• 4 Total Spaces

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Chicago offers an Art Deco-inspired setting along the Magnificent Mile for weddings, corporate meetings, conferences, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and private celebrations. Set within the historic McGraw-Hill building, the hotel features 15,901 square feet of event space across 13 rooms, including The Gallery Ballroom for up to 400 guests, The Grand Salon, intimate boardrooms, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city. Custom catering, adaptable audiovisual technology, high-speed Wi-Fi, and dedicated event planning support gatherings of varying styles and scales. With art-filled interiors and panoramic city views, The Gwen creates a distinctive backdrop for memorable Chicago events.

• Spaces for 650-1,500 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 2 Event Spaces
• 2 Total Spaces

COMING SUMMER 2027 A Venue of Natural Elegance, Geraghty North was thoughtfully selected by Tom Kehoe for its unique setting, located adjacent to a forest preserve and surrounded by the beauty of nature. The venue offers an unparalleled sense of privacy and tranquility while providing an exceptional backdrop for unforgettable events. In addition to this indoor-outdoor aesthetic, Geraghty North is being built from the ground up to offer everything you need to host your most significant moments: · Luxury landscaping: an expansive Terrace and designer-landscaped Sculpture Garden offer unique vistas and versatile options for event flow. · Partner portfolio: streamlined access to top caterers, entertainment, and other VIP extras, as well as single-point-of-contact event design and technical production through our Kehoe Designs family of brands. · Upscale appointments: luxury finishes, a neutral aesthetic, and natural light via 14-foot-high windows and skylights ensure every event is impactful and memorable.