By Dianna Candido
Unique Bay Area event venues that will give you a one-of-a-kind experience
No, you’re not crazy. There really are (seemingly) a million venue options for anyone planning an event in the Bay Area. But having too many options can be just as overwhelming as having too few.
How do you weed out the average options versus the ones you should consider more carefully? How do you find out which venues have exceptional (or even perfect) event space, a space perfectly suited to your type of event, and a team willing to go above and beyond?
If you’re feeling the pressure to nail down an event venue that checks all the boxes — we get it!
Don’t worry. That’s kind of why we’re here.
We went on the hunt for venues in the Bay Area that not only check all those boxes you have (or your client has), but also the venues with that extra something that leaves you with the sense of “meant to be.”
Noteworthy Event Venues: Hidden Gems in the Bay Area
These venues wowed us with event spaces that had us trying to think up events just to book the venue.
They’re also venues we’ve gotten to know really well.
Being an event rental company, we get unique insight into both event spaces and how companies are run, their teams, and their customer service. And sometimes, we get a bit more insight from behind the scenes chats.
Below are event venues that stuck out to us so much we spoke with one of their team members to gain even more insight. We can’t wait to share what we found out! (And we’re only a little jealous you’re the one actually planning an event.)
First up, Fort Mason Center.
Style: historic, modern, industrial, waterfront
Capacity: 50-10,000+
Perfect for: Exhibitions, galas, performances, lectures, weddings, festivals, conferences
Photo: Fort Mason Center
Why it’s a hidden gem:
Talk about checking all the boxes. Fort Mason Center combines waterfront charm with both indoor industrial-style spaces and outdoor event areas for creative gatherings.
Want a blank canvas? You’ve got it — but let’s include some stellar views while we’re at it. Whether you’re combing through venues for an indoor or outdoor space, Fort Mason Center has you covered with event spaces that boast opportunities for anyone who wants to get more creative with their event.
In a recent chat with one of their team members, Amanda Matthews (Director of Sales), we got the scoop on the difficulties people just like you go through when deciding between indoor or outdoor event spaces.
“Clients often face challenges when planning indoor events, such as limited space flexibility and lack of natural light. Many of our spaces offer large, open canvases perfect for your customization. Many of our venues feature outdoor patios that can be used for events. But if weather predictability is a concern, just move indoors and you can still take advantage of the sweeping views of the bay,” Amanda says.
Photo: Fort Mason Center
That sounds pretty sweet to us! No more stress regardless of indoor or outdoor? Say less.
But what happens when capacity is a big consideration? You don’t want a space that’s TOO big (walking a mile just to say hi to Joe from accounting does not sound fun) and you don’t want one too small (oh, were you wanting to actually drink that champagne instead of trying not to spill it because you’re rubbing shoulders and elbows with everyone?). Good news — according to Amanda, Fort Mason “really has something for everyone!”
And we mean everyone.
Photo: Fort Mason Center
Fort Mason Center has extra bragging rights because they’ve got event spaces for small, medium, and large events. Fort Mason Center, you’ve truly outdone yourself.
If this sounds like a good fit (and it should) now is the time to reach out to them to connect. (And once that’s done, take a second to celebrate because your next event just got a whole lot easier.)
Next on the list, a little something ultra.
Style: historical, charming, modern, chic
Capacity: 50-5,000
Perfect for: Weddings, corporate events, immersive haunted houses, intimate concerts, galas, and more
Photo: Non Plus Ultra
Why it’s a hidden gem:
If we had to choose a word to describe booking a venue with Non Plus Ultra… we couldn’t. There are just too many. Cop out? Maybe. But if you knew Non Plus Ultra like we do, you’d be saying the same thing.
These guys have it all…
Distinctive. Charming. Modern. Chic.
Really, Non Plus Ultra brings the “cool” factor into the industry. Their event spaces are only the best. Often historically or culturally significant, these eclectic places are perfect for creating the ultimate unique experience in the city.
Tim Kitchell, Senior Marketing Manager, talked to us a bit about their venues like The Brighton (Denver) that “make it perfect for when clients really want to go crazy with their events” as well as venues like The Mint (San Francisco), which “offers a magical setting from the get-go.”
Even though we know about their venues firsthand, it was pretty awesome to hear about the comparisons. They’ve truly got usable spaces up their sleeves.
Customizable spaces? Absolutely.
Versatile spaces? 100%.
Beautiful backdrops OR blank canvases? Of course.
Photo: Non Plus Ultra
We can hear the click of the pen as you check those boxes we mentioned, and we haven’t even told you the best news…
The biggest flex for Non Plus Ultra (in our opinion and possibly theirs) is their attitude: This is the place where “Yes” is always the answer.
