Top Illinois Gala Venues

For private event and catering requests with parties of 20+ people, please feel free to call or email anytime.

etta is a local restaurant that serves wonderful wood-fired cuisine in a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. It's the ideal place for friends and family to eat and drink as if they were at home. Bring your friends and enjoy a private event designed by your favorite etta chefs. It's a celebration of everything you love about etta, from pig picnics to pizzas, and the porron and polaroid, you'll get your fill of wonderful cuisine, great beverages, and a night of fun. We guarantee you won't go home hungry. etta is an affordable neighborhood restaurant that serves amazing wood-fired meals from the same creative partners who brought you the award-winning steakhouse Maple & Ash. Partner and Chef Danny Grant sprinkles each menu with his favorite seasonal dishes, carefully produced alongside his culinary staff and centered around the wood-fired hearth. etta has something for everyone, from crave-worthy pizza and toasty focaccia to fresh, crisp seasonal salads and family-style shared pig and lobster lunches. The open kitchen design at etta provides guests with the same intimate experience as the kitchen is the central center of interaction within a home. Each location has a wood-fired brick oven for perfecting pizzas, as well as a massive wood-fired hearth for spit roasting and grilling. Every etta experience is extremely considerate because we pay attention to every detail - our service is extraordinary, and we believe in kindness. We adore the communities we serve and want to enrich them with rich diversity, creativity, culture, and history. Reach out today to discuss private dining at etta. We can’t wait to hear from you!

• Spaces for 90-400 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom

Are you looking for the ideal location for a meeting, special event, or wedding? The Indian Lakes Hotel, located just 28 miles from downtown Chicago and 30 minutes from O'Hare International Airport (ORD), offers a unique blend of hospitality and the expansive Midwest prairie scenery. The hotel has 310 oversized guest rooms, as well as meeting and event space, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and complimentary continental breakfast. The Indian Lakes Hotel is here to make the most of your visit by providing the services you need, the amenities you expect, and the extras you deserve, whether you're conducting business, keeping up with your fitness regimen, or looking to spend quality time with your family. The Indian Lakes Hotel is a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired hotel with 7,000 square feet of adaptable conference space. This historic hotel is ideal for your next business conference, seminar, training, social function, or other special occasion. Our A/V crew is prepared to meet your last-minute needs, such as video conferencing and LCD projectors and screens. The Indian Lakes Hotel, located just outside of downtown Chicago, has all you need for a relaxing getaway among shopping, dining, and entertainment. Stratford Square Mall, Chicago Indoor Racing, and Lynfred Winery are just a few of the neighborhood things to visit. The LEGOLAND Discovery Center, which is approximately nine miles from the hotel, is a great place for kids to spend the day. If you want to go a bit further afield, go to the Brookfield Zoo or the Hollywood Blvd. Cinemas, both of which are conveniently located near the hotel.

• Spaces for 25 Guests

Seasons Inn & Suites Highland is a boutique hotel in Highland, Illinois, located 30 miles east of downtown St. Louis off I-70 at exit 24. The property offers meeting rooms and a business center suited for small gatherings, corporate meetings, and private functions. The hotel provides complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and free parking — including RV parking — making it a practical choice for out-of-town guests attending an event. Pet-friendly accommodations are available, and eight room types, ranging from king rooms to family suites sleeping up to six guests, give event planners flexibility when arranging overnight stays for attendees.

Welcome Back, at its very core, is the description of hospitality. A place that no matter if you had been there before or not, you immediately feel like a regular. With a late 1970s early 1980s feel and a place where friends can meet on the reg. Just celebrating our school house years!

• Spaces for 12-2,000 Guests
• 6 Hotels
• 3 Ballrooms
• 6 Total Spaces

The Decatur Conference Center and Hotel (DCCH) is a full-service conference and event property in Decatur, Illinois, offering over 55,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Originally built as a Holiday Inn in 1972, the property was acquired by Family Hospitality Group in 2025 and carries more than 50 years of tradition hosting conventions, weddings, proms, receptions, and corporate gatherings across Central Illinois. The venue's event portfolio spans several distinct spaces — from Tim O'Neill Hall and Fountain Hall, which together accommodate conferences and receptions in the thousands, to the MLK Ballroom and Kirkland rooms suited for mid-size celebrations and meetings. A 7,000-square-foot outdoor Pavilion and Gazebo area rounds out the offerings with a landscaped setting for receptions, reunions, and corporate picnics. On-site, guests have access to 185 rooms including 9 designer suites, in-house catering, and a dedicated wedding and event coordination team. The property handles ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, brunches, and showers, with planning support from booking through execution.

