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Bar that will let you reserve a space for party?
April 2012
Can anybody recommend a bar in Berkeley or Oakland that will
let you reserve a large table or a section of the bar for a
birthday party? It'll be for about 20 adults. Thanks! Anon
Pizza Rustica on College Avenue let's people rent out the
upstairs of their place for parties. great food and drinks
and fun atmosphere. anon
Party space or restaurant for 30 guests
Nov 2010
My sister and her new husband will be in Berkeley in January
for a celebration of their marriage. They were recently
married outside the area. I would like to have a party for
them with approximately 30 guests. Does anyone have a
recommendation for an affordable space to rent (with a
kitchen to use for food we will bring) or perhaps a nice
room in a restaurant for the party? We would like something
comfortable that allows for mingling and conversation as
well as eating and drinking. Sometimes small rooms at
restaurants make it difficult to talk to anyone other than
those sitting next to you. East Bay preferred but SF
possible. Thank you! Party Planner
I recommend the Unitarian Universalist Church. They have a
room called the Fireside Room that would be great for your
size of a gathering. There is a full service kitchen and
plenty of parking. This is the one in Kensington-
www.uucb.org. I'm a member there and have seen many a groups
rent out the space. There's always the retreat house in
gorgeous Sonoma County, too. It's called Freestone.
Monica
Looking to rent a place for a craft party
March 2010
Hi-We are looking for a place to have a Baby blessing
ceremony that involves having all participants decorate
small flags. We are looking for a place, preferably in the
East Bay, that has tables for children and adults to do
painting and decorating with beads, sequins etc, so could be
a little messy.
Ideally, this place would be regularly used for crafts and
could provide some of the supplies such as paint and glue-
if not, we can bring it.
Anyone know of such a place we can rent for a few hours on a
weekend? Thanks in advance for your help. Andrew
We love MOCHA which is the Museum of Children's Art. We've
hosted 2 or 3 bday parties there, and attended a couple of
other children's parties. They have great collage materials,
and the teaching artists help tailor the project to your
interests. You'd have to call them about the particular
configuration of people, but I've definitely attended parent
child workshop times there. loves to play with art
supplies
Try MOCHA (Museum of Children's Art) in downtown Oakland. I
have been to children's birthday parties there. It may be
just what you are looking for. Lots of workspace. Lots and
lots of supplies. Sounds like a great idea for a baby
blessing. Have fun.
MOCHA, the Museum of Children's Art, in Oakland, does party
rentals. http://mocha.org/
Carrie
Hi,
Check out Glitter and Razz (www.glitterandrazz.com) it
sounds like just the place you are looking for, and they
will even provide as much or as little help as you want.
Good luck.
claire
Family get-together for 50-60 people
March 2008
My extended family gets together in SF every year for brunch/lunch on
the Sunday before Christmas. We're looking for a new location this
year that meets the following criteria: (1) has a room big enough
for 50-60, ideally with some room for kids to run around, (2) has
decent food, and (3) is moderately priced. Family members are pretty
much all over the Bay Area, so someplace outside SF would work, too.
All suggestions appreciated (even if we're too late to reserve for
this year). Thanks!
Kathy
I would suggest Temescal Beach House (through East Bay Regional Park District)
in Oakland (by hwy 24/tunnel) for this get together. It is a great location
with a room that kids can play in, a fireplace, a view of Lake Temescal . Very
cozy.
August 2008
My siblings and I are looking to put on a 50th anniversary party for our
parents and are seeking recommendations for good restaurants, party
locations and/or caterers in the Berkeley area. Our initial idea is a
50's themed party. Should be about 50-100 guests. Any ideas welcomed!
We had my husband's 40th birthday party at Bette's Oceanview
Diner in Berkeley - since they are closed at night, you can
book the entire place (we did a Saturday night) and their
choices of menus were really outstanding. I know there was one
that was typical ''malt shop'', and you also get free use of
their excellent jukebox, which Bette will stock with
era-appropriate music if you ask. We had 50 people for
sit-down but could have had more if we used the counter seats
and/or had more of a standing/mingling theme. The price was
very good, too, and we still have friends comment on it years
later.
