The Salt Shed — Attraction in West Chicago Township

Honestly, I wouldn’t go back to the salt shed. Before the show, the performances were moved up due to weather, but we weren’t notified via email. I happened to check the band’s Instagram story and they shared a post from the salt shed. Who follows the venue on IG? How is that reliable communication for your patrons? So I was aggravated before I even got to the show. They announced this maybe 2 hours prior so I ended up missing the opener. Not a big deal because I didn’t know who they were, but I still paid to see them and would have liked to see a new music artist.

I found parking on a third party app. Be prepared to walk a mile both ways at least if you’re going that route. Since it’s on an island, the route is longer.

I don’t partake in overpriced food or drinks at music venues, but they did have a water station, which is nice. They have portapotties but there were sink stations (which I’ve never seen before) so that was a plus.

Let’s get to the show. As I said, I missed the opener, so I was maybe there for 2.5 hours and my feet were KILLING me. Like, going numb. And I wore very supportive sneakers. So that takes away from my experience. I was hoping for better views, but you can’t see the skyline really. I was disappointed there was no projector like in any other big venue. So the views of the performers were pretty minimal. Especially if you’re fairly short like me and anytime anyone in front of you sways, your view is blocked. Again, really took me out of the experience.

I elbowed my way to maybe the first third of the crowd. Be prepared for people walking through you, getting shoved the whole time. I understand that’s kinda what you sign up for with standing general admission, but I wished there were some “paths” carved out. I was debated leaving early because my feet hurt so badly and I didn’t have a good view of the performers anyway.

As I left with 1 or 2 songs left, I saw the crowd was a little better spread out in the back, with the people who wanted to really dance in the way back.

The sound quality was fine. Not too loud. The lights were cool. Performers were great. Staff was helpful and nice.

I am disappointed that in these days, everybody is expected to stand on hot concrete for hours. And for what — so they can pack more people in there? I would gladly pay more just for the chance to sit down. I think I paid $80 for this lackluster experience. I would not recommend this venue to any of my friends. I’ve learned my lesson to thoroughly check out the venue before...

Not sure what to say about the negative reviews so far, other than - I'm not sure any of those folks have ever been to a concert in Chicago before.

Currently, the Salt Shed is using a temporary outdoor space as they work to finish the construction on the inside. For the summer series of pop-up shows, they've booked a ton of exceptional acts, and I've now attended three separate shows there.

The Pros:

-Audio quality is very, very good for an outdoor pop-up series, and for a band that's very technically demanding (Fleet Foxes) I was very impressed by the mix. -Space, entry, security, etc. For a new venue, getting in, getting to where you wanted to be, getting food or a beverage or getting to the bathroom were all exceedingly easy for a sold out show. -Vendors. Thank god for a focus on femme/BIPOC/local vendors and a beer menu that is pretty sound in its own right. Having representation from Lagunitas and Goose, in addition to the standard Bud/Tecate/Cocktail tent was a huge win. The little pop up shops for local Chicago businesses are a really nice touch as well. -Skyline views are fun, even if they're a bit obscured by the premium area, depending where you are. -People. Some of the friendliest staff/vendors/security I've seen at an event ever.

Cons:

-As some folks have noted, a screen on the stage would be nice, especially for those who don't want to crunch into the crowd. Understanding it's a pop-up, it still would have been a nice touch. -Lack of truly local beer. While I love that there's a REAL mix of ber, I'd love for Salt Shed to partner with more authentically local breweries. Dovetail, Hop Butcher, Maplewood, or Hopewell would all be great choices.

Here's the thing, y'all. This is the first 2500+ capacity venue in the city that's owned by locals who care about this city. This isn't the Riv and Jam/Livenation, or Northerly (Livenation as well). This venue has limitless possibility, and stands to be a gem for Chicago concerts for decades to come. Pop over for an outdoor show this summer, and get ready for some incredible indoor...

The festival grounds at the Salt Shed in Chicago are nothing short of a hidden treasure for music lovers and festival-goers. This venue offers an intimate outdoor setting that feels like a well-kept secret. One of the standout features of the Salt Shed festival grounds is its unique ambiance. The industrial-chic backdrop to the stage, it's an unforgettable sight. The contrast between the gritty urban landscape and the music filling the air creates a captivating atmosphere that's hard to replicate elsewhere. But let's talk about the food trucks – they're like the unsung heroes of this festival. From gourmet tacos to mouthwatering BBQ and artisanal ice cream, the food options are diverse and delicious. Imagine enjoying your favorite festival treats while soaking in the music – it's a culinary adventure that adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall experience. What truly sets the Salt Shed apart is its intimate setting. With a limited capacity, you're not lost in a sea of people; you're part of a tight-knit community of music enthusiasts. This closeness to the stage allows for an immersive connection with the artists, making every performance feel personal and special. The well-planned layout ensures that you can easily move between stage and food vendors, and there are plenty of cozy nooks to relax and recharge. Plus, the absence of overwhelming crowds means you can comfortably enjoy the music without the hassle of long lines or overcrowding. There are bleachers with limited seating for general admission ticket holders and balcony seating for an up-charge. The indoor venue was open for additional bathrooms and bar access. There are boutiques and other shops, Reckless Records has a storefront There too. In summary, the festival grounds at the Salt Shed in Chicago offer a unique and intimate outdoor setting that's perfect for music lovers seeking an unforgettable experience. With fantastic food options and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, it's a must-visit venue for anyone looking to enjoy live music in a setting...