The 25 Best Event Venues in San Francisco
San Francisco — with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, historic cable cars, and vibrant cultural tapestry — offers a unique and dynamic backdrop for events of any scale. If you’re looking for a San Francisco event space, you can’t go wrong with the city’s eclectic neighborhoods, world-class cuisine, and scenic beauty.
Whether you’re planning a corporate conference, private celebration, or large-scale convention, San Francisco’s diverse array of event venues, from elegant historic buildings to cutting-edge conference centers, cater to every need. Add to this the city’s temperate climate and a reputation for innovation and creativity, and you have the perfect destination to host an unforgettable event that blends professional needs with memorable experiences.
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1. City View at METREON
Source: City View at METREON
Location: SoMa
Capacity: 2,000
More info: www.cityviewmetreon.com
City View at Metreon in San Francisco is a versatile event venue. Newly renovated to offer both flexibility and upscale ambiance, this San Francisco event space features more than 31,000 square feet of space that can be adjusted to accommodate various events, ranging from intimate gatherings of 200 to large-scale events for up to 2,000 people.
Its key attractions include floor-to-ceiling windows providing an unobstructed view of San Francisco’s skyline and an expansive outdoor terrace, offering a unique open-air experience. This makes it an ideal venue for receptions, conferences, and other special occasions.
2. The Village Venue
Source: The Village Venue
Location: Mid-Market
Capacity: 1,100
More info: www.969market.com
The Village, located at 969 Market Street in San Francisco, is a versatile and fully serviced event venue. It offers a creative and dynamic space of more than 17,000 square feet for various events.
With in-house catering and audio-visual production by their partners, Madrone Studios, The Village is well-equipped to host artistic showcases, live performances, corporate events, private parties, and more. The venue is known for its ability to accommodate creative and imaginative event concepts, making it a popular choice for those looking to host an event in a unique and engaging setting.
3. Exploratorium
Source: Exploratorium
Location: Pier 15
Capacity: 3,500
More info: www.exploratorium.edu/rentals
The Exploratorium in San Francisco offers a unique and interactive venue for events. Located at Pier 15 along the city’s historic Embarcadero, it provides a blend of science, art, and perception exhibits that create an engaging and stimulating environment. This San Francisco event space is versatile and suitable for corporate gatherings, conferences, weddings, and private parties. Here are some of the event spaces you can rent individually or collectively:
- Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery & Terrace
- Moore East Gallery
- Bechtel Central Gallery & Outdoor Gallery
- Osher West Gallery
- Kanbar Forum
The Exploratorium’s location offers thousands of square feet of event space and stunning views of the city and the bay, adding to its appeal. Its distinct combination of educational and playful exhibits makes it a memorable choice for hosting entertaining and thought-provoking events. Plus, you can rent the space for an “after-dark” event to wow your attendees!
4. The Fillmore
Source: Live Nation
Location: Fillmore District
Capacity: 800
More info: www.livenation.com/venue
The Fillmore is a legendary event venue that first opened in 1912 as a dance hall for Wednesday night socials and masquerade balls. Today, the space is famous for launching the careers of countless well-known musicians, such as the Grateful Dead and Santana.
But the Fillmore is about more than just music and dancing. Any kind of event can be hosted here. Event planners can access full-service event production, professional light and sound equipment, and custom menu options. For both corporate events and personal parties, book the Fillmore for events of 25 to 800 guests!
5. Gallery 308 at Fort Mason
Source: Fort Mason
Location: Marina District
Capacity: 430
More info: https://fortmason.org/venue/gallery-308
Let your attendees experience a National Historic Landmark of San Francisco. Originally host to the maritime trade and repair shops at Fort Mason, Gallery 308 boasts 3,835 square feet of event space and panoramic views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Gallery 308 combines industrial aesthetics with modern features. The space has been restored to maintain its original industrial look, boasting an open floor plan, polished concrete floors, and state-of-the-art lighting. Ideal for art exhibits, conferences, parties, and weddings, its spacious interior and versatile design make it suitable for a wide range of events.
6. Bespoke
Source: Bespoke
Source: Bespoke
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 1,200
More info: www.bespokesf.co/events
Bespoke, located in the heart of San Francisco’s tech and retail hub, is a unique event venue known for its flexibility and innovative design. It features a combination of coworking, demo, and event spaces that can be tailored to suit a variety of events. The venue is ideal for tech events, product launches, conferences, and corporate gatherings, offering a modern, customizable space with state-of-the-art technology.
7. Merchants Exchange’s Julia Morgan Ballroom
Source: Julia Morgan Ballroom
Location: Financial District
Capacity: 1,000
More info: https://juliamorganballroom.com
From presidential speeches to product launches, the Merchant Exchange building offers the polish and flexibility to create your next standout event with its two venues:
- Julia Morgan Ballroom: Named after the prolific American architect, the ballroom has hosted President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama, Jane Goodall, Bill Gates, and Serena Williams, just to name a few. The 4,300-square-foot venue features Beaux-Arts details, cityscape views, five separate breakout rooms, a bar, and a lounge.
- Merchants Exchange Club: Walk to the lower level and you’ll find the Merchants Exchange Club. The 6,500-square-foot venue features flexible room configurations, breakout spaces, and the Moya del Pino Bar and Lounge featuring three of the artist’s murals.
8. The Bently Reserve
Source: The Bently Reserve
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 805
More info: https://foleyfamilywines.com
The Bently Reserve is a renowned event venue in San Francisco, known for its grandeur and elegance. It offers a blend of historical architecture and modern amenities. The venue’s centerpiece, the Banking Hall, provides 8,045 square feet of event space, perfect for grand events like weddings, galas, and corporate gatherings. Additionally, it features several meeting rooms and a conference center, making it versatile for various event sizes and types.
9. Aquarium of the Bay
Location: Pier 39
Capacity: 600
More info: https://aquariumofthebayevents.org
Featuring two levels, 50,000 square feet, and more, The Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco offers a unique and engaging event venue. Located at Pier 39, it provides an immersive experience with its marine life exhibits and underwater tunnels. Ideal for various events, including corporate gatherings, weddings, and educational outings, the aquarium allows guests to explore the beauty and diversity of Northern California’s aquatic life.
Its location offers stunning views of San Francisco Bay, enhancing the atmosphere for any event. The aquarium’s focus on environmental education and ocean conservation adds a meaningful dimension to events.
10. The Westin St. Francis
Source: The Westin
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 2,000
More info: www.westinstfrancis.com/meetings-events/venues/
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square is an iconic and luxurious venue in the heart of San Francisco. The St. Francis Suite, one of its most exquisite spaces, is renowned for its elegant decor and sophisticated ambiance, making it an ideal setting for high-end events and gatherings.
Boasting more than 32 meeting rooms and a max capacity of 2,000 people, this San Francisco event venue offers easy access to the city’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The St. Francis Suite, along with the hotel’s comprehensive services, offers a blend of historic charm and modern conveniences, perfect for memorable events.
11. Hotel Whitcomb
Source: Hotel Whitcomb
Location: Mid-Market
Capacity: 600
More info: www.hotelwhitcomb.com/meetings-events
The Hotel Whitcomb in San Francisco offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities for various events. With more than 17,000 square feet of space, it can accommodate up to 600 guests across 11 versatile rooms. This makes it ideal for conferences, seminars, board meetings, and corporate gatherings.
The hotel provides high-tech support, including audio/visual equipment and high-speed internet, ensuring a smooth experience for business events. Additionally, its focus on accessibility and the availability of a complete sound system and catering services enhance its appeal as a comprehensive event venue.
12. The San Francisco Zoo
Source: San Francisco Zoo
Location: San Francisco, CA
Capacity: 3,000
More info: http://www.sfzoo.org/
The San Francisco Zoo is home to nearly 1,000 different animals. It could be the home of your next event, too. With eight distinct venues, this location can accommodate just about any gathering.
Is it an intimate business lunch? Book the Lemur Room. Company-wide employee appreciation picnic? The Playfield Lawn is the spot for you.
Plus, all zoo profits (including the money you pay to rent their venues) help support the zoo’s many conservation projects. Host a great event and support a worthy cause at the same time.
13. Terra Gallery & Events
Source: Terra Gallery & Events
Location: Rincon Hill
Capacity: 725
More info: http://terrasf.com/event-services/
Terra Gallery and Events in San Francisco is a two-level, 24,000-square-foot venue known for its versatility and elegance. The upper level, Terra, offers 5,000 square feet of space with Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, while the lower level, Mer, features a 3,000-square-foot landscaped outdoor area. This venue is perfect for weddings, corporate events, and private parties, offering a sophisticated and stylish atmosphere.
14. Fairmont San Francisco
Source: Fairmont San Francisco
Location: Nob Hill
Capacity: 3,000
More info: https://www.fairmont.com/san-francisco/
The Fairmont San Francisco features 72,000 square feet of functional event space inside its historic walls. In 1945, delegates from around the world met at this venue to draft the charter for the United Nations. Now your event can add to this storied heritage. Just about anything you need for a successful gathering is provided: in-house catering, quality AV equipment, breakout rooms, valet parking, WiFi, and more.
15. Moscone
Source: Moscone
Location: SoMa
Capacity: 60,000
More info: https://www.moscone.com/
The Moscone Center in San Francisco is a premier convention venue known for its large-scale capacity and modern facilities. It’s renowned for hosting major conferences, trade shows, and special events. While specific details about its size and maximum capacity were not available on the website, the center is well-known for its expansive spaces and state-of-the-art amenities. Its central location in San Francisco makes it an ideal venue for events seeking a blend of accessibility and cutting-edge facilities.
16. Foreign Cinema
Source: Foreign Cinema
Location: Mission District
Capacity: 350
More info: http://foreigncinema.com/
Foreign Cinema is an award-winning restaurant that weaves together amazing food, wine, film, and art into one seamless and sensual experience. Event planners can choose from four distinct spaces or rent the entire restaurant. Whatever you decide is right for your business meeting or personal party, Foreign Cinema can make it special with perks such as personalized menus, international artwork displays, professional AV equipment, and a vintage film projection area.
17. The Box SF
Source: SF Travel
Location: SoMa
Capacity: 50
More info: https://theboxsf.com/
As the former location of the William Hearst Printing Plant, The Box SF has a long, rich history. The Box SF is a distinctive event and meeting venue located in the heart of San Francisco, boasting a historic four-story building. It offers a variety of spaces including a hidden speakeasy in the basement, suitable for corporate and private events, workshops, and receptions.
The venue is noted for its unique 1850s-style mercantile and printed matter store, adding a vintage and eclectic touch to events. The Box SF accommodates groups ranging from 2 to 50 guests, making it ideal for intimate and medium-sized events.
18. Conservatory of Flowers
Source: Conservatory of Flowers
Location: Golden Gate Park
Capacity: 300
More info: https://gggp.org/conservatory-of-flowers/
The Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco is a historic and iconic venue located within Golden Gate Park. This architectural marvel, built in 1879, is one of the oldest wood and glass conservatories in North America. It stands out for its Victorian-era design and lush, exotic plants, offering a unique and immersive botanical environment.
With five event spaces, this venue is ideal for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings, providing a captivating backdrop with its stunning floral displays and elegant structure. The Conservatory’s unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty makes it a standout choice for memorable events. All rentals include reserved parking, tables and chairs, a portable sound system, and security.
19. Magnolia Brewing – Dogpatch
Source: 111 Minna Gallery
Location: Financial District
Capacity: 500
More info: https://111minnagallery.com/booking/
111 Minna Gallery, located in San Francisco, is a dynamic and artistic venue known for its eclectic art exhibitions and versatile event space. It combines a vibrant art gallery with a flexible event venue, making it a unique choice for a variety of functions including corporate events, private parties, and weddings. The gallery’s ever-changing art exhibitions provide a unique and engaging backdrop, ensuring that each event has its own distinctive atmosphere.
20. The Palace Hotel
Source: The Palace Hotel
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 1,000
More info: Palace Hotel by Marriot
The Palace Hotel in San Francisco is a landmark hotel known for its luxurious and historic charm. It features elegant event spaces that are perfect for hosting a range of events, from grand weddings to sophisticated corporate gatherings. Each event space has unique characteristics:
- The Garden Court: Known for its stunning glass dome and intricate architecture, perfect for lavish events.
