About Chicago
Chicago is home to many creatives and businesses and is most notable for its refined modern art, food, and bustling business scenes. There are a number of indoor and outdoor attractions that are perfect for celebrating a birthday or milestone party, including comedy clubs, dive bars, museums, and parks. And, although the city gets plenty chilly and windy in the winter (it is known as the “Windy City,” after all), it boasts spectacularly beautiful weather in the spring and summertime.
Moreover, since Chicago lines Lake Michigan, you’ll always get gorgeous views of the cityscape day or night - on a lakeside bike ride, or a relaxing boat tour. Or, if you prefer a more grounded experience, Chicago’s art district is flourishing with modern, abstract, and science museums guaranteed to inspire all, as well as a streets upon streets of excellent restaurants.
Whether you’re celebrating your Sweet 16, a Dirty 30, and even your 60th, you’ll surely find an adventurous and creative way to celebrate your special day. And with Chicago’s many birthday day party vendors, you’ll have plenty of hands to help you do it.
Birthday Party Options in Chicago
- Caterers
Whether you’re craving a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza or an Italian sub - the catering services in Chicago are the real deal. You’ll find a number of talented chefs for buffet-style or finger foods for your party.
- Equipment rental
Tables and chairs are essential props for your birthday celebration, but heaters quickly become a necessity once winter rolls in. Chicago has a number of equipment rental services with quality equipment.
- Photographer
Hiring a professional photographer to photograph your birthday party can be one of the best decisions you make all year, since looking back at photos of friends and family at the event can be priceless.
- Decorations
Balloons, confetti, piñatas...whatever you need to bring pizzazz to your party, Chicago has you covered. Chicago is equipped with many decoration businesses that will bring your themed celebration to life.
- Professional cake designers
Anyone who’s ever baked a cake knows it can be difficult. Fortunately, Chicago is full of cake makers and designers who can make you a masterful cake that’s almost too pretty to eat.
Event Planning Companies in Chicago
- Kesh Events
The award-winning luxury party planning company articulates and designs celebratory events such as birthdays, weddings, and corporate gatherings. Known for their attention to detail, over the top florals and unique design aesthetic, they’ve featured in The Knot, Modern Luxury Weddings, and Chicago Tribune.
- Lola Event Productions
This highly trained creative team is well-known in Chicago for having over 50 years of combined experience in the event and production industry. They specialize in corporate and social events that include birthdays, weddings, and milestone celebrations, where each event is tailored to bring each clients’ unique vision to life.
- Paulette Wolf Events
Known for creating unique and experience-rich events with a personalized approach, this Chicago-based event planning agency has over 40 years of experience in party planning, and have worked with many public figures including Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, and Bon Jovi. PWE works closely with their clients to plan and produce both corporate and social events, matched with elegant displays and lively entertainment.
Pros and Cons of Having a Birthday Party in Chicago
Advantages
- Plethora of activities
There are many places to visit in the city including public art fixtures, parks, piers, and sky-high skyscrapers.
- Indoor and outdoor settings
Whether you’re looking to celebrate at a park or an intimate dining experience, there are many environments to choose from.
- Transportation
Moving throughout the city is relatively easy with Chicago’s public transit systems and walkable streets.
- Food options
Chicago is home to many restaurants with flavors from around the world. Dining in our to-go, you’ll enjoy the taste of Chicago.
- Sports city
Chicago is home to a broad sports culture (having teams in the NFL, MLB, and the NBA), and there are plenty of local sports bars to celebrate any big wins.
Disadvantages
- High cost of living
Amenities and services may be a little pricer because of the higher cost of living in the city.
- Weather
Chicago is known to have freezing winters and hot summers––winters so cold that the surrounding waters freeze! Be mindful of planning outdoor parties throughout the year.
- Crime
Many major cities struggle with crime rates and because Chicago is quite dense, some areas should be inhabited with caution.
- Parking
Many residents have issues with parking, especially free parking, throughout the packed city. It might be ideal to use public transportation or ride-share services to get around.
- Populated
The city is highly populated so finding reservations for restaurants and some clubs could be troublesome. Planning in advance is key for a smooth night out.
Famous Birthday Party Locations in Chicago
Find a birthday party venue nearby one of these Chicago attractions for a birthday filled with fun and plenty to do.
- Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium hosts many of the world’s endangered marine life in its tanks. With a mission to rehabilitate marine life, the Shedd Aquarium makes a great destination to celebrate a child’s (or adult’s) birthday or a place to seek new sights.
- The Art Institute of Chicago
Founded over 100 years ago, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest museums in the United States. They host a number of fine art pieces in their galleries and exhibitions from cultures around the globe. The museum is a great place to unwind the mind after celebrating a party.
- Garfield Park Conservatory
One of the largest botanical gardens in the nation, the Garfield Park Conservatory has a number of outdoor activities including swimming, fishing, and tennis courts in this urban oasis. Celebrating the seasons, their numerous events throughout the year that preserve and celebrate the earth’s most ancient life forms. The conservatory makes for a great birthday-celebration getaway and is must-see for visitors.