Sue
Good places 4 a party (art gallery, coffee house)?
March 2007
Hi, plan to host a party as a celebration of my new business
for 50-75 clients. I would like it to be within a few blocks
of BART in Berkeley or Oakland on a weeknight. I'm looking for
a good, hip, fun, space that I could rent, like an art gallery,
a coffee house, or a small room in a restuarant. I could have
it catered or use the food that's provided. Thanks in advance
for your recommendations.
I have a recommendation for the person seeking an art gallery or coffee house for
business launch party. The Linen Life Park Avenue is an ''art gallery'' near Pixar
Studio in Emeryville that is a ''great'' space for a party. Some access to Bart, but
parking is not a problem. Ask for Darrell Robinson and tell him Gregg Brown referred
you. It is really a classy hip place and your guest will be extremely impressed with
your choice. You can cater yourself or have them arrange. Gregg
Feb 2007
I'm looking for a place I can rent for a private Saturday night
dance party for a 45 year old birthday celebration. Many of the
older posted venues no longer exist, so I am hoping for some new
ideas! Ideally a place where we can play our own music with a
dance floor and bring our own food and drinks- A place like
Ashkenaz would be ideal.
party mama
I DJ for a lot of different family-friendly gatherings and have found that there are nice
multi-purpose rooms for rent by local churches, temples, and other religious centers, as well
as senior centers. I suggest that you choose a neighborhood or part of town that best suits
you and your guests, and then look at the spaces in that area. They often include access to a
kitchen, which is nice when you're having a private party. Flooring is a major factor to
consider for a dance party. Some dance studios are available for rent, but may not allow
shoes. Don't forget about parking, too. Feel free to contact me if you'd like to brainstorm
about specific venues. Good luck! - DJ Sandina sandina10@earthlink.net
Try the Hillside Club, on Cedar St. in Berkeley.
http://www.hillsideclub.org/rds.
R.K.
I had my 50th birthday party at the Boat House on Lake Merritt.
It was fabulous! You bring your own music (we used a DJ) and food. You can find out price
and availability from the Oakland Dept of Parks and Rec. It was very affordable and the
location couldn't be better. They have a great kitchen there with many kitchen supplies. The
dancing space is perfect. Best of luck!
Barbara Lee
Check out the Oakland Parks Dept.
Sequoia Lodge is a great party/dance place.
They have a ''sunken'' sitting area with a big fireplace.
There are 2 other places within the Oakland Parks Dept...I can't remember the names...one
starts with ''L'' ....they all have great dance floors and kitchens and parking.
Good luck,
anon
Seeking Hall Rental - New Year's Eve Party for 100
Dec 2006
Hi,
I am seeking an affordable hall rental to throw a party for NYE
for about 100 people or less, All ages. Something in or Near
Berkeley ideally. Someplace Not dumpy and not expensive-
something in between in decent neighborhood, ideally with
parking, close to BART, and HWYs.
Could be a church, community center, dance center, etc.
There will be NO alcohol. Thanks.
David
A couple of possibilities that spring into mind in North
Berkeley are the Hillside Club on Cedar St and the auditorium at
the Jewish Community Center on Walnut St, but it's hard to make
recommendations without knowing your definitions of ''affordable''
or ''dumpy.'' Good luck!
Oct 2006
I am looking for a location to host a Halloween Party that is
reasonably priced or free to non-profit organizations. The age
range is infant - 5 years old approx.
Stumped .....
Kids 'N Dance in Oakland and Lafayette rents their space. Not too expensive.
KM
You can rent out the fieldhouse in Point Richmond for parties. It is a large building full
of toys, things to ride on or climb, and has a large grassy playground surrounded by a
fence. There is a kitchen, bathrooms, kid sized table and chairs etc. It is run by PRAM
(see www.PRAM.net) and is inexpensive. The cost to rent the fieldhouse is only $50 for
a 4 hour time slot or $75 for the whole day.
