Top Near South Side Graduation Party Venues

• 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.

• Spaces for 30-550 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 4 Event Spaces
• 4 Total Spaces

If you’re looking to host an unforgettable event in Chicago, Salvage One offers a truly one-of-a-kind venue unlike any other. Located in the heart of Chicago, Salvage One is a multi-functional space that serves as an architectural salvage store, vintage furniture showroom, prop rental shop, and highly sought-after event venue. Perfect for weddings, corporate gatherings, private parties, and creative productions, our venue features exposed brick walls, eclectic décor, vintage pieces, and timeless architectural details. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a large-scale event, Salvage One provides a charming, flexible space that can be tailored to your vision. Our experienced team is here to help bring your event to life—whether you need stunning backdrops for photography or film, unique vintage rentals, or a venue that stands apart from the ordinary. Salvage One is a favorite among Chicago event planners for its versatility, character, and unforgettable ambiance.

• Spaces for 100-200 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark

With turn of the century architecture, The International Museum of Surgical Science offers an elegant setting for your next lecture, corporate meeting, beautiful reception, and intimate dinner. Guests enter the International Museum of Surgical Science and are led up a gilded metal staircase to the main floor. Italian marble floors and fireplaces, decorative cut stone and sky-high floor to ceiling windows with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan are just some of the many unique features of the International Museum of Surgical Science. The wood-paneled walls decorated with historic murals and statues are customizable to your preferences for an engaging and intimate special event. The historic mansion that holds the International Museum of Surgical Science truly embodies the Gold Coast splendor of the late 19th Century and will provide for an unforgettable backdrop for every special occasion.

• Spaces for 250-500 Guests
• 2 Event Spaces

Located in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, Walden’s 19,000-square-foot space has been designed with the ultimate event in mind. Light, bright and airy, the modern two-story interior provides a gorgeous blank slate to create the customized event of your dreams. Whether you’re planning a seated dinner for 300 that begins with a cocktail hour at the bar followed by dancing later in the evening or a cocktail reception for 500, Walden provides the perfect setting. The Walden Experience: Our honest and inclusive process promotes design-driven rather than budget-constrained events. Seamless planning and creative production reduce costs and promote collaboration, allowing you to focus on what is most important to you. We accomplish this through full-service event planning, chef-driven cuisine, a modern beverage program, rentals, staffing and other exceptional amenities under one beautiful, environmentally friendly West Town roof. We treat your event like a mosaic, pulling together all the different pieces with the common theme to create a full, unforgettable picture.

• Spaces for 16-175 Guests
• 4 Restaurants

Forbidden Root, the first botanical brewery in Chicago, was founded as a passionately personal project by Robert Finkel after leaving the world of high-stakes entrepreneurship. His idea to create a true-brewed root beer quickly grew to encompass the broader idea of botanic beers. On February 18, 2016, our restaurant and brewery opened in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. More than just a brewpub, we offer fresh and seasonal dishes that highlight our craft beers and elevate the overall dining experience. In addition to our passion for beer and food, Forbidden Root is passionate about giving back. We are a benefit corporation, meaning that goals other than shareholder value are built into our operating charter.

• Spaces for 40-1,500 Guests
• 3 Museums
• 3 Landmarks
• 1 Theater

When you choose the Chicago History Museum, you will experience the perfect venue for your event. Whether you're planning a corporate celebration, daytime meeting, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, engagement or anniversary celebration, or your dream wedding, the Chicago History Museum will provide the quintessential Chicago experience with a sophistication and elegance you won't find anywhere else. Overlooking scenic Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast skyline, the Chicago Room at the Chicago History Museum creates an ideal setting for any type of event with spectacular views and traditional Georgian-style elegance. Combine the history of the city of Chicago and the beauty of our venue, and you will have the perfect backdrop for your event at Chicago History Museum.

• Spaces for 700-1,000 Guests
• 1 Venue with Activities

We are more than just birthday parties! Razzmatazz is Chicago's most exciting family entertainment center. Come and join us for bowling,state-of-the-art arcade games, corporate & birthday celebrations bounce houses, full bar and much, much more! Chicago Indoor Sports is Chicagoland’s premier indoor sports facility. 90,000 square feet of action-packed fun for all the family. We have the best fields anywhere in Chicago, a large entertainment and concession area and programs for all ages. We are two places in one!

• Spaces for 180-300 Guests

Candlelite Chicago Lincoln Park is new to the neighborhood but deeply rooted in tradition. Discover our 70-year legacy of tavern-style pizza at our newest location in Lincoln Park. As our second restaurant and first dedicated event space, we're here to light up the local dining and event scene. From classic Margarita pizza to our signature Candlelite White, or even a custom creation built from the ground up - just like your event - we bring the best of Chicago to every celebration. What type of special event are you planning? When you choose Candlelite Chicago Lincoln Park, Chrissy will help make your celebration extra special. Your guests will be wowed when they walk in to celebrate with you. Contact Chrissy@candlelitechicago.com or 773-575-0301 today to set up a private viewing of your next event space for 20-1000 guests. Variety of food and beverage packages available. Flexible floor plans. Event Space, Theaters, Breakout Rooms. A space you have to experience first hand.