A one-of-a-kind venue in the heart of the south suburbs, Elements by The Odyssey (previously known as Elements Conference Center) gives couples all of the facilities of The Odyssey that they have come to know and love. The Odyssey's seasoned Event Specialists, Banquet Employees, and Culinary Department have been trained alongside the venue's existing staff, adding a fresh perspective to the space while also providing the convenience of being adjacent to the Homewood Suites by Hilton. Clients and their guests will enjoy the finest in cuisine and service, while also having the assurance that overnight accommodations are available at the location. No matter if you're organizing a wedding, a social gathering, or a corporate event, Elements is the ideal venue for your next big occasion! Exceptional in its own right, Elements by The Odyssey is a stunning venue for a lovely, upmarket event. From beginning to end, your next business event will be one that your attendees will remember for a long time. No matter what your requirements are, we offer the ideal location and services for your forthcoming function.

• Spaces for 250 Guests

Camp Manitowa is a traditional overnight camp and retreat destination on the shores of a 40-acre lake near Rend Lake in Southern Illinois, about 90 minutes from St. Louis. Founded in 2010, the property spans 40 acres of woodland and waterfront, offering private cabin and yurt rentals alongside a full slate of outdoor programming. The camp hosts family reunions, wedding weekends, yoga retreats, scout groups, and school gatherings on its private grounds. Accommodations include climate-controlled cabins, glamping yurts, and tent camping, giving groups flexibility in how they use the property. Activities on site range from a 400-foot zip line, high ropes course, and 50-foot rock wall to canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and tubing on the lake — giving events a ready-made adventure component that most venues can't offer.

• Spaces for 200 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark

The grounds surrounding the tower are open all year during regular Park District hours, and you are welcome to come out and listen to the carillon at any of the scheduled performances. Throughout the year, a Carillon Ambassador will assist the Carillon's operations and activities by communicating with visitors and giving presentations to groups visiting the Carillon. Carillon Ambassadors will receive special training for this chance. During the open season, tourists can take a guided trip up the 253 steps to the top of the tower and experience the breathtaking view, which includes the Chicago Skyline on a clear day. Those who are unable to ascend the steps should take the elevator to the Gallery Level Observation Deck and stay there. For special requests, call the Naperville Park District at (630) 848-5000. Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon began as a labor of love by a small group of Naperville families in 1998, and the vision quickly spread to many others, who generously donated funds to make the vision a reality. The Millennium Carillon, like Centennial Beach and the Riverwalk, is a gift from the people of our town for future generations to enjoy. The trek to the open-air Observation Deck, which is 14 floors higher and nearly 10 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty, is a physical and mental challenge for those who are afraid of heights. The payoff, however, is a one-of-a-kind view of the city, including the Riverwalk and Centennial Beach, as well as the Chicago skyline on clear days.

• Spaces for 160-4,000 Guests
• 3 Hotels
• 2 Ballrooms
• 3 Total Spaces

For your next event or special occasion, you may choose from a variety of customisable sites, including a unique rooftop spot. The Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago, with a total floor area of 110,000 square feet and direct access to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center via a skywalk, offers distinctive rooms and features that combine to create a totally unique atmosphere. The Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago is the ideal location for any event, from major meetings to personal festivities. Our Conference Hub provides a variety of customizable breakout rooms that are easily connected by a networking area. In addition, we have the largest ballroom outside of the city of Chicago. Plan a spectacular wedding reception in one of our huge ballrooms, which is one of the most impressive locations in the city of Rosemont, Illinois. Your big day will be managed by a professional, full-service planning staff that will take care of every detail.

• Spaces for 100-200 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Interested in renting the whole space for a fundraiser, special event, rehearsal dinner, wedding etc… send us an email.

