Event Venues

Theater on the Lake

Event venue in Chicago, Illinois

Before You Book

Hosts usually book event venues and banquet halls 3–6 months ahead (6–12 for big Saturday events). Ask:

Is our date available, and how long will you hold it before a deposit?
What is the all-in price for our guest count, including service charge, tax and gratuity?
What is the capacity seated, standing and with a dance floor?
How many hours are included, including setup and cleanup time?
Must we use your caterer or bar? Is there a fee for outside food, a cake or alcohol?

Ask for a sample invoice for your exact guest count; service charges and tax can add 20–30%.
Fridays, Sundays and weekday daytime slots are often cheaper than Saturday nights.
Visit at the same time of day as your event to judge light, parking and noise.

Getting several quotes? Line them up in the quote comparison tool and check the contract checklist before you pay a deposit.

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