As the birthplace of blues, house, gospel, electronica, and modern jazz, it's safe to say that Chicago is a city built for incredible music events and performances. Whether you're planning a laid-back backyard cocktail party, a rooftop networking mixer with a DJ, or a wedding featuring a live band, Chicago is the ideal destination for events where music, sound quality, and acoustics take center stage.
Looking for that perfect stage? Giggster is your ticket to premium live music concert venues that can host everything from outdoor shows, blues and jazz, comedy stand-ups, musicals, festivals, and beyond.
Our venues match or rival iconic event spaces like the Viaduct Theater, the United Center arena, Thalia Hall, Buddy Guy's Legends, and Kingston Mines! Find a music hall that meets your needs across the South Side to Little Village and downtown Chicago.
Are you looking to emulate top locations like Bub City, Tied House, Sleeping Village, or the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge? Browse Giggster's exceptional venues to find a music venue that's just as dazzling.
A smaller venue, such as a loft studio, can be the perfect space for an intimate gathering accompanied by an acoustic session. Such venues may not have the stage, the sound quality, and acoustics you need, but you can easily set those up.
Planning a night of jazz? There's no end to the bars, speakeasies, and private basement clubs you can rent on Giggster. Many of these event spaces come with full equipment, a stage, and sophisticated sound systems that will make your event much easier.
Setting the stage for well-known performers? A world-class theater or an arena in the heart of Chicago sounds just right for a grand concert with an amazing lineup.
Outdoor venues and rooftop decks on Giggster set the stage for fun street music festivals. Explore a big roster of venues that have everything you need for hassle-free events, from food to drinks to dazzling ambiance.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: When it comes to variety and quality, Giggster won't disappoint. Our music venues in the "Windy City" range from neighborhood locales to rooftop hangouts to popular nightclubs that match every taste and budget. Book your favorite spot early to secure availability.
Hassle-Free Booking: Giggster helps you find and book the perfect space for your next event with just a few clicks. Whether it's the price, the location, the size, or the amenities you want to know about, we help you get all the information you need; you can even talk to the host for extra details.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Change of plans? Don't stress! Cancel your reservation with us within 24 hours of confirmation for free, provided you've made the booking 48 hours before the event.
Platform Protections: Ensure a hassle-free, fun-filled musical evening with Giggster's add-on insurance packages. Choose from our 116 exceptional venues, then add damage protection and event liability insurance at checkout.
Looking for a stage for emerging artists or an open-air venue for your outdoor show? Make your event stand out in one of the fantastic music halls on Giggster.
Comedy Stand-Ups – Laughter is the Best Medicine. From spacious theaters to basement speakeasies to local bars with open mic nights, Chicago makes it easy to find the perfect location for your next stand-up. Connect with the crowd on a whole new level in one of our small comedy cellars.
Festivals – Music Frenzy. Chicago is known for its summer festivals, so finding a venue that ticks all the boxes won't be an issue. A location like Stylish Event Space offers an unbelievable spot for large crowds and a seating capacity for plenty of concert-goers.
Weddings – Unforgettable Celebrations. Hosting a large wedding in a grand hall? A string quartet can set the perfect mood for the cocktail hour, while a hip-hop DJ will energize the crowd for an unforgettable party.
Charity Galas – Making a Difference. Are you organizing a blues benefit concert in a grand theater venue? Hire experienced staff to ensure everything is on point with the lighting and the sound. For a more refined event, like a ballroom charity gala, contemporary classical music serves as the perfect complement, adding a refined touch to match the venue's grandeur.
Theater Productions – A Step Into Another World. Musicals and plays are some of the best-selling shows in Chicago. And with iconic venues like the Chicago Theatre, the Salt Shed, Lincoln Hall, and a host of unique music halls on Giggster, you are sure to find the best space to host your masterpiece.
Whether you're planning an intimate gathering in a pub with live rock music or organizing a grand-scale summer concert in the open air, the key features of your venue vary and depend on many factors.
Will you need a stage? Setting up a stage from the ground up can be expensive, and it certainly is a lot of work. Find a venue that has a readymade stage included in the rental fee to save on time and money.
How big is the space? If you need a smaller venue for your jamming session, consider a house rental with a quality soundproofed garage or basement. For larger events like live performances or festivals, you may need a spacious venue. Music venues with two performance spaces are easy to find on our app.
Where is the venue located? Ideally, your chosen venue is a stone's throw from the city's main attractions, restaurants, and shopping districts. A prime location will help attract more attendees.
Thinking of hosting a summer festival or a wedding in Chicago? Here, we break down our pros and cons, from the talented musicians and music professionals to the noise regulations.
Advantages
Most music venues come with built-in ambiance, with professional lighting, a raised stage, sound equipment, and more, saving you the time and cost of setting these up yourself.
Expect to find tons of conveniently located music venues across the city, offering easy access to public transportation and ample parking.
Professionally set-up concert halls have experienced staff on hand ready to assist with sound engineering, lighting, production, and more.
Disadvantages
Spacious music halls are designed to accommodate a large number of people, but without proper management, they can quickly become overcrowded.
Some concert halls may have noise restrictions, which could affect the sound levels and the course of the event.
Renting a music venue can be expensive, especially if you're also paying for equipment, technical staff, and additional services.
Unless your event is a simple celebration at a bar with live jazz music, you've got a lot of planning to do to make it stand out.
Choose the Right Venue – The space you choose can make or break your event, so plan carefully. For many, the ideal music hall offers more than just a space—it has an established atmosphere, excellent acoustics, and a backstage area where performers can get ready. But you may require something more specific, like a two-stage or two-level concert hall to accommodate large-scale theatrical performances.
Hire Performers – Whether you're hosting a product launch party in a nightclub or a fundraiser with high-net-worth individuals, you'll need some kind of entertainment. From comedians to dancers to DJs and live music bands, there's a lot of talent to choose from in Chicago. Hoping for a massive turnout? Just remember that bigger names always bring bigger crowds.
Provide Food and Drinks – Want to know what makes the ultimate party vibe? Great food, premium drinks, and beats that keep the dance floor alive are the perfect recipe for a successful event.
Get Your Permits and Licenses – Planning a concert or a festival goes beyond just securing an amazing location and booking talented artists. Check with the local authorities and the venue on the permits and licenses you may need to obtain. These may include, but are not limited to, noise permits, alcohol licenses, and special permissions for pyrotechnics or other special effects.
Thinking of hosting an outdoor concert or summer show with an amazing lineup? Check out these ideas to minimize your expenses as much as you can.
Timing is everything.
Weekend events come with a higher price tag, which is all the more reason to book your venue during the weekdays. Plus, you'll have a wider range of venues to choose from that fit comfortably within your budget.
Search from the local talent pool.
Hiring performers from the area can be a cost-effective and time-efficient way to enhance your event. Not only does this often come with lower travel and accommodation expenses, but it also allows you to support local artists and businesses.
Are you hosting an intimate gathering?
Planning a holiday party for an intimate group, or a VIP event with a select crowd? A smaller venue doesn’t have to compromise the fun or the atmosphere. An exclusive club with a speakeasy vibe will make sure everyone has a great time.
From Wicker Park to the Magnificent Mile and the West Loop, Chicago is the ultimate destination for live music events that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you're organizing rock concerts, hip-hop gigs, or slow blues and jazz jams, Giggster helps you discover the best music venues across the city ready to turn your event into an unforgettable party.
