Outdoor Party Venues for Rent in Chicago, IL

Your Guide to Renting Outdoor Party Venues in Chicago, IL

Are you planning a summer party, looking for a lovely outdoor space for your wedding reception or throwing a birthday picnic? Whatever the occasion, there are plenty of outdoor venues in Chicago that are ready and willing to welcome you and your guests.

How can I make my outdoor party a sweeping success?

No two occasions are the same, but there are some general party matters you should consider regardless of the type of celebration you’re planning.

• Pick a unique location. The key to throwing a memorable party is choosing the perfect location. It’s not just a pretty background, but an integral part of the celebration. It should be a place that matches the vibe of your party and a place where you and your guests can feel comfortable. Luckily, you don’t have to look far to find an amazing outdoor venue in Chicago. Depending on what kind of event you’re planning, you can choose from an array of charming beer gardens, rooftop terraces with sweeping views and intimate patios, as well as beautiful parks and picnic spots by the lake.

• Make sure your chosen venue has all the necessary amenities. Think about all the things you’re going to require to run your event. For example, if you’d like to play some music, you’re going to need a sound system or at least a bluetooth speaker. If your party will be taking place after sundown, you’ll need lighting, be it candles, fairy lights or solar lamps. If it’s early spring or late fall, perhaps you’d also like to have some heaters to keep you warm and comfortable. If you’re booking a venue such as a restaurant’s patio or beer garden, most of these details should be taken care of. However, always check what amenities the venue offers and whether they’re included in the rental fee.

• Set the mood with decorations. The majority of outdoor venues are already beautiful on their own, with the surrounding scenery, verdant plants and city views, so you don’t really need to do much in terms of decorating. But if you want to add a few personal touches, feel free to do so! (After you get a green light from the right authorities, of course.) Bunting, garlands, banners – they can all transform the space into party central. Tip: try to be environmentally friendly. Instead of choosing decorations that you will dispose of straight after the party, find something you’ll be able to use more than once. Or maybe ask if any of your friends or family members have something that could go with the theme of your party to avoid buying new items. Last but not least, always remember to clean up after yourself.

• Take care of the food and drinks. What’s a celebration without snacks and fun beverages? A pizza party, barbecue or a traditional al fresco dinner – your options in Chicago are endless! In terms of organization, the matter is quite simple when you’re renting an outdoor space that belongs to a pub or a restaurant. In most cases, you just have to pick a menu and you’re ready to go. If your venue does not offer on-site catering, you’ll have to take care of that part yourself. You can book external vendors (food carts or food trucks, anyone?) or have a potluck and let your guests contribute their favorite dishes.

• Plan some party activities. If you want to beef up your party and make it a truly unforgettable experience, think about some fun activities to do with your guests. You can bring out a board game, organize a trivia quiz or play a simple game of charades. Or maybe you just want to dance? If so, make sure there’s enough space at the venue for an improvised dance floor. Another party classic is a photo booth. Not only is it fun to play around with different props and strike fun poses, it also leaves you with something to look back on and remember the amazing time you had at the party.

Things to consider when hosting a party outdoors

Outdoor parties are so much fun, but bear in mind that they also take some extra planning. Here are some of the most important things to remember:

• Check the weather forecast. One of the most important factors when planning an outdoor party is the weather. Unfortunately, it’s also a factor that’s out of your control for the most part. Do what you can: check weather forecasts and try to find the most suitable time for your event. Remember to dress appropriately for the season, wear sunscreen, pack umbrellas, etc.

• Always have a plan B. This ties in with the previous point: you can never fully predict the weather, so do your best to be ready for surprises. For example, check whether your chosen location has a sheltered area, where you and your guests can hide from the rain or shield from too much sun. And in case things really go south, make sure there is an option to move your party inside.

• Make sure you have all the necessary permits. This applies especially if you’re using a public outdoor space, such as a park or a beach. So, before you start planning your party, learn what requirements you need to fulfil and what fees you have to pay. You may need extra permits for things such as using a sound system, putting up a tent, bringing food vendors, etc.

FAQs about Outdoor Party Venues in Chicago, IL

How much does it cost to rent an outdoor party venue in Chicago?

When booking an outdoor party venue in Chicago, expect to pay from $1000 to $3775 per session. Package deals start at around $16 and can reach $92 per person. Some outdoor venues also operate on the basis of a food and beverage minimum, usually in addition to a fixed rental fee. Depending on venue standard and the size of your event, food and beverage minimum can fall anywhere between $800 and $14950. (All data from Tagvenue.)

What are the best outdoor party venues in Chicago?

Check out some of our favorite open-air party spots:

• Outdoor Patio at The Dandy Crown - Bathed in sunlight in the summer and equipped with heaters for the winter, this gorgeous patio is perfect for outdoor celebrations all year long! It's located on North Milwaukee Avenue.
• Entire Venue at Church Street Brewing – If you don’t mind going a little bit away from the city center, consider this Elk Grove Village location for your outdoor party! Surrounded by lush greenery, the patio is perfect for wedding receptions and other al fresco dining events.
• Patio at Great Escape Restaurant – A spacious patio with a unique ambiance, ready to host all sorts of occasions from birthday parties to baby showers and everything in between! There is no option of setting up a tent to protect you and your guests from the elements, so make sure to check the weather forecast before booking! 

Can I throw a rooftop party in Chicago?

Yes! Picking a rooftop bar or terrace is a great way to elevate your party (quite literally). There are a bunch of amazing rooftop venues across Chicago, some of which boast fabulous views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan.

• SkyDeck at Lacuna Events by LM - the sweeping vista of the Chicago skyline is a picture-perfect backdrop for a summer wedding or cocktail reception! The rooftop has a private bar, so you can sip on delicious cocktails while enjoying the sunshine. The venue is located in Pilsen.
• Garden at Celeste - planning a small party with just your closest circle? This rooftop patio, with a capacity of up to 60, is a beautiful intimate space perfect for birthdays, engagements, and other special occasions! It’s situated in the River North.
• Rooftop Terrace at DeskLabs - a rooftop rental with 360-degree views of the surrounding Lakeview area and plenty of space to arrange the seating as your please is a perfect choice for outdoor weddings, summer parties, and more!

What are the best picnic spots in Chicago?

If you’d like to honor the occasion by throwing a picnic in one of the city’s public outdoor spaces, there are plenty of options to choose from! Wherever you are in Chicago, there’s almost always a park around the corner. Some of the most popular ones include iconic Millennium Park, picturesque Lincoln Park or sprawling Humboldt Park. If you’re after stunning water and city views, Lakeview offers postcard-worthy stretches of green fields by the lake. And if you’re interested in a beach party, check out the beautiful sandy beaches located along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, such as North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach or Margaret T. Burroughs Beach.