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Top Gig Venues in Chicago, IL
Music enthusiasts from all over the US come together in Chicago to experience its vibrant live music scene. With a rich history of iconic performances and diverse music genres ranging from blues to hip-hop, the city offers a variety of exciting venues for live gigs. Are you looking to showcase your talent? Whether your style is indie, alternative, rock, or jazz, Tagvenue has got you covered! We have carefully curated a list of the most popular gig venues available for rent in Chicago, frequented by artists such as Kanye West and Elton John. Explore our selection, which includes iconic theaters and intimate clubs, and make your next live music event a huge success!
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![The Fremont at iO Theater in Near North Side, Chicago, IL]()
from $3000
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Fremont
210 guestsiO TheaterNear North Side, Chicago, ILMMelissa L.
“Their event space was perfect for my web/tablet/board gaming party with 130 guests.” -
![The Weed at iO Theater in Near North Side, Chicago, IL]()
from $1500
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Weed
75 guestsiO TheaterNear North Side, Chicago, ILDDeborah M.
“The space was perfect for our event, and everything went beautifully.” -
![The Dayton at iO Theater in Near North Side, Chicago, IL]()
from $1500
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Dayton
110 guestsiO TheaterNear North Side, Chicago, ILTThandi P.
“The venue was even more spacious than I expected and plenty of bars to accommodate my guests.” -
![Unique Theater Experience at Kinowerks in Edgewater, Chicago, IL]()
from $600
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityUnique Theater Experience
70 guestsKinowerksEdgewater, Chicago, ILDesigned for filmmakers, cinephiles, and creative professionals, our 50-seat theater is more than just a screening space—it’s a versatile cinematic hub built to meet the highest industry standards. -
![Theatre at Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport, Chicago, IL]()
from $15000
hire fee / per sessionCheck availabilityTheatre
1800 guestsRamova TheatreBridgeport, Chicago, ILRamova Theatre has reopened in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood as a live music venue, craft brewery, beer garden, and grill. The project is the culmination of years-long rehabilitation efforts alongside multi-million dollar -
![Bi-Level Music/Event Hall at Subterranean in Wicker Park, Chicago, IL]()
from $10000
hire fee / per sessionCheck availabilityBi-Level Music/Event Hall
375 guestsSubterraneanWicker Park, Chicago, ILWith a capacity of 375 standing or 175 seated guests, the Bi-Level Music Hall features an original 1889 Tiffany glass chandelier, decorative vintage woodwork, and unique speakeasy-style details, with a wrap-around balcony -
![BK Music Room at Beat Kitchen in Roscoe Village, Chicago, IL]()
from $5500
hire fee / per sessionCheck availabilityBK Music Room
275 guestsBeat KitchenRoscoe Village, Chicago, ILThe wide and spacious Music Hall, with 1,600 sq ft, and a capacity of 275 standing and 150 seated guests has been hosting shows almost every night. It has been home to every genre of music, bringing some of the biggest names -
![Subterranean Lounge at Subterranean in Wicker Park, Chicago, IL]()
from $4000
hire fee / per sessionCheck availabilitySubterranean Lounge
125 guestsSubterraneanWicker Park, Chicago, ILCushioned, cozy lounge seating area. Loading zone and street park available. Private restrooms and handicap-accessible restrooms. *This listing is for the first-floor lounge only. -
![Entire Venue at Claddagh Ring Pub in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL]()
from $99
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityEntire Venue
100 guestsCladdagh Ring PubRavenswood, Chicago, IL
#Supervenue
SScott F.
“This place was great. There was no cost to booking the party room and the staff and drinks was amazing.” -
![Private Space Within Venue at Clara Chicago in Wicker Park, Chicago, IL]()
from $600
minimum spend / per dayCheck availabilityPrivate Space Within Venue
60 guestsClara ChicagoWicker Park, Chicago, ILEElvira P.
“To this day, we still have guests who say our engagement party was great, but that the venue was fantastic!” -
![Semi-Private Back Bar Space at The River Kitchen & Bar in Lakeview, Chicago, IL]()
from $30
per person / per sessionCheck availabilitySemi-Private Back Bar Space
150 guestsThe River Kitchen & BarLakeview, Chicago, ILMMolly P.
“The venue was nice, clean, and super fun! I will definitely be back to The River & recommend it to my friends.” -
![Top Deck at Howl at the Moon, Chicago in River North, Chicago, IL]()
from $2000
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityTop Deck
50 guestsHowl at the Moon, ChicagoRiver North, Chicago, ILAAlex S.
“Katie was incredibly responsive as an event planner for the venue, and the experience was a ton of fun.”
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Make an Impression at Remarkable Bars for Gigs
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Find Restaurants to Set the Stage for Your Next Gig
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#Supervenue
“The food, provided by the restaurant, was all excellent.”
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FAQs about Top Gig Venues in Chicago, IL
In Chicago, prices of gig venues average $200 hire fee per hour. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Chicago, based on Tagvenue data from September 2025:
| From $125 | to $300 | hire fee per hour |
| From $1500 | to $5500 | minimum spend per event |
| From $25 | to $35 | per person |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2025), the best options include:
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The Fremont at iO Theater in Near North Side - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘Everything went extremely smoothly! Highly recommend iO Theater's venue space!’ -
Top Deck at Howl at the Moon, Chicago in River North - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘The staff was also very on point with quick service delivering drinks, bringing out food, etc.’ -
Entire Venue at Claddagh Ring Pub in Ravenswood - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘There was no cost to booking the party room and the staff and drinks was amazing.’
For the best chance of securing your dream venue, we recommend booking your gig venue in Chicago at least six months in advance, especially if you have your heart set on a popular place. Summer is busy due to music festivals, so venues might be more expensive and harder to find. If you want to save, consider booking in winter, when prices tend to be lower. Spring and fall are great for outdoor events.
Here's a breakdown of equipment that you should expect to find at a regular gig venue:
- Speakers, amplifiers, mixing consoles, and often a comprehensive PA setup are all standard equipment at a gig venue in Chicago. This ensures high-quality audio delivery so you can focus on your performance without technical worries. Microphones, ranging from vocal to instrument-specific variants, are ubiquitous, complemented by sturdy stands and associated accessories.
- Dynamic lighting fixtures, encompassing spotlights, LED arrays, and occasionally sophisticated programmable units, illuminate the stage, enriching the ambiance and spotlighting performers.
- The stage is meticulously crafted, featuring multiple tiers to accommodate diverse acts and ensure optimal visibility for the audience.
- Backline equipment, including drum kits, amplifiers, and keyboards, may be provided depending on the venue and the genre of music being showcased.
- Seating configurations vary, from standing areas to tiered seating arrangements tailored to suit the venue's layout and gig genre.
