Aragon Ballroom - band on stage playing music
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Aragon Ballroom

4.2
·6k reviews·Chicago, United States

A historic Chicago venue replicating a Spanish palace courtyard, offering a unique and ornate atmosphere for concerts and events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weeknights

Fewer crowds, more intimate feel

CrowdLow
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Aragon Ballroom - band on stage playing music

Aragon Ballroom

Best Time

Weeknights

Fewer crowds, more intimate feel

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Chicago venue replicating a Spanish palace courtyard, offering a unique and ornate atmosphere for concerts and events.

4.2
(6k reviews)

"Blown away by how beautiful it was, like being outside in a Spanish village courtyard."

Vertical photo
TIP

Coat Check Available

Yes, the Aragon Ballroom does offer a coat check for your convenience.

Unique Interior Design

Prepare to be amazed by the 'night sky' ceiling and Spanish courtyard feel. It's a visual treat!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ornate Spanish Courtyard Ambiance

Ornate Spanish Courtyard Ambiance

Main Ballroom

Step into a stunning replica of a Spanish palace courtyard with a painted night sky ceiling. It's a truly unique and historic setting for any event.

Reddit
The Casabar

The Casabar

Left of the stage

A cozy, intimate space perfect for a pre-show drink or a break, offering a different vibe from the main ballroom.

TikTok
Historic Architecture

Historic Architecture

Experience a piece of Chicago's history in this beautifully preserved 1926 venue, designed for grand ballroom dancing.

TikTokReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Arrive Early for the Best Experience

The Aragon Ballroom is a historic venue, and arriving early ensures you can soak in the ornate Spanish courtyard ambiance before the crowds build. This also helps with navigating security and finding your preferred spot, especially for general admission shows. Reddit

Budget for Concessions

While the Aragon Ballroom offers a unique atmosphere, be prepared for high concession prices. Water can be around $6.50 and popcorn $12.00, so consider bringing your own snacks if allowed or budgeting accordingly for drinks and food. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weeknights
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Crowd
Low
When
Early for GA shows
Why
Better viewing spots
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

the opportunity to use this sound #fyp #foryoupage #asian #viet #4u #justforfun #keshi #chicago #bylinebankaragonballroom #hellandback #fypシ #boba #abg #abb
@adorevyy
115.1K likes • 859.7K views

Coat Check Available

Yes, the Aragon Ballroom does offer a coat check for your convenience. Reddit

Unique Interior Design

Prepare to be amazed by the 'night sky' ceiling and Spanish courtyard feel. It's a visual treat! TikTokReddit

Mariah The Scientist In Chicago😍 @Mariah the Scientist 🫶🏼 #mariahthescientist #latto #karahboo #sugarhoneyicedteatour #bigmama #chicago #bylinebankaragonballroom
@askforjaida
81.2K likes • 431K views
We are coming back to the USA. This is last year in the beautiful Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. We will be back again on Saturday. #newmusic #irish #ireland #irishmusic #chicago #aragonballroom
sawdoctors
1.4K likes • 28.4K views

Be Aware of Concession Prices

Alcohol and food prices are high. Budget accordingly or consider eating beforehand. Reddit

General Admission Viewing

For shorter attendees, the main GA floor can be challenging for sightlines. Reddit

OBSESSED w @J E S S I E M U R P H absolutely stunning & such an incredible voice 🥺🩷 1000/10 experience😩 #jessiemurph #chicago #concert #aragonballroom
@_gparo
67.7K likes • 388.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Coat Check Available

Yes, the Aragon Ballroom does offer a coat check for your convenience. Reddit

Unique Interior Design

Prepare to be amazed by the 'night sky' ceiling and Spanish courtyard feel. It's a visual treat! TikTokReddit

Be Aware of Concession Prices

Alcohol and food prices are high. Budget accordingly or consider eating beforehand. Reddit

General Admission Viewing

For shorter attendees, the main GA floor can be challenging for sightlines. Reddit

Safe and Secure Area

Don't let rumors deter you; the area is generally safe and the venue has good security. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Aragon Ballroom is widely praised for its stunning, historic Spanish courtyard ambiance and good sound quality, offering a unique concert experience. While many appreciate the beautiful interior and the feeling of being part of history, some visitors find the concession prices to be excessively high, and general admission viewing can be challenging for shorter attendees.

