Chicago is a major city renowned for its stunning architecture, with iconic skyscrapers such as the Willis Tower, Trump International Hotel and Tower, and the 875 North Michigan Avenue. But beyond these towering buildings lie hidden patches of green and urban farms that can serve as versatile locations for a variety of events, photo shoots, and film production.
Although Chicago may not be the first place you'll think of to experience farm life, you'll be surprised at how a tranquil, natural setting can be found just a few miles from the city's bustling downtown core. Whether you need a picturesque farmhouse for an intimate gathering, a rustic barn for nature-inspired birthday parties, or a scenic field for film shoots and photography, Giggster's selection of farms in the Chicago area has you covered. Each spot offers a breath of fresh air and an unforgettable aesthetic. They're also available at a range of price points, so you're sure to find a fantastic location that fits your budget.
Book a venue that's as full of character and life as your next big idea on the Giggster app. Think outside the ballroom and head for the farm in Chicago.
Places like the Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago, which is home to Kline Creek Farm and a Visitor Center, are just less than one hour from the Windy City, but you don't have to travel miles across Cook County to find an expansive green space. On Giggster, you'll discover the perfect pastoral setting like for any special occasion.
Nestled in a serene location is a family-run farm called Honey Bee Gardens Farm, which features play areas and outdoor spaces ideal for team building, family reunions, wedding receptions, school outings, and more.
It's not exactly a farm, but Chicago's outdoor riverfront event space provides you and your guests with plenty of space to play, run around, and entertain a large crowd. There's a secluded garden-like setting, a grassy lawn, and a fire pit area for relaxed conversations.
A farm venue doesn't always have to feature farm animals or produce fresh fruits. Sometimes, it can be an estate, a house, or a private property with a modern luxury home, manicured gardens, or grounds, or an open field with a countryside feel, but still offers modern amenities and ample parking.
Located on the west side of Chicago, just a few minutes from the downtown area, are ranch and farm sites on private and public lands that are open daily and even on select holidays for community events, activities, and creative work.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: From authentic rustic farms that provide a charming backdrop for a photo shoot or film to sprawling fields for festivals and cozy farmhouses, Giggster features some of the best farm locations across Cook County. Choose from our 2 Chicago farm-like spaces and hidden gems where you can embrace the seasonal rhythms of nature.
Hassle-Free Booking: Giggster makes the booking process easy and simple. You can browse and see the availability of venues, check the pricing upfront (starting at only $225/hour), and communicate directly with the host in just a few clicks on the Giggster app. When you visit the place, you already know what to expect.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Plans can change in a flash—Giggster gets that. That's why we offer you 24 hours after confirmation to cancel your booking for free, as long as the booking was made at least 48 hours before your farm event or shoot.
Platform Protections: You can add various types of coverage to your booking, such as liability, cancellation, and damage protection. It's all optional, so you only pay for the protection you think you need, which helps keep your budget in check while covering all the bases.
Who says Chicago farms are just for crops and livestock? If you think outside the box, you'll find tons of creative opportunities to turn this rural setting into a space for numerous events, such as the following:
Corporate Retreats – Relaxing Escape. Want a change from a typical hotel conference room or office building for your company gathering? A farm venue offers a breath of fresh air—literally. You can take your team out of the city hustle for a day or two to brainstorm or participate in a team-building exercise. The quiet and tranquil environment is a nice change of pace that allows them to relax and focus.
Receptions – Romantic, Country-Chic Atmosphere. Say "I do" with green fields as your backdrop and then celebrate with your guests in a beautifully lit barn. That's a dream come true for many couples. You can incorporate the elements of nature into your decor or wedding shoot.
Reunions – Connect with Nature, Reconnect with Family and Friends. A family, school, or military unit reunion on a farm is a great idea for many reasons. Here, you're not just sitting around with people you haven't seen for a long time. You can host a barbecue or a picnic, play old-fashioned lawn games, and let the little ones run around in a field or check out the animals.
Birthday Parties – Rustic Celebrations. If the birthday person prefers a fun rustic setting for a milestone celebration, you can't go wrong with a farm. Some of the activities you can do at a farm re-create the experience of living off the land, such as milking a cow, churning butter, or even learning how to shear a sheep. If it's not a working farm, you can always add exciting outdoor adventures like corn mazes, bonfires, scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, and more.
