table setting for group with water glass and champagne glass

2024 PERMITS AVAILABLE TODAY!

Permits for 2024 private events at a Forest Preserve Indoor Pavilion (Dan Ryan Woods, Thatcher Woods, VRC at Edgebrook, Rolling Knolls, and Swallow Cliff) will be available beginning at 9am this August 15th.

Download Application

WE'RE HIRING!

Looking for a professional, hardworking, and friendly member to join our team! Apply for this part-time position by emailing info@forestpreserveevents.com or clicking down below.

Find Out More

couples or group of friends celebrating with champagne at dinner

LET'S PLAN A PARTY

The Forest Preserves of Cook County Event Pavilions offers Chicago area visitors and residents multiple gorgeous locations to best serve your event needs.

Book Your Date Today

WELCOME TO FOREST PRESERVE PAVILIONS

The Pavilions offer Chicago area visitors and residents scenic views & beautiful spaces, at affordable prices.

ABOUT US

The Forest Preserves of Cook County, with nearly 70,000 acres, is the largest forest preserve district in the United States. It receives an estimated 62 million visits each year, providing an escape into a world teeming with wildlife and rich with outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities.

Within its boundaries are rare habitats that offer plant and animal diversity on par with the rain forests of the world. This natural heritage offers something for everyone.

The Forest Preserves of Cook County Event Pavilions offer beautiful event venue options to best serve your upcoming wedding, party, banquet, celebration, corporate work retreat or any outing of any kind! Explore our event venue options below:

THATCHER WOODS EVENT PAVILION

July 3, 2020 11:38 PM

The Thatcher Woods Event Pavilion is a beautiful venue located in River Forest surrounded by woods with both outdoor and indoor options for hosting.

VOLUNTEER RESOURCE CENTER

July 4, 2020 05:23 PM

The Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center (The VRC) is a very versatile event venue featuring an amply spaced room with a stage, plus an outdoor stone patio separated by a row of classic, beautiful French doors.

DAN RYAN WOODS EVENT PAVILION

July 3, 2020 03:06 PM

Versatility is the key word for the Dan Ryan Woods Event Pavilion. The wide open design can be arranged to suit a variety of affairs, functions and occasions for your next Chicago area event.

ROLLING KNOLLS EVENT PAVILION

March 16, 2021 09:17 AM

The LEED-Platinum certified building includes a large meeting/event space that accommodates up to 80 guests and a smaller room for meetings that seats 20.

SWALLOW CLIFF EVENT PAVILION

March 15, 2021 04:39 PM

Just north of the 100-foot bluff and popular fitness stairs, the Swallow Cliff Pavilion provides an intimate setting for birthday parties, showers, classes and meetings for up to 40 guests.

APPLICATION PROCESS

How to Apply: Applications are reviewed and processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Download the 2023 Permit Application; Email your completed application to info@forestpreserveevents.com or schedule a time to bring it to the indoor permit office at 6100 N Central Ave, Chicago IL 60646.

Office & viewing hours vary. Call or text 773.558.2003 if you are interested in stopping by in person.

2024 Permit Application

Pavilions 2023 Permit Application

2023 Permit Application

Requirements & Fees

Cancellation Policy