"I was just there for AEW Dynamite. This was my firs time at the venue. I have to say I was blown away by how beautiful it was. It was nice not being overwhelmed with too many people like in stadiums. The security was not bad like some people say. The bathrooms were clean. I also did not ever feel not safe like some say. It might be different for concerts, but for wrestling, it was perfect. I will plan a visit here again very soon! Also, the pizza was great!

Also, just being there is making you a part of history. I highly recommend being in this amazing place just for the vibe of the amazing history that has walked within its walls."

william brumley

"I did not know what to expect for this place. I was absolutely blown away by the inside of the venue upstairs where the concert actually took place. It is as if you are outside in a courtyard of possibly Spanish village and there's a night sky with galaxies painted on the ceiling. This building is extremely unique and I would gladly go to another concert here. It was just awesome."

Josh Arnold

"Really smooth and easy to get in. 4.5/5. Really large venue with good sound. Even squished among people, the high ceiling made it feel less cramped.
Though, the alcohol prices are incredibly high."

Aaron Graham

What People Like

Beautiful historic interior
Unique Spanish courtyard feel
Good sound quality

What People Dislike

High concession prices
General admission sightlines

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Aragon Ballroom is located at 1106 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640. It's accessible via public transportation, with the CTA Red Line's Lawrence stop being very close. Parking is available nearby, though it can be limited. Reddit

Yes, there is adequate, nearby parking available. However, it can be limited, so arriving early is recommended, especially for popular shows. Reddit

Absolutely! The Aragon Ballroom is easily accessible by public transport. The CTA Red Line's Lawrence stop is just a short walk away, making it a convenient option for many concert-goers. Reddit

The neighborhood is generally fine and safe, despite what some might say. You can feel secure visiting the venue. Reddit

Yes, you can easily get dropped off at the Aragon Ballroom. The location is straightforward to find, and there are usually areas for quick passenger drop-offs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for Aragon Ballroom shows are typically available through official ticketing partners like Ticketmaster, as well as potentially at the venue's box office on event days. It's always best to check the specific event's listing for purchasing options. TikTok

Operating hours for the Aragon Ballroom vary depending on the event. Doors typically open 1-2 hours before the show starts. It's recommended to check the specific event details for accurate door times. TikTok

Yes, the Aragon Ballroom offers a coat check service for attendees, which is very convenient, especially during colder months. Reddit

Security at the Aragon Ballroom is generally considered good and not as bad as some might fear. Attendees have reported feeling safe during events. Reddit

Bag policies can vary by event. It's advisable to check the specific event's guidelines on the Aragon Ballroom's website or the promoter's page. Smaller bags are usually permitted, but large backpacks may be restricted. TikTok

🎫 🎚️ Onsite Experience

The Aragon Ballroom generally offers good sound quality for its size. Even when crowded, the acoustics are often praised, allowing for an enjoyable listening experience. Reddit

For general admission, the main floor can be challenging for shorter individuals. Consider arriving early to secure a good spot or exploring the mezzanine areas if available for better sightlines. Reddit

The Aragon Ballroom primarily offers general admission standing room on the main floor. Some events may have limited reserved seating or balcony areas, but this is not standard for all concerts. Reddit

The Aragon Ballroom hosts a wide variety of live music concerts, from indie and rock to pop and metal. It's also been used for other events like wrestling. TikTok+2

Photography policies can vary by event and artist. While personal cameras might be allowed, professional recording equipment is usually prohibited. Some attendees have found it difficult to take clear photos from the general admission floor due to crowds. Reddit

🍽️ 🍕 Food & Dining

The Aragon Ballroom offers concessions, including pizza which has been noted as good. However, be prepared for high prices for items like water and popcorn. Reddit

Yes, there are restaurants nearby. The area around the Aragon Ballroom offers various dining options, and local recommendations are often sought by visitors. Reddit

Concession prices at the Aragon Ballroom are notably high. Expect to pay significantly more than typical retail prices for items like water and popcorn. Reddit

Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the Aragon Ballroom. It's best to check the specific event's policy or consume items before entering. TikTok

The Aragon Ballroom serves a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Be aware that alcohol prices are also quite high. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can differ per event. While personal photos are often permitted, professional cameras and recording devices are usually restricted. Check the specific event details for clarity. Reddit

The ornate interior, especially the 'night sky' ceiling, is a prime photo opportunity. For stage shots, the mezzanine or arriving early for GA can offer better vantage points, though crowds can be a challenge. TikTokReddit

Similar to photography, video recording policies depend on the artist and event. Generally, casual phone videos are tolerated, but professional videography requires specific permissions. TikTok

The exterior of the Aragon Ballroom itself is a historic landmark and offers a classic architectural backdrop for photos, especially during the day. Instagram

Concert lighting can be dynamic and often low, which can make for challenging photography conditions. Be prepared for dramatic lighting effects and potential low-light situations. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Aragon Ballroom is primarily a concert venue, families attending specific events might find it an interesting experience due to its unique historical architecture. The 'night sky' ceiling and Spanish courtyard design can be captivating for children. TikTokReddit However, it's important to note that most events are geared towards adult audiences, and general admission floors can be crowded, making it challenging with very young children. Reddit If attending a family-friendly event, arriving early is recommended to find a comfortable spot and manage expectations regarding concession prices. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Aragon Ballroom presents a mixed bag. While the ticket prices for concerts can vary widely, the main expense to be mindful of is the concessions. Reddit Alcohol and food are notoriously expensive, so planning to eat before you arrive and limiting purchases inside can save a significant amount of money. Reddit Utilizing public transportation, like the CTA Red Line, is a cost-effective way to reach the venue compared to parking. Reddit Consider looking for shows with more affordable ticket prices or those that might have less demand. TikTok

🎶 Music Enthusiasts

The Aragon Ballroom is a dream venue for music lovers, hosting a diverse range of artists from indie bands to major headliners. TikTok+3 Its historic ambiance adds an extra layer to the live music experience, making it more than just a concert. Reddit The venue is known for good sound quality, ensuring an immersive auditory experience. Reddit Whether you're a fan of rock, pop, or metal, the Aragon often features acts that cater to various tastes, making it a must-visit for experiencing Chicago's vibrant live music scene. TikTokInstagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historic Charm of the Aragon Ballroom

Opened in 1926, the Aragon Ballroom is a Chicago landmark designed to transport visitors to an ornate Spanish palace courtyard. Its most striking feature is the painted night sky ceiling, complete with galaxies, creating a magical ambiance that feels like an outdoor experience even when indoors. TikTokReddit The venue was originally built for grand ballroom dancing, accommodating thousands of couples, and retains much of its historic grandeur. This unique atmosphere is a significant draw for visitors, offering a sense of stepping back in time and experiencing a piece of Chicago's rich cultural history. Reddit

Beyond the main ballroom, the Casabar, located to the left of the stage, offers a more intimate setting. This smaller space provides a different vibe, perfect for a pre-show drink or a quieter moment away from the main crowd. TikTok The venue's architecture and historical significance are frequently highlighted by visitors, who often express being 'blown away' by the interior's beauty and uniqueness. Reddit It's this blend of historical architecture and vibrant event programming that makes the Aragon Ballroom a memorable destination. Instagram

Navigating Concerts at the Aragon Ballroom

Attending a concert at the Aragon Ballroom offers a distinct experience, often praised for its good sound quality and the unique atmosphere. Reddit For general admission (GA) shows, arriving early is a common tip to secure a good viewing spot, especially for those who are shorter, as the main floor is on a single level and can present sightline challenges. Reddit Some attendees have noted that the high ceilings can make the venue feel less cramped, even when packed with people. Reddit

Security at the Aragon is generally considered adequate, and visitors often report feeling safe within the venue and the surrounding area. Reddit However, be prepared for high concession prices; items like water and popcorn can be significantly more expensive than at retail stores. Reddit This is a recurring point in reviews, so budgeting for food and drinks is advisable. Reddit Despite these considerations, many visitors express a desire to return for future events, drawn by the venue's unique charm and the memorable concert experiences it offers. TikTokReddit+1

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