- The Grand Ballroom: A spacious and opulent setting ideal for large-scale events.
- The Gold Ballroom: Features elegant decor and is suited for medium-sized gatherings.
- The Ralston Room: Named after the hotel’s founder, offers a more intimate setting.
The hotel’s exquisite architecture and refined decor, combined with top-notch services, make it an ideal choice for those seeking a venue with both grandeur and history in the heart of San Francisco.
21. Mission Bay Conference Center at UCSF
Source: Mission Bay Conference Center
Location: Mission Bay
Capacity: 600
More info: www.acc-missionbayconferencecenter.com/
The Mission Bay Conference Center is an exciting new event location that’s associated with the University of California, San Francisco. This space makes planning your next business meeting, conference, or class reunion easy by providing you with your own event coordinator. And since it’s only a 25-minute ride from the airport, it’s a great option for those expecting out of town guests.
22. Monroe
Source: Monroe
Location: North Beach
Capacity: 300
More info: https://www.monroesf.com/private-events/
Monroe is a versatile event venue perfect for anything from intimate gatherings to large-scale events. It’s located in the Jazz Workshop building where greats like Miles Davis and James Moody serenaded their audiences. It also features two bars, a dance floor, and an outdoor patio. But we can’t forget the other perks event planners enjoy like state of the art AV equipment, custom lighting, in-house catering, and luxurious decor. Host your next event in the same location used by big-name companies like Uber and AirBnB.
23. San Francisco Design Center Galleria
Location: Design District
Capacity: 1,600
More info: https://sfvenues.com
The San Francisco Design Center Galleria is an elegant and versatile venue located in the city’s Design District. It offers 10,000 square feet of space on the first floor and 2,000 square feet on each of the second, third, and fourth floors. The first floor can accommodate up to 1,600 guests, with various theater, banquet, and reception configurations.
This venue is perfect for a range of events, including corporate functions, weddings, and social gatherings, offering state-of-the-art lighting, a retractable skylight, a built-in bar, and more. For detailed information, visit San Francisco Design Center Galleria.
24. Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
Location: Marina District
Capacity: 3,800
More info: https://fortmason.org/venues
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture in San Francisco offers a unique combination of historic charm and modern facilities. Located on a 13-acre campus, it features 12 venue options ranging from 500 to 50,000 square feet, totaling 75,000 square feet of meeting space. Here are some of the events spaces you’ll find:
- Gateway Pavilion with a capacity of 2,200
- The Store House with a capacity of 152
- The General’s Residence with a capacity of 400
- Gallery 308 with a capacity of 430
- Festival Pavillion with a capacity of 3,800
- Cowell Theater with a capacity of 437
The center includes a 437-seat theater and a 162-seat theater, perfect for various events, including art fairs, music festivals, exhibitions, performances, conferences, and private functions like weddings and parties. Its picturesque setting with views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge adds to its appeal.
25. Hibernia
Source: Hibernia
Location: Tenderloin
Capacity:
More info: https://thehiberniasf.com
The Hibernia Bank building near Market Street in San Francisco is a historic landmark. It was built in 1892 and is known for its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture. The venue offers a blend of historical significance and modern features, perfect for various events. Here are the four event spaces contained within Hibernia:
- Main Hall with a capacity of 1,500
- 1 Jones with a capacity of 400
- Penthouse with a capacity of 123
- Tobin Suite Library with a capacity of 57
Find the Best Venues in San Francisco Venue for Your Event
San Francisco’s diverse array of event venues, from the historic charm of the Palace Hotel to the artistic allure of 111 Minna Gallery, offers something unique for every occasion. Whether it’s a corporate event at the Moscone Center, a wedding at the Conservatory of Flowers, or a special celebration at The Box SF, the city’s venues combine remarkable settings with top-notch facilities.
Each space tells a story, adding an extra layer of unforgettable experience to your event, ensuring that every gathering is not just an event, but a memorable journey through the heart of San Francisco.
Want to see more venues? Check out all of our event venue articles!
Editors note: This article was published in 2015 and updated regularly for accuracy and quality.
