From the Annual Chicago Heart Ball that raises important funds for the American Heart Association to the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Ball, Chicago is home to some of the most high-impact fundraisers across the country. So much effort goes into planning these charity events — including finding the right gala venues.
PartySlate reached out to two top gala planners in Chicago to learn which event spaces they routinely recommend to gala chairs. Additionally, we’ve scoured our curated venue directory to find Chicago gala event venues with premier locations, top amenities, and beautiful spaces.
Keep reading to discover our top picks — plus, see how real gala planners utilized each space for a successful fundraiser. With PartySlate, planning meaningful events has never been easier.
But First, See Chicago’s The Nature Conservancy Gala Come to Life
Find the optimum venue for your expected seated capacity:
Up to 499
500-999
1,000-1,499
1,500-1,999
2,000-3,999
4,000+
*Venues listed in order of seated and standing capacity below.
Up to 499 Guests
For breathtaking views in a classic Chicago hotel…
River North
Ann Marie Arzt, President of EventScape, Inc., shares, “The Langham, Chicago is a beautiful and luxurious 5-star hotel. The cuisine is exquisite and the Travelle Lounge is ideal for pre-dinner drinks while offering panoramic views of the Chicago River and skyline.”
See how the Devonshire Ball Room was transformed from an elegant reception space to a trendy disco and dim sum-themed party with gold ceiling installations, luxe velvet seating, and “floating” disco ball centerpieces.
The Langham, Chicago can host up to 260 seated and standing guests.
For an elegant space surrounded by natural beauty…
Lincoln Park
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this iconic Chicago event space is bound to impress guests with its soaring, sky-lit roof, stained glass windows, and other ornate details like outdoor loggias.
You can also rent out other unique spaces throughout Lincoln Park Zoo. See how The Lincoln Park Zoo Gala utilized the Landmark Café for an outdoor soirée with stunning views of African lions and harbor seals.
Cafe Brauer at Lincoln Park Zoo can host up to 250 seated guests and 400 standing guests.
500 – 999 Guests
For an iconic Chicago ballroom…
Gold Coast
The Four Seasons brand is recognized around the world for its luxurious atmosphere. Guests will appreciate the elegance of the venue space paired with the creative menus and experienced staff.
See how this “Under the Sea” non-profit anniversary gala brought glamorous ocean vibes to the Grand Ballroom with shimmering curtains, dreamy uplighting, and lush ceiling décor.
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago can host up to 450 seated guests and 750 standing guests.
For a turn-key venue with endless possibilities…
West Loop
This repurposed factory offers a customizable backdrop for everything from in-person galas to hybrid or virtual fundraisers. With a main studio, two gallery spaces, and a production office or green room, you can easily bring an experiential component to your charity event.
See how The Chicago Scholars Annual Fundraiser transported guests into a hip nightclub space with dramatic uplighting and unique gobo designs displayed on soaring walls and expansive flooring.
Moonlight Studios can host up to 280 seated guests and 500 standing guests.
For a grand setting and impeccable service…
Magnificent Mile
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago serves as a luxe backdrop for a meaningful fundraiser in Chicago. The Grand Ballroom is particularly impressive with its 400,000 crystal chandelier and panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows.
See how this 60th-anniversary gala for Chicago Court Theatre used this beautiful space to host a cocktail hour, three-course repast, musical performances, and a silent auction.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago can host up to 500 seated guests and 850 standing guests.
For a vintage venue with contemporary charm…
River North
This Mid-Century school house and gymnasium has been reimagined as a cutting edge, multi-use event space. The Great Hall offers a 5,000-square-foot column-free space — with original ticket windows and wall tile — for a one-of-a-kind gala space.
See how this starry night-themed fundraiser wowed with celestial violet uplighting and unique artwork that guests could bid on throughout the night.
The School House can host up to 300 seated guests and 750 standing guests.
1,000 – 1,499 Guests
For beauty and sustainability…
Grant Park
In addition to boasting a 10-story faceted window wall with stunning panoramic views, Venue SIX10 promotes green initiatives with its sustainable design that’s powered by 100% renewable energy.
See how this casino-themed gala utilized the bright and airy space for engaging casino games provided by Chicago Casino Suppliers and 1440 Event Design.
Venue SIX10 can host up to 398 seated guests and 1,000 standing guests.
For innovation and grandeur…
Grant Park
The Art Institute of Chicago offers a variety of unique event spaces that range from lush gardens to intimate galleries and ornate halls. Griffin Court, located in the heart of the museum’s Modern Wing, is both versatile and grand with its soaring blank walls and adjacent Pritzker Garden.
See how the Van Gogh opening gala at Griffin Court immersed guests into the world of Van Gogh’s Starry Night with state-of-the-art projection mapping.
The Art Institute of Chicago can host up to 950 seated guests and 1,000 standing guests.
1,500 – 1,999 Guests
For a space at the forefront of innovation…
Pilsen
Created by renowned designer Tom Kehoe of KEHOE DESIGNS, The Geraghty is a completely customizable space with state-of-the-art technology and onsite amenities.
See how Wish Upon a Wedding’s “Written in the Stars” gala created a celestial ambiance with dramatic blue and purple lighting as well as glittering table linen.
The Geraghty can host up to 1,000 seated guests and 1,500 standing guests.
For the best lakefront venue in Chicago…
Lincoln Park
Constructed in 1920, this historic Prairie-style venue offers breathtaking city and lakefront views. Inside, rustic meets industrial for an inviting and contemporary design.
See how this Great Gatsby-inspired gala filled the space with casino games, Art Deco décor, and live entertainment.
