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Top Small Venues in Chicago, IL
Do you know what rhymes with small venues? Smaller responsibilities. In Chicago, finding the ideal little venue for your graduation party or hen night is a cinch. There are many possibilities to explore in this city, whether you want to celebrate by hosting a tea party in a park or renting a luxurious penthouse. Yet, we know that all of this search can be quite overwhelming. Fortunately, Tagvenue is here to assist you in finding some amazing places for your little upcoming gathering.
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![Entire Venue at Centre Court Productions in West Loop, Chicago, IL]()
from $350
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityEntire Venue
125 guestsCentre Court ProductionsWest Loop, Chicago, ILAAudra D.
“The guests had plenty to do in the space. Annabelle was extremely helpful in making the party our own. ” -
![Halsted Space at Blackall Events in Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL]()
from $250
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityHalsted Space
80 guestsBlackall EventsLincoln Park, Chicago, ILMMaura S.
“Location was perfect for my event. (DePaul grad party). Appreciated on site venue coordinator Heather. ” -
![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, ILMMelissa L.
“Their event space was perfect for my web/tablet/board gaming party with 130 guests. ” -
![Event Space at Hangout Lighting in West Town, Chicago, IL]()
from $2900
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityEvent Space
150 guestsHangout LightingWest Town, Chicago, ILRRija R.
“Loved the open space layout! Kids could run around. Natural lighting was beautiful ” -
![First Floor at The Dandy Crown in West Town, Chicago, IL]()
from $1650
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityFirst Floor
40 guestsThe Dandy CrownWest Town, Chicago, ILSSusi B.
“The space was ideal, with the second floor having dedicated indoor and outdoor spaces for our birthday event. ” -
![Main Dining Room at Everything Bar in West Town, Chicago, IL]()
from $750
minimum spend / per dayCheck availabilityMain Dining Room
220 guestsEverything BarWest Town, Chicago, IL
#Supervenue
BBridgette B.
“The venue was everything the food and vibes were everything my engagement was a hit ” -
![Artesian Space at Artesian Loft in Lakeview, Chicago, IL]()
from $135
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityArtesian Space
100 guestsArtesian LoftLakeview, Chicago, ILSStephanie M.
“I really liked the venue, location, and how flexible the manager of the space was. ” -
![Whole Venue at The Tavern Club at 333 in Streeterville, Chicago, IL]()
from $500
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityWhole Venue
120 guestsThe Tavern Club at 333Streeterville, Chicago, ILSStephanie B.
“Erin was great- very responsive and helpful ” -
![Entire Gallery at NYCH Art Gallery in Lower West Side, Chicago, IL]()
from $225
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityEntire Gallery
125 guestsNYCH Art GalleryLower West Side, Chicago, IL
#Supervenue
SSidney L.
“You really get precise instructions so that your event goes off without any snags. ” -
![South Commons at TeamWorking by TechNexus in Theatre District, Chicago, IL]()
from $300
hire fee / per dayCheck availabilitySouth Commons
90 guestsTeamWorking by TechNexusTheatre District, Chicago, ILKKimberly B.
“All of the small details really helped us feel more at ease booking at a space we werent familiar with. ” -
![Dynamic Indoor/Outdoor Lounge at Workbox - River North in River North, Chicago, IL]()
from $600
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityDynamic Indoor/Outdoor Lounge
140 guestsWorkbox - River NorthRiver North, Chicago, ILAAmanda K.
“Our group really enjoyed our event at Workbox. Grace was an incredible host, very helpful in so many ways! ” -
![Second Floor at The Dandy Crown in West Town, Chicago, IL]()
from $1650
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilitySecond Floor
35 guestsThe Dandy CrownWest Town, Chicago, ILTTara D.
“The whole process went smoothly and everyone was so wonderful to work with. Cam, our bartender, was a delight! ”
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FAQs about Top Small Venues in Chicago, IL
It depends on the venue. Pubs and bars may assist you with audio/visual equipment and even a stage or podium if they have live bands on-site, whereas restaurants will help you with catering or other things. Some venues won’t have any of these, so you’ll need to get those things arranged. It’s best to inquire about these details upfront before reserving your venue.
The earlier, the better. Small venues tend to get booked faster than larger venues due to the prices and the fact that people tend to need smaller venues for multiple occasions, from corporate meetings to baby showers. Consider booking at least five months in advance. Unsure about the availability of the venue? Check out the venue’s availability options through Tagvenue and contact the venue manager right away.
While the size of small venues may vary, they can accommodate around 40 to 100 persons depending on the space hired. If you’re planning a concert, you may also have ample space for people to stand. Most venues will indicate their capacity on venue marketplaces or their respective websites.
