The City of Chicago is home to many extraordinary Sweet 16 Chicago venues. Famed for its bold architecture and piercing skyline, Chicago also boasts a thriving culture that includes world-renowned art exhibits, exotic food, and activity-based fun.
If your dream is to sail on Lake Michigan, catch a ballgame at Wrigley Field, dance the night away with live music, or enjoy a culturally diverse menu at a high-end restaurant — you can find the perfect venue in Chicago.
Chicago is the perfect destination for your teen’s special celebration, providing an eclectic mix of venues that offer space for imaginative décor and a variety of unique interactive entertainment.
So where can I celebrate my 16th birthday? We chose 16 of our favorite Sweet 16 Chicago venues that provide the ideal event space for an extravaganza to commemorate your teenager and turn their dreams into reality. Whether you’re looking for private dining, an art exhibit, or a rooftop experience — here’s our list of the best venues and Sweet 16 ideas for a Chicago celebration.
*In no particular order…
1. Room 1520
For the minimalist teen…
- Room 1520, a historical factory loft at the heart of the artistic West Loop, offers a blank slate that can be decorated to suit any teen’s taste or desired theme
- Italian crystal chandeliers accent the 11-foot ceilings — creating an elegant, airy, and bright atmosphere
- Reviewers of Room 1520 love the accessible rooftop, natural lighting, and bare (but gorgeous) space that is “pretty enough that not a ton of décor is needed”
- Also see how this Vibrant Colorful Sweet 16 celebration used the space
- The space totals 4,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 150 guests
2. The Art Institute of Chicago
For the artistic teen…
- The Art Institute of Chicago (one of our favorite Sweet 16 venues in Chicago) offers galleries, gardens, and auditorium spaces that are perfectly suited for your elegant or unique celebration of any size
- The collection of art within the The Art Institute of Chicago’s walls encompasses 5,000 years of human expression from cultures all around the world — and will inspire teens and adults alike
- The sophisticated, exclusive on-site catering staff will prepare the perfect menu with a variety of flexible options
- Reviewers appreciate the architectural beauty of the Institute itself, as well as the knowledgeable and very obliging staff who are capable of satisfying any of your needs
- Also see how this Paisley and Bright Patterned Luncheon and 45th Anniversary Celebration utilized this venue space
- 14 event spaces include the Griffin Court and outdoor spaces like the Bluhm Terrace and Mckinlock Court that can accommodate groups as intimate as 75 and as grand as 500
Chicago is the perfect destination for your teen’s special celebration, providing an eclectic mix of venues that offer space for imaginative décor and a variety of unique interactive entertainment.”
3. The Dawson
For the teen passionate about the outdoors…
- The Dawson is an extraordinary venue space with a grand staircase, hand-crafted woodwork, and an acclaimed courtyard that will leave your guests in awe
- The abundance of natural light that seeps through the towering window panels will shine brightly upon your event, whether it’s a celebration of 12 or 400
- The Courtyard, ideal for the nature-loving teenager, brings the city of Chicago to life with its greenery and enchanting ambiance
- Also see how this Modern Outdoor Wedding and Boho Chic 40th-Birthday celebration made beautiful use of the space
- The Dawson features five event spaces, including The Devils Den which is available for a party of up to 28 guests
4. Carnivale
For the colorful, eccentric teen…
- Carnivale is a premier dining destination in Chicago’s West Loop that immerses guests with a festive, electric, and global experience
- Look: Every experience at Carnivale is a celebration inspired by Latin cuisine and culture — as well as the passion for travel, art, and design
- At Carnivale you’ll work with a top-notch event team that is dedicated to fulfilling all of your teens’ wishes — whether it’s a dance floor and DJ or aerial performers
- Reviewers praise this venue for its astounding décor filled with “creativity all around” and an uplifting, positive staff
- Get inspiration from this Cirque De Flambe Corporate Event that integrated astounding and delightful live entertainment
