Celebrating A Century Of Music And Memories At The Aragon In Chicago

This iconic concert venue, which is full of Chicago's live music history, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

The Legendary Aragon Ballroom Turns 100 Years Old This Year

If you were to ask me, what's my favorite concert venue in Chicago, that's an extremely easy question for me to answer. It's definitely the Aragon Ballroom. In fact, it's one of my favorite places of all time to see concerts. It's hard to believe that this legendary room is turning 100 years old this year.

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According to the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom...

Originally opening its doors in July 1926, the Aragon Ballroom has had past lives as a dance hall, a roller skating rink, a boxing venue, and a discotèque.

 

 

Our ballroom has been bringing the magic of live entertainment to Chicago's Uptown neighborhood for nearly 100 years.

 

My first experience at the Aragon Ballroom was in 1986, when my friends and I ventured into the city to see Megadeth. Back in those days, the neighborhood was pretty sketchy for some suburban teens. We immediately fell in love with the joint. I've seen so many great shows there through the years. When I was in high school, they mostly hosted Heavy Metal shows, so it earned the nickname, The Aragon Brawlroom.

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The first couple of times I went there, the building used to put out chairs. That didn't last long because the fans would smash them, so there was standing room only. I remember they sold buckets of draft beer. They never carded back then, so we could easily buy them even though we were underage. So many great many of the legendary Aragon Ballroom.