About Chicago
Along the banks of Lake Michigan, the bustling city of Chicago is a major hub for retail, education, and technology as well as entertainment and culture. In a city with almost three million residents and with 58 million tourists per year, Chicago is a popular place to live and to visit no matter who you are.
Hosting a celebration venue in Chicago is brilliant no matter what the occasion because there are a plethora of stunning places to choose from including historic mansions, spectacular ballrooms, and cozy cafés. Whether you are inviting 50 or 5,000, you will be able to find exactly what you need in Chicago.
Interesting Fact: In 1947, spray paint was invented by Edward Seymour. Curiously, the City of Chicago banned spray paint in 1992 to try to stop graffiti. However, today most graffiti in Chicago is called street art.
Celebration Options in Chicago
Whether you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or some kind of holiday like Christmas or New Year’s, planning your celebration venue in Chicago will take some collaboration with others to make it perfect. You will need décor, food service, entertainment, equipment, and even security.
- Décor
The décor you choose will depend on the occasion but hiring a professional is the best bet. Hiring a local company will get you the best deals since they know the area and how to get what you need at a decent price. For example, a decorator will have the best knowledge of where to get the freshest flowers for cheap.
- Food Service
All celebration venues need food and drinks so make sure you get a local caterer or restaurant that has been around for a while. New companies are great but sometimes you have to err on the side of caution and get an experienced company.
- Entertainment
Do you want a disc jockey or a live band? Or maybe you are looking for a comedy show or magician. It really depends on the type of celebration and what age range you are having. For instance, kids would love a clown or animal act while an older group would rather see some kind of hypnosis or mentalist shows.
- Equipment
Most celebrations include dancing so you will need a dance floor of some kind. A large empty auditorium or ballroom would be perfect. All you have to do is rent the equipment you need and someone to set it all up. Make sure you have a crew that knows how to work the equipment as well.
- Security
You may not think you need security at a celebration venue in Chicago but anytime you have a group of people together, security of some kind is a good idea. Better to be safe than sorry in case someone gets out of hand.
Celebration Companies in Chicago
Choosing the companies for your celebration venue in Chicago should not be a big hassle. In fact, we are going to help you out by choosing a few of the most popular choices in the city.
- Goat Group Catering
When you want the very best, why not hire a caterer who has already won several awards as well as the first woman to win Bravo TV’s Top Chef in 2008? Stephanie Izard was also awarded Iron Chef on Food Network, so she has a stellar reputation. Just ask some of her clients like Nike, Capital One, and United Airlines to name a few.
- Artists & Events
With more than 25 years of experience, Artists & Events has got what you need no matter what you are celebrating. From acapella dancers to violin shows, they have it all from A to V and everything in between. They even have comedians, magicians, and impersonators as well as performance art, Brazilian dancers, and caricature artists.
- Lawdog Security
The staff at Lawdog Security is made up of both active and retired police officers and military with more than 75 years of experience combined. The company has been featured in local newspapers and news shows like Fox 2 News. They have provided security for many major companies as well and have a variety of services from armed guards to private investigators.
Pros and Cons of Celebrations in Chicago
You should always check out a new city before planning any kind of event there. It is important that you know the advantages and disadvantages of having a Chicago celebration space. Here are a few things we think you should know.
Advantages
- Getting around
Local transportation services are fantastic with one of the best bus and light rail systems in the country. This is especially important in a city as crowded as Chicago.
- Great food
Chicago is famous for its Chicago-style pizza, hot dogs, the jibarito sandwich, and barbecue as well as its 24 Michelin-starred restaurants and award-winning chefs. Make sure you enjoy a nice meal while you are in town.
- Lots of outdoor space
Another thing that Chicago is known for is its abundance of parks (570 of them) and the fabulous Lake Michigan. It is almost 29 million acres of space with a maximum depth of 925 feet.
Disadvantages
- Everything costs more
Better save your money before heading to Chicago because it is the 15th most costly city in the nation.
- The crowds are everywhere
If you plan to visit a major attraction, try to go early in the morning because there are always crowds.
- Crime is rampant
The city has a problem with gang violence so try not to walk around downtown Chicago at night on your own.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- The Magnificent Mile
Also known as The Mag Mile, this area along the Chicago River on Michigan Avenue is Chicago’s version of Fifth Avenue. You can find many leading stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s but there are also small local boutiques as well. Besides shopping, the best restaurants can be found there like Lawry’s and the Prime Rib. There are even some landmarks like the Tribune Tower and the Allerton Hotel.
- Navy Pier
The Navy Pier is over 3,300 feet long and boasts more than 50 acres of attractions, shops, and eateries. Some of the most popular are the Ferris wheel, Crystal Gardens, the Funhouse Maze, and Shakespeare Theater as well as the Children’s Museum, and an IMAX theater. The remote-control boats, several amusement park rides, and several art features.
- Art Institute of Chicago
If you want to see more art, the Art Institute is where to go. In fact, more than 1.5 million people visit the museum every year. There are several pieces done by Pablo Picasso as well as Claude Monet. See Vincent van Gogh’s Bedroom in Arles from 1888 and Renoir’s By the Water from 1880. But don’t miss the textiles, sculptures, and artifacts from ancient times.