Frequently Asked Questions
If your question wasn’t listed here, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to chat with you about your event’s needs.
Blackbird Common is a historic event venue located in Downtown Dwight, Illinois, designed for intimate weddings, celebrations, and community gatherings.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about renting the space.
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Blackbird Common is located in historic Downtown Dwight, Illinois. Our venue is easily accessible for guests traveling from across Central Illinois and the Chicago region.
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Blackbird Common can host a variety of event styles depending on the layout.
• Wedding ceremony seating: up to 64 guests
• Table & chair seating: up to 64 guests
• Open-house style events: up to 110 guestsThe venue has additional cozy lounge areas throughout the space.
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Blackbird Common is a flexible event venue designed for many types of gatherings, including:
• Weddings and rehearsal dinners
• Baby showers and bridal showers
• Birthday celebrations
• Graduation parties
• Holiday parties
• Company meetings and workshops
• Community events
• Photoshoots and creative sessions -
Smaller occassions and more intimate events start at $225 for a 3-hour rental, with additional hours available for $75 per hour.
Weddings and larger celebrations start at $300 for a 3-hour rental, with the same hourly extension rate.
A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your date.
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Your rental includes access to the 2,000-square-foot event space along with several unique features that help create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Included with your rental:
• Eclectic tables and seating
• Vintage décor and styling pieces
• Black tablecloths
• Natural light-filled historic venue space
• Cozy lounge seating areas
• Access to restrooms and a kitchenette
• Flexible open layout that can be customized for your event -
Yes. Renters may arrange their own catering.
We are also happy to provide a preferred vendor list including catering, photographers, hair and makeup artists, florists, and other event professionals who are familiar with the venue.
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Catering may be arranged through Gooseberry Acres upon store opening (coming soon!) or another catering partner depending on your event and vendor availability.
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On occasion, a bartender may be available for events for an additional fee. Availability may vary depending on the date and event size.
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Yes. Blackbird Common features 2,000 square feet of open event space that can be configured in many ways. The layout can be arranged for ceremonies, seated dinners, cocktail-style gatherings, or open-house style events.
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Blackbird Common is conveniently located in Downtown Dwight where street parking and nearby public parking areas are available for guests.
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Renters are responsible for reasonable cleanup following their event. We ask that trash bags are tied and left in the kitchen so that we may dispose of them easily. Guests used to have to take garbage bags with them, but that is now taken care of by the owners.
Additional cleanup time may be scheduled before or after the event for $35 per 30-minute interval if needed.