Planning a large-scale wedding, corporate gala, or milestone celebration in Chicago and need a venue that can accommodate 400+ guests?

Finding spacious event venues in Chicago that combine style, flexibility, and capacity can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—but that’s where Fierce Productions comes in. As a leading Chicago-based wedding and event planning company known for upscale, nontraditional experiences, we specialize in curating unforgettable events in venues that make a statement.

Whether you're hosting a lavish wedding reception, a high-impact brand activation, or a partner appreciation party, we've scouted and coordinated events in some of the city’s most impressive large-capacity venues. From iconic architectural spaces to hidden gems with serious wow-factor, here are 15 Chicago event venues we’ve worked with that can comfortably host 400+ guests—and deliver the kind of experience your guests will rave about.

Soldier Field - 400++ Guests

An incredible venue to host your next celebration is Soldier Field—especially if you're a sports fan. This iconic stadium offers a variety of grand spaces perfect for large-scale events. The largest area is the Field itself, which can accommodate up to 10,000 guests (not including stadium seating), while the most intimate space is the Skyline Suite, ideal for up to 125 attendees.

You can rent the entire venue or select specific areas to create a fully customizable event experience. We planned a gala at Soldier Field and primarily used the United Club, which holds up to 1,500 guests. It was the perfect setting for a reception featuring live performances, a cocktail hour, a silent auction, and a step-and-repeat photo moment. The space comfortably fit a dance floor, stage, and larger decorative installations—making it a versatile canvas for any event vision.

Note: Because Soldier Field is frequently booked for sports games and concerts, flexibility with your event date and time is essential. Additionally, we highly recommend renting the parking facilities for your guests, as public parking in the area is extremely limited.

McCormick Place -400++ Guests

Photo from McCormick Website *not our event

McCormick Place is a perfect venue for conferences, conventions, and large-scale presentational events thanks to its massive size. The complex is made up of four interconnected buildings, totaling an impressive 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space.

We coordinated a company’s booth during the Food and Restaurant Expo at this location, and even that major convention barely scratched the surface of its full capacity. The venue is incredibly convenient for out-of-state guests, with an attached hotel, bus terminals, ATMs, FedEx services, coat check, and fast food chains all on-site.

If you were to rent the entire space, you could host up to 18,000 people. But for smaller events, McCormick Place offers 173 meeting rooms, four ballrooms, and three theaters to choose from. It’s truly a vast, flexible canvas for any event vision. As a bonus—depending on which wing you book—you might enjoy stunning lakefront views.

Note: The interior leans heavily toward a corporate aesthetic, so if you’re looking to add personality or warmth, you’ll want to invest in a professional décor team. Keep in mind that McCormick Place has strict guidelines for décor installations, so be sure to review those early in your planning process.

Epiphany Center for the Arts - 400+ guests

Epiphany is a historic church transformed into a stunning multipurpose event space. It features several unique areas within its grand venue, with the largest being Epiphany Hall, which can accommodate up to 500 seated guests or 800 standing.

This is an ideal location if you want the venue to “speak for itself,” thanks to its breathtaking stained glass windows, original pipe organ, and dramatic architectural details (it was a church, after all). We coordinated an arts symposium symposium here and used the Hall for the main reception and large panel presentations, while breakout sessions were held in The Catacombs and The Sanctuary to create a more intimate, personal atmosphere.

You can creatively utilize the entire venue or reserve a single space to suit your event’s needs. As a bonus, the architecture makes for absolutely gorgeous photos—no extra styling required.

Note: Epiphany also operates as a concert and social dancing venue, so you may need to be flexible with your event date and time to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Field Museum - 400+ guests

Photo from Field Museum website *not our event

Host your grand event in a historic space that truly screams “Chicago.” Let your guests immerse themselves in fossils, artifacts, and awe-inspiring exhibits at the iconic Field Museum. (Who wouldn’t want to party with SUE the T. rex?)

The largest space, Stanley Field Hall and its adjoining balcony, can accommodate up to 4,500 guests reception-style or 1,500 seated. For more intimate gatherings, the museum offers smaller spaces within its galleries, pavilions, and classrooms. You can even take your event outdoors, where guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline and lakefront.

This is one venue that doesn’t require much décor—the exhibits and historic architecture, including towering pillars and dramatic lighting, naturally elevate the ambiance. The floor plan possibilities are incredibly flexible, allowing you to host cocktail hour in one area and a reception in another, each with its own distinct theme and vibe.

Note: Because the museum is open to the public during the day, events must be scheduled after closing hours.

Chicago History Museum - 400+ guests cocktail style

The Chicago History Museum is another classic landmark that makes a stunning backdrop for your event. The venue can accommodate approximately 600 guests for a cocktail-style gathering in the Morse Genius Chicago Room, 800 guests if you rent the entire museum, and up to 1,500 if you include the exterior plaza.

It’s a beautiful space filled with historical artifacts, stained glass, and elegant interior design. Booking this venue also creates an immersive experience, as guests have access to the exhibits during your rental period.

