When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Arie Crown Theater
Why Arie Crown Theater is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Arie Crown Theater, located within Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center, stands out as a premier destination for friends to gather and enjoy world-class live performances and events. Since its opening in 1960, this beautifully designed, award-winning venue has hosted thousands of corporate, civic, and public events featuring celebrated artists from across the globe. With its impressive seating capacity of approximately 4,188 guests, the theater offers an expansive proscenium arch stage measuring 90 feet wide by 40 feet high, providing an immersive viewing experience.
This historic theater is not only architecturally stunning but also thoughtfully equipped with multiple dressing rooms, a spacious backstage Green Room, and fully ADA-compliant wheelchair accessible facilities, ensuring comfort and inclusivity for all attendees. Situated lakeside at McCormick Place—the largest convention center in North America—the Arie Crown Theater benefits from easy access to nearby amenities and expansive event spaces. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of performances including concerts, plays, comedy shows, and special events, making it a lively and engaging meeting spot for friends. Whether attending a large-scale production or an intimate gathering, the Arie Crown Theater offers a unique blend of history, modern comfort, and spectacular entertainment that makes any outing with friends truly memorable.
Here's what people think of Arie Crown Theater
As of recent, Arie Crown Theater holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1731 reviews.
Reviews of the Arie Crown Theater generally highlight its impressive history and the quality of performances hosted, which many users found to be excellent and memorable. Positive feedback often mentions the theater’s beautiful design, spacious seating, and the professional atmosphere that enhances the entertainment experience. Many visitors appreciate the venue's location within McCormick Place and its accessibility features, including ample parking and ADA compliance. Reviewers have praised the staff for their professionalism during live events and the theater's capacity to host large audiences while maintaining comfort.
On the other hand, negative reviews frequently point out logistical challenges, particularly with parking and traffic flow, where some visitors experienced significant delays and difficulty exiting the lot after events. Some guests expressed frustration with the lack of clear seating guidance and insufficient staff support for navigation within the venue. The limited availability of receipts for parking payments and unclear pricing on vending machines also drew criticism. A few reviews mentioned disappointment related to customer service responsiveness during busy event days.
Overall, while operational issues such as traffic management and event-day staffing have room for improvement, the Arie Crown Theater remains a highly valued venue for high-quality live entertainment. Its historic charm and performance excellence continue to attract a loyal audience, making it a favorite place to meet up with friends in Chicago.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ray C
Just attended the Chicago Fire Department graduation there. Clean and spacious venue. Leaving the parking lot was surprisingly organized and quick with the assistance of lot attendents.
Angelene Christina
The view was good but they don't require the patrons to sit down. It was extremely annoying. There needs to be an option for people who want to stand. We saw King George and his performance was good but didn't like the comedian MC, he was not funny. Parking was ok but they need to have signs in the parking deck, explaining where u are. It can be easily confusing. Overall, it was a fun night and I would go to another show there.
Annabel McKee
Really nice and well kept theater! It wasn't freezing cold either which is what you'll usually get with big theaters like this. The sound system was great, the lighting was great, the seats were great!
Thomas Harlson
There were a lot of events occurring in the area but I was still able to find a decent parking spot. The theater itself is still iconic. There is no bad seat anywhere.
Andrew Pierce
This is OK but I have found if you wear bifocal glasses you can potentially sit so high up in the balcony as to make it difficult to see the presentation through your distance lenses. Otherwise no issues. Venue is nice if a little tired in the decor. Sound system is good.
How to reach Arie Crown Theater
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Why Arie Crown Theater may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
Gathering with friends or family at the Arie Crown Theater offers a unique blend of striking ambiance, outstanding performances, and spacious comfort that makes any meetup memorable. Located within Chicago’s prestigious McCormick Place, this venue boasts an impressive seating capacity of over 4,000, allowing large groups to enjoy world-class shows together without feeling cramped. Its beautifully designed, award-winning architecture creates a sophisticated atmosphere, making every visit feel like a special occasion. The theater has a reputation for hosting diverse events, including concerts, theatrical performances, and corporate shows, attracting top-name performers and lavish productions that guarantee quality entertainment. Being wheelchair accessible and family-friendly, it welcomes all guests with ease, ensuring that everyone in your group can share the experience comfortably. Moreover, the venue’s history of over 60 years lends it a sense of prestige, adding to the excitement of attending events here. Whether it’s a casual outing or a significant celebration, the Arie Crown Theater offers an excellent social setting to bond over exceptional arts and culture.
What types of activities can you enjoy at the Arie Crown Theater?
The Arie Crown Theater is chiefly known for its wide array of performances that cater to diverse tastes, making it a versatile venue for group outings. For music lovers, the theater regularly hosts concerts featuring prominent artists across genres, from classical orchestras to modern rock bands. Theatre enthusiasts can enjoy large-scale productions and musicals delivered on its impressively sized stage, complete with a 90-foot-wide proscenium arch that enhances the viewing experience. The venue is also frequently used for corporate and civic events, which sometimes include guest speakers, award ceremonies, and cultural showcases, giving groups opportunities to engage with thought-provoking content. Many events also feature family-friendly themes, ensuring that group meetups with children are both entertaining and appropriate. The availability of on-site catering and exclusive audio/visual equipment further enhances the event experience, allowing for seamless presentations and delightful refreshments. Altogether, the Arie Crown offers a rich menu of experiences that keep groups entertained and connected in a vibrant setting.
Why is the Arie Crown Theater perfect for group meetups?
The sheer scale and thoughtful amenities at the Arie Crown Theater make it exceptionally well-suited for gathering with a group of friends or family. First and foremost, with seating for over 4,000 people, groups can sit together comfortably, enhancing the communal experience of enjoying performances. The spaciousness extends backstage, with multiple dressing rooms, chorus rooms, and a green room for performers, signaling the venue’s capacity to host major productions smoothly — a testament to its professionalism and quality. Accessibility is another key advantage, as the theater complies fully with ADA guidelines, ensuring guests with mobility challenges are accommodated without hassle. Its location within the McCormick Place Lakeside Center offers convenient access and ample parking, reducing travel stress for group members. The availability of free Wi-Fi in public spaces also means that groups can stay connected and coordinate easily before, during, and after events. Add to this the option for complete venue buy-outs and on-site catering, and the Arie Crown can transform from a performance venue into a private celebration space. Every detail points to an environment crafted to make group gatherings enjoyable, seamless, and memorable.
What makes the venue’s design and facilities so special?
The Arie Crown Theater combines historic charm with modern sophistication. Built in 1961, it is a proud member of the League of Historic American Theatres, giving it a rich tradition in the performing arts. The theater’s proscenium arch spans an impressive 90 feet wide by 40 feet high, with a stage depth of nearly 60 feet, allowing for elaborate sets and productions that captivate audiences visually. The interior design has earned awards for its aesthetic and functional layout, ensuring excellent sightlines and acoustic quality throughout. For a large venue, this balance between size and intimacy is a particular strength, helping patrons feel connected to the stage no matter where they sit. Behind the scenes, the theater is equipped with ten dressing rooms and chorus dressing rooms, a spacious green room, and two weather-protected berths on the loading dock, efficiently supporting performers and production crews. This level of facility sophistication ensures that visitors experience comfort and professionalism from arrival through to the final curtain call.
How does the Arie Crown Theater accommodate accessibility and family needs?
The Arie Crown Theater demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity by being fully wheelchair accessible and meeting all ADA compliance standards. This makes it easier for guests with mobility impairments or other physical challenges to enjoy events alongside their group without barriers. The facility’s family-friendly policies are also noteworthy; it welcomes student groups and children, often featuring shows and performances suitable for younger audiences. Complimentary Wi-Fi in public spaces caters to families and groups wanting to stay connected or share their experiences instantly. Moreover, spacious seating and well-designed public areas provide comfort for guests of all ages. The combination of accessibility, safety, and supportive amenities makes the Arie Crown an excellent choice for families and mixed groups, ensuring everyone has an enjoyable and stress-free experience.
What dining and additional services enhance the experience?
One of the advantages of hosting or attending an event at the Arie Crown Theater is the availability of on-site catering and top-tier audio/visual equipment. The theater works with in-house or exclusive caterers who can provide an array of food and beverage options, allowing groups to enjoy snacks, meals, or celebrations conveniently without leaving the venue. This service is invaluable for meetups that often extend beyond a performance into socializing and dining together. The professional audio/visual setup ensures that both performers and guests get an immersive experience with clear sound and captivating visuals. Additionally, the theater offers meeting spaces and private rooms that can hold smaller gatherings, such as pre-show receptions or post-performance discussions. Such facilities allow groups to customize their event, whether it’s a casual meetup or a formal celebration. Combining quality dining options with technical excellence magnifies the overall appeal of the Arie Crown as a gathering destination.
How convenient is the Arie Crown Theater’s location and accessibility?
Situated in Chicago’s McCormick Place Lakeside Center, the Arie Crown Theater benefits from a prime location that is both iconic and easy to reach. The convention center complex is just minutes from downtown Chicago, making it highly accessible for city dwellers and visitors alike. Its position along South Lake Shore Drive offers scenic views and proximity to other attractions, adding to the appeal of a day out in the area. For groups traveling together, the venue provides ample parking spaces, simplifying logistics and reducing the hassle of urban driving. Public transportation options also service the area well, including buses and trains, making it convenient for attendees without private vehicles. The nearby amenities — hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers — further complement the convenience, allowing groups to plan a full day or weekend around their theater visit. This accessibility, coupled with a stunning venue, creates an ideal setting for group meetups.
What kind of events and artists have been featured at the Arie Crown Theater?
Over its more than 60-year history, the Arie Crown Theater has hosted thousands of events featuring many of the most prominent companies and celebrated artists worldwide. It has been a go-to venue for corporate functions, civic ceremonies, and public shows, reflecting its versatility and prestige. The theater’s large seating capacity and technical capabilities attract top-name performers ranging from internationally renowned musicians to acclaimed theatrical productions and dance companies. Lavish productions with stunning staging have become synonymous with the Arie Crown, drawing audiences that appreciate high production values and star power. This reputation ensures that groups attending performances can expect a high level of entertainment quality and professionalism, heightening the enjoyment of the shared experience. The diversity of events also means there is something for every interest, making it easy to find a show that suits your group’s preferences.
Why is the Arie Crown Theater rated highly by visitors?
With a 4.3-star rating based on over 1,700 reviews, the Arie Crown Theater has garnered strong approval from visitors who praise its exceptional facilities, comfortable seating, and high-quality performances. Attendees frequently highlight the ease of access, the friendly and professional staff, and the beauty of the theater itself as factors contributing to their positive experience. Many appreciate the spaciousness and the wide variety of events available, which accommodate different tastes and group sizes. The onsite amenities, including food and beverage options, efficient ticketing, and clean, accessible facilities, also contribute to visitor satisfaction. While some reviews mention typical urban challenges such as traffic or parking during peak events, the overwhelming consensus is that the Arie Crown provides a rewarding and enjoyable outing for friends and family. Its strong rating affirms its status as one of Chicago’s premier venues for group entertainment and meetups.