- Seven event spaces are available, including The Catwalk (perfect for an intimate party of 16 guests) and the Flamenco Room which accommodates up to 90 guests
5. DL Loft
For the Francophile teen…
- DL Loft, a historic building built in 1877, has been curated to look like a Paris apartment with vintage French-chic décor, an antique bar, and 20-foot-tall windows
- Escape to the rooftop for an open air space with a debonair green wall that’s perfect for the ultimate photoshoot
- The apartment is available for an overnight experience that sleeps six and is ideal for your intimate Sweet 16 slumber party
- Reviewers were very pleased with the hosting team at DL Loft, calling them “attentive and supportive”
- Also see how this Chanel Inspired Birthday and Summer Trends Corporate Event enjoyed the space
- This intimate, professionally-styled studio accommodates up to 30 guests
6. Adeline Sea Moose
For the adventurous teen eager to set sail…
- Adeline’s Sea Moose is an extraordinary 68-foot long floating vessel with multiple decks for admiring the Chicago Skyline
- Embark on this private yacht and glide through the night while enjoying the expansive entertaining spaces inside and outside of the craft
- Adeline’s Sea Moose boasts a hands-on, professionally-trained crew that will cater to all of your needs
- Reviewers love the spectacular changing views of the city’s stunning skyline, in addition to the phenomenal service
- Also see how this Birthday Celebration utilized the space to offer an elegant dining experience on the water
- The boat spaciously accommodates up to 45 guests
7. Bar Siena
For the teen with a refined palette…
- Here’s Why: Bar Siena is a two-story, 8,000-square-foot restaurant located in the heart of ‘Restaurant Row’ in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood
- Behind the bustling bar, there’s an illuminating Oliver tree sculpture — inspired by sister venue, Siena Tavern — that ascends up towards the second floor where you’ll find a spacious dining room
- Top Chef Fabio Viviani has curated a menu with expansive Italian street food such as antipasti, pizza, and calzones
- The Tree House is the perfect hideaway for your intimate celebration, providing a private area while still keeping the energy and ambiance of the restaurant
- Also see how this Holiday Party used the illuminating tree as the inspiration for their celebration
- Bar Siena includes four event spaces available to accommodate a party as little as 42 guests and as grand as 200 guests
8. Pinstripes
For the bowling and bocce enthusiast…
- Pinstripes, a modern rustic (with a touch of industrial) take on good ole’ fun, is home to interactive activities like bowling and bocce
- Enjoy a competitive game of bowling, then dance the night away in the Pinstripes Ballroom that accommodates 200 seated guests; or banter over bocce before heading to the pizza bar to see your pies in progress
- Reviewers were impressed with the gigantic event space, noting the attentive and professional staff members as well as the incredible in-house catering
- With flexible event packages and more than 10 spaces available (including a fire pit, ballrooms, patios, and balconies), Pinstripes makes it easy to host a Sweet 16 that everyone will love
- Looking for a space outside of the city? Pinstripes Northbrook caters to suburban celebrations with the same hip vibe and delectable fare
RELATED: Sweet 16 Themes That are a Teen Dream
9. Sunda New Asian
For the hip, sushi-loving teen…
- Sunda New Asian, River North’s preeminent pan-Asian restaurant, offers ideal event spaces for your semi-private or private celebration
- You’ll love the full-service event team that will handle every detail from menu creation to full event production — and your guests will love the chic vibe (and they just might catch a glimpse of a celebrity)
- Their contemporary and traditional dishes from Japan, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines (along with a fresh sushi bar) provide a flavorful pallet
- Sunda New Asian garners praise for their upscale Asian-fusion fare and top-notch service
- Also see how this Corporate Party and PartySlate’s Corporate Event used the space
- Six event spaces include The Veranda Room (which accommodates 30 guests) and an Entire Private Room (available for a celebration for up to 100 guests)