One of the weddings we planned here was inspired by 1920s Art Deco, so we leaned into the museum’s aesthetic—incorporating golden accents in the florals and décor that complemented the stained glass and architectural details perfectly. That said, this venue is also a great canvas for bold, colorful designs that contrast with its classic ambiance.

Note: Because the museum is open to the public during the day, events must be held after closing hours. If you're planning an outdoor event for 400+ guests, be sure to consider renting a tent to accommodate weather and comfort.

Cafe Brauer - 400+ guests cocktail style

Café Brauer is a stunning historic venue and a true blank canvas for your event. Nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park, it’s a beloved Chicago staple. Guests can wander through the lush greenery of the park, visit the nearby zoo, and still catch glimpses of the iconic Chicago skyline—all within steps of the venue.

Café Brauer can accommodate up to 500 guests for a cocktail-style event, and its warm brick interiors offer endless design possibilities. With soaring steel-supported ceilings, you can get creative with custom ceiling installations or even aerial performers.

One wedding we coordinated here embraced the venue’s natural charm with a “city garden tea party” theme. The couple leaned into the brick architecture and park surroundings, using printed linens, watercolor menus, and lush green arches to create a whimsical, elegant atmosphere.

Note: Parking in this area can be limited, so arranging guest transportation or valet services is highly recommended.

Adler Planetarium - 400+ guests cocktail style

If you're planning a reception-style event for a large crowd, the Adler Planetarium could be your perfect venue. Sundial Plaza (500 guests), Grainger Sky Theater (400 guests), and the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Solarium (477 guests) all offer stunning spaces that can accommodate over 400 guests in reception format.

Let your guests explore the wonders of the solar system in this historic venue while enjoying breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline. For weddings, you might host the ceremony outdoors on the plaza for a gorgeous lakeside celebration, followed by cocktail hour in the Theater—where immersive ceiling projections create a magical, starry atmosphere—and then dine in the Solarium for a radiant reception.

One of the weddings we planned at the Planetarium was inspired by cherry blossoms, and the golden sunset photos captured during the event were absolutely stunning. The venue is a dream for lovers of natural light and scenic backdrops.

Note: Because the museum is open to the public during the day, events must be scheduled after closing hours. Also, be sure to plan for guest transportation and parking, as lakefront access can be limited depending on the time and season.

Wildman BT - 400+ guests

Wildman BT is one of our favorite venues because it can transform to fit virtually any event style. It can accommodate up to 400 guests for a seated dinner and 500 for a cocktail-style reception. The exposed brick interior makes it a true blank canvas—we’ve hosted weddings, galas, photo shoots, and more in this versatile space!

You can add a stage for performances and speeches, use the lounge-style seating for a more relaxed vibe, section off areas with curtains, or keep everything open for a free-flowing cocktail-style layout. One of the most exciting features? You can drive vehicles directly into the main space, making it perfect for food trucks or mobile showcases. For example, we once planned a gala that featured a DJ van as the centerpiece of the dance floor—it was such a unique setup that got guests moving!

Note: Wildman BT can only accommodate up to 300 guests for ceremony-style or presentational seated events, so be sure to factor that into your floor plan.

The Old Post Office- 400+ guests

Photo from Biz Bash Website *not our event

As the name suggests, The Old Post Office is a historic post office transformed into a versatile, multipurpose event space. You can host large-scale gatherings in the grand Historic Lobby, which accommodates up to 800 guests, or opt for a more conference-style setup in the Marquee East and West, which together hold up to 400 guests.

The architecture in the Historic Lobby speaks for itself—with towering columns, soaring ceilings, and elegant golden accents—making it an ideal setting for Art Deco–inspired occasions. The open floor plan also allows for easy transitions between a dance floor and seated dining areas, giving you flexibility in how you structure your event.

Note: Because The Old Post Office is a popular venue for both private and corporate events, availability can be limited during peak seasons. Be sure to book well in advance and review their vendor guidelines, as they have specific requirements for load-in logistics and décor installations.

Artifact Events- 400+ Guests

Photo from Artifact Event’s website *not our event

Artifact Events has such a fun personality—it feels like you’re strolling through an art museum! The venue features multiple floors, staircases, ramps, grand chandeliers, oversized birdcages, a courtyard, and eclectic art pieces throughout.

It’s technically capable of hosting multiple events at once, but if you rent the entire space, you can accommodate over 1,700 guests. If you don’t need the full venue, you can opt for the North Side’s first floor (420 standing) or the South Side’s first floor (514 standing).

Note: Because Artifact Events can host multiple gatherings simultaneously, you may be sharing the building with another event unless you book the entire space. Be sure to plan accordingly for street parking and guest flow.

The Fairlie - 400 Guests cocktail style

The Fairlie is another one of our favorite multipurpose venues, featuring a warm brick interior and flexible layout. It can accommodate up to 400 guests for a cocktail-style event. You can section off areas with curtains for a more intimate feel or keep the space open for a free-flowing, roaming-style gathering.

