Riviera Theatre

Enjoy a stress-free, hassle-free experience at the historic Riviera Theatre by knowing the venue’s policies in advance.⁴

• Bags: All bags must be smaller than 12” x 12” and will be searched. Anything larger is banned and can't be held for you during the event.
• Re-Entry & Smoking: Re-entry and smoking is not allowed.
• Payment Options: The Riviera Theatre is completely cashless and only accepts credit cards and debit cards.
• Prohibited Items: All weapons are banned, as well as selfie sticks, audio/video recording devices, and outside food and beverages.
• Age Restrictions: Most events at the Riviera Theatre are all ages, but check your listing details for more info, as certain events are 18+ only.

Always check the official Riviera Theatre’s policies before your event for the most up-to-date information.

Set in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, the Riviera Theatre is surrounded by a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, with historic architecture, global dining, and a rich musical legacy. Just minutes away, you’ll find other can’t-miss venues that keep the Windy City’s nightlife buzzing:

• The Vic: This 1,400-capacity Lakeview venue was originally built to host vaudeville and touring stage shows.¹⁰
• PRYSM Nightclub: A sleek, multi-level nightclub in Lincoln Park known for high-energy DJ sets and VIP experiences for up to 850 people.¹¹
• Park West: Nestled in Lincoln Park, this mid-size venue holds up to 1,000 guests and features a rare diamond-shaped interior.¹²

The Riviera Theatre does not operate its own parking, but its central location makes getting to and from your next Riviera Theatre concert a breeze.⁴

Public Transportation: The Riviera Theatre is easily accessible via Chicago’s CTA transit system. The Red Line’s Lawrence station is just a short walk away, and multiple bus routes — including the 36 Broadway and 81 Lawrence — serve the area, making it convenient for concertgoers across the Windy City.⁵

Driving: If you choose to drive, the Riviera Theatre recommends several surface parking lots within easy access of the venue.

• ParkChicago #467122 at 1143 W Lawrence Ave
• Private surface parking at N Winthrop Ave & W Lawrence Ave
• Truman College lot on Wilson (west of Broadway)

Select AXS tickets for the Riviera Theatre gets you access to the RIV Lounge, where you can enjoy a private, exclusive full bar.⁶ While there are no in-house restaurants or gourmet concessions, the theatre’s central location in Uptown gives you easy access to nearby restaurants and cafes offering a variety of cuisines, including vegan food, Ethiopian comfort dishes, and Southern or Creole food.⁷

Opened in 1918 as a movie palace designed by renowned architects George and C.W. Rapp, the Riviera Theatre is a striking example of French Renaissance Revival style, complete with gilded balconies and ornate plasterwork.^1,2 Over the decades, the theatre evolved from a playhouse to a nightclub to today’s iteration as a concert venue. Although the Riviera Theatre has undergone modern updates for sound and lighting to wow its guests, the Riviera retains its historic charm and cultural gravitas.

Sources:

1. Riviera Theatre in Chicago, IL - Cinema Treasures
2. Riviera Theatre - Jam Productions
3. 1995 - The Smashing Pumpkins Chronology: The Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness Era
4. Riviera Theatre - Jam Productions
5. Red Line (Route info, alerts & schedules) - CTA
6. The Riv Lounge - Jam Productions
7. Restaurants near Riviera Theatre - A View From My Seat
8. Venues - Jam Productions
9. The Riv Lounge - Jam Productions
10. The Vic - Jam Productions
11. About - PRYSM Chicago - Chicago's Top Rated Hybrid Venue
12. Park West - Jam Productions