Attending a live music show under the age of 21 in Chicago can be tricky. Due to the fact that the bar at most venues serves alcohol, there is often an age restriction.
Luckily, we’ve found a few venues that do host shows that allow under 21s to attend. The age restriction for most of these venues varies from show to show. Some are 18+, some 21+, and others allow all ages. So make sure you check any age restrictions for that specific show before purchasing tickets.
If you’re specifically into live jazz music in Chicago, we have an article dedicated to that.
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Live Music Venues in Chicago That Allow Under 21s
1. Schubas Tavern
The age policy for each event varies but there are plenty of events that are all-ages or 18+.
Schubas Tavern is a small venue located in the Lakeview neighborhood. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday and offers a wide range of music. In addition to the music, food is available for purchase at the venue.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago – 1.3 miles
- The Willows Hotel – 1.3 miles
- Godfrey Hotel Chicago – 3.8 miles
Nearby restaurants:
- Sochi Saigonese Kitchen – 0.06 miles
- Itoko – 0.21 miles
- Tutto Fresco – 0.41 miles
2. Lincoln Hall
The age policy for each event varies but there are plenty of events that are all-ages or 18+.
Lincoln Hall, located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, is the sister venue of Schubas Tavern. This small to medium sized venue also offers a wide range of music to its patrons.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago – 0.7 miles
- The Willows Hotel – 0.9 miles
- Found Hotel Chicago River North – 2.6 miles
Nearby restaurants:
- Takito Street – 0.01 miles
- La Crosta Woodfire Pizzeria Italiana – 0.11 miles
- Blue Sushi Sake Grill – 0.15 miles
3. Thalia Hall
Thalia Hall hosts shows that are all-ages, 17+, and 21+.
Thalia Hall is a medium-sized venue that is located in the Pilsen neighborhood. The hall offers a wide range of music to music lovers. For those who might be hungry, Dusek’s Tavern is conveniently located on the ground floor of Thalia Hall, providing a restaurant for patrons to enjoy delicious food.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- Hotel Chicago West Loop – 1.9 miles
- The Hoxton, Chicago – 2.3 miles
- Hilton Chicago – 2.6 miles
Nearby restaurants:
- Dusek’s Tavern – 0.01 miles
- Dusek’s Dining Room – 0.02 miles
- La Luna – 0.04 miles
4. Concord Music Hall
Their website states early shows are usually all-ages and the later shows are usually 18+.
Concord Music Hall is a medium-sized music venue situated between the neighborhoods of Wicker Park and Logan Square. This vibrant location features a wide range of music genres, catering to all musical tastes. The early shows (18+) typically start at around 6.30 PM or 7 PM.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago – 3.2 miles
- The Hoxton, Chicago – 3.2 miles
- The Willows Hotel – 3.4 miles
Nearby restaurants:
- Serai – 0.23 miles
- Sazon Cubano 2.0 – 0.34 miles
- Estrella Negra – 0.47 miles
5. City Winery Chicago
The City Winery is an all-ages venue but they ask you to not choose seats at the bar or consume alcohol.
City Winery Chicago is a medium-sized venue that is located in the West Loop neighborhood. The venue offers a wide range of music performances, ranging from headlining rock stars to local indie artists. Additionally, there is a restaurant on the premises of the venue, which provides a convenient dining option for attendees.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- The Hoxton, Chicago – 0.6 miles
- Hotel Chicago West Loop – 0.9 miles
- Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop – 1.6 miles
Nearby restaurants:
- Tuscany on Taylor – 0.27 miles
- Chez Joel – 0.37 miles
- Athena Restaurant – 0.4 miles
6. Park West
The age policy for each show at Park West varies but is usually all-ages, 18+, or 21+.
Park West is a medium-to-large sized music venue located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood that offers visitors a wide range of musical experiences. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, rock, folk, or any other genre, Park West is sure to have something on the calendar to suit your tastes.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago – 1.2 miles
- The Willows Hotel – 1.3 miles
- Godfrey Hotel Chicago – 1.8 miles
Nearby restaurants:
- R J Grunt’s – 0.08 miles
- Mesa Urbana Mexican bistro – 0.09 miles
- Riccardo Enoteca – 0.15 miles
7. Metro Chicago
![Green Day live @ The Metro | Chicago, Illinois (Most Complete Show) [07/29/2022]](https://hotelsforyouths.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/MDU1UrOKU9Q-hqdefault.webp)
Early shows are usually all-ages and later shows 18+ at Metro Chicago. Note that all events in smartbar are 21+.
