Planning a private event at a unique venue starts with picking a space that already has built-in entertainment, flexible layout options, and food and drink packages designed for groups. An arcade bar like Emporium checks every box, pairing classic games and live entertainment with private event support. Hence, your group gets a memorable night without the usual event-planning headaches.
Key Takeaways
- Smarter ways to save time and money on event planning
- Its not the size of the space that matters most, is it adaptable to your needs?
- Food and drink packages should match your group’s vibe, not just your headcount
- Personal touches — like a private tournament — turn a good event into a memorable one
- A dedicated event coordinator saves you from juggling every detail solo
Why Venue Choice Makes or Breaks Your Event
Any event planner or anyone who has planned an event know the mundane drill of finding a few places to check out in person that meet “most” of your needs. Then you reserve the awkward banquet or event space and it is cold and drab. With few decorations and low energy this can be a real vibe killer. This is mostly because traditiaonl event spaces are not built for a party, rather for dinner service.
That’s the gap unique venues fill. A space like an arcade bar already has the entertainment, the atmosphere, and the social energy baked in. Your group shows up, and the fun starts immediately, instead of an hour in, once everyone’s had a drink and started making their own fun. If you’re weighing where to host your next private event, here are six tips to help you choose and plan the right space.
1. Pick a One-Stop Shop Venue
The single biggest planning shortcut is choosing a venue where entertainment isn’t an after thought, but the main attraction. Classic arcade games such as, pinball, skee-ball, and tabletop games give guests something to do the moment they walk in, no icebreakers required.
This matters most for mixed groups — coworkers who don’t know each other well, extended family, or friends-of-friends. Games give people a natural reason to talk, team up, and loosen up. You’re not paying extra for a DJ or a rented photo booth; the entertainment is already part of the room.
2. Flexibility VS Event Space Square Footage
Event spaces can be very misleading. Taking a look only at the empty space, it can be hard to imagine your group fitting comfortably. Before you fall in love with a space, ask how it actually flexes for your group size. A venue that looks great for 20 people can feel cramped at 50, or oddly empty at 15. Look for spaces with semi-private or fully private areas that can scale up or down.
Arcade bars tend to have an advantage here: the games, bar, and open floor space naturally break a room into zones, so guests can cluster near the games, grab a drink, or find a quieter corner to chat — all without needing a formal seating chart.
3. Are Food and Drink Packages available?
Food and drink logistics can make or break the vibe of a private event. Ask upfront about group packages, whether craft beer and cocktails are included, and how service works during your booking window. A venue with craft beer and cocktails already part of its identity — not an afterthought — usually makes this part of planning far smoother, since staff are used to handling groups.
4. The date and time you choose matters
When your event takes pace matters almost as much as where. Weeknight and early-evening bookings often come with more room to negotiate space and perks, while weekend prime-time slots get booked out fast, especially around holidays and graduation season. If your event has flexible timing, ask your venue which days or hours give you the most bang for your budget — and the most room to spread out.
5. Make the event memorable
The most popular and rewarding events for any group is the feeling they get when they reminisce on it later. That could be a private high-score tournament, a themed cocktail menu, or the connections that are made on the gaming floor. Ask your venue what customization options they offer — most arcade bars are happy to set up a bracket, reserve games, or work with you on a few personal touches that turn “fun night out” into “the party everyone remembers.”
6. You dont have to be the only event planner
If you are organizing an event solo, getting extra help from the venue is vital to a less stressful planning. Planning solo is doable, but a venue with dedicated event support takes real weight off your shoulders. Ask whether the venue assigns a point of contact for booking, setup, and day-of questions. That single relationship — instead of juggling a caterer, a rental company, and a separate entertainment vendor — is often the difference between an event that feels effortless and one that feels like a second job.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space do I need for a private event at an arcade bar?
There are many variables that depends on your guest count and whether you want a fully private buyout or a semi-private area. Most arcade bars can accommodate anywhere from a dozen guests in a reserved section up to full-venue buyouts for larger groups. Ask your venue for their group capacity by area.
Is an arcade bar a good venue for a corporate event?
Absolutely! Arcade bars work well for all different kinds of events because the games break the ice without any planning. Many venues also offer private or semi-private spaces suited to a more professional gathering while maintaining a relaxed, social atmosphere.
What’s included in a private event package at an arcade bar?
Private event packages typically include reserved space, access to games, and food and drink options, with some venues offering aadditionalperks lsuch asreserved machines or group tournaments. Details vary by location, so confirm exactly what’s included before booking.
How far in advance should I book a private event venue?
Popular dates — weekends, holidays, and graduation season — tend to book out several weeks or more ahead of time. Booking a private event at least three to four weeks in advance gives you the best shot at your preferred date and space.
What makes an arcade bar different from a typical event venue?
An arcade bar combines classic video and pinball games with a full bar in one space, so entertainment and socializing happen in the same room rather than as separate add-ons. That built-in entertainment is what sets it apart from a standard restaurant or banquet room booking.
Planning Your Event With Emporium
Emporium Arcade Bar has been blending classic gaming with modern nightlife across Chicago, San Francisco, and New Orleans, giving groups a go-to spot for birthdays, company outings, and celebrations that don’t feel like every other private event. Each location brings its own local flavor, but the same formula: retro games, craft beer and cocktails, and a space built for group fun. Search “arcade bar near me,” and you’ll likely find one of these three cities close by.
Ready to Book Your Private Event?
A great private event starts with a venue that’s already set up to entertain. Between the games, the drinks, and the flexible spaces, an arcade bar takes most of the guesswork out of hosting a night your group will actually remember.
Ready to plan your event? Reach out to Emporium’s events team to check availability and start building your private event.