20 Palo Alto Event Venues That Your Attendees Will Love
Interested in planning an event in the San Francisco Bay Area? This diverse list of 20 Palo Alto event spaces will help you narrow down your many options.
The history of Palo Alto, a city in Northern California, is rich and varied. The area was originally inhabited by the Puichon Ohlone but the very first recording of its existence can be found in a journal belonging to a member of the Gaspar de Portola party, a 63-man and 200-horse expedition from San Diego to Monterey.
Once Palo Alto was under Spanish control some years later, the land was eventually sold off after the Mexican War of Independence which ended in 1821. The United States would eventually seize the area and provide Mexican occupants an ultimatum — become American citizens or lose their land.
Flashing forward a little more than 100 years, Palo Alto became less controversial territory with the inclusion of charming Professorville, a nickname given to the neighborhood thanks to its proximity to Stanford. Palo Alto has also since been home to a vibrant baseball tradition and is considered the birthplace for American invention and innovation. Everything from the vacuum tube and electronic oscillator to the world’s most groundbreaking technologies can now be found in this charter city.
Looking to host your next event in Palo Alto? Here are 20 fabulous event venue options that include all of the things this vibrant city and its surrounding areas are known for.
20 Palo Alto Event Venues
1. Club Auto Sport
Source: Yelp
Location: North San Jose
Capacity: 400
Whether you’re hosting a corporate or private event, this unique and glamorous venue is a great option for any group that appreciates a quality luxury vehicle. Filled with lush velvet armchairs, stunning car showcases, and a hand-crafted cocktail bar, Club Auto Sport offers sophistication to any function.
They’ve hosted weddings, corporate holiday parties, and dances for car lovers and admirers alike. Past clients note that the venue management is very accommodating, even with last minute requests. If you’re looking for that “wow” factor in your future venue, Club Auto Sport is the Palo Alto event space for you.
2. OPAL Event Center
Source: Yelp
Location: Silicon Valley
Capacity: 275
This freshly renovated upscale venue makes the trip to the Valley especially worth it. Although the OPAL Event Center requires all of their guests to be 21+ (even for private events), they offer flexibility in the form of amenities, catering, and beverage options. A malleable space, the OPAL Event Center can be transformed into a banquet hall, an auditorium, and any other floor or seating plan that meets your needs.
Clients can bring their own caterers but if you need suggestions they can provide a list of trusted vendors. You’ll also have free access to state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment like monitors, LED displays, a sound system with its own DJ booth, and more. You can also hire event staff through the venue for jobs like valet, coat check, photography, security, and set-up/take down crews. Some of these staff categories are included in the price of the rental, so be sure to have your plan in place before booking!
3. Mountain Terrace
Source: Yelp
Location: Woodside
Capacity: 300
Delightfully romantic and rustic all at the same time, it’s no wonder why the Mountain Terrace has served as the backdrop for many weddings, reunions, and corporate mixers. They provide food and beverages with season flavor and locally sourced ingredients. They also serve award-winning local wines.
Because they host events so frequently, they’re booking process is incredibly detailed yet simple and easy to navigate. Their packages are organized by event type and their in-house staff can assist you with recommendations based on your group’s unique needs. Whether you’re looking for an intimate reception or a large corporate get together, the Mountain Terrace might be the perfect place for your event needs.
4. S’more Studio
Source: Yelp
Location: Mountain View
Capacity: 40
This arts and crafts studio is a whimsical departure from your normal corporate get-togethers. The S’more Studio has plenty of activities for kids of all ages, including holiday gift making, jewelry design, paint nights, and summer camps. They provide the supplies while your guests provide their imaginations.
The S’more Studio has hosted everything from baby showers to seminars. Their amenities include basic food prep stations with a microwave, sink, kettle, coffee maker, toaster oven, and basic silverware. They also have tech like TVs, whiteboards, and speakers available. And if you’re planning an event for mothers with babies and small children, the S’more Studio even has a diaper station.
5. Los Altos History Museum
Source: Yelp
Location: Los Altos
Capacity: 200
What better way to celebrate this city’s rich and vibrant history than by throwing an event at this renowned venue? The Los Altos History Museum has award-winning exhibitions with dynamic artworks and artifacts for guests to peruse during your event. They frequently hold galas, weddings, and celebrations of all sizes within their halls.
