The Chicago Park District offers many unique sites to host your next special event. You and your guests will be able to enjoy some of the most extraordinary spaces in Chicago for your wedding, family reunion, corporate event, or any other occasion special to you. Spaces range from a quaint space for your small gathering, to sites that can accommodate up to thousands for a seated dinner with a dance floor. With serene gardens, lakefront settings, and grand ballrooms, find out why so many are choosing the Chicago Park District for their next event.
Learn more about these sites by clicking on the links below.
Book Your Spot
Book a Special Event Venue by completing the following application.
Complete the Special Event Venue Application
Note: Mobile users must open and save the application PDF on their device to be able to complete it. Application is best viewed in Chrome or Internet Explorer browsers. Best practice is to download the form, complete the form, save the completed application, then submit via email to venues@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Events that take place in Chicago Park District special event venues and feature food and beverages, rentals, and/or production services are encouraged to use the pre-approved firms listed below. These firms provide a wide range of options and pricing.
Caterers
- Amazing Edibles | (312) 563-1600
- Blue Plate | (312) 421-6666
- Beyond Catering Events | (312) 553-9300
- C'est Si Bon Catering | (773) 536-2600
- Catering by Michaels | (847) 966-6555
- Corky’s Catering | (630) 932-3200
- Food For Thought | (847) 982-2608
- Indian Garden | (312) 280-4910
- J & L Catering | (312) 280-7900
- Jewell Events Catering | (312) 829-3663
- Norman’s Bistro | (773) 966-5821
- Premier Catering & Events | (773) 306-1910 X 211
Rental/Production Suppliers
- Absolute Productions | (312) 226-1200
- Hall’s | (847) 929-2222
- Pro Em Tents | (480) 550-0629
- Sound Investment Audio Visual | (312) 733-6288
Do I get a refund if I cancel my event?
- If the event is cancelled more than 180 days prior to your scheduled date, you are eligible for only the second payment refund. The initial deposit is never refundable.
- The initial deposit is half the rental fee and the application fee.
Can I change my date?
- You are allowed one date change as long as your event is paid in full. Once you've used your one date change, your date is locked and cannot be changed.
Is parking free at the venue space?
- Parking is pay-to-park at meters or via QR codes located in the parking lot associated with the venue. In some cases, you may be able to reserve parking spots in advance. Please contact your Special Event Manager for more information.
Can I bring in my own food, drinks, linen, or food equipment?
- You are not allowed to bring in your own food, drinks, linens, or food service equipment. The approved caterer is responsible for all food, beverage, linens, and food service equipment.
- You are allowed to bring in a custom cake, but that is the only exception. The caterer must handle cutting and serving the cake, as well as providing the necessary equipment.
Can I bring in my own decor?
You can bring in decor as long as it follows all Chicago Park District policies.
- No confetti, glitter, or helium balloons (these can damage the rooms).
- No ladders are allowed for setup.
- All electrical equipment must be discussed with your Special Event Manager. Plug-in uplighting or high-energy equipment must be approved and commissioned. Battery operated uplighting is acceptable without commission.
- No electrical outlets may run from inside the building to the outside—you must provide a generator.
When can I load-in or set up for my event?
- The doors will open at your permitted load-in time. You may not drop anything off early or enter the room before your scheduled time. Chicago Park District staff will not accept deliveries on your behalf.
When can items be delivered to the venue?
- All items can be delivered during the contracted times listed in the permit. The event organizer or caterer will need to be onsite to accept all deliveries.
How do I lock in my date at one of the venue spaces?
- Fill out the Special Event Venues application located at chicagoparkdistrict.com.
- Send the completed application to venues@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
- Await your conditional approval email from a Special Event Manager.
Can I use a caterer that isn’t on the list?
- All 60-day rate clients must use a caterer from the preferred list.
- If your event takes place outside the 60-day window, you may request approval for an outside caterer.
- The caterer must submit all required documentation and pay a refundable security deposit in addition to the 15% commission on all food, beverage, linen, and equipment charges.
- Required documents for outside caterers include:
- State of Illinois License Registration Number
- State of Illinois Certificate of Incorporation
- City of Chicago Catering Business License
- State of Illinois Food Sanitation Certificate
- City of Chicago Retail Food Establishment License (Shared Kitchen Licenses are not accepted)
- City of Chicago Caterer’s Off-Premise Liquor License
- State of Illinois Caterer Off-Premise Liquor License
- General Liability Certificate of Insurance listing the Chicago Park District, 4830 S. Western Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60609, as additionally insured.
Can the caterer cook onsite?
- Chafing dishes, metal hotboxes, and sternos may be used in the venue for heating food. Prior to use, the special event manager must approve any other cooking equipment. Cooking onsite is prohibited.
Caterer cleaning responsibility
- The venue will be clean and ready for set-up for the Event. The caterer is responsible for bringing in cans, liners, brooms, cleaning of food preparation areas and food service cleanup during and after each event. The caterer is responsible for leaving the space in the same condition as when they arrived.
Will the park be closed for my event?
- The Chicago Park District is a public park. The specific rental space will be closed to the public