June 2003
We want to have a karaoke party this summer. We expect to have
about 40 people, both kids (mostly ages 7 and up) and adults,
and want either (1) a restaurant with decent food, a large
enough private room, and (of course) a karaoke machine; or (2)
someone who can do the karaoke setup at our house or at a
restaurant that has an appropriate room. Any thoughts?
Madonna Wannabe
Try Sentosa Cafe and Restaurant, in Richmond/El Cerrito, off the
Central Avenue exit (towards Ranch 99). It's a great
Malaysian/Singapore/Thai restaurant with a back room that is
perfect for large parties and karaoke gatherings. The food is
delicious!
Sentosa Cafe: 3150 Pierce St., Richmond: 510-559-9388
Cafe Eclectica is a great space for a karaoke party! It holds
up to 73 people; there is a karaoke machine as well as a kitchen
with refrig. and freezer if you want to bring in your own food.
Cafe rentals are $40 per hour with a 3 hour minimum. For
further information contact cbell AT communitylearningservices.org.
Feb 2004
I'm looking for an in-door rental facility in the East Bay for
my husbands 50th Birthday party. The facility will need to
accommodate a band, dancing, and 100+ guests. We're on a budget
so I'd like to keep the cost of that hall down to about $600.
I've looked at the existing recommendations on the website, but
still need additional suggestions
My husband & I got married at the Sequoia Lodge in the
Oakland hills. It's run by Oakland Parks & Rec. It's a
beautiful lodge with full facilities;we had 80 guests, catering,
a DJ with dancing, and full seating with tables, and the room
could have held more. The price was reasonable at the
time, but I don't know what it is now. Give them a call for a
price and a look-see.
andrea
If you're interested in Berkeley, you might want to check out
facilities on and around campus. There are large meeting rooms
in the student union building and in some of the residential
facilities. Extension has a building in downtown Berkeley
(around the corner from the main library) with a large ballroom
with a beamed ceiling and a fireplace. I have no idea the cost
of these rooms. Good luck
anon
I have rented the City of Albany's Community Room. Its large
enough for your party, resonable rates, and they do the
table/chair set up for you. The Coordinator I worked with was
Jess and his number is 510-559-7217.
Chelle
You might try the Sons of Norway Hall on MacArthur about a block
south of Fruitvalle. I think they can accomodate about 100 and
they are very reasonable. Parking is tight, but you can probably
use the Safeway lot next door. A number of AC Transit lines run
near by so your guests can easily use the bus or come up from
BART. Have fun!
David
Try the Joaquin Miller Community Center.
http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/facilities/rental_joaquinmiller.asp
The City of Oakland also has other sites available to rent.
Merrilee
I know a great place for your party - Lake Merritt United
Methodist Church in Oakland. I am the facilities manager for
the church and handle all the rentals. Our social hall easily
acommodates 100 folks, a band, and dancing. The view of Lake
Merritt is wonderful, too. Please give me a call at 510-465-
4793 and we can discuss details.
By the way, we also rent out our sanctuary for weddings and
holy unions. We have meeting space as well. so if anyone is
looking for an East Bay location for their event, please give
me a call! You can check our website at www.lakemerrittumc.com
for pictures.
B Avalon
March 2002
Can anyone give personal recommendations on where to
host a large party (for 200, evening buffet) in the
East Bay? I'm interested in details like quality of
food, on site or brought-in catering, parking, costs,
etc. Thanks in advance.
Helene
I would definitley recommend the Rockefeller Lodge in
San Pablo, CA. I had my wedding there and it was
beautiful. The lodge is surrounded by gardens and
fountains and they have a beautiful indoor area with
a bar. They offer a buffet dinner and or appetizers.
They are in the phone book and they have really
reasonable prices. Try it you will love it.
Alex
You could try the Faculty Club at UCB. It's
beautiful and they can cater a buffet or a sit down
dinner and they provide everything. We had our
wedding there and it was great.
Katherine
Check out the book ''Here Comes the Guide.'' It is
geared towards weddings, but it is very handy. FYI -
people have to pay to be included, so it is not
objective nor inclusive. You can probably find it in
your library.