Upstairs, you’ll find cozy lounge-sized spaces that are perfect for an additional bar or activation station. The floor plan possibilities are endless, and we absolutely LOVE the grand staircase—it practically transforms depending on how you choose to decorate it.

Other standout features include the ability to drive a car into the space for food truck setups or showcase moments, a customizable tuk-tuk for photo ops or branding, and soaring ceilings ideal for dramatic ceiling installations. One of the events we planned here was Cuban/Puerto Rican–themed, and we showcased a vintage blue Thunderbird for photos—it was a total showstopper.

Note: The Fairlie provides 250 chairs, so if you're planning a seated event, you'll need to rent additional seating to accommodate your guest count.

Shedd Aquarium - 400+ guests

Another classic Chicago venue is the Shedd Aquarium—and what could be more fun than hosting your event surrounded by fish? The aquarium offers multiple spaces for gatherings: the Aquarium Gallery (450 guests, reception-style), Abbott Oceanarium (680 seated, 1,000 standing), and the Rice Foundation Amphitheater (680 seated).

As a bonus, you can incorporate aquatic experiences like underwater feeding sessions to make your event even more immersive. And when it comes to décor, you won’t need much—the vibrant marine life and stunning exhibits naturally elevate the atmosphere.

One wedding we planned here took full advantage of the beautiful weather by hosting the ceremony outdoors, followed by a reception in the Oceanarium where guests were mesmerized by the aquatic surroundings.

Note: Because the venue is open to the public during the day, events must be held after museum hours. Additionally, due to the presence of live aquatic animals and sensitive tank environments, there are stricter design and décor limitations you'll need to follow.

Rockwell on the River - 400+ Guests

This space is a grand, fun, multipurpose event venue with a striking brick interior—located right on the river. Rockwell on the River can accommodate up to 500 guests for cocktail-style events, with access to both the main space and the exterior courtyard.

It’s another venue that offers flexibility: you can section off areas with curtains for a more intimate feel or keep the layout open for large, roaming gatherings. One of its most unique features is its riverfront location—you can even rent a boat to drop off or pick up guests, adding a memorable twist to your event.

For immersive experiences, the venue is connected to an on-site brewery and coffee roastery, which can be incorporated into your event for personalized touches. One of the weddings we planned here embraced a carnival theme, complete with games, stilt performers, a wine bike, hanging lanterns, and more. It was whimsical, energetic, and a perfect example of how this “blank canvas” venue can be transformed to match any vision.

Note: While Rockwell on the River can host over 400 guests, it only provides 250 chairs. If you're planning a reception or theatrical-style event, you’ll need to rent additional seating to accommodate your guest count.

Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier - 400++ guests

Photo from Navy Pier website *not our event

The Aon Grand Ballroom is a spacious and striking event venue tucked away on the iconic Chicago Navy Pier. It can accommodate up to 1,800 guests for a cocktail-style event and 1,100 for a seated reception. Add the balcony, and you can welcome an additional 300 guests!

As the name suggests, it’s grand—with modern flair, versatile layout options, and stunning views of Lake Michigan. Guests can celebrate inside and then step outside to enjoy the fresh lake air and scenic surroundings.

The ballroom features 3,000 dimmable lights, fixed spotlights, and blue-gelled specialty uplighting, making it ideal for dramatic performances and dynamic party lighting. Its soaring ceiling is perfect for ceiling installations or aerial artists, adding a unique and unforgettable touch to your event.

Note: Because of its size, the Aon Grand Ballroom requires significant décor and lighting to make the space feel full, personalized, and visually cohesive.

The Salt Shed - 400++ guests

Photo from Salt Shed Website *Not our event

The Salt Shed is a former salt distribution center transformed into a dynamic multipurpose event space, ideal for hosting grand events and concerts. The main Salt Shed space can accommodate 500 guests seated or 3,000 for a cocktail-style event. The outdoor Fairgrounds area holds up to 4,000 standing guests, while The Shed Lobby can host 400 guests cocktail-style. If you rent the entire venue, it can accommodate up to 7,000 attendees.

The venue also offers smaller rooms for more intimate gatherings. Perks include built-in stages, state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, built-in bars, and VIP rooms. Renting the Fairgrounds also gives you access to stunning views of the Chicago skyline, adding a memorable touch to any event.

This venue is especially well-suited for performance-driven events, award ceremonies, presentations, and immersive experiences that benefit from its scale and technical capabilities.

Note: Because The Salt Shed also operates as a concert venue, availability may be limited due to scheduled performances. Be sure to plan ahead and confirm your date early.

And these are only a FEW of the large venue options in Chicago!

We know that finding a space that fits your guest count, budget, and vision can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Fierce Productions, we offer hands-on support with venue selection, personalized guidance, and even coordinate venue tours for your top contenders.

Let’s make your event unforgettable from the very first step. Get in touch to learn more and start planning with confidence!

15 Chicago Event Venues That Can Hold 400+ Guests