Aragon Ballroom is one of Chicago’s most iconic and historic event venues. Located in the Uptown neighborhood, the Aragon first opened in 1926 as a ballroom and opera house. Designed in a Moorish architectural style, complete with twinkling stars and clouds on the ceiling, the Aragon has hosted countless concerts, dances, weddings, and other celebrations over the decades. If you’re planning an event in Chicago and want a one-of-a-kind venue with old world charm, renting the Aragon Ballroom may be the perfect choice. But how much does it actually cost to rent this historic Chicago venue?
Aragon Ballroom Rental Costs
The Aragon Ballroom offers several different rental packages to meet the needs of various events and budgets. Rental costs vary depending on the date, day of the week, time of year, and specific rental package selected. Basic costs start at around $8,000 to $12,000 for a full day rental. However, most clients opt for upgraded packages with additional features, which can raise the costs to $15,000 or beyond.
Here is an overview of the different rental packages and typical costs for the Aragon Ballroom:
- Basic Full Day Rental – $8,000 to $12,000
- Bronze Package (8am-12am) – Starts at $15,000
- Silver Package (8am-2am) – Starts at $20,000
- Gold Package (24 hour access) – Starts at $25,000
- Platinum Package (full building buyout)- Starts at $50,000
The basic full day rental provides access to the 4,500 person capacity main ballroom space for a 12 hour block. Upgraded packages add more time, full building access, lighting, sound, ticketing services, tables/chairs, linens, and other features.
Fridays and Saturdays tend to be the most expensive rental days, while Sundays through Thursdays cost less. Summer and Fall are peak seasons and carry higher rates, while Winter and Spring are less expensive. Holiday dates are premium rental days and can be double the normal costs.
What’s Included in the Rental Packages
Here’s a more in-depth look at what’s included with the Aragon’s main rental packages:
Basic Full Day Rental ($8,000-$12,000)
- 12 hour rental of the main ballroom (4,500 capacity)
- Use of stage, house sound system, and lighting
- General cleaning before/after event
- Basic security
Bronze Package ($15,000+)
- Main ballroom rental 8am-12am
- Use of stage, sound, lighting
- Cleaning services
- Coat check services
- 6 security guards
- Chairs and tables (additional fees apply)
Silver Package ($20,000+)
- Main ballroom rental 8am-2am
- Use of stage, sound, lighting
- Cleaning services
- Coat check
- 8 security guards
- Chairs, tables, linens
- Green room access
Gold Package ($25,000+)
- 24 hour rental access
- Use of full ballroom, mezzanine, lobbies
- Stage, lighting, sound
- Cleaning services
- Coat check
- 10 security guards
- Chairs, tables, linens
- Green room access
- Bridal suite
Platinum Package ($50,000+)
- Entire building buyout
- 24 hour access
- All rooms and spaces
- Stage, sound, lighting
- Cleaning services
- Coat check
- 15 security guards
- Chairs, tables, linens
- Ticketing services
- Catering options
- Custom décor and branding
Keep in mind there are additional fees for items like catering, alcohol packages, extra décor, A/V equipment, and more. The basic rental fee covers use of the space itself and outlined amenities, while most clients incur added costs depending on their specific event needs.
What About Concerts and Public Events?
The rental packages and rates outlined above are for private events like weddings, corporate parties, and galas. If you want to rent the Aragon Ballroom for a public concert or show, the process works a bit differently.
The Aragon is owned by Live Nation, one of the largest concert promoters in the world. Live Nation books, promotes, and produces the majority of public shows in the venue. To rent the Aragon for a concert, you would need to work directly with Live Nation and their concert booking team.
Rental rates for concerts are negotiated on a per-show basis depending on the size and scope of the event. The artist/performer, promoter, and Live Nation agree on a basic fee to rent and operate the venue for the show. This negotiated rate depends on things like:
- Artist popularity and draw
- Expected attendance/# of tickets sold
- Production costs (lighting, sound, staff)
- Food and beverage sales
- Merchandising revenue
Live Nation may also take a percentage of ticket sales and/or concession sales as part of their rental fee. In general, concert rental rates for a venue like Aragon Ballroom could range anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000+ per show, depending on the artist and event.
