Chicago TheatreAbout Chicago Theatre
Originally known as the Balaban and Katz Chicago Theatre, it was built in 1921 and served as the flagship venue for the Balaban and Katz (B&K) theatre group led by A. J. Balaban, Barney Balaban, and Sam Katz.
From 1925 to 1945, the Chicago Theatre and the other B&K houses formed a dominant movie theatre enterprise in the city. Over time it shifted from a cinema focus to broader entertainment.
Today it is owned and operated by Madison Square Garden, Inc. and functions as a 3,600 seat performing arts venue hosting stage plays, magic, comedy, speeches, sporting events, and popular music concerts.
What to See at Chicago Theatre
- The theatre’s historic façade on North State Street in the Loop.
- The main auditorium, designed for large-scale performances and events.
- The interior public areas that reflect its origins as a grand 1920s picture palace.
- The stage set-up, which varies by event from concerts to talks and comedy.
- The surrounding State Street streetscape, a central part of downtown Chicago’s theatre district.
Nearby Attractions to Chicago Theatre
Best Time to Visit Chicago Theatre
The best time to visit is in the evening when you have tickets for a performance, as that is when the building is active as a live venue; weekend show nights can be busiest, while weekday performances often feel a little calmer.
Weather & Climate near Chicago Theatre
Chicago Theatre's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (943 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -9° - -1° | -11° | 46 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.4h |
| February | Poor | -7° - 2° | -8° | 40 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.5h |
| March | Poor | -2° - 8° | -1° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 4.9 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 14° | 6° | 95 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 5.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.2h |
| May | Good | 9° - 21° | 15° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 4.4 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.4h |
| June | Very Good | 15° - 26° | 21° | 101 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.0h |
| July | Excellent | 18° - 29° | 23° | 94 mm | some cloud | 78% | 3.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 14.7h |
| August | Excellent | 17° - 28° | 22° | 101 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.7h |
| September | Excellent | 13° - 24° | 18° | 91 mm | some cloud | 76% | 3.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Good | 6° - 17° | 12° | 71 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Acceptable | 1° - 9° | 1° | 80 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
| December | Poor | -6° - 2° | -7° | 65 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
How to Get to Chicago Theatre
The theatre is in the Loop on North State Street, an area well served by Chicago public transport and easy to reach on foot from many downtown hotels and attractions.
If you are coming from elsewhere in the city, aim for transit into the Loop, then walk a short distance to State Street; allow extra time around show start times when the area is busy.
Tips for Visiting Chicago Theatre
- Check your ticket for entry time, bag rules, and any restrictions specific to the event.
- Arrive early if you want time to take in the building’s historic interior before the show.
- For popular performances, plan your journey to avoid the busiest pre-show period in the Loop.
- If you are sensitive to noise or crowds, choose seats and arrival times that suit a large 3,600 seat venue.