Helena
I am the new facilities administrator at Lake Merritt
United Methodist Church on Lakeshore Avenue in Oakland.
I can recommend our Stark Room for a large party of up
to 200 or so guests. We do not offer catering, but an
awesome kitchen is available for caterers to use.
Parking is on the street. While this seems to be a
potential problem, we have had many large events and
people have seemed to find a place to park. Rates vary
according to group size and facilities needed. We also
have a spectacular sanctuary for weddings. Please check
out our website at lakemerrittumc.com.
I would love to help you out!
B Avalon
MOCHA (Museum of Children's Art) is a creative place
for a buffet-style party. It is a fun setting, not
fancy, but your party could range from informal to
formal. The gallery space is really nice. Outside is
a courtyard for guests to take a breather. This is at
538 Ninth St in ''Old Oakland.'' You would have to
arrange for the catering (La Cheval and the brewery
are each within a block, as is a nice deli.) You can
also hire MOCHA artists to have an art activity for
guests. 200 would probably be the max you'd want to
have. Call MOCHA at 465-8770 to inquire about costs,
capacity etc.
Lissa
I did not see the specific question about a Big Party
location so I do not know if you are only interested
in the East Bay but I recommend that you check out
Pacific Bell Park for party rentals. I work here at
the Ballpark and we have lots of options to choose from.
If you are interested, please contact Giants Enterprises
at 415-972-1800.
emurphy
Place in Contra Costa for a playgroup
Dec 2005
Hello Everyone!
I am a mommy in a Playgroup that has been meeting at the park
and rainy days we don't meet at all. What we are looking for is
a place that we can hold our Playgroup during the cold and rainy
winter months. We are looking for possibly a church that has a
daycare on Sundays but, during the week the room is empty. We
have to have a facility that is FREE of charge. We are
inclusive of everyone and not all pocketbooks can ''chip in'' for
rental fees. If you know of absolutely anyplace in the West
Contra Costa Area that we can use please send all suggestions my
way. We would like to start in the New Year as we have many
families away for the Holidays and we won't be meeting during
December.
Thanks In Advance!
Try the Hilltop Mall in Richmond. They have a play
space and you don't have to spend anything to go in.
Plus - they have a family bathroom which is just great.
Lori
Hi! PRAM (Parents, Resources and More) is a non-profit group
that serves families with young children in West Contra Costa
(although anyone can join PRAM or use their facilities). They
have a great indoor (and outdoor) facility which is open nearly
everyday for free. It's pretty much like a preschool classroom
with lots of great toys, little cars, trains, dress-up clothes,
books, puzzles, etc. Many playgroups meet there and share their
time with other families as well. It is also available for free
to their playgroups, so if you wanted your own private time, you
could do that. So, you might consider having everyone who is a
member of your playgroup join PRAM (which is free if you can't
afford to pay, otherwise, they do cost $48/year for their
membership). Once you are a recognized PRAM member, you get a
monthly newsletter (which is really informative), you will have
social events coordinated for you, there are monthly family
outings, monthly mom's night out, free and low cost art,
spanish, music and movement classes, etc. They really are a
great organization and they'll all volunteers and survive on
donations and grant writing. Your group could remain a set
playgroup and you could accept new members or not (PRAM has a
playgroup coordinator who helps new members connect with others
in playgroups, but if you'll all set, you're good to go). Once
you are a PRAM playgroup, all that is required from your group
is to occasionally (like once every 6-12 months) provide snacks
at an event or provide some volunteer help for an event.
The FieldHouse is located in Point Richmond at 110 E. Richmond
Ave. and you can get some information online at www.pram.net
Diane
Try the basement room of the Temescal Library near the conrer of
52nd and Tellegraph. There is a SMALL fee for rental and it's
definately usable as a play space. You'd have to bring your own
toys but there is a ramp good for hours of toddler fun. There's
also an old paino which s fun.