How the Aragon Compares to Other Chicago Venues
Compared to other event venues in Chicago, the Aragon Ballroom falls in the middle-to-high end of the price range. Here’s a quick overview of how Aragon rental costs compare:
Venue | Capacity | Rental Cost Range |
---|---|---|
Aragon Ballroom | 4,500 | $8,000 – $100,000+ |
Chicago Cultural Center | 500 | $3,000 – $15,000 |
Navy Pier Grand Ballroom | 1,000 | $7,000 – $30,000 |
Concord Music Hall | 2,500 | $5,000 – $45,000 |
Park West | 1,000 | $5,000 – $15,000 |
So while on the higher end, the Aragon Ballroom offers a lot of value given its history, character, large capacity, and full-service rental packages.
Ways to Reduce Aragon Ballroom Rental Costs
If the Aragon Ballroom matches your event vision but is beyond your budget, there are some ways to lower rental costs:
- Book on a Sunday through Thursday instead of a weekend
- Avoid booking during peak seasons like summer or holidays
- Opt for a half-day rental instead of full-day
- Choose a lower tier package like Bronze instead of Silver or Gold
- Provide your own catering, rentals, or decor to avoid fees
- See if they offer discounts for nonprofits or corporate events
- Split large events over multiple smaller rooms instead of the Grand Ballroom
You can also see if they have any special deals or discounts for booking well in advance. Flexible dates and booking in the off-season are great ways to get a price break at venues like the Aragon.
Amenities to Enhance Your Aragon Ballroom Event
Beyond the fabulous Moorish architectural details, here are some of the top amenities and features that make the Aragon Ballroom a great place to host an event in Chicago:
- Central Location – Convenient Uptown spot near public transit
- Historic Charm – Unique antique décor with Old World flair
- Large Capacity – Accommodates crowds up to 4,500
- Full Service – Packages with furnishings, staff, security
- Catering – Provides catering options for food/drinks
- Entertainment – Built-in stage and quality sound/lighting
- Ambiance – Distinctive character with legendary reputation
From extravagant weddings to corporate galas and landmark concerts, the Aragon Ballroom provides a fitting backdrop for all types of events. Despite the large 4,500 person capacity, the intricate architecture and design details give the space an intimate, magical feel.
Booking the Aragon Ballroom for Your Event
If you have your heart set on the Aragon Ballroom for your Chicago event, here are some tips for booking this iconic venue:
- Contact them 6-12 months in advance for ideal date selection
- Be flexible with your date if possible to get best rates
- Determine your approximate budget and vision for décor/amenities
- Compare rental packages to find best fit for your needs and budget
- Ask about any discounts that may apply to your event
- Pay deposit and sign contract to confirm your reservation
- Provide liability insurance coverage
- Work with venue on floorplan, vendors, rentals, and logistics
- Take care of permits, entertainment, catering, A/V
- Promote your event and sell tickets (if public event)
Booking your dream event at the Aragon Ballroom does take advanced planning. But the chance to have your event in one of Chicago’s most famous venues makes it all worthwhile.
Is the Aragon Ballroom Right for Your Event?
Here are a few key questions to ask yourself when deciding if the Aragon Ballroom is the right Chicago venue for your event:
- What is your overall event budget? The Aragon is on the pricier end for rentals.
- What is your estimated guest count? Space for 1,000 to 4,500 needed.
- What is your desired event date? Book early for best rates.
- What style of event? The Aragon suits galas, concerts, corporate events.
- What is your décor vision? Historic charm or modern space?
- What features are you looking for? Full-service options available.
- What impression do you want to make? Aragon provides wow factor.
The Aragon Ballroom stands out for its history, character, capacity, and full-service offerings. For lavish, one-of-a-kind events with a guest list over 1,000, it can be the perfect Chicago venue.
Conclusion
Renting the iconic Aragon Ballroom allows you to host an unforgettable event within the soaring Moorish arches and under the glittering stars of this Chicago entertainment landmark. While prices are on the higher side, the first-class features, accommodations, and the venue’s legendary history make it worth the investment.
Rental costs for the Aragon Ballroom typically range from $8,000 to over $50,000 depending on dates, packages and amenities. Concert and show rates vary based on the artist and production. With its prime location, lavish Old World décor, and full-service offerings, the Aragon Ballroom provides a matchless backdrop for galas, weddings, performances, and corporate events of all kinds.
If budget is a concern, you can reduce costs by booking off-peak dates, opting for shorter rentals, or limiting amenities. To secure your spot, contact the Aragon Ballroom’s event team 6-12 months out to check pricing and availability. With proper planning and preparation, hosting an event at one of Chicago’s most famous venues is an experience your guests will never forget.