Tim spilled the yes beans when he told us:
“I think our biggest differentiator (other than our incredible venues) is our ability to say yes. Most venues have fixed event packages that offer very little creative wiggle room or a litany of things a client is not allowed to do in their space. Not NPU.
We pride ourselves on going out of our way to make all of our clients’ event dreams a reality, no matter how outlandish.
Want fire dancers at your event? A trapeze hanging from the ceiling? Need to shut down the entire block for a block party? We can make it happen. In the rare instance where there is something we can’t make happen in our spaces, we’ll find a new space for you where we can. Our adaptive reuse model allows us to activate otherwise dormant spaces and transform them into incredible event venues unlike anything else on the market.”
Wait… You’re going to legitimately find a space to make your client’s dream event happen? Talk about customer service.
This is the sort of thing that Unica means when we say “above and beyond.” Getting little appreciation bags for being a client is all well and good (and appreciated!), but finding a company that will literally pull a dream event space out of the hundreds the Bay Area has to offer — that right there is dang near priceless.
Photo: Non Plus Ultra
At Unica, we can confidently say that Non-Plus Ultra has some of the best client care around. Want more evidence? We’ve got it for you.
“The biggest challenges that our clients tend to face, whether indoor or outdoor, usually fall into the tedious realm of permitting. Thankfully, this is one of NPU’s specialties.
We are always happy to take that burden off of our clients’ shoulders when possible so that they can remain focused on the creative aspects of making their events the best that they can be, instead of bogged down in permit purgatory,” says Tim.
We don’t know about you, but permit purgatory sounds awful, and we will 100% take a pass on that, thanks.
Non-Plus Ultra, you’ve got us drooling over your event spaces. And we’re not the only ones. Tim assured us that when clients see the event spaces, it leaves an impression…
“It’s almost impossible for any words that I can say here to really do our spaces justice. These are venues that you truly have to see for yourself in order to appreciate just how special they are. One of the best parts of our jobs is touring potential clients through the buildings and watching their reactions as they turn each corner. It really never gets old.”
So the event spaces are clearly making their mark. But we’re pretty sure (and we’re pretty sure you’ll think so, too) there’s more going on here.
“While our venues are indeed incredible and speak for themselves, I think it’s the NPU Team itself that truly makes us special,” Tim told us. “You will not find another group of individuals as dedicated to their craft, as knowledgeable in the industry, and as hard working as our tight-knit group. They are the ones busting their backs behind the scenes to make hosting an event in one of our spaces as painless and memorable as humanly possible for all of our amazing clients. It is them who have event planners wanting to work with us again and again.”
When you’re planning an event, it’s things like an incredible team behind you that make the biggest difference.
If all this sounds like a win and a half, reach out to them asap. You definitely want to get on their books.
Honorable Mentions
While we aren’t deep diving into these hidden gems, we still consider them high on the list of exceptional venues in the Bay Area. These venues provide unbeatable locations and an experience that truly stands out.
Timeless elegance, rooftop views, and versatile indoor spaces for weddings or galas.
Style: Luxurious, charming, chic, historic, elegant
Capacity: 10-550
Perfect for: Corporate events, conferences, weddings, social events
Intimate garden venue with historic house and grounds making it the perfect picturesque setting for weddings and private events.
Style: Charming, unique, garden setting, serene, intimate, historic
Capacity: Up to 50
Perfect for: Weddings, social events
Photographer: Bhavana Dut
Caterer: B&B Catering
A serene garden estate with outdoor beauty and refined indoor spaces ideal for daytime weddings or upscale receptions.
Style: Beautiful, outdoors, garden, surrounded by nature, vibrant, unique
Capacity: 24-1000+
Perfect for: Corporate mixers, social gatherings, weddings
These venues bring together exceptional venues with one-of-a-kind service from outstanding teams.
What’s next? Choose the best venue for your event.
It’s time to make a choice. Now that you have some hidden gems to work with, we hope it will be easier for you to decide what’s best for your event.
You may not have thought about this yet, but one of the perks of working with venues like the ones above is that they have the connections to support you as you pull together your next event. Often, they have recommendations, preferred vendors, or even partnerships with fellow vendors like Unica that make planning and executing your event easier.
Want a smooth, unforgettable experience? These are the types of venues that will give you just that.
If you’re in the planning stage, now is the time to reach out to the venues that have captured your attention. Not sure where to turn? This Bay Area Venue Planning Guide includes venue features, tips for selecting the right space, and questions to ask during tours so your decision-making will be simpler and smoother.