JM
Feb 2005
Rental Space for a Playgroup
I am looking for recommendations for a space that is appropriate
for a playgroup meeting and can be rented (free would be okay
too!). I belong to a cooperative playgroup/share care situation
that currently takes place at members' homes on a rotating
basis. As we consider expanding the number of families involved
and increasing the number of days, we want to explore the
possibility of renting a space where the playgroups could
consistently take place. The ideal space would have toys and
room for 5-8 kids to run around -- perhaps even outdoor space,
be available in the mornings, be available for our exlusive use
for a couple of hours, and not be too expensive. Something like
Wee Play on Solano would be perfect! But, I'm interested in
hearing about anything that even approximates the ideal.
Thanks!
I think approaching a church is a good bet as a church doesn't
require a licence for this. My understanding is a licence is
needed for most such arrangements (which become a preschool)
unless it is the parents' homes. If all the parents always
stay with their kids I don't think you need a license, but
otherwise you might. You might check
this at the Childcare licencing office in your area. (In Oakland
it is called Community Licensing - number available through
Bananas).
best wishes
Nov. 2002
Does anyone know of an outfit/business that banks walls for
parties--particularly, we are looking for someone that can
semi-camouflage that a semi-formal event is taking place in a
gymnasium.
Not Martha Stewart
I would recommed you start by going to Stumps (they have a web
site and a catelog). You can buy the supplies from them and
probably do it yourself. They mostly cater to the prom business
and I'm sure you could find something that would work. And you
could do yourself. Without knowing more about the event, I
can't recommend something specific.
Start here: http://www.stumpsprom.com/
Sept. 2003
I'm looking for a place to have my 30th b-day party. The party
will have about 50 guests. I would prefer to bring my own food,
otherwise veggie friendly appetizers. I would also either like
a full cash bar or be able to bring in alcohol. I'll have a DJ,
so dance space is key, too.
I looked at the archived suggestions, but alas all were either
unavailable or too expensive. I've tried community centers &
churches, but most have a 10 PM curfew or only do weddings
(?!?!?!). I've also tried Cafe de la Paz & Pyramid Brewery.
Any leads you could offer would be great. Or if someone wants
to lend me their house :)
30 year old party animal
It may be too far for you, but I've had two birthday parties at
the Italian-American Hall in Alameda. It's a somewhat sparse
place, but there are plenty of tables & chairs, and a sufficient
area for dancing and a small DJ setup--as well as a small stage.
(I taught some line dances and it worked out just fine.) There is
also a big, working kitchen. I think there were 40-50 people each
time and it was maybe 1/2 filled. There was an extra charge for
having alcohol on the premises (insurance). I rented it through
Andy Pagano at Pagano's Hardware on Lincoln; Andy has since
passed away, but I'm sure if you called the store, they could
tell you whom you can rent it from. I seem to recall that it was
$150-200 for the whole night. Have fun!
Jennie
The Allegro Ballroom (Emeryville) - it has dancing space and is
very reasobable in cost.
Best of luck
There's a lovely small school (65 students) on Pinehurst,
basically in the canyon between Montclair and Moraga. The site
is spectacular, nestled amongst redwoods. The building itself
is new and quite lovely. I know the school, like all CA
schools, is hurting for money, and I wonder if they'd be
willing to let you use the facility for your party for a small
fee on a weekend. I think they also have a kitchen. I think
they've had bands play there on weekends for fundraisers,and
they have a community room that looks like it could accommdate
50 wild dancers quite nicely. Check out photos at:
http://www.canyon.k12.ca.us/school/photos.htm
There's contact info there, too. You could call and ask...
Jennifer
Hi,
I do not know what all has been mentioned, but I do know of 2
great places. One is the Black Box in Oakland on 19th and
Telegraph. Laura(ie) is the manager. There is a dance floor,
art gallery, couches, they have a bar, and if they are allowed
to sell thier liquor, or whatever, they give u a cheaper rate.
There is space for food, a loft that has space for more sitting
and eating. They close up at 2am. There's room for a DJ and it
is sooooo nice. I have thrown concerts and my mother's 50th b-
day party. There is plenty of parking, Bart is right around the
corner, bus stop right in front. Very nice and the people are
friendly.
