Are you looking for live music venues? Head to the home of Lalapalooza and The Loop! Chicago’s present-day music scene is just as vibrant as its history, so it's no wonder you can catch some live music any night of the week. Chicago’s live music venues are scattered across the town, from Lakeview to Hyde Park and beyond. But they all offer up-and-coming bands, improvised jazz concerts, and much more. And the best part? Most music venues are within reach of the city’s extensive public transport. So start scrolling through our listings and find the venue with the live music you love best.
In Chicago, prices of live music 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 October 2025:
From $100 | to $350 | hire fee per hour |
From $2000 | to $6615 | minimum spend per event |
From $30 | to $60 | per person |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated October 2025), the best options include:
The Fremont at iO Theater
in Near North Side - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘They gave us an audio person to help play our soundtrack during the entire event.’
Full Buyout 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.’
You'll find live music venues in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Chicago, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (October 2025):
Small live music venues | up to 75 guests | prices average $150 hire fee per hour |
Medium live music venues | between 100 and 150 guests | prices average $125 hire fee per hour |
Large live music venues | over 210 guests | prices average $6615 minimum spend per event |
Many live music venues in Chicago enhance the experience by offering catering services. Enjoying a delicious meal or indulging in crafted cocktails at a trendy bar becomes even more delightful with live music as the backdrop. The combination of great food and live tunes creates a perfect ambiance. Whether you're there primarily for the culinary delights or the music, the atmosphere is always vibrant and enjoyable. To discover bars, clubs, and speakeasies in Chicago that provide both excellent food and live music, like this venue, you can filter your search by selecting the 'venue offers catering' option. This way, you can easily find locations for your taste buds and your love for music.
Selecting a live music bar in Chicago really hinges on your personal preferences in music and food. But whatever your choice, you can find an amazing spot in this city. Here are a few of our favs: