Lights, camera, Chicago! The 97th Academy Awards are upon us, and there’s no better way to celebrate than surrounded by fellow movie lovers, glammed up (or dressed down), with a drink in hand. Whether you’re crossing your fingers for your favorite underdog, here for the outrageous speeches, or just looking for an excuse to sip champagne on a Sunday, the Windy City has got you covered with some of the best Oscar viewing parties around.
From bawdy brewery bashes to upscale wine and cheese soirées, there’s a perfect spot for every kind of film fan. So grab your ballots, place your bets, and get ready to roll out the red carpet—Chicago style! Here’s where to watch the 2025 Oscars in the city with fellow movie lovers.
Film & Froth Oscars Watch Party
Where: Midwest Coast Brewing Company Taproom, Chicago
When: Sunday, March 2, 2025
Time: Raffles start at 5:45 PM, Oscars begin at 6:00 PM
For a fun and casual Oscars viewing experience, Midwest Coast Brewing Company and Film & Froth are teaming up to present one of the city’s best watch parties. Guests can enjoy top-notch Chicago beer while watching the show in great company.
Plus, there will be raffles before and after the event, with prizes including Midwest Coast Brewing gift cards, exclusive merch, and Film & Froth swag. To enter the raffle, attendees must confirm their entry in the Film & Froth Oscars Contest at the event—just find the man in the Film & Froth hat holding the tickets!
Make sure to arrive early to fill out your Oscars ballot before entry closes at 6:00 PM. With a great atmosphere, local brews, and film lovers gathering under one roof, this is one Oscar night event you won’t want to miss!
For more information, click here.
Film Girlz Brunch Oscars Viewing Party
Where: Kinowerks, Chicago
When: Sunday, March 2, 2025
Time: Doors open at 5:30 PM, Oscars Viewing from 6:00-10:00 PM
Film Girlz Brunch and Kinowerks are hosting their first annual Oscars Viewing Party, creating a communal space for femme filmmakers and their friends to celebrate the biggest night in film. Attendees can enjoy a night of movies, mingling, and more in Kinowerks’ stylish lounge and theater.
Snacks and refreshments will be available, and there’s a suggested $15 donation to help support Film Girlz Brunch programming throughout the year.
For more information, click here.
Do312 Oscar Viewing Party
Where: Sidetrack, Chicago
When: Sunday, March 2, 2025
Time: Show Tunes start at 2 PM, Oscars Viewing at 6 PM
Get ready to get Sidetrack’d for the 97th Academy Awards! Sidetrack is showing the Oscars on all their HD 4K screens, including the massive Big Screen in the Main Bar. Hosted by Jeff Lynch & Boy J, this event is guaranteed to be an over-the-top, lively celebration of all things film.
For more information, click here.
The Arrogant Frog Oscars Watch Party
Where: The Arrogant Frog Bar, 1365 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago
When: Sunday, March 2, 2025
Time: 6:00-11:30 PM
Chicago Film Scene is taking over The Arrogant Frog for a laid-back Oscars watch party. They’ll be commandeering the bar’s televisions for the night—just bring snacks and settle in for a cozy Oscars experience with fellow film lovers.
For more information, click here.
Lizard’s Annual Oscar Watch Party
Where: Lizard’s, Chicago
When: Sunday, March 2, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Join the fun at Lizard’s for their annual Oscar Watch Party! Start the night with a Red Carpet Pre-Show from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, followed by the official Oscars Red Carpet at 5:30 PM. The main event—the 97th Academy Awards—kicks off at 6:00 PM.
Guests can enjoy hot dogs, popcorn, and Oscar-themed drinks and snacks while cheering for their favorite nominees. Plus, free Oscars ballots give attendees a chance to win exciting prizes! A perfect mix of casual fun and movie magic, this is one viewing party you won’t want to miss.
For more information, click here.
The Chicago Actors Studio Oscars Party
Where: The Chicago Actors Studio, Chicago
When: Sunday, March 2, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
For a Hollywood-style experience, the Chicago Actors Studio is rolling out the red carpet for a night of film, networking, and fun. Guests can enjoy an exclusive Oscars viewing on the big screen, indulge in delicious snacks, and enter a ballot contest with exciting prizes. There’s a suggested $15 donation to benefit the studio’s scholarship programs.
For more information, click here.
Whether you want a beer-fueled celebration, a grand cinematic experience, or a cozy cocktail lounge, Chicago has an Oscar viewing party for every kind of movie lover. So grab your ballots, place your bets, and get ready to toast to another incredible year in film!
Stay tuned to Reel Chicago for more updates on the city’s best film events.
Colin Costello is the West Coast Editor of Reel 360. Contact him at colin@reel360.com or follow him on Twitter at @colinthewriter1
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