Also, Ashkenaz on Gilman and San Pablo, Starry Plough on
Shattuck, La Pena on Shattuck off Ashby. All of these are in
Berkeley. Also, check the Berkeley Marina hotels. They can be
reasonable at times. That's all I have to offer as far as
suggestions. Hope they help.
Good Luck
Marissa
Have you considered the Berkeley Yacht Club? they have a full cash
bar along with a kitchen that you or your caterers could use, and room
for at least 100. And you don't have to be a sailing nut to book it. Other yacht clubs may have similar possibilities -- I'm not sure.
You can find information about them on line -- just do a google search.
Karen
You might try the Redwood Heights Rec Center. It's very
inexpensive, has a nice kitchen and a not completely beautiful,
but dress-upable space. I think it's ~75, with an additional cost
for a liquor license.
Phone number:
(510) 482-7827
Website;
http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/facilities/centers_redwood_heights.asp
RH Resident
Oct 2000
I am looking for a venue for an adult birthday party. I've looked at the UCB
Parents Web Site and saw the suggestions for restaurants, but I am looking
for a place where we would be able to have a band and catered food. We're
hoping to do this in either December or January and would prefer to do this
in Oakland or Berkeley, or at least somewhere in the near East Bay. Our
price range for the rental is about $500-900, more if there's an inclusive
price. Nothing too fancy, but nice and large enough for 50-75 people. Thanks
for your help.
Nicole
Oakland Zoo - the Snow Building. I attended a party there once and it was a
great location. They brought in a band and caterers and all worked well.
JaredJo
You might try Preservation Park in downtown Oakland. They have two or three
different sized halls that are very nice. I think they are listed in the
yellow pages
under the City of Oakland.
Olga
There are 3 places I know of to rent thru (I think) East Bay Parks and REc.
One is the Sequoia Lodge, one is Leona Lodge (that may not be the right name)
and there's one more. All 3 are in Oakland in nice places and have kitchens
dance space and parking. Sequoia Lodge is really nice with a big fireplace
and lots of redwood and woodsy. I've been to weddings and birthday parties at
all 3. They seem to be fairly available if you're not terribly choosey about
dates. Have fun, June
Note from Myriam:
Sequoia and Leona Lodge are actually a City of Oakland Property. See
information here:
http://www.oaklandnet.com/recreation/recreation.html
and here:
http://www.oaklandnet.com/recreation/recreation.html
Some ideas and places where I've been, although I don't know any prices at
all
* Sequoia Room in Montclair (frontage room on east side of Hwy 13 between
Park Blvd and Lincoln Ave). Very plain and somewhat secluded, but can
accommodate 50-70 well.
* Brazilian Room in Tilden Park - they may have other rooms as well. Nice
view over the lawn. Nice for wedding too.
* Claremont Hotel, but I don't know if it'll meet your price range.
* Could also try a local resort or golf club.
* Could possibly rent a room at Waterfront Plaza, but I wonder if they allow
bands ?? Would be nice to step out for a breath of fresh air on the marina.
* Does the San Leandro Marina restaurants rent rooms?
* There may be Oakland Park & Rec places to rent.
Good luck!
Tom
the Brazil Room in Tilden Park - size is right for your group. You can use
only one of about six caterers that they allow, but there's some variety.
REntal fees are cheaper for weekdays.
Mary
Recently we held a catered wedding reception, with dancing afterwards, in
the large social
hall at my church. The caterers told us this was a GREAT place (large
kitchen) and that
we should advertise it more. The room has a small stage where a band could
set up,
a fireplace, and tables and chairs for 100+ people. We are on Cutting just
one block
downhill from the Arlington. Mira Vista United Church of Christ. 7075
Cutting Boulevard,
El Cerrito 94530. Phone (510) 234-0110. Usually the large social hall
rents during the day
for $20 per hour, minimum 4 hours, with an additional $50 for the use of
the kitchen, so
the cost is very reasonable.
Bonnie
I do a lot of party planning for work (as such, also for friends!). A
great site I use all the time for party planning is the wedding site
www.herecomestheguide.com. It can help you find other venues if these
don't work for you. I use it all the time! December is going to be a
tough month as most places will be booked with holiday parties. I think
you'll have better luck for January!
Here are my suggestions:
1) Call East Bay Regional Parks - they have several beautiful sites
within the parks that might work including the Brazil Room, which is
fairly expensive. Others are more affordable.
2) Berkeley Yacht Club in the Berkeley Marina is around your price
range I think. Their number is 540-9167.
3) Leona Lodge from City of Oakland is very reasonable at around
$65/hour. It has a very woodsy feel with a huge fireplace and is off
Hwy. 13 in Oakland. The number is 238-3091.
4) Joaquin Miller is a bit more expensive but is very nice also! The
number for that is 482-7870.
Good luck!
-Allison
Place with a stage for a large party
November 2001
I want to throw a big (50 - 100 people) "congratulations" type party sometime
shortly following the holidays, preferably in January, and I am looking for
creative ideas to make it more fun than just drinking and chit-chatting in a
hall. I would like it to be a party where the guests participate in the fun. My
one idea is that I would like to do a show-plus-roast type thing, so I was
hoping to find a place with a stage or at least an area that could act as a
stage (but this idea could be shelved if it doesn't fit with a larger or better
activity/location). My first idea was the Albatross pub, which would have been
great. The space there is comfortable and homey, and people could have had fun
playing darts / pool / board games rather than just standing around. Problem is
they don't rent out the whole thing or even a large part. Something like that
would be perfect. I am open to kids-included or no-kids, day or evening, and
even outdoors if it comes with a suitable indoor option in case of rain.
Location ideas should be Berkeley or surrounding areas. I went to the UC
Parents website and to Here Comes the Guide.com, both of which have many good
location ideas, but primarily for "hall" type venues. Also - if someone has
experience coordinating a "roast" with skits / stories / songs, your wisdom
would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your ideas.
You might want to try a museum. At the Lawrence Hall of Science there are
numerous rooms/areas that you could use, including an auditorium for the
roast. I also recommend the Alumni House on campus. With the couches and
fireplaces, it feels like a big living room instead as opposed to a hall.
Good luck!
Helena
March 2002
I am looking for a venue of some kind (theater preferable)to
host a fundraiser. This fundraiser includes a night of
speakers and performances that should be great. We have
extreamly well known environmetalists speaking at this
event. We have them booked for the evening of Friday
June 7th. We were planning to use the Little theater
at Berkeley High School but there was a miscommunication
about that.....so now we have a wonderful event and no
place to hold it!! Any suggestions would be greatly
appriciated. It must be June 7th, in the evening, and
in Berkeley( or near by) The venue must hold at very
LEAST 150 people. Cheap is good too!If you have further
questions you can contact me via email. Thank you.
Very much in need,
Sara
Perhaps the main floor of the old club builing (now a hotel) that is just
uphill of the University Art Museum. It is between the Art Museum and the
Cafe at College and Bancroft. I know they have parties and other events
there. It might be worth a try.
How 'bout the Hillside club? May not be Theater-enough like.
How'bout one of the elementary schools? Thousand Oaks has a nice looking
cafeteria-Theater space. Whittier-Berkeley arts Magnet doesn't look so bad
either.
Some churches may have theater space in their community halls.
How 'bout the Berkeley City Club on Durant?
Or- if you must go out of Berkeley - the Vetrans Hall in El Cerrito.
Good luck - hope this brainstorming helps. Let us all know if you find a
good place!
hopefully helpful
An organization I work with recently rented the Rosa
Parks multipurpose room for a forum. It was $12/hour
for the space but custodian time is another $25 or
so/hour. There is also some kind of insurance requirement.
I imagine that other schools have auditorium space as
well. Good luck.
Berkeley parent
The Downtown Berkeley Public Library has an huge directory of local venues
available for
rent. The reference librarian can help you.
Steve
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