The 31 Best San Francisco Venues for Your Next Conference or Meetup
San Francisco is an amazing city with a ton of exciting and unique venues to choose from. We’ve compiled a list of the top 31 San Francisco event venues and spaces—including National Historic Landmarks and Federal Reserve spaces from the 1920s—to help.
From curvaceous Lombard street to the sweet, $2 tacos of the Mission District, this city is anything but lacking in amazing (and tasty) event venues.
We gathered feedback from attendees and event industry friends alike to bring you a list of some of the sweetest San Francisco venues available. Whether you’re organizing a corporate event, a high-profile tech conference, or a laid back networking meet up this list has it covered.
1. City View at METREON
Source:Â City View at METREON
Location: SoMa
Capacity: 2,000
This amazing event venue is in the heart of San Francisco, overlooking it all. With striking visual interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a 11,000 sq. ft. outdoor terrace, City View at METREON is an excellent choice for your next event.
2. The Village
Source:Â The Village
Location: Mid-Market
Capacity:Â 1,100
The Village, a 17,408 square-foot venue in the burgeoning Mid-Market neighborhood in downtown San Francisco, specializes in high profile, influential events for the corporate and private sector. With past events hosted by Salesforce and Instagram, this state of the art facility, including an audio visual partnership to help your events come to life, and three levels of space makes The Village the ideal space for your next San Francisco event.
3. Exploratorium
Source: Exploratorium
Location:Â Pier 15
Capacity: 3,500
In 2018, the Exploratorium Museum was given the “Best Museum Party” award by SF Magazine. We’re not surprised. Any event held at this location will be unforgettable, from intimate meetings to large-scale events. The Exploratorium features stunning views of both the city and the bay and hundreds of fun, interactive exhibits. Treat your guests to a truly thrilling time and host your next event at this location.
4. The Fillmore
Source: TripAdvisor
Location:Â Fillmore District
Capacity:Â 800
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 get access to full-service event production, professional light and sound equipment, and custom menu options. For both corporate events and personal parties, book the Fillmore.
5. Gallery 308 at Fort Mason
Source:Â Fort Mason
Location: Marina District
Capacity: 430
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 panoramic views of  Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Whatever size event you plan to host, Fort Mason has the facilities to meet your needs. Beyond Gallery 308, they also have another nine spaces including a festival pavilion, theatre, and firehouse.
6. Bespoke
Source:Â Bespoke
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 1,200
Bespoke has a lot to offer. Not only does it have co-working spaces for up and coming entrepreneurs, it’s also a customizable event space, perfect for product pop-ups and demos. This venue is strategically located at Westfield San Francisco in the epicenter of downtown, where tech and retail marketplaces converge. With a standing capacity of 1,200 people and three customizable air walls, Bespoke is a great option for your next event.
7. Bay Breeze Charters
Source: Groupon
Location:Â San Francisco Bay
Capacity: 30
Looking for a unique location for your next business meeting? Why not leave land behind and host your gathering on a sail boat? Bay Breeze Charters offers private cruises for up to 30 guests. It’s a perfect way to say thank you to employees, impress potential investors, or simply relax after a long day at the office. Food and drinks are provides as are beautiful, up close views of the bay.
8. The Bently Reserve
Source:Â The Bently Reserve
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 805
From halls to lounges to getaway rooms, The Bently Reserve can accommodate all kinds of event festivities. The venue was the former San Francisco Federal Reserve of 1924, hence the name of its main event space, The Banking Hall. This venue is a sleek and sophisticated getaway for all your attendees. And events hosted here receive special rates at prestige hotels like the Le Meriden.
9. Gibson
Source: Gibson
Location: Tenderloin
Capacity: 120
Gibson is a casual, yet refined restaurant and event space located inside Hotel Bijou. The venue is whimsically designed and offers a flexible layout and open kitchen. Your guests will love the art-deco floor tiles in the lounge, breathtaking mural in the dining room, and other handcrafted details that Gibson offers. Company meetings, fundraiser events, and holiday parties will all feel at home in this venue created by an award-winning design firm.
10. The Westin St. Francis
Source:Â The Westin
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 2,000
The St. Francis Suite at The Westin Hotel in Union Square is the ideal venue for corporate meetings. Boasting over 32 meeting rooms and a max capacity of 2,000 people. This versatile venue can be utilized for many different types of business events.
11. Eddie RickenBacker’s
Source: Eddie Rickenbacker’s
Location:Â Financial District
Capacity:Â 150
This upscale bar and restaurant was named after legendary WW1 pilot, Eddie Rickenbacker. It serves great food and drinks and can accommodate a wide range of events, from corporate holiday bashes to retirement parties. Event planners will also be happy to know that the venue is handicap accessible and has WiFi.
12. The San Francisco Zoo
Source: San Francisco Zoo
Location:Â San Francisco, CA
Capacity:Â 3,000
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 kind of gathering. Intimate business lunch? Book the Lemur Room. Company-wide, employee appreciation picnic? The Playfield Lawn is the spot for you. And all zoo profits (including the money your pay to rent their venues) goes to help support the zoo’s many conservation projects. Host a great event and support a worthy cause at the same time.Â
13. Terra Gallery & Events
Source:Â Terra Gallery & Events
Location: Rincon Hill
Capacity: 725
With two floors of event space, the Terra Gallery & Events venue can customize their open-layout space—contemporary art gallery and outdoor patio included—to fit your event needs. Previously hosted events have included everything from trade shows and fundraisers to weddings and galas. Plus, this venue is just minutes away from some of San Francisco’s top hotels and restaurants.
