Chicago is a big and bustling city with a rich history. So if you’re planning an event in the city, you won’t run out of options of where to host it. However, if you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford the luxurious hotels, don’t despair. There are plenty of smaller venues that you can rent without breaking the bank. We’ve rounded some of them up for you.
Founded by Jacquelyn Payne in 2016, Create Your Space Studio is a community space she wanted to create for health and wellness. The studio still offers dance and yoga classes but now also provides a private event space. It has an 800 square foot multi-purpose space perfect for small, intimate events. Aside from the event space, the dance studio itself is also available to rent.
Location: 937 N Western Avenue
Capacity: 50 people max
Price: $65/hour before 8pm, $79/hour after 8pm
Travel: The 49 Western bus stops a block away.
Ravenswood Loft is a 2,000 sq. ft. venue conveniently located in the heart of Ravenswood, Chicago. You can host any kind of event here, from corporate and social events to private celebrations and ceremonies. They also allow rentals for workshops, concerts and productions. Their amenities include furnished open studio space, kitchenette, and WiFi and A/V technologies. They also allow outside catering and can even provide event staffing upon request.
Location: 4437 N Ravenswood Avenue
Capacity: 80-100 people
Price: $36/hour – $127/hour, depending on the event
Travel: Nearest bus station is the Montrose Brown Line Station. They also have free street parking.
3. Space 1858
Space 1858 specializes in small, private events for 50 people or fewer. Their 1,000 sq. foot multi-use space is a great and affordable alternative to larger venues. It’s a loft-style brick building with a beautiful interior featuring floor to ceiling glass windows, exposed wood beams and a focal brick wall. And since they’re restricted to 50 people max, the venue cannot host public events, events with sales such as pop up shops, nor do they allow live music or DJs. You are also free to self-cater or hire an outside vendor.
Location: 1858 W Grand Avenue
Capacity: 50 people
Price: Space is rented in set time slots only, with the lowest rate being $364 from 8am to 2pm (approx. $60/hour)
Travel: Nearest bus stop is at Grand & Hoyne. Free street parking is available on Grand & Wolcott Avenues
Foxhole Creative is both a creative production company and a venue founded back in 2012. Their 1,200 sq. ft. versatile space can be the next venue for your creative endeavours or social events. They can accommodate private celebrations, corporate events, photoshoots, workshops, weddings, or performances. They can also provide audio and video services as well as additional event staff upon request. You can even rent a hot tub!
Location: 2444 W Montrose Avenue
Capacity: 99 standing, 45 seated, 45 outdoor/backyard capacity
Price: Rates depend on the event and number of guests, ranging from $36/hour to $200/hour
Travel: Nearest bus stop is at the corner of Montrose & Campbell.
Kitchen Chicago is a unique venue in that it doubles as a commercially licensed shared-use kitchen and event space. The kitchen space is divided into four functional areas/kitchens, but they also offer a 3,400 sq. ft. of loft-style event space for intimate events or large gatherings. Renting this venue also grants you access to their kitchens, but they also have an open vendor policy if you prefer to hire one from the outside.
Location: 327 N Bell Avenue
Capacity: 150 standing, 130 seated
Price: Kitchen rates can vary, $24 – $200/hour
Travel: Nearest bus stop is at the corner of Montrose & Campbell.
6. Lacuna Lofts
Located in Lower West Chicago, Lacuna Lofts is a multi-purpose cultural arts centre, events venue and shared workspace. It has an open space floor plan, and a rooftop deck called the SkyDeck that features a gorgeous view of the city skyline. It also has two open-plan event spaces perfect for any event: the Reverie Gallery and the Blank Gallery. The capacity for the SkyDeck, the Reverie Gallery and the Blank Gallery can vary depending on the event’s layout, but each space can hold a max capacity of 300. The venue also has its very own in-house catering team.
Location: 2150 S Canalport Avenue
Capacity: 300 max
Price: $75 – $90/person
Travel: Nearest bus stop is at Halsted & Cullerton
Indigo & Violet Studio is an art studio and venue specializing in craft workshops and creative parties and a source for custom handmade decor. But they’re not limited to arts and crafts-related events. The studio can also accommodate private events. They offer different packages and allow outside food, beverages and decor. One unique feature for this venue is that all events hosted must include an interactive craft project. Don’t worry, though, because they’ll take care of providing the materials and hands-on instruction.
Location: 1411 W Irving Park Road
Capacity: 20 max
Price: $30 – $40/person
Travel: Nearest bus stop is at Irving Park & Clark
Nomad Chicago is a female-founded boutique and coffee shop located in the River North neighbourhood that focuses on supporting women-owned brands and artisanship. Laura Moynihan, the founder of Nomad Chicago, wanted to create a space for people to connect, serve, and celebrate. They offer rentable spaces and upscale conference rooms for small meetings.
Location: 820 N Franklin Street
Capacity: 4 people max
Price: $25/hour
Travel: Nearest bus stop is at Chicago & Franklin
This local community hall of Schorsch Village reopens their doors for event rentals once again. The neighbourhood’s community hall is the usual venue of fundraisers for the local youth sports teams, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, meetings and is also used as a local polling place. Amenities include a 2,600 sq. ft. area for any type of event (weddings, ceremonies, family events, banquets, etc.), a furnished kitchen and a bar with tables and chairs. Self-catering and outside food and beverages are allowed, as well as live music and a DJ if you’re planning to get one.
Location: 6940 W Belmont Avenue
Capacity: 100 people
Price: $436 from 10am to 12am (approx. $31/hour)
Travel: Nearest bus stop is at Belmont & New England
Did you like any of the places we mentioned above? That’s only a handful of the unique places Chicago can offer as the venue for your next event. Just remember to practice caution still when planning a social gathering nowadays.