• Spaces for 20-500 Guests
• 1 Ballroom
• 3 Landmarks
• 5 Total Spaces

The South Shore Cultural Center (originally the South Shore Country Club) is a cultural facility in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago that has been designated as a Chicago Landmark (2004) and is on the National Register of Historic Places (1975). This cultural center was established in 1905 and restored in 1916. After a large community campaign led by the Chicago Park District and historic preservationists, the Chicago Park District purchased this historic building in 1975 and restored it as a historic landmark. The South Shore Cultural Center is spread out over 70.84 acres. This facility has a solarium, formal dining hall, and the Paul Robeson Theater, and it has a lovely country club-like décor. A natural refuge and a butterfly garden are among the park's green attractions. A nine-hole golf course, a beach, and open places for picnics and walks are available outside. Our solarium, dining room, and theater are just a few of the venues that can be rented. Dance, music, art, health, culinary arts, fitness, and other cultural programs and classes are available to park visitors of all ages. Textile art, drawing & painting, mixed media art, and ceramics are among the new adult art workshops offered by South Shore. During the school year, after-school activities are available, and during the summer, children can attend the Chicago Park District's popular six-week day camp. Aside from programs, the South Shore Cultural Center provides entertaining special events for the entire family throughout the year, such as holiday-themed events. South Shore Cultural Center Arts Partners: As the jewel of the South Lakefront, South Shore Cultural Center is happy to provide the surrounding community with a range of culturally rich activities. After School Matters, Chicago Music Association, Chicago Modern Orchestra Project, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Court Theatre, Hatha Yoga, South Chicago Dance Theatre, South Shore Advisory Council, and South Shore Opera Company are just a few of the organizations that have helped make these programs possible. Please contact the South Shore Cultural Center for additional information on these collaborations and programs.

• Spaces for 250 Guests
• 1 Country Club

The Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club has a large clubhouse with excellent decor and delicious food. Groups of up to 250 people can be accommodated in our intimate banquet rooms and outdoor wedding location. Guests can enjoy a spectacular view of our 18-hole championship golf course from our function rooms. When you host your special event at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, your guests will be blown away. Bridges, which is open to the public, consistently receives excellent remarks from our visitors. The 8,200-square-foot event space, which includes a spectacular gazebo and waterfall, is ideal for weddings and other special occasions. Style selections ranging from formal to informal meals govern the perfectly accomplished day for large, mid-sized, and small groups. Our outdoor event space is ideal for hosting a memorable occasion. Your wedding is one of life's most important events. Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club's skilled event advisors ensure that your special day is one-of-a-kind and full of lifelong memories. We work with you from the minute you book your wedding to personalize and polish every detail of your celebration. You can have your wedding ceremony here or arrange an afternoon or evening reception separately. Every option is tailored to your personality, style, and budget, from selecting informal, intimate, or sophisticated moods to designing your meal. There are numerous alternatives available, ranging from elaborate dinner receptions to intimate champagne brunches. Construct traditional or contemporary plated meals, stations, or buffets with the help of our expert crew. From the moment your guests arrive, your wedding will be remembered for all the right reasons, from the exciting cocktail hours through the delectable desserts and coffee station.

Roosevelt University, a private institution founded in 1945 on the principles of inclusion and social justice, has more than 4,000 students in five colleges. With campuses in the Chicago Loop, Schaumburg, Peoria, and Lake County. Roosevelt offers 75 undergraduate and 15 graduate and doctoral programs across five colleges and online, including arts and sciences, business, performing arts, education, culinary, health sciences and pharmacy. Roosevelt University prepares students to become socially conscious citizens who are leaders in their professions and their communities. With the integration of Robert Morris University Illinois, the expanded University will be nationally recognized as a catalyst for students from all walks of life to receive transformational learning experiences.

For anything from wedding receptions to small meals with close friends, we are confident in our ability to provide the space you require. We propose that you meet with our event team to get a preliminary briefing. Once we have a clear understanding of your requirements, we will produce a menu proposal and organize a meeting to confirm the details of your event. Phil Cocco is a professional football player. Our General Manager, Executive Chef Garrett VanBergen, and his team are available to assist you in making your event a memorable and enjoyable experience. Please contact us for more information. In medieval Ireland, a snug was a private area with its own entrance from the street and its own access to the bar, reserved only for ladies. We decided to open the Snug at the same time as the temperance movement began in Evanston to accommodate folks searching for a small private party area to enjoy our freshly-made drinks and our local fair. It has enough space for a cocktail party of up to 15 people or a seated meal for 10-14 people, as well as plenty of furniture and a huge window. Our dining room can handle a corporate lunch as well as a traditional family-style supper.. Whatever your requirements, we will do all we can to meet them. If you would want to listen to your own music, we offer audiovisual possibilities with our Sharp HD television and iPod ports. We can accommodate a party of 20 or less in a private dining experience by opening up our pre-cocktail window for you and your friends to enjoy. The Beacon Room, located on the second floor, is a semi-private area that can accommodate a group of 55 people for an intimate meal or a cocktail party for 65 people. The rental of the Beacon Room will include exclusive usage of the 2nd Floor Bar Area, which is located on the second floor of the building. For larger gatherings (over 50 people), the Beacon Room may be paired with the Hayloft room, which has a kitchen with plenty of chairs. Our Hay Loft, which is located upstairs and is fully private, can accommodate a party of 30 people for a sit-down romantic dinner or a cocktail party for 35 people. A cocktail event for up to 110 people may be held in conjunction with the Beacon Room, which can accommodate 80 people sitting down.

• Spaces for 150-300 Guests
• 1 Event Space
• 1 Meeting Space

The Kankakee Valley Park District has served the Kankakee area since 1925, operating more than 36 parks, recreational facilities, and event spaces across Aroma Park and Kankakee Townships in Illinois. The district maintains a diverse portfolio of rentable venues — from the Bill Spriggs Civic Auditorium at Gov. Small Memorial Park to the Charlton Room at the Rec Center — accommodating events ranging from intimate gatherings to larger receptions and community celebrations. The Charlton Room, located inside the Rec Center at 150 N. Indiana Ave. in downtown Kankakee, seats up to 150 guests banquet-style and up to 200 in theater-style arrangement, and includes a full-use kitchen. The Bill Spriggs Civic Auditorium features a stage, an outdoor patio, and open outdoor space. The district also offers additional park fieldhouses, pavilions, and riverfront settings through parks such as Bird Park, Goselin Park, and Pioneer Park. The district's main office is reachable at (815) 939-1311.

• Spaces for 200-300 Guests
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Landmark
• 1 Historic Space

The Grand Ballroom at Joliet Union Station occupies a 1912 Beaux-Arts landmark designed by railroad architect Jarvis Hunt and built from smooth Bedford limestone with ornate interior marble finishes. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building served for decades as the gateway hub for four of Joliet's major railroads before being transformed into a dedicated event venue. The main ballroom accommodates up to 200 guests for seated receptions or more than 300 for cocktail-style gatherings, its soaring arched windows, crystal chandeliers, and marble columns defining the atmosphere. An outdoor wrap-around veranda offers a secondary ceremony or cocktail-hour space with views of downtown Joliet. The in-house culinary team crafts fully customized menus — from passed appetizers to multi-course plated dinners and interactive stations — while a dedicated event coordination team supports planning from the first site visit through the event itself. The venue accommodates everything from micro weddings of 15 to 40 guests to large-scale grand receptions, as well as corporate events and milestone celebrations.

• Spaces for 40-100 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Francesca's Vicinato brings the flavors of an authentic Italian trattoria to Palos Park, drawing from the zesty, earthy cuisine of Rome and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. The restaurant sits near the Orland Park Shopping District and carries the warm hospitality and casually sophisticated atmosphere that defines the Francesca's family of restaurants. For private events and celebrations, the restaurant accommodates groups from 10 to 200 guests across two dedicated event spaces — the Allegro and the Barolo — each available in private or semi-private configurations. Service styles include family style, plated dinners, and appetizer receptions, with in-house catering menus tailored for occasions ranging from shower luncheons and rehearsal dinners to wedding dinners and corporate gatherings.