With such gorgeous natural surroundings and architectural marvels on every block, it's no wonder that birthday boys and girls turn their attention to Chicago for all their private event needs. There's so much variety that there's a "perfect venue" for everyone!
For your next event, turn a penthouse terrace into a trendy rooftop bar with an exclusive guest list, or find a brick courtyard patio that boasts a unique combination of Chicago's legendary history and modern brewing scene; whatever feels the most YOU. It is your birthday after all!
Intimate gatherings and big bashes can both make a dent in your budget, especially in the big city, but Giggster has made a commitment to connecting you with the best Chicago venues at affordable rates. From West Town to Lake Shore Dr., you can get top-notch quality and bargain basement prices.
Don't wait another second! Crank up the base on the sound system, get those boots twisting on the hardwood floors, and celebrate in style with the Giggster app.
With stunning views like the shores of Lake Michigan’s Chicago River and the city skyline to choose from, an impressive setting for your outdoor events is Giggster's guarantee.
The birthday dinner is nothing new, but renting out a private patio is a cut above. Not only can you still have a fabulous meal, but you’ll enjoy the alfresco ambiance much more than a loud, overcrowded dining room.
If popping bottles on a yacht has always been on your bucket list, why not spend your birthday on a luxury boat? Pile on down at the pier with up to 50 of your closest friends for an evening cruising the harbour.
Craft beer lovers can’t get enough of Chicago’s microbrewery beer gardens. With plenty of space to spread out and catch up with buds over a unique brew, it’s just enough to feel festive without being overbearing.
Chicago has a rich history, and as such, it’s teeming with historic estates. Sprawled out on manicured lawns, you can turn the versatile outdoor space into just about anything your heart desires, while taking advantage of postcard-perfect buildings as your backdrop for photos and festivities.
If you want easy breezy, casual vibes, consider renting out a city park. A picnic in a prime location with playgrounds for the littles, gazebos for shade, and wide open space for activities—this is an all-ages fan favorite.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Baby showers, corporate events, wedding receptions, bachelorette parties, and birthdays alike, planning private parties shouldn’t be stressful. That’s why we offer the best service around, with 260 outdoor event spaces from lake houses to friendly neighbourhood patios and everything in between.
Hassle-Free Booking: Looking for specific venue features? The Giggster app is streamlined so you can search for all the amenities at an affordable price tag ($25/hour and up) in mere minutes!
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Don’t let a simple mistake break your birthday budget! As long as you booked more than 48 hours in advance, you can use our 24-hour grace period (from the time of booking confirmation) to cancel and rebook without all the fuss.
Platform Protections: Maintaining a fun atmosphere at your next celebration takes more than a hot outdoor party venue like OraVew. It also requires some good planning to keep disruptions, damage, and liability concerns at bay, and our optional protection plans are well-suited to the job!
Want to be fully prepared for anything that comes your way? Here are some tips for navigating Chicago, IL, that will transform your party experience.
Advantages
Did you know Chicago is considered one of the most walkable cities in all of America? If you’re hosting in the sunshine, your guests can easily travel to you on foot, enjoying the day and the savings in their pocket!
Deep dish pizzas, mile-high sandwiches, and iconic hot dogs are just a few of the city’s most famous foods, all of which would make great casual catering options for an outdoor affair.
If your guest list has an even spread of ages, family, and friends, you’ll be glad to know that Chicago is highly family-friendly, with plenty of attractions and amenities around to make things easier for all your attendees.
There are so many green spaces to enjoy. Why not host a pre-party picnic at Wicker Park, Humboldt Park, or any of their infamous counterparts?
Disadvantages
The window for hosting outdoor events is limited and can be challenging to predict around seasonal shifts. Winter is out for sure, but spring and autumn fall into a grey area where you might be comfortable or you might be cold/wet.
Travelling by personal vehicle in Chicago is not the easiest mode of transportation, thanks to high congestion and sparse parking options.
Chicago has a high cost of living, so you can expect those party fees to inflate a little faster than in the suburbs or other nearby cities.
Wondering what the perfect setting for your outdoor party could look like? Whether you want a unique space the likes of which your friends and family have never seen before or a tried and true staple with guaranteed results, we’ve got ‘em here on Giggster:
Urban Acreage – Smiles for Miles. Imagine a laid-back afternoon with friends on a bit of land on the outskirts of town. Chicago farms may not be your first thought, but we’ve got a few tucked up our sleeve where you can catch a breath of fresh air and make some furry friends. A luxury picnic event for the ladies or an old McDonald's-themed children’s party would all be welcome here.
Rooftops – Breathtaking Views. From your perch on a rooftop terrace, you’ll see miles of harbor front, towering skyscrapers, and, of course, all the busy city dwellers going about their lives. Throw in some luxurious lounge furniture, a sunset, and some nibbles, and you’ll hardly need anything else to keep the crew entertained.
Private Estates – All Shapes and Sizes. From brownstones to mansions, you’ll find that Chicago homes have some terrific outdoor spaces for hosting. Backyard gardens and stone courtyards alike can be used for dinner, dancing, or just some good old-fashioned conversation.
Lakehouses – Some Fun in the Sun. Waterfront cottages and totally chilled out birthday weekends are besties. Take the pontoon out for a zip around the lake, pop some patties on the grill, and light up a bonfire when the sun sinks over the horizon. Doesn’t that sound like a memorable way to start your next year here on earth?
Once you’ve found the windy city venue of your dreams, here are some planning tips you can use to create a fun atmosphere at your birthday celebration this year:
Streamline Your Search for the Perfect Location – Rather than scrolling through endless web pages of outdoor venues until something catches your eye, make a wishlist of features (anything from backyard fire pits and fairy lights to a rooftop bar with views of the Chicago skyline and the best craft cocktails in town). Knowing what is non-negotiable and what would be a bonus will make finding your ideal space a lot easier.
Factor the Availability of an Indoor Space into Your Final Decision – Bad weather, smog days, and other unexpected issues will be bad for an exclusively outdoor space. Save yourself some stress and some money by having a backup plan already in place rather than scrambling to find a tent or secondary event venue with last-minute availability.
Check Your Menu – If you're hosting a classic dinner party, food is probably at the forefront of your priority list. Have a little tasting night and perfect your menu, pronto.
Set Up the Perfect Photo Backdrop – Capturing those precious moments with the guest of honor so you can reminisce on them for years to come is paramount. Not only will a cute photo wall add to the overall aesthetic of your event, but it will encourage everyone to whip out their cameras and document the day before it’s too late.
Even when you want to treat yourself on your special day, the budget has to come into play somewhere in the planning process. Here are some ways to cut costs while still feeling like you’re making all the right splurges:
Opt for a cocktail reception over a seated dinner.
Small nibbles and a single alcoholic beverage or two will rack up a smaller tab than an open bar, fine wine, and multi-course catered meal.
Keep it intimate.
Especially if it’s a milestone birthday, it can be tempting to turn it into a family reunion or the social gathering of the century. A grand gala will certainly cost more, though, so being choosy with your invitees will be wise for the wallet.
Stay downtown.
Save everyone some cash by hosting in a prime location that is just a short walk from public transit or a downtown Chicago hotel for your out-of-towners. This will cut down on taxis and other transportation costs for you and your guests.
Chicago venues are world-class, so you’ll certainly have no shortage of choices for your next gathering. But if you want a unique space to celebrate another trip around the sun, working with Giggster is the way to go. We’ve got sophisticated sailboats, rolling farmland estates edged by lush greenery, and so much more.
