Chicago Theatre Concert Venue / Theater

The marquee outside the Chicago Theatre, which reads “Chicago,” is often used as a symbol for the city, and its glowing lights are a major landmark in the Loop. Built in 1921, the glitzy theater was originally a movie palace, back when films were a luxury experience. Now the building, with its French-inspired décor, hosts concerts, plays, and A-list comedians like Conan O’Brien.

The Chicago Theatre’s chandelier-lit 3-story lobby and gilded 3,600-seat auditorium look suited for the opera or ballet, but acts like Arcade Fire and Beyoncé are more likely to grace the stage. Seating is typical of a grand theater, with main floor, mezzanine, and balcony seats. The combination of elegant venue and popular acts gives music fans a strangely civilized way to watch their favorite bands.

The theater’s lobby has a full bar, though not all performances allow drinks in the auditorium. Event tickets for the Chicago Theatre are handled through Ticketmaster or the venue’s box office.