Aragon Ballroom
A historic Chicago venue replicating a Spanish palace courtyard, offering a unique and ornate atmosphere for concerts and events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Aragon Ballroom
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Chicago venue replicating a Spanish palace courtyard, offering a unique and ornate atmosphere for concerts and events.
"Blown away by how beautiful it was, like being outside in a Spanish village courtyard."
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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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.
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.

Historic Architecture
Experience a piece of Chicago's history in this beautifully preserved 1926 venue, designed for grand ballroom dancing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for the Best Experience
Budget for Concessions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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!
Be Aware of Concession Prices
Alcohol and food prices are high. Budget accordingly or consider eating beforehand.
General Admission Viewing
For shorter attendees, the main GA floor can be challenging for sightlines.
Tips
from all over the internet
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!
Be Aware of Concession Prices
Alcohol and food prices are high. Budget accordingly or consider eating beforehand.
General Admission Viewing
For shorter attendees, the main GA floor can be challenging for sightlines.
Safe and Secure Area
Don't let rumors deter you; the area is generally safe and the venue has good security.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there is adequate, nearby parking available. However, it can be limited, so arriving early is recommended, especially for popular shows.
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.
The neighborhood is generally fine and safe, despite what some might say. You can feel secure visiting the venue.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Yes, the Aragon Ballroom offers a coat check service for attendees, which is very convenient, especially during colder months.
Security at the Aragon Ballroom is generally considered good and not as bad as some might fear. Attendees have reported feeling safe during events.
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.
🎫 🎚️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍕 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.
Yes, there are restaurants nearby. The area around the Aragon Ballroom offers various dining options, and local recommendations are often sought by visitors.
Concession prices at the Aragon Ballroom are notably high. Expect to pay significantly more than typical retail prices for items like water and popcorn.
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.
The Aragon Ballroom serves a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Be aware that alcohol prices are also quite high.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Similar to photography, video recording policies depend on the artist and event. Generally, casual phone videos are tolerated, but professional videography requires specific permissions.
The exterior of the Aragon Ballroom itself is a historic landmark and offers a classic architectural backdrop for photos, especially during the day.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Charm of the Aragon Ballroom
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. 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. It's this blend of historical architecture and vibrant event programming that makes the Aragon Ballroom a memorable destination.
Navigating Concerts at the Aragon Ballroom
Security at the Aragon is generally considered adequate, and visitors often report feeling safe within the venue and the surrounding area. However, be prepared for high concession prices; items like water and popcorn can be significantly more expensive than at retail stores. This is a recurring point in reviews, so budgeting for food and drinks is advisable. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit