Top Near South Side Gala Venues

• 8 Gala Albums
• Spaces for 50-12,000 Guests
• 7 Museums
• 7 Landmarks
• 10 Total Spaces

Dine beside a WWII submarine or a 40-foot tornado, sip cocktails with a Mars Rover, or mingle beneath historic aircraft. From the welcome reception to dinner and dessert, amaze your guests with an unforgettable event. Griffin MSI is the premier Chicago destination for unique and engaging special events. In addition to our awe-inspiring and interactive displays, enjoy private guided tours, gardens surrounded by century-old oak trees, or open-air dining on our breathtaking porticos. Our world-class culinary and special events teams will customize your entire experience, from handcrafted cocktails to an innovative seasonal menu and decadent desserts. We have events down to a science!

• 1 Gala Album
• Spaces for 6-1,200 Guests
• 3 Restaurants
• 1 Bar
• 12 Total Spaces

Discover the epitome of elegance and versatility at the David Rubenstein Forum, nestled within the vibrant University of Chicago campus. Our stunning venue is perfect for a variety of events, from corporate meetings to dream weddings. With its impressive floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of Hyde Park and state-of-the-art audiovisual support available throughout ten floors, your event experience will be enhanced in every way. Choose from versatile spaces like the expansive 600+ seat University Room or intimate sections designed for memorable receptions. Enjoy exceptional seasonal cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Marco Bahena in our Dining Room or BARDAVID while surrounded by inspiring biophilic design elements such as the serene Bosque Garden and surrounding landscape that invite nature indoors. Whether you're planning a conference, festival, or personal celebration, the David Rubenstein Forum provides an unparalleled backdrop that fosters connection and creativity among all guests.

• 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
• 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 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 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 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
• 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 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.

• 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.

• Spaces for 100-2,000 Guests
• 5 Landmarks
• 2 Outdoor Spaces
• 5 Total Spaces

Revel Motor Row, a city landmark rich in Chicago history, has been restored as an event production space to help fuel the resurgence of an iconic neighborhood into a thriving entertainment district. Built in 1936 and previously home to the Illinois Automobile Club and the Chicago Defender building, Revel Motor Row provides an impressive backdrop for any vision. The adjacent building and original home to the city's first Cadillac dealership adds flexible space to the campus. Construction is underway to restore the illustrious building to its former glory. - Designed and built by acclaimed architect Philip Maher - Across from Chicago’s premiere convention center, McCormick Place - 50,000 sq. feet in total event space - Versatile design with over 20 event spaces - 2,600 total capacity - 4,000+ sq. ft. outdoor courtyard - 12-20 spaces for breakout rooms and private dining including a ornate boardroom - Stunning green room or bridal suite with breathtaking details

• Spaces for 12-10,000 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 2 Hotels
• 9 Total Spaces

Step into the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, where great things happen seamlessly. Our convenient location makes exploring Chicago attractions easier than ever once you’ve wrapped up business in the city. We are connected to the McCormick Place Convention Center and our downtown Chicago hotel offers the ideal destination for you to work, relax and explore. Not only is Soldier Field, host to concerts, runs, and football games, a 10-minute walk via a connecting bridge, but The Museum Campus is located steps away from our lakefront. We’re located conveniently close to some of Chicago’s best attractions, such as: 0.5 miles from the Cermak/McCormick Place Green Line CTA stop 0.6 miles from Soldier Field 1.8 miles from Northerly Island 1.2 miles from Shedd Aquarium 1.6 miles from Adler Planetarium 2.3 miles from U.S. Cellular Field 5 miles from Museum of Science and Industry 15 miles from Horseshoe Casino Hyatt Regency McCormick Place also offers over 63,000 sq. ft. of flexible and customizable event space with access to over 50,000 square feet of event space at McCormick Place Convention Center. Our venue is ideal for a wide range of events like board meetings, midsize conferences, large galas, weddings and more. Our experienced staff are trained to deliver premium service from start to finish. Let’s start the planning process!

• Spaces for 200-275 Guests
• 1 Event Space

ROW 24 is a family-run event space, located in the historic Motor Row district in Chicago’s South Loop area. We were captivated by the newest arts and entertainment neighborhood, and we know you will as well. Our venue’s historic sophistication provides a perfect backdrop for unforgettable events. From a corporate lunch meeting to a fairytale wedding, ROW 24 is eager to work with you to create a memorable experience. Two of the original founders of ROW 24, Chris Fountain and Dana Louder, are entrepreneurs with many years of experience in the wedding and entertainment industries. Chris managed a live music venue in the trendy Wicker Park neighborhood, while Dana’s business, Pin Me Up, a bridal beauty agency, has won the Best of Weddings award from The Knot for the last four years. At ROW 24, Chris and Dana work with their family, who collectively have over 20 years of experience in hospitality. The family has come together to cultivate a business that is more than just another event space. By offering a truly collaborative experience and a highly customizable venue, ROW 24 is a distinct wedding and special event location.

• Spaces for 50-63,500 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark
• 10 Total Spaces

Soldier Field is the premier destination for events in Chicago, hosting a wide range of events including corporate events, social events, meetings, expos, sporting events, and concerts,. With sweeping views of the downtown skyline and beautiful Lake Michigan, Soldier Field is the perfect venue to “wow” your guests. The talented event team at Soldier Field will take care of every detail to ensure that your event is spectacular! Now is the time to book your next exciting event at Chicago's most prestigious event venue.

