When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
35th Street Studios

Why 35th Street Studios is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Located in a historic building in Chicago, 35th Street Studios offers a comprehensive, full-service production environment designed for musicians, bands, and artists to rehearse, record, and host events. With nearly three decades of experience, this studio has become a cornerstone for music professionals seeking quality and versatility in a vibrant urban setting. The studio features world-class recording rooms, rehearsal spaces, and teaching facilities that cater to various production needs. Its proximity to downtown Chicago makes it convenient for artists to access top-tier resources without leaving the city center. 35th Street Studios is known for its adaptable hourly, weekly, and monthly rental options, supporting musicians at different stages of their creative process. The 24-hour access to rehearsal spaces allows for flexible scheduling, accommodating the dynamic demands of music creation and performance preparation. Overall, it is a great place for friends who are musicians or music enthusiasts to meet up, collaborate on projects, or simply enjoy the creative atmosphere together.
Here's what people think of 35th Street Studios
As of recent, 35th Street Studios holds a 4.6-star rating based on 39 reviews.
User reviews of 35th Street Studios generally reflect a high level of satisfaction, with an overall rating of 4.6 from 39 reviews indicating a strong positive consensus. Many reviewers praise the studio for its professional environment and the quality of its facilities, emphasizing the excellent sound equipment and acoustics that enhance the recording and rehearsal experience. Positive comments also highlight the studio's accommodating scheduling options and the 24-hour access, which allows musicians to work during times that best suit their creative flow. The convenient location close to downtown Chicago is frequently noted as a benefit, making the studio easily accessible for artists coming from different parts of the city. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to occasions of limited availability during peak times and instances where booking conflicts occurred, suggesting room for improvement in scheduling logistics. A few users also mentioned that certain equipment or spaces could be updated or expanded to accommodate growing needs. Overall, the reviews affirm that 35th Street Studios provides a welcoming and well-equipped environment that supports creativity and production success, making it a popular choice among Chicago's music community.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Dorien Ramsey
I'm a spoken word artist and my social media name is YoungDeciple24 on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, I was asking how much is it to practice for an hour
tt dada
It's awesome..Ali is an awesome producer and ghost.they both work with you to get your best sound . Awesome place...got stage for band.. smoke room.lobby..also two other studios in the same foundation.its definitely a good place to record
George Reeder
First class recording studio. Excellent recording engineers and professional gear make any project you have come out sounding great. The internship program that the studio offers is also a great way for anyone looking to learn more about the recording process or just trying to get their foot in the door of the recording industry. Staff is kind and courteous and I would highly recommend 35th Street Studios for anyone looking to record.
Blake T
I Scheduled studio time using the time he provided and 2 days later he calls me and say a engineer will not be present or availible, why would you even schedule me there? Now they're making me wait 2 days to get my $50 security deposit back
Louis Davis
had a wonderful experience learning how they work and using their creative minds to make me come alive!
How to reach 35th Street Studios
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Website: None

Why 35th Street Studios may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at 35th Street Studios with your friends?
If you're looking for a dynamic and versatile venue to gather your friends for an unforgettable meetup, 35th Street Studios offers an exceptional option that blends creativity, comfort, and distinctive urban charm. Located in Chicago's historic McKinley Park district, this place transcends the typical get-together spot. Whether your group shares a passion for music, arts, collaboration, or simply wants a creative atmosphere to celebrate life’s moments, this studio's vibe is energizing and inviting. The venue’s rich history, modern acoustics, and flexible space mean you can tailor your event to exactly what you desire, from intimate acoustic jam sessions to lively celebrations or productive workshops. The studio’s layout fosters one of those rare experiences where your group can be immersed in sound and space designed for collective creativity while keeping things personal and engaging. Hosting your meetup here is not only about the physical space but about gathering in a place buzzing with artistic energy, making your event more memorable and inspiring than a standard party or restaurant outing. This makes it ideal for friends or family wanting to connect through shared interests or just enjoy a uniquely welcoming environment that feels like a creative home away from home.
What activities does 35th Street Studios offer for groups?
35th Street Studios is a hub of diverse activities that make it perfect for group events. Primarily, it’s a professional music and production studio equipped to handle rehearsals, live performances, and recording sessions, which means your friends can enjoy anything from an open mic night to private band rehearsals. The Sound Stage, the centerpiece of the venue, is acoustically treated and fully equipped with a top-tier sound system, ideal for live musical showcases or casual music listening parties. This space can accommodate groups comfortably, hosting up to 30-50 people depending on the event setup, allowing friends and family to bond over performances or collaborative sessions. If your group is more into digital production, the Bunker OP suite offers a fully acoustically tuned digital recording environment suited for music production, podcasts, and even film or video audio projects. Beyond music, the studio also supports seminars, workshops, fashion shows, and social gatherings, meaning it’s not just for artists but anyone looking to host an engaging event in a creative space. The venue comes with useful amenities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, projector facilities, and flexible seating arrangements, making it suitable for presentations or informal get-togethers.
