With a Mediterranean climate and very mild temperatures year-round, and home to iconic landmarks like the Sather Tower, the California Memorial Stadium, and the highest-ranked public university in the world—UC Berkeley—it's hard to find a better place for a party.
Whether you're looking for colorful bars with a tropical vibe, stylish cafes in Downtown Berkeley, or large industrial spaces for a concert, Giggster has the perfect place for you. From the stunning Berkeley Marina to the rolling hills in the Berkeley Hills neighborhood, you're guaranteed to find the perfect venue for your party with Giggster.
From the Giggster website, you can browse our complete list of venues. Alternatively, you can download the Giggster app, now available on mobile devices. Sort all the options by price, amenities available, or type of venue, and zero in on your top choice in minutes.
Start planning your party with Giggster!
Berkeley Party Venues Curated by Giggster
With so many options in Berkeley, you're all but guaranteed to find the perfect space for your party. Make planning your party a breeze with Giggster!
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Looking for a rustic, stylish space with an exclusive feel? Book an outdoor cafe in Downtown Berkeley.
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Book a huge event venue with more than 6,700 sq ft of space on the iconic Shattuck Avenue. It's the perfect place for a wedding, show, or concert!
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If you want to add some color to your party, consider a bohemian Venezuelan-Mexican bar in North Berkeley. Ask about their iconic bus and get everybody to the party!
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Plan your party on a blank canvas. Book a simple, multipurpose space with professional sound systems and a beautiful skylight, and customize it. Give it your personal touch and make it memorable!
Transform Your Party in Berkeley Starting at Just $45/hour
Exceptional Variety & Quality: From cozy and exclusive outdoor cafes and inviting Latin bars with colorful exteriors to huge industrial-style spaces, Giggster has the best spaces for your party. Browse Giggster's list of 45 stunning locations!
Hassle-Free Booking: Booking a venue for your event has never been easier. Download the Giggster app on your mobile device and start browsing right away. Set filters to match your budget or find the amenities you need. Book a venue with Giggster starting at just $45/hour!
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: At Giggster, we understand that sometimes you need to cancel your event. With our free cancellation policy, you can now get a full refund on your booking. To qualify, you have to cancel within 24 hours of confirming your booking and your booking must have been made at least 48 hours before the actual date of the event.
Platform Protections: Opt in for Giggster's optional insurance package when booking and enjoy your party with peace of mind! Now available on venues like Heavenly Retreat: Stunning home, gardens, art barn.
Things to Consider for Your Party in Berkeley
Are you planning a party in Berkeley? Before committing to a venue, here are some of the pros and cons of choosing this beautiful city as your party destination.
Advantages
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Berkeley is one of the few cities in the US where you can experience all four seasons. With a Mediterranean climate and a few extreme temperatures, it's an excellent option even during winter.
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With a comprehensive public transport system, bicycle support, and high walkability, Berkeley is easily among the most accessible cities in the US. Neither you nor your attendees will have any trouble getting around, even without a car.
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You'll never run out of things to do in Berkeley. From the Berkely Marina, with plenty of water activities like kayaking and windsurfing, to iconic landmarks like the Sather Tower and the Lawrence Hall of Science, the attractions are varied and plenty.
Disadvantages
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While not California's most expensive city, Berkeley is still considerably more expensive than the national average. Plan your party for the off-season or book a space well in advance to get the best deals.
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Berkeley is especially vulnerable to earthquakes. A study in 2021 showed that, on average, locals experience an earthquake every 2-3 weeks. No need to panic, but make sure you have a plan in place and that your attendees are aware.
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If you expect a vibrant nightlife similar to that of other major cities like Miami or New York, you'll be disappointed. Nightlife in Berkeley's bustling arts district, while present, is still very subdued.
Choosing the Right Type of Location for a Party in Berkeley
You've set your budget and decided on a theme, so it's finally time to start looking at venues. But what venues will elevate your private party? Browse Giggster's list of 45 curated venues and find the perfect space that fits your budget!
Event Space – Industrial-Style. If you want to make your private event stand out, book a centrally located 6,700 sq ft industrial space on Shattuck Ave. Perfect for a wedding, conference, or show, it is complete with a fully equipped kitchen and professional sound systems. Host your show in the large auditorium, and take advantage of the LED custom stage lighting and live streaming equipment!
Rustic Cafes – Outdoors. Are you looking for a different experience? Book a restaurant venue or a rustic outdoor cafe in the middle of Downtown Berkeley, complete with a comprehensive indoor catering menu, a beautiful pergola for shade, and a fenced-off exterior for added exclusivity. Host the perfect party or photo shoot in this rustic space.
Latin Bars – Bohemian and Colorful. Looking for a colorful, Venezuelan–Mexican bohemian bar in North Berkeley? Book a bar with floor-to-ceiling windows and beautiful colorful decorations. Bars often come with professional sound systems and a DJ booth to get you and your friends hyped!
Multipurpose Spaces – Blank Canvas. Book a fuss-free, simple venue perfect for your birthday, rehearsal, baby shower, or bachelorette party. With professional sound and light systems, a dance floor, and a beautiful skylight, this blank canvas of a space can be customized further to your liking.
Planning Your Party in Berkeley
If planning a corporate party is stressful, planning your first party for your closest friends is just slightly less so. Make it manageable by breaking it into steps! Here's how to get started.
Set the Budget – Decide how much you can spend on your party. You need to account first for things like the entertainment, the refreshments, and the decorations. Especially in Berkeley, a fairly expensive city, a good budget will save you a lot of headaches down the line.
Choose the Venue – Choose a venue that resonates with your vision and turn it into the perfect playground. Make sure the venue matches the theme of your party. Browse Giggster's list of options to find the perfect fit!
Hire a Caterer – Take care of refreshments by hiring a caterer or check if the venue offers indoor catering. Are you going for a full menu or just a few canapes? Don't forget about your attendees' dietary restrictions!
Set up your Party Space – Make sure sound systems, lighting rigs, and bathrooms are working as they should. Finally, decorate to impress; in no time, you'll be planning your next event. Make your party the year's highlight!
How to Save Money on Your Party in Berkeley
As with most California cities, Berkeley is very expensive. The average cost of living in Berkeley is well over 50% higher than the average in the US, and it shows in the prices of venues. Here's how to save money on your party.
When should you book a venue?
When it comes to prices, the best time of the year to book a venue in Berkeley is during the winter, between November and February. If you don't have that much flexibility for the date, you can always move the day from a weekend to a weekday and still save a considerable amount.
Consider a more limited menu.
You won't need to break your budget on dozens of dishes and menu options. Consider a more limited menu that still covers your attendees' dietary requirements. The same applies to drinks; instead of an open bar, you can choose a few select drinks and cocktails that match the theme.
Are you getting the most out of your space?
Before deciding on a venue, make sure it fits your budget and offers everything you need. If you're looking for a simple private dining room in the San Francisco Bay area or East Bay, there's no need to look for an indoor mini golf bar as well. If a venue offers many amenities that you won't realistically use, you may end up overpaying for them.
Berkeley Parties with Giggster
With Giggster, you can find the most striking venues in Berkeley, from rustic outdoor spaces and bohemian bars to multipurpose spaces perfect for a birthday party, show rehearsal, or baby shower. Download the Giggster app and find the venue of your dreams!