Located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, this medium-sized venue is known for hosting a variety of local, regional, and national emerging bands and musicians. With a prime location in the bustling Metro Chicago area, music lovers can enjoy a diverse range of performances in this vibrant venue. Whether you’re a fan of rock, jazz, folk, or any other genre, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste at Metro Chicago.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago – 1.4 miles
- The Willows Hotel – 1.4 miles
- Godfrey Hotel Chicago – 4.2 miles
Nearby restaurants:
- Lost Never Found – 0.08 miles
- Rizzo’s Bar and Inn – 0.09 miles
- Uncommon Ground-Lakeview – 0.11 miles
8. House of Blues
Some shows at the House of Blues are all-ages, whilst others are 17+, 18+, or 21+.
The House of Blues is a medium-large sized venue, located in the River North neighborhood, which is open from Thursday to Saturday. The venue offers a wide range of music to cater to different musical tastes. In addition, there is a restaurant at the venue that serves a Southern-inspired menu, providing music lovers with the opportunity to enjoy great music and delicious food in one place.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- River Hotel – 0.3 miles
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago, an IHG Hotel – 0.3 miles
- Freehand Chicago – 0.4 miles
Nearby restaurants:
- Foundation Room House of Blues – 0.01 miles
- House of Blues Restaurant & Bar – 0.03 miles
- Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse – 0.06 miles
9. The Vic Theatre
![Dinosaur Jr. [LIVE] The Vic Theatre, Chicago, IL (9/30/2022)](https://hotelsforyouths.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/x_z-NN-cq5I-hqdefault.webp)
The age restriction varies for each show at The Vic Theatre, but many shows allow those under 21.
The Vic Theatre is a medium-sized music venue located in the Lakeview neighborhood. The theatre has a wide range of music performances and caters to different musical tastes, making it a popular choice for music lovers in the area. Despite its size, it has gained recognition for its excellent sound system and the quality of the performances it hosts.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago – 0.8 miles
- The Willows Hotel – 0.8 miles
- Found Hotel Chicago River North – 3.6 miles
Nearby restaurants:
- Figo Wine Bar – 0.07 miles
- Tanuki – 0.19 miles
- DMK Burger Bar – Lakeview – 0.21 miles
10. The Chicago Theatre
The Chicago Theatre doesn’t have an age restriction for most events.
The Chicago Theatre is a large-sized venue located in the Loop neighborhood that offers a wide range of music. Being situated in the heart of the bustling city, it’s a popular destination to catch some of the best musical performances. With its stunning architecture and grand stage, The Chicago Theatre stands as an iconic landmark in the city that attracts music lovers from around the world.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop – 0.2 miles
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago, an IHG Hotel – 0.2 miles
- River Hotel – 0.3 miles
Nearby restaurants:
- State and Lake Chicago Tavern – 0.06 miles
- The Walnut Room – 0.07 miles
- Cerise – 0.09 miles
11. Cobra Lounge
The age restriction varies for each show at Cobra Lounge, but many shows allow those under 21.
Cobra Lounge is a small music venue located in the West Loop neighborhood. Despite its size, it offers a wide range of music for music enthusiasts to enjoy. Moreover, there is a restaurant situated at the venue, making it a fully integrated experience for visitors looking to enjoy some food and live music.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- Hotel Chicago West Loop – 0.7 miles
- The Hoxton, Chicago – 1 mile
- Found Hotel Chicago River North – 2 miles
Nearby restaurants:
- Kaiser Tiger – 0.26 miles
- Gyu-Kaku – 0.3 miles
- SoJu BBQ – 0.37 miles
12. Subterranean
Some shows at the Subterranean are all-ages, while others are 17+ or 21+.
Located in the Wicker Park neighborhood, the Subterranean is a small venue that boasts a wide range of music. In addition to the live music, the venue also has a restaurant on site – perfect for grabbing a bite before or after the show. Whether you’re into rock, hip-hop, or electronica, this venue has something for everyone.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- The Hoxton, Chicago – 2.4 miles
- Hotel Chicago West Loop – 2.6 miles
- Found Hotel Chicago River North – 2.8 miles
Nearby restaurants:
- Enso Sushi & Bar – 0.04 miles
- Tricycle Chicago – 0.08 miles
- Taxim – 0.11 miles
More Things to Do in Chicago for Under 21s
- Enjoy some jazz – If you’re specifically into jazz, these clubs have suitable events you can attend under 21.
- Have a karaoke night – You can hire a private karaoke room in one of these bars under the age of 21.
- Attend a drag show – Enjoy a drag show with your meal at Lips Chicago which allows those under 21 to attend.
- Admire the views from a rooftop restaurant – Most rooftop restaurants are 21+ from the evening onwards, but some allow under 21s during the day.