The price of small venues starts at around $22 and can go up to $7500+ depending on the popularity of the place and other things such as the decor and amenities provided. For instance, venues that offer on-site catering are likely to be pricier than other venues. If you’re planning your first concert at a small venue, you could host the event for free since the venue might sponsor your gig for the evening! In any case, it’s best to get in touch with the venue organizer before booking your favorite spot. (All data according to Tagvenue.)
Some of the best neighborhoods for you to host an event in a small venue are Lake View, Lincoln Park, West Loop, Wicker Park, Hyde Park. These upbeat areas are known for their modern infrastructure, green spaces, and a range of entertainment. Looking for something less cliché? Pick a venue in the suburbs like Oak Park, where you can witness UNESCO world heritage sites like Frank Lloyd Wright’s unique home along with 60 other landmarks. Uptown is another fantastic option if you’re looking for a laid-back area with quirky venues such as jazz cafes and trendy bars and lounges.
Your Guide to Renting Small Venues in Chicago, IL
Why Book A Smaller Venue For Events?
Budget-Friendly = More Room to Splurge Elsewhere
Booking a smaller venue means you’re saving on space, so you can spend more on what matters: food, drinks, music, and decor.
- Venue to check out: The Speakeasy at Storyville – perfect for dinner parties with a touch of New Orleans flair. Warm lighting, Latin-inspired dishes, and zero stress on logistics.
Real Conversations, Not Crowded Chit-Chat
With a smaller guest list, you actually get to talk to everyone. Perfect for milestone birthdays, retirement celebrations, or cozy wedding receptions.
- Venue to check out: The Country Club – Lakeview. Its private room features hanging Edison lights, vintage guitars, and great beer. Ideal for casual, nostalgic celebrations.
Big Breaks Start in Small Rooms
Chicago has a solid lineup of small venues that support new talent. Whether you're an emerging musician, comedian, or poet, smaller spaces give you a chance to connect with audiences up close.
- Venue to check out: Hangout Lighting – Westview. This spot is wired for sound and loaded with ambiance. Think Edison bulbs, loft ceilings, and a space that practically begs for guitar solos and live vocals.
Every Small Venue Has a Story
Forget bland banquet halls. Chicago’s intimate venues ooze personality, from toy-covered walls to industrial-chic lounges.
- Venue to check out: WHIM at Stage 773. Packed with eccentric art, horse statues, and surrealist flair—this place looks like someone let Tim Burton design a venue.
- Also worth a look: Replay Lincoln Park. Their small gaming room offers vintage arcade vibes with a killer cocktail list. It’s like your favorite 90s basement—just way cooler.
Unique Small Venues in Chicago
Backroom Bars & Pubs
Ideal for low-key birthdays, engagement parties, or post-dinner hangouts. You’ll get privacy and bar access—win-win.
Top Pick: The Node — Bucktown
Art Galleries
Minimalist and camera-ready. Host a chic event surrounded by inspiring works. Great for networking nights, photo shoots, or low-key receptions.
Top Pick: NYCH Art Gallery — Lower West Side
Wine Cellars
Rich atmosphere, great acoustics, and the perfect backdrop for everything from book readings to wine tasting nights.
Top Pick: Everything Bar — West Town
Can You Rent Small Event Spaces In Chicago For Weddings?
You can rent small event spaces in Chicago for weddings, and it’s one of the smartest ways to create a celebration that feels personal, stylish, and truly you. From artsy lofts to charming pubs and creative studios, the city’s packed with intimate spots perfect for microweddings, elopements, or reception-only events. Think fewer guests, more meaningful moments, and total freedom to make it your own.
Here are three fresh venue picks that work beautifully for small weddings:
- Artesian Loft — Lakeview
Spacious enough to host your nearest and dearest, yet still intimate, with a clean modern look and flexible layout. - The Albion Manor — Lincoln Park
A polished pub setting with vintage touches—perfect for cozy ceremonies and relaxed receptions in the heart of the city. - Provocateur — Bucktown
Stylish, moody, and full of character—ideal for couples who want something a little less traditional and a lot more cool.
Tips for Booking Small Spaces in Chicago
- Minimum spend > flat rental – Most small venues use a minimum spend policy, meaning you can trade space rental for food and drink costs.
- Book early for weekends – These spaces fill fast, especially in trendy areas like Logan Square, Pilsen, or Lincoln Park.
- BYOB vs In-House – Some spots allow outside catering or drinks—double-check policies before you plan.
- Accessibility counts – Not all small venues are ADA-compliant. Ask ahead if you need ground-level access or elevators.
Chicago’s small venues make big moments feel special. From quirky lounges to cozy private rooms, you’ll find something that feels just right. With Tagvenue, it only takes a few clicks to compare and book your perfect spot. Let the little things make your next celebration unforgettable.