• Spaces for 20-200 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark
• 4 Total Spaces

Glessner House invites you to host your corporate lunch, dinner, or cocktail event; your lecture, program, meeting, or photo shoot in our exquisite mansion located near McCormick Place in the heart of the Prairie Avenue Historic District of Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood. (Please note we no longer host weddings). Featuring a private outdoor courtyard, this intimate venue offers a distinct alternative to hotels and banquet halls. Café-style lighting illuminates the courtyard, while a modern Bose sound system provides an intimate environment for any occasion. Once home to prized horses, our updated coach house serves as a beautiful interior event space and is fully accessible. Located directly north of the Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, Glessner House is both easily accessed by public transportation and is within walking distance of three major hotels. A nearby parking lot is also available as needed. Prairie Avenue once boasted over 90 mansions built by the movers and shakers of Chicago. One of only seven remaining, Glessner House stands tall at the corner of 18th Street and Prairie Avenue, a treasure for all time. Our Mission: To spark excitement in architecture, history, and design through a dynamic exploration of Glessner House, its family, and its preservation.

• Spaces for 30-160 Guests
• 2 Restaurants
• 1 Event Space

Located in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago, two Michelin starred Moody Tongue Brewing Company may be found within walking distance of McCormick Place, numerous area hotels and a growing hospitality community. The Private Dining & Events Program at Moody Tongue showcases chef-driven beers, elevated service and a focused food menu from eleven-time Michelin-starred recipient Executive Chef Jared Wentworth. The brewery's mid-century modern aesthetic and refined industrial design set the tone for a distinctive dining and event experience, while a professional onsite event team ensures attention to every detail. Coordinating these details leading to a successful event can be stressful, and the event team at Moody Tongue brings focus, care and hospitality to you throughout the process. Our goal is to help create a unique and memorable event, tailored to your needs. Whether you would like to entertain a select group of clients or host a reception or private dining experience, we offer a number of possibilities within the brewery’s three venues. All three venues offer flexibility, style and comfort which may be curated for a variety of engagements. Moody Tongue's award-winning beer and Chef Jared Wentworth's elevated dining offerings provide an undeniable backdrop to distinguish your next event. For additional information or to reserve a space for a private event, please reach out us via the link below or send us an e-mail at contact@moodytongue.com. -- "THE DINING ROOM" offers our most intimate experience. Leather booths and chairs, large blackened oak table tops and sophisticated tablewares combine to elevate the perception of a brewery dining experience. Brewmaster Jared Rouben's dream of marrying fine dining with exceptional beer pairings may now be experienced in private engagements with our 6 to 15 course tasting menus. Plated and family-style dining options are also available for seated dinners while an extensive banquet menu provides excellent options for reception style events. The Dining Room can accommodate 28 guests seated or 50 guests for a standing cocktail reception. "THE BAR" provides a comfortable backdrop for larger events. A vibrant fireplace lounge and library of historic brewing books anchors the room beneath the original industrial skylight. The central black marble bar focuses guests attention inward towards 18 gleaming draft towers. The room is open and flexible, without feeling too expansive. Dining options may be catered to either seated plated and family-style meals or standing reception-style affairs. Semi-private reservations are available in this venue upon request as well. The Bar can accommodate 50 guests seated or 100 for a standing cocktail reception. "THE BREWERY FLOOR" is available for our largest engagements. Located immediately within Moody Tongue’s brewing facility and beneath an expansive skylight and original bowstring truss roof, the brewery has dedicated over 2,500 square feet to private reservations. Flanked by exposed brick walls and racks of whiskey and wine barrels, this venue enjoys a private entrance, coat check and dedicated restrooms. The Brewery Floor can accommodate 120 guests seated or 160 for a standing cocktail reception.

Welcome to Decadent Chicago, your premier event destination nestled in the vibrant heart of the South Loop. Our stunning two-story loft-style venue boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere for any occasion. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering, a corporate event, or a grand celebration, Decadent Chicago offers the perfect backdrop with its modern elegance and versatile layout. Our in-house catering team is dedicated to crafting delicious menus tailored to your event, complemented by a selection of artisanal coffee and handcrafted cocktails. Experience exceptional service and a captivating environment at Decadent Chicago—where every event is a celebration of style and sophistication. Let us help you create unforgettable memories!

• Spaces for 45 Guests
• 1 Boat

Adeline's Sea Moose is an extraordinary floating vessel, perfect for corporate events, holiday parties, birthday celebrations and family reunions! We love hosting weddings and personalizing events! About the Sea Moose: At 68 feet, Adeline's Sea Moose boasts private, panoramic views from multiple decks and her bar and lounge and be opened to the elements. Her expansive entertaining spaces, both in and outdoors, make her a perfect venue! While aboard, our attentive and professionally trained crew are on hand to cater to all of your needs. She is Coast Guard Certified to comfortably host up to 45 guests! Ask about our Skyline Charter packages, Architectural Lake Front Tours, & Navy Pier Fireworks Shows!

• Spaces for 10-2,100 Guests
• 3 Hotels
• 3 Ballrooms
• 9 Total Spaces

Elevate your events in Chicago with over 90,000 square feet of versatile space, perfect for conferences, meetings, and weddings. Located in the heart of downtown, our conference room is steps away from McCormick Place, offering seamless connectivity with high-speed Internet and advanced audiovisual capabilities. Choose from 63 magnificent event locations, providing approximately 90,000 square feet of flexible space to accommodate weddings of any size and style. Our Level 33 venue offers panoramic views of Chicago and Lake Michigan, ensuring a memorable experience. Whether hosting a meeting or celebrating your wedding, enjoy the grandeur of the Great Lakes Ballroom, accommodating parties of up to 2,100 people, with stunning views of downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan from every direction.