Film Production and Photo Shoots – Breathtaking Nature Scenes. A farm is a goldmine for any creative work because not only will you have natural light around you, but you'll have easy access to diverse backdrops, from old barns and fences to vast open fields. Whether you're shooting a commercial, a music video, a reality show, or a family portrait, the unique textures and scenery of a farm location can make your project stand out.
Not all farm venues in Chicago are exactly the same, so you need to carefully examine every location to see if it's the right fit. Before you book and start creating an event program, ask these questions first to help you make an informed decision:
How can your guests or crew get there? A lot of farm venues, even the urban ones, might be in a less-trafficked area, so you'll want to find out if it's accessible by the 'L' train or bus. This is important, especially for guests who won't have cars.
Do they offer catering or craft services? Whether you need the space for a shoot or an event, you'll need food to keep everyone happy and satisfied. Check if the venue has in-house catering or craft services for film production, or whether they allow outside food on the site.
What amenities and event supplies are available? You don't want to show up and realize you have no chairs, tables, clean toilets, or power outlets. So, for the success of your event or shoot and to ensure everyone's experience is smooth, contact the host directly on the Giggster app or schedule a visit to see the place. You might need to shop for additional supplies or hire vendors.
An event at a Chicago farm is a unique idea that comes with its own set of challenges and benefits. Examine both its advantages and disadvantages so that you know what to expect and can better prepare.
Advantages
Farm venues in the Windy City offer a gorgeous backdrop for photos, videos, and events. You don't need to build a set from scratch, and you can save more on decor, as the scenery and atmosphere can elevate your event.
Most farms have a ton of space, which means you can invite as many people as you want to the party, festival, or concert, and even have separate areas for activities.
It's easy to incorporate farm-related activities into your event, like a tour of the grounds, a farm-to-table dinner with fresh produce, or even a light interaction with animals.
Disadvantages
The weather in Chicago can be unpredictable, especially in spring and fall. A sudden downpour or a chilly day can put a damper on your outdoor event.
Although there are farms within minutes of the city center, they're often in more rural areas, so public transportation can be limited. It can be difficult for guests who don't have a car to get to the location.
Because you're out in nature, it's not uncommon to encounter bugs, especially in the summer. You must prepare anti-bug spray or look for a venue with good pest control measures.
Thinking of planning a fun gathering at a farm venue in Chicago, but don't know where to start? It's easier than you think if you have the right strategy and know what to do.
Determine Your Budget – Before you do anything, figure out how much you want to spend. There are a lot of things you have to budget for, such as the venue, decor, food, and drinks, so do your homework and get quotes from different vendors and suppliers.
Check the Rules – You can't just throw a party anywhere, even on a farm. You must first identify what kind of permits and licenses are required for your specific event. Zoning laws are also something you shouldn't take for granted.
Pick Your Vibe – What kind of atmosphere are you going for? Rustic and cozy, modern and chic, interactive and educational, or something else? Lucky for you, Chicago farms can be incredibly versatile.
Plan for the Guest Experience – This is where all the good stuff comes in—the food and drinks, entertainment, activities, and more. Use your chosen vibe as your guide and the type of event you want to have to help you choose the menu, fun games, and music that match.
Chicago is one of the country's most expensive cities, so renting a venue here, even an urban farm, might be a bit pricey, especially if you have a limited budget. But don't worry; with Giggster locations available for as low as $225/hour and these practical tips, you can secure an event space in the Windy City without spending a fortune.
Book outside of the busy season.
Don't get stuck on a summer date because that's when everyone wants to host an event. Rent in the fall, winter, or early spring, as you can get that rustic, farm vibe without the peak-season price tag.
Look for a space with natural charm.
A rustic barn or a sprawling field already has a built-in aesthetic. You won't need to spend a lot on extra decorations. Simple string lights, hay bales, and flowers can go a long way in making the space feel special without a huge budget.
Find that 'diamond' in the rough.
Discover those hidden gems or unconventional spots that may not be listed as "farms." On Giggster, try to search for terms like "barn," "rustic," "open field," or "urban garden," and you'll find a cool urban garden that feels like a farm or a renovated loft with a rustic, barn-like look. You can rent them per hour, which is perfect for a shorter film shoot or event, and can save you a ton of money compared to an all-day rate.
Your most iconic scenes or unforgettable event yet could happen surrounded by open skies and rustic charm. Browse Giggster's listing now and discover that farm location in Chicago, IL, that will bring your vision to life.