• Spaces for 150-200 Guests
• 1 Theater

Chopin Theatre is a 6,000 square foot space spread across two eclectically designed floors located in Chicago's most artistic neighborhood, Wicker Park/Bucktown. Fully equipped, customizable and affordable, consider Chopin Theatre for your social, corporate, art, film music, performance, fashion, culinary or philanthropic needs. Why go to Paris when you can create Paris here! “enchantingly funky Chopin Theatre in the Wicker Park neighborhood..” – New York Times “..and you’re at the Chopin Theatre to begin with – one of the cooler, brick-walled, atmospherically attractive performance spaces in Chicago.” – Chicago Tribune “ Different companies peel in and out of spaces like the Chopin each remaking it how they see fit, tearing down the world and building it up again..” - Performink Chicago Editors Pick: Chicago Venues that Matter the Most - "Great theaters need great karma... With kindly, theater-loving owners and great Polish beer at the bar; the Chopin is a composer of merit" - Chicago Tribune

• Spaces for 20-1,000 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 1 Outdoor
• 8 Total Spaces

For your next event, you want a venue as unique as you. Whether you are planning your next social or corporate celebration, fundraiser, conference, or private party, the iO Theater is the perfect venue for an unforgettable event. Our premier event space, The Clybourn offers clients 3,000 sq ft of modern rustic space with windows. Featuring private bars, in-house AV, dimmable lighting, our customizable floor plans (with the option of utilizing our in-house furniture including banquet rounds, high-tops and chairs) we provide a turn-key experience for your special event. You can also take advantage of our four state-of-the-art conference-ready theaters and sound systems, our five breakout spaces, and our in-house kitchen and bar, At iO Theater we take care of everything – a malleable event venue, dinner and drinks, and an evening of laughter from the best improvisers in Chicago, you just bring your team. The iO Theater is the perfect backdrop for your next event including: Corporate Events Weddings Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Birthdays Holiday Parties Recitals and productions Conferences Team Outings Since 1981, The iO Theater has been the foundational institution dedicated to the development of long-form improvisational theater; we have trained thousands of students and helped launch the careers of countless comedians and actors like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Mike Meyers, and Jason Sudeikis (just to name a few). Now, iO's creative spaces can become a background for your events, big or small!

• Spaces for 30-312 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Roots Handmade Pizza is Quad Cities born, Chicago raised. We're serving up authentic Quad Cities Style Pizza in the city, mouth-watering appetizers, fresh salads, decadent dessert and more. Plus, we've got the largest selection of all-Midwest beer in Chicago! With four locations in Chicago, there's a venue for every type of occasion. Celebrate in either West Town, Lincoln Square, Old Town or South Loop in one of our private dining areas, or book the entire place to yourself - our Event Coordinators will work with you to meet your event needs! Roots is prepared to host every kind of event - From kids birthday parties, to corporate events and weddings. We also offer off-site event Sc corporate catering. We will gladly bring the party your way. Lighting, custom menus, and ambiance can be adjusted according to your specific event needs. We are also able to make special accomodations for your events whether it's additional A/V, wireless microphones, or event planning and production support.

• Spaces for 190-300 Guests
• 1 Event Space

Located in a 100-year-old lumber manufacturing plant in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago, our space is the perfect blend of vintage industrial and modern sophistication — outfitted with fully integrated digital capabilities to host your wedding, social, or corporate event. During the week, The Arbory transforms into a blank slate for ample production work and photoshoots or a dynamic setting for corporate breakout sessions and creative brainstorming. On weekends, The Arbory’s custom lighting and furniture amenities create a customizable venue to bring your wedding vision to life. With in-house video production and tech capabilities, we can seamlessly allow for one or two way live streaming options, projection, and full light control with blackout shades on our six oversize skylights. The Arbory includes dimmable Italian café lights, uplighting options, two lounges, as well as custom oak tables and two types of upgraded wood chairs. Our private green room/wedding suite allows for a private moment before and after the ceremony and has been thoughtfully designed with photography in mind. We are thrilled to invite you to celebrate your next event with The Arbory in our brand new venue!

The Fulton West is Chicago's newest loft-style venue featuring a blank space to let your event dreams run wild! The newly renovated 3,500 square foot space is perfect for groups of 10-70 and accessible from the ground floor. The space is complete with 2 restrooms and a small outdoor patio to enjoy the Chicago weather. The Fulton West is now available for micro-weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, bachelor/bachelorette outings, photoshoots, meetings, art installations, bar & bat mitzvahs, and more!

• Spaces for 80-150 Guests
• 1 Event Space

Private Venue, Custom Cake Maker , Caterer to the Stars! A team of experts in the culinary aspect of the industry formed City Epicurean. Former owner of TipsyCake and Chef from Jewell Events Catering, bring a unique industrial edge to the Chicago Party Scene.