14. Fairmont San Francisco
Source: Fairmont San Francisco
Location:Â Nob Hill
Capacity:Â 3,000
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. GSVlabs
Source:Â GSVlabs
Location: San Mateo
Capacity: 1,500+
If your events are centered around innovation, GSVlabs is the venue for you. This 60,000 square-foot event space has room for any size get together and multiple conference rooms to suit your needs. Not to mention a great atmosphere and a sand volleyball court.
16. Foreign Cinema
Source: Foreign Cinema
Location:Â Mission District
Capacity:Â 350
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: SFÂ Travel
Location:Â SoMa
Capacity:Â 75
As the former location of the William Hearst Printing Plant, The Box SF has a long, rich history. But it also has every modern convenience your event needs having been completely remodeled in 2018. If you book your next meeting or party here, you’ll get access to an on-site venue manager, pull down projector screen, free WiFi, full bar and catering options, and a freight elevator for easy loading and unloading.
18. Conservatory of Flowers
Source: Conservatory of Flowers
Location:Â Golden Gate Park
Capacity:Â 300
2019 marks the 140th year of the Conservatory of Flowers, but it isn’t slowing down. From corporate meetings to cocktail parties to wedding receptions, this unique location is ready to host. Each of the five event spaces features beautiful plants and flowers from all over the world. And all rentals include reserved parking, tables and chairs, a portable sound system, and security.
19. Magnolia Brewing – Dogpatch
Source: TripAdvisor
Location:Â Dogpatch
Capacity:Â 250
Magnolia Brewing offers a “groovified” event space for rent. Whether you want a fun place to kick back with a few colleagues after completing a big project, or want to host a more formal gathering for your entire company, Magnolia can accommodate. They’ve been a part of the San Francisco craft beer scene for 20 years and the drinks and food are on point. Free WiFi is also available so your event runs smoothly.
20. The Palace Hotel
Source:Â The Palace Hotel
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 1,000
The Palace Hotel represents classic elegance. And with 53,000 square feet of meeting space, it can accommodate any size party. This is a top-rated hotel, with hospitality that lives up to its reputation. Plus, guests will love the proximity to San Francisco musts, like Union Square, Chinatown, and the Embarcadero Ferry Building.
21. Mission Bay Conference Center at UCSF
Source:Â Mission Bay Conference Center
Location: Mission Bay
Capacity: 600
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:Â North Beach
Capacity: 300
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. Gaspar Brasserie
Source: Yelp
Location: Financial District
Capacity:Â 130
This delightful French restaurant is inspired by mid-20th century Paris. The ornate interior will make your guest feel like they’ve been transported to the city of love without ever stepping foot outside of California. This venue is split into two levels, connected by an elegant staircase. The bottom features high ceilings and an open atmosphere. The top is more private an intimate. Both would make for a great location for your next event.
24. 111 Minna Gallery
Source:Â 111 Minna Gallery
Location: Financial District
Capacity: 500
This venue can be described as rustic chic, complete with exposed piping and floor to ceiling windows. Often labeled an urban industrial warehouse, 111 Minna Gallery will add a distinct mood to any event.
25. Moscone West
Source:Â Moscone West
Location: SoMa
Capacity: 60,000
Moscone West is an event planners dream! Complete with Wi-Fi, event registration technology, and onsite event management, this event space is a one-stop shop for event professionals. It also happens to be the largest convention space in San Francisco.
26. Broadway Studios
Source:Â Broadway Studios
Location: Financial District
Capacity: 700
This historical hot spot is a versatile San Francisco venue that can create the perfect atmosphere for all kinds of events. The organizers behind Broadway Studios are veterans in the event space, providing balconies, grand ballrooms, and the like to fulfill all your venue design needs.
27. RocketSpace
Source:Â RocketSpace
Location: Financial District
Capacity: 100
RocketSpace is a co-working and event space and a prime spot for your next business or personal gathering. With 6,000 square feet of room and a killer vibe, hosting your event here is a no-brainer.
28. Runway
Source:Â Runway
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 200+
Runway is the perfect location for a startup to host an after work event. There is plenty of communal space—30,000 square feet of it, to be exact—and the venue’s attention to detail to will inspire creativity and networking opportunities.
29. Hotel Whitcomb
Source: Expedia
Location: Mid-Market
Capacity: 600
Hotel Whitcomb is known for its high cathedral ceilings and early 19th century architecture, which make it a favorite amongst travelers and event attendees alike. Choose from one of eleven different rooms for your next conference or seminar. Each is equipped with AV equipment, high-speed internet, and a complete sound system. Catering options are also available making this venue a one stop shop for all your meet up needs.
30. Aquarium of the Bay
Source: Wikipedia
Location: Pier 39
Capacity: 600
Host an unforgettable event at the Aquarium of the Bay. Situated on Pier 39, this venue allows guests to get up close and personal with over 20,000 aquatic animals. It also offers 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels and great views of the San Francisco skyline. Whether you’re hosting a team-building event, a board meetings, or something else entirely, the Aquarium of the Bay should be on your list for potential venues.
31. Merchants Exchange
Source: Julia Morgan Ballroom
Location: Financial District
Capacity: 220-1,000
The Merchants Exchange building includes two event venues: the Julia Morgan Ballroom and the Merchants Exchange Club. From presidential speeches to product launches, these venues offer the polish and flexibility to create your next standout event.
The Julia Morgan Ballroom, named after the prolific American architect, has hosted former 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.
Walk to the lower level and you’ll find the Merchants Exchange Club. The 6,500 square foot venue hosts corporate and non-profit clients alike with flexible room configurations, breakout spaces, and the Moya del Pino Bar and Lounge featuring three of the artist’s murals.
The Right San Francisco Venue for Your Event
There are SO many great event venues in San Francisco, but the 31 listed above are the best of the best. An event hosted at any of them stands a great chance of being successful.
You may also be interested in our other venue listings:
Editors Note: This post was originally published July 14, 205 and has since been updated.