10. Joe’s on Weed St.
For the music-loving teen…
- Joe’s on Weed St. — a 20,000-square-foot warehouse-style venue located near Lincoln Park in Chicago — is an amazing spot to watch sports and live music
- The Clubhouse, available for a party of 265 guests, includes a stage complete with amazing lighting, a photo booth, and a dance floor
- Give your music-loving teen the opportunity to perform on-stage — or on the dance floor
- Reviewers love how every event space offers a unique experience: from live music radiating off the stage to fans cheering throughout the bar
- Also see how this Fun and Festive Wedding Celebration utilized the Joe’s on Weed St space
- Six event spaces include a large Rooftop and The Chapter Room which accommodates up to 150 guests
11. AceBounce
For the playful teenager…
- AceBounce, an activity-based venue where parties and ping-pong collide, offers an electric atmosphere — along with onsite professionals that are available to organize and entertain your guests with hilarious and innovative games
- Here’s the kicker: To add to all of the activity, AceBounce delivers delicious food and beverages with an acclaimed menu from celebrated chef Rick Gresh
- This venue is available for a Full Buyout with accommodations for up to 550 guests for your grand celebration
- Four event spaces are available, including The Parlor (the ideal setting for groups of up to 100 guests) and The Gallery (perfect for a more intimate gathering of up to 40 guests)
12. Gallagher Way
For the sports-loving teen…
- Gallagher Way, — a multi-venue district — offers beautiful open-air and indoor spaces, customizable green space, and endless event options that make it one of the best Sweet 16 venues in Chicago
- For an active Sweet 16 experience, catch a ballgame at Wrigley Field, transform the open plaza into your own epic dance floor or ice skating rink, then feed your appetite at a chef-driven restaurant right around the corner
- Also see how a Wrigley Field Bar Mitzvah utilized this iconic space
- Nine available event spaces include Smoke Daddy (home to world-class BBQ) and the upscale Hotel Zachery
13. Beatnik On The River
For the bohemian teen…
- Beatnik On The River ensures a vibrant and bohemian hipster experience for your free spirited teen — while offering breathtaking views of the lively Chicago river
- Every event at Beatnik On The River is detailed with a boho-chic interior, along with splashes of patterns and colors that will light up your celebration
- Mirroring the restaurant’s design aesthetic, Chef Campos’s cuisine takes an eclectic approach that will wow your guests’ tastebuds
- Six event spaces are available, including an Exterior Riverfront Patio that boasts all of the views
14. Cooked
For the aspiring-chef teen…
- Cooked, an industrial space located at the border of Logan Square in Kelvin Park, allows you to test your skills and take a cooking class with Head Chef Jonadab Silva
- Celebrate your Sweet 16 while learning the secrets behind Cooked’s crafted meals (curated with the purest ingredients)
- By the way, reviewers who take a class at Cooked appreciate the hands-on, informative experience; they even get to take home the recipes
- Invite your close friends to this intimate event space to act like professional chefs for a day, then enjoy your nutritionally-balanced meal at a family-size table
15. Low Res Studio
For the eclectic teen…
- Low Res, located in the Hubbard Street Lofts in West Town Chicago, offers a modern contemporary loft space with unique architectural details and customized furnishings
- Host your celebration at Low Res and leave everything to the professionals for an impressive, authentic, and totally personalized experience
- Get inspiration from this Urban Sweet 16 Party and Tropical Spring Wedding
- Low Res offers one event space that can accommodate a party of up to 150 guests
Famed for its bold architecture and piercing skyline, Chicago also boasts a thriving culture that includes world-renowned art exhibits, exotic food, and activity-based fun.”
16. American Writer Museum
For the book-fanatic teen…
- American Writer Museum, located in the heart of downtown Chicago on the famed Michigan Avenue, engages visitors and allows exploration through interactive experiences that encourage learning
- Celebrate your Sweet 16 by learning about American writers and their influence on our culture, identity, and daily lives
- Also see how this Intimate Corporate Dinner utilized the space
- Five event spaces including the Nations of Writers Room that accommodates up to 60 guests and the Mind of a Writer and Chicago Gallery that accommodates up to 40 guests
Think about it: As one of the world’s coolest coming-of-age traditions, Sweet 16 parties make memories for both the teen and their friends and family.
A milestone birthday as big as a Sweet 16 deserves all the fanfare. Make your celebration spectacular with a unique theme that will blow your guests away.
It gets better: In addition to top venues in Chicago for a Sweet 16, you’ll find an abundance of event designers on PartySlate. So sit back and let them create your dream party.