r/chicagoEDM • u/Grundlage • 15h ago
Aragon is a good venue now
I’ve consistently heard that Aragon Ballroom is the worst venue in Chicago, so bad that it’s maybe not even worth it to go if a DJ you like is playing there.
After last night’s CDW show I think this opinion might be based on outdated info. The venue was completely fine. Sound was at least as good as it would have been at an outdoor Navy Pier show and better than at the indoor Navy Pier ballroom. I made it through security in less than 60 seconds, the bartenders were super nice, the crowd was amazing and I had as much room to dance as I would have at Radius. And I wasn’t prepared for how much character the venue has, it’s a very cool space.
It’s still not the best venue in town but it’s far from the worst; whatever problems they’ve had in the past, it seems they’ve leveled up. Or maybe Collectiv paid for additional production and staff over what's normal? If you are skipping shows specifically and only because they’re at Aragon, you’re missing out. I hope Collectiv starts booking more stuff there instead of Ramova.