Engage your audience at this highly educational Palo Alto event venue where they’ll hear fascinating stories and interesting facts about California that they may not have known before.
6. Wund3rkid
Source: Yelp
Location: Palo Alto
Capacity: 50
Sorry grownups — this is one of the few event venues in California that’s just for kids! Wund3rkid is an indoor play space for children ages Pre-K and up. During the day they function as a daycare, summer camp, and after-school hangout. They offer classes in music, art, and STEM subjects.
As you can probably guess, they host a lot of birthday parties and baby showers. One of their unique special offers includes birthday parties for twins and triplets at no extra cost!
7. Woman’s Club of Palo Alto
Source: Yelp
Location: Palo Alto
Capacity: 90
A cornerstone of the Palo Alto community since 1894, the Woman’s Club of Palo Alto has a proud history of local engagement in both politics and philanthropy. Although their outdoor sign says, “Women’s Club”, they pay homage to their roots by officially calling themselves the original name, which is the “Woman’s Club”.
Non-members are more than welcome to rent this space for their next event. They’ve hosted luncheons, exciting guest lecturers, mixers, and a whole lot more.
8. Sundance The Steakhouse
Source: Yelp
Location: Palo Alto
Capacity: 24
If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience for a bunch of meat lovers, this is the place for you. Sundance the Steakhouse proudly bears the title as Palo Alto’s best. Despite their many awards, they take guest feedback to heart by providing a rotating menu filled with the best possible ingredients and dishes.
The classic and sophisticated restaurant is a great place to host your next elbow-rubbing event for VIP customers or family celebration. They offer semi-private dining experiences, a selection of impressive spirits, and delectable desserts. Choose between their small Stag’s Leap, medium Silverado Trail, and large Alexander Valley rooms for your next party.
9. Blueprint Studios
Source: Yelp
Location: South San Francisco
Capacity: 300
If you’re looking for the city’s most customizable event venue, Blueprint Studios has you covered. They offer an in-house team of over 200 designers, fabrication and support artisans, and event management professionals to help transform their space into something truly one-of-a-kind.
Their past event designs range from colorful, larger than life blocks hanging from breezy open rafters to a blue and purple underwater wonderland complete with flowing fabrics and lazy jellyfish lights. Basically, anything you’ve added to your event Pinterest board is possible at this venue!
10. Hastings House Garden Weddings
Source: Yelp
Location: Half Moon Bay
Capacity: 100
As the name implies, this Palo Alto event space offers a beautiful and lush outdoor spot for intimate weddings. The unique Pacific Coast wedding site is on the edge of the ocean, keeping temperatures cool in the Summer months as guests are enveloped by the scent of seawater and the sounds of crashing waves.
The intimate, natural setting is both romantic and relaxing, perfect for the happy couple and their families on their special day. You can even take your engagement photos in one of their many enchanted garden spots, including a section of exquisite rose bushes.
11. Anatolian Kitchen
Source: Anatolian Kitchen
Location: Palo Alto
Capacity: 40
This modern Mediterranean restaurant offers private dining and catering all in one place. The Private Wine Bar (pictured above) has a temperature-controlled cellar and a wide selection of prix fixe or a la carte options. It’s semi-private and great for both corporate and private occasions.
Anatolian Kitchen also makes the main dining room available with enough room for larger groups and offers the aid of a professional party coordinator to ensure all the details are ironed out well before your event.
12. Freedom Hall and Gardens
Source: Weddingbee
Location: Santa Clara
Capacity: 100
Another Palo Alto adjacent wedding hotspot, the Freedom Hall and Gardens has been ranked as one of the top event venues in the Bay Area multiple years in a row now. Past event planners and coordinators say the venue exceeds their expectations and that their in-house event staff consistently goes above and beyond to make your event experience truly excellent.
For food, they offer customizable menus with buffet or service dinner options. They can also make your wedding cake, provide unlimited wedding beverages (both hard and soft), and provide a DJ. With every event, you’ll have access to their table arrangements, centerpieces, and linens.
13. University Club of Palo Alto
Source: Yelp
Location: Palo Alto
Capacity: 175
This upscale and private club is member-owned and offers venue rentals for private and corporate events. In the past, they’ve been the home of many banquets, dances, and graduation parties. The amenities include a swimming pool, tennis court, and fitness center.
They also have quality, fine dining options available on the premises with assistance provided for menu selection or customization. In a nutshell, the University Club of Palo Alto provides all the best food, service, and ambiance you could possibly want for your next event.