Theater on the Lake can host up to 450 seated guests and 1,500 standing guests.
For an impressive space surrounded by natural beauty…
Lincoln Park
Chicago History Museum offers an impressive backdrop to a luxury gala with Georgian-style architecture and soaring windows overlooking Lincoln Park. Guests will love the opportunity to visit the museum’s permanent galleries on the second floor during the first 90 minutes of any non-profit event.
See how this colorful Chicago gala used fringe chandeliers and suspended florals to complement dramatic uplighting at this historic space.
Chicago History Museum can host up to 300 seated guests and 1,500 standing guests.
For sweeping city views…
Millennium Park
Jodi Wolf, CEO of Paulette Wolf Events, describes the rooftop terrace at Millennium Park as “an amazing open air venue that gives you the perfect blank slate to create from.”
See how the rooftop terrace boasts some of the best skyline views in all of Chicago — while also offering a blank canvas tent that can be optimized for any gala theme or style.
Millennium Park can host up to 1,100 seated guests and 1,800 standing guests.
2,000 – 3,999 Guests
For a grand ballroom…
South Loop
Arzt of EventScape shares, “The Hilton Chicago’s historic Grand Ballroom is undoubtedly the most beautiful and iconic ballroom in the city. With breath-taking chandeliers and an open layout, it is the perfect space for a gala with 300-600 guests.
“The adjacent Normandie Lounge works well as a pre-function area — and, for very large events, dinner can be moved into the massive International Ballroom. With Chef Mario Garcia at the helm, menu offerings are delicious and creative. The hotel is also centrally located with plenty of guest parking, hotel rooms and meeting spaces.”
See how the Alzheimer’s Association Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala used this grand setting to host a high-impact fundraiser with a special musical performance by country singer Jay Allen.
Hilton Chicago can host up to 2,000 seated guests and 3,000 standing guests.
4,000+ Guests
For a place of constant innovation…
Hyde Park
Whether you host a seated dinner adjacent to a WWII submarine or station your silent auction beside a Mars Rover, you will appreciate the engaging backdrop at every turn.
See how The Annual Columbian Ball paid homage to the White City of the 1893 Columbian Exposition with custom-made backdrops and a monochromatic color palette.
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago can host up to 1,000 seated guests and 12,000 standing guests.
For a grand event space with unique backdrops…
Museum Campus
The Field Museum wows with one impressive event space after another. Galas are particularly impressive when held in Stanley Field Hall where guests can dine beneath giant flying reptiles or beside a cast of 122-foot-long titanosaur.
See how the Ronald McDonald House Charities Gala paired candlelit tablescapes by Yanni Design Studio with elevated cuisine from Blue Plate Catering.
Field Museum can host up to 1,200 seated guests and 7,500 standing guests.
For a seamless experience…
Streeterville
Arzt of EventScape recommends the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier for large, off-premise galas. She says, “The 18,000-square-foot ballroom, with an 80-foot sweeping domed ceiling, offers panoramic views of the lakefront and can seat over 1,000 guests. The oversized built-in stage is perfect for gala programs and large orchestras, and the ballroom provides direct access to outdoor space. Delicious menus are customized for each event; ample parking is available; and the pier includes many options for pre-gala functions, including the Offshore Rooftop Bar and a host of shoreline cruises offered by City Experiences.”
See how the Housewares Cares Gala at Navy Pier raised nearly two million dollars for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and James Beard Foundation at this food-forward gala with stunning lighting installations.
Navy Pier can host up to 8,505 seated and standing guests.
For an epic fundraiser in a customizable space…
Northerly Island
Wolf of Paulette Wolf Events recommends Northerly Island for its customizable space and openness to the outdoors.
See how Paulette Wolf Events transformed this tented venue into an awe-inspiring wilderness for the Nature Conservancy’s gala with a mirrored projection ceiling, trees on stilts, and other natural décor elements.
Northerly Island can host up to 3,000 seated guests and 30,000 standing guests.
People Also Ask…
Where can I find a gala planner?
Planning a successful fundraiser involves many steps — from finding a venue to finalizing your entertainment roster. We always recommend hiring a gala planner so you can stay focused on what matters most: raising important funds for your organization.
Head to PartySlate’s curated vendor directory to find a vetted gala planner. Use the filters to narrow your search by location, services, and more. If a planner catches your eye, make sure to click into their PartySlate profile to see real examples of their work and learn more about their business. You can also reach out to our contributing panel below.
Consider Our Expert Planner Contributors
Ann Marie Arzt
President
EventScape, Inc.
Jodi Wolf
CEO
Paulette Wolf Events
Where can I find more gala inspiration?
PartySlate is your go-to source for event inspiration. Start by exploring the Fundraiser Idea Gallery to discover everything from silent auction designs to branding ideas. Next, explore real gala event albums to see how top planners set the scene for high-impact fundraisers. You can also click on the following for even more more gala inspiration:
featured caterer
Paramount Events
It’s hard to narrow down what we love, but here’s a start: a hand-picked hired and trained (never outsourced) service staff and fresh, seasonal cuisine. They maintain their own organic growhouse from which the team handpicks produce daily to limit refrigeration and maximize flavor. photo courtesy of: Paramount Events
featured entertainment
Rush Street Rhythm
As part of Gold Coast All Stars, Rush Street Rhythm knows how to get guests on the dance floor with their high energy and dynamic performances. We love how this Chicago-based band is able to cover a wide range of musical genres — pleasing every guest, regardless of age. photo courtesy of: Rush Street Rhythm
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