• Spaces for 35-200 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 3 Theaters
• 4 Total Spaces

Welcome to lululemon Lincoln Park! As the first and largest Experiential Store, we are centered on creating connection and fostering relationships, a fundamental core of our brand. Our space is rooted in accessibility and inclusivity, any and all are welcome. Our venue features dual workout studios, expansive locker room facilities, a tranquil meditation lounge, and the renowned lululemon cafe, "The Fuel Space." Your journey to wellbeing through the Chicago community begins here. You can shop, join a weekly class or simply enjoy the company of each other. Our venue is also designed to accommodate a wide range of events. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, an intimate gathering with friends, a corporate team-building event, or any other special occasion, we have the amenities to make it truly memorable!

• Spaces for 24-90 Guests
• 3 Restaurants

Open since the summer of 1994, The Smoke Daddy was the first of its kind to offer barbeque and free live music seven days a week in Wicker Park. Over the years, The New York Times, National Geographic, Zagat survey, Chicago magazine, and the Chicago Social all rated "The Daddy" as "having Chicago's best barbeque". Our concept is simple: top quality barbeque, cold drinks and music in a lively atmosphere. We smoke all of our meats in house each day and take pride in offering the best ribs and pulled meats in town. Our Wicker Park location offers options for Semi-Private events as well as Buy-Outs that are perfect for your next gathering, whether that's a Birthday Brunch, Rehearsal Dinner, or Company Happy Hour! We have great indoor/outdoor space allowing for great air flow for your event as well. ▪️ Buffet or Family-Style Service ▪️ Available for Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner 7 days a week ▪️ Live Music

• Spaces for 20-200 Guests
• 4 Restaurants

Two wonderful friends and hospitality veterans spotted an opportunity to bring their beloved bar and comfort food to the up-and-coming Wicker Park neighborhood more than ten years ago. The Fifty/50 debuted to the public on March 20th, 2008, promising pleasant service, amazing food, and a wild bar atmosphere. The Fifty/50, a Wicker Park dining and nightlife pioneer, continues to set the standard for neighborhood restaurants and luxury sports bars nationwide. Since 2008, the Fifty/50 has won numerous honors, including "Best Sports Bar in America" (Yahoo, Thrillist) and "Best Wings in Chicago" (WGN, Chicago Tribune, Metromix). We continue to raise the bar and seek to push the boundaries on chef-driven, scratch-made bar cuisine, thanks to a recent expansion and makeover in late 2016. In Chicago's Wicker Park area, The Fifty/50 is a full-service restaurant and bar. Cocktail parties, business functions, birthdays, and any other type of event where people are letting loose and having a wonderful time are among our specialties. There are three stories, each with its own bar and different feel and attitude. The Sky Box level is a private area with views of the main floor that can accommodate up to 50 people for a cocktail reception or seated meal. The Dugout has plush seats and a private DJ booth, as well as a large downstairs bar and a big party vibe. All of these areas can be rented out for private events at any time of day or night! We have places and locations across the venue that may be divided or combined for large and small events.

• Spaces for 120 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 1 Boat
• 1 Waterfront

Our enormous Free Spirit luxury yacht, which can seat up to 120 guests, has been custom-designed for your leisure and comfort, both inside and outside the vessel. Free Spirit is ideal for bigger groups such as business meetings, company trips, networking events, family celebrations, weddings, and other social gatherings. A boat makes any event more memorable, no matter what the occasion is! Spend an evening with your coworkers taking in the spectacular views of Chicago's world-renowned skyline while enjoying cocktails and an exquisite dinner at the Chicago Athletic Association. For a more relaxed affair, consider hosting a brunch cruise with mimosas and bloody marys while cruising along Chicago's picturesque lakefront or along the Chicago River. Wow, talk about combining business and pleasure. Those of you who have spent time in Chicago during the summer months are aware of how much we like our lakefront. In addition, if you've ever taken a Free Spirit Yacht charter trip, you know how much fun they can be. Not to mention that it is decadently soothing.

• Spaces for 16-120 Guests
• 2 Restaurants
• 1 Bar
• 4 Total Spaces

Sushi-san Lincoln Park features a menu from Master Sushi Chef Kaze Chan and serves one of the largest sake by-the-glass lists in the Windy City. The Lincoln Park location offers private event spaces on the lower level, a large dining room lined with banquets, and a dedicated bar area, complete with floor to ceiling glass windows that open up to an intimate patio on Halsted Street. Sushi-san has two other locations located in River North and Willis Tower.

• Spaces for 250 Guests

22Thirty9 is a 2,200-square-foot private event loft situated above Pressure Point Recording Studio, part of the Bassline Music Complex on historic Record Row in Chicago's South Loop. The space is acoustically tuned and fully wired for presentations, live performances, and recorded entertainment, reflecting the building's deep roots in Chicago's music culture. The loft features floor-to-ceiling atrium windows, exposed brick walls, and high ceilings alongside a full-service bar and lounge area. Built-in A/V systems, in-house A/V specialists, and an experienced hospitality team are available for events. The venue sits steps from McCormick Place and Wintrust Arena, with convenient access to major roadways throughout the city.