14. Holbrook Palmer Park
Source: Yelp
Location: Atherton
Capacity: 200
Fun fact: Holbrook-Palmer Park is the town’s only recreation site! The lovely, municipally-owned 22-acre garden has both indoor and outdoor facilities to choose from. Their amenities include a ball field, tennis courts, playground, gardens, and walking paths.
When you look into booking an event at Holbrook-Palmer Park, you’ll find that you have three different venues to choose from. Their Main House, Jennings Pavilion, and Carriage House can all be rented and have direct access points to the park itself.
15. Rengstorff House
Source: Yelp
Location: Mountain View
Capacity: 150
The event venue is the area’s oldest house. It’s character and history ooze from every corner of this gorgeous structure. Largely run by volunteers, the restored crown jewel of Mountain View’s history hosts many holiday events and high teas. They offer house tours and have a garden located behind the property.
16. Allied Arts Guild
Source: Yelp
Location: Menlo Park
Capacity: 140
The Allied Arts Guild is yet another beautiful and historic Palo Alto adjacent venue with both indoor and outdoor spaces up for grabs. Their spaces are often used by local artisans for studio workshops or retail during the day. They also host your standard array of weddings, seminars, and meetings in their breathtaking facilities.
When not playing host as an event center, the Allied Arts Guild is known as a place with excellent shopping, eating, and opportunities for relaxation. It’s open Monday through Saturday, 10am-5pm, so make sure you stop by for a tasty snack while you get the lay of the land.
17. Mitchell Park Community Center
Source: Yelp
Location: Palo Alto
Capacity: 500
Sparkling glass walls invite natural elements into this fully decked out presentation and meeting center. Mitchell Park is an environmentally-friendly space that was constructed in a location that strategically maximizes sunlight. At this venue, nature is the main design focus, with picturesque courtyards and much of Coastal California’s stunning beauty as the focus for its construction.
They rent out their space up to a year in advance, so make sure to book sooner rather than later. They also have an application process but that should not deter you from exploring this as an option for your next daytime event.
18. Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club
Source: Yelp
Location: Palo Alto Hills
Capacity: 350
The Palo Alto Hills refers to itself as the most welcoming golf and country club in the Bay Area because that is exactly what it is. Their Farm to Table menu, stunning spa facilities, and family fun areas are awesome too.
This venue has a stunning view and can serve as an excellent backdrop for events like bar mitzvahs, corporate meetings, and anniversaries. Their experienced and professional catering staff are available to make your event dreams come true as well. And, true to their word, the events page emphasizes their mission to welcome non-members to their venue with open arms.
19. Lemon Tree
Source: Yelp
Location: Santa Clara
Capacity: 50
The Lemon Tree is a darling event center for both kid’s playdates and parties. Sophisticated and whimsical all at the same time, this epic venue offers drop-in open play times, coffee for the adults, and a full-on events team ready to help assist you with your next shindig.
The Lemon Tree will also help arrange other event details like entertainers, photography, and catering. Their packages include vibrant add-ons like Korean and Japanese cuisines, sandwich catering, adult beverage options, and more.
20. La Honda Winery
Source: Yelp
Location: Redwood City
Capacity: 200
The La Honda Winery sources from over fifty private estate vineyards spread out across Northern California. If you book an event at this venue, your guests will get to enjoy a selection of these delectable and painstakingly crafted wines, a treat everyone will look forward to. Its urban design is the perfect backdrop for team building, holiday, and cooking parties or events.
The venue bills itself as a best kept secret of the area, and it’s easy to see why. If a charming atmosphere combined with delicious artisan wines is your thing, then the La Honda Winery might just be the perfect place for your next get-together.
In Conclusion: Event Spaces in Palo Alto
As you can tell, Palo Alto and the areas that surround it are filled with amazing outdoor and indoor event spaces. The wineries, historical landmarks, and family-centric spaces define the city’s values, making it a great place to call home and/or host a special event.
But choosing from an unlimited selection of event venues can be daunting. Now that you have this list of Palo Alto event venues to choose from, planning your next affair will be a piece of cake. Just remember that choosing the right event venue relies on having a strong event strategy in place so you can pick a spot that best aligns with your goals. And if you need assistance planning and organizing other aspects of your event, make sure you give event management software a try!
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