Why is 35th Street Studios perfect for a group meetup?
The appeal of 35th Street Studios for hosting group meetups stems from its combination of professional-grade facilities and a comfortable, versatile setting. Unlike conventional event venues, it balances private and open spaces designed for collaborative activities, ensuring your group can enjoy an intimate experience while still having room to breathe and mingle. The variety of rentable rooms, from the spacious Sound Stage to intimate vocal booths and digital suites, gives groups the freedom to customize their event, whether the goal is to rehearse a band performance, record a podcast, or simply relax in a creatively stimulating environment. The historic building's ambiance adds a layer of authenticity that enhances the overall experience, making your meetup feel unique and memorable. In addition, the studio is equipped to support events with comprehensive technical support and a high-quality sound system that professionals use daily, ensuring that any presentations, performances, or recordings sound spectacular. Practical considerations such as free on-street parking and proximity to public transit also make it accessible to guests. The inclusive atmosphere, combined with professional services and artistic heritage, cultivates a sense of community perfect for strengthening friendships or family bonds.
How do the facilities and amenities at 35th Street Studios enhance the group experience?
Facilities at 35th Street Studios are thoughtfully designed to provide an immersive and enjoyable experience for all attendees. The main Sound Stage offers advanced acoustic treatments that minimize outside noise and optimize sound quality, a crucial factor for music lovers or those wanting clear speech during presentations or discussions. The studio’s climate-controlled environment ensures comfort regardless of the season, allowing groups to focus fully on the event. Reliable Wi-Fi and conference calling facilities enable hybrid meetups where virtual guests can join in, enhancing your group’s inclusivity and connection. Presentation tools like projectors and flipcharts support workshops or collaborative brainstorming sessions. The venue also supports external catering, allowing you to tailor food and beverage options to your group’s preferences, including BYO alcohol, adding a festive element for celebrations. Such flexibility means your event can feel professionally managed without the rigidity often associated with typical conference spaces, giving groups the liberty to create anything from a relaxed social hangout to a structured workshop.
What makes 35th Street Studios unique compared to other event venues?
35th Street Studios stands out for its fusion of artistic culture, technical excellence, and historic setting—a combination rarely found in a single venue. Many event spaces aim to be multipurpose but seldom offer professional sound recording and production capabilities alongside event hosting. Here, both seasoned musicians and casual listeners can enjoy top-notch equipment and expert acoustics, whether they’re rehearsing, recording, or performing live. The studio's location in a historic building adds character and charm to your meetup, offering an aesthetically intriguing environment that feels authentic and inspiring. This artistic heritage is complemented by modern features and amenities, meaning you’re never sacrificing comfort or function for atmosphere. The venue also nurtures creative professionals and emerging talent, making it a cultural hub where events carry additional significance, reflecting a community-driven mindset. While many spaces focus solely on capacity or surface elegance, 35th Street Studios emphasizes quality of experience — encouraging meaningful interactions through shared creative activities and a setting designed to foster collaboration and enjoyment.
Why should you consider 35th Street Studios for your next social or creative event?
Choosing 35th Street Studios for your next meetup with friends or family guarantees an event with character and purpose. Its unique blend of professional studio environments and welcoming social space makes it a canvas for your creativity, whether that’s making music, hosting a podcast launch, running a workshop, or just enjoying a gathering with good sound and atmosphere. The wide range of room sizes and configurations means groups large or small can find a perfect fit without compromises. It also shines as a venue that supports artistic ambitions, which can be inspiring for guests and add a deeper meaning to your event. Convenience factors like accessible location, parking, and flexible booking policies ensure logistics are simple, leaving you free to enjoy your time. Ultimately, 35th Street Studios offers a rare opportunity to rally your group not just somewhere to socialize but a place to connect through shared creative experiences in Chicago’s vibrant cultural heart.
35th Street Studios is more than just a venue; it’s a creative home that turns ordinary meetups into unforgettable experiences with music, art, and community at its core. Whether you're planning a birthday celebration, a casual hangout, or a collaborative project, this studio is a compelling choice for anyone looking to create lasting memories with friends and family.