Los Angeles is a city that offers a unique blend of culture, creativity, and natural beauty, which makes it a special place to host a meaningful event. And few events are as meaningful and create as wide-reaching good as a fundraising gala.
La La Land is full of iconic venues, creative caterers, and event planners who specialize in organizing large-scale events that matter. Bonus: The presence of Hollywood adds an extra layer of glitter and glamour to fundraisers in Los Angeles.
With thousands of venues to choose from, which is the best spot for your memorable fundraiser? Not to worry, we’ve hand-picked a list of the best LA gala venues, sorted by capacity, so you can easily find the perfect spot to raise awareness and widen the impact of your nonprofit’s good work.
Find the optimum venue for your expected seated capacity:
Up to 499
500-999
1,000-1,499
1,500-1,999
2,000-3,999
More Than 4,000
*Venues listed in order of seated and standing capacity below.
Up to 499
For a spot on Melrose Avenue with delectable fare…
West Hollywood
This venue is modern and elegant with several indoor and outdoor spaces for various sizes of events. Its extensive menu of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine includes a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options, meaning it will be easy to please a large number of guests at your gala.
Fig & Olive Melrose can accommodate up to 250 seated guests and 450 standing guests.
500-999
For luxury in the heart of Beverly Hills…
Beverly Hills
This elegant hotel offers upscale amenities, impeccable service, and a range of catering options that make it an excellent choice for a high-end gala. In addition to a ballroom that can accommodate 500 guests, there are also outdoor spaces, including a pool terrace and a rooftop lounge with stunning views of the city.
Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills can accommodate up to 250 seated guests and 500 standing guests.
For a modern space with high-tech amenities…
Miracle Mile
This modern space with high ceilings and ample natural light offers a unique venue with expertly prepared Latin-inspired cuisine. Take advantage of the venue’s new projection mapping system to further your theme, display meaningful messaging around your cause, or honor donors.
Candela La Brea can accommodate up to 400 seated guests and 750 standing guests.
For amenities galore and a convenient location…
Hollywood
This venue features Art Deco architecture and stunning views of the Hollywood hills as well as multiple indoor and outdoor spaces. With a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, multiple bars, a large dance floor, and an experienced event planning team, this venue makes it easy to host a successful fundraiser.
Sunset Room Hollywood can accommodate up to 350 seated guests and 800 standing guests.
For a well-located historic space…
Los Angeles
This centrally-located historic venue features several event spaces that can accommodate different sizes of events, from intimate gatherings to large galas. Its elegant architecture and grand ballroom make it an excellent choice for formal events.
The MacArthur can accommodate up to 400 seated guests and 800 standing guests.
1,000-1,499
For a large space with built-in amenities…
Fashion District
This popular event space, located in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles, offers a variety of amenities, including a built-in sound system, lighting, tables and chairs, and a/v equipment, all of which can simplify your gala planning. Exposed brick and wood accents add to its modern industrial aesthetic.
City Market Social House can accommodate up to 400 seated guests and 1,000 standing guests.
For a stunning, yet adaptable courtyard or ballroom space…
Wilshire Park
This grand and elegant venue offers a historic spot located in the heart of Los Angeles in the Mid-Wilshire area. Choose from multiple spaces, including a grand ballroom and a courtyard. In-house catering services, lighting, sound, and a/v equipment will simplify your gala planning process.
The Ebell of Los Angeles can accommodate up to 1,200 guests.
For a prestigious space that offers luxury and premier service…
Beverly Hills
This well-known and prestigious event space is located in the desirable Beverly Hills area. The luxurious, iconic venue has played host to high-profile events like the Golden Globes as well as galas that have raised more than a million dollars. In other words, the staff and venue are prepared to meet the needs of your large-scale fundraising event.
The Beverly Hilton can accommodate up to 1,100 seated guests and 1,200 standing guests.
1,500-1,999
For a large, open space with a dramatic installation…
Simi Valley
Top event planning firm SEGAR produced a 500-person gala in this space last April for the Viewpoint School 60th Anniversary Jubilee. The team shared, “The gala was held in the main gallery which is a massive airplane hanger with President Reagan’s actual Air Force One spanning overhead. Our team produced a cocktail party, multi-course dinner, live auction, and performance by Pat Monahan and the band Train. With over 250,000 square feet of usable space, the Reagan Library is one of the most spectacular venues we have ever seen.”
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute can accommodate up to 1,600 standing guests.
2,000-3,999
For a venue rental whose monies support programs and research….
South Figueroa Corridor
This well-known and highly respected museum features a beautiful and historic space as well as stunning exhibits. The museum has a range of event spaces served by an experienced event staff. Plus, your event rental supports an important cultural institution and helps to fund its educational programs and scientific research.
Natural History Museum of LA can accommodate up to 900 seated guests and 2,000 standing guests.
For a DTLA location with a top-notch catering partner…
Downtown LA
This modern and elegant space offers event services across multiple spaces as well as high-quality catering through its exclusive partner, Levy Restaurants, which has a reputation for high-quality food and beverage offerings. The skilled staff helps coordinate everything from décor to lighting and a/v services.
The Center at Cathedral Plaza — A Signature of Levy Restaurants can accommodate up to 1,000 seated guests and 3,000 standing guests.
More Than 4,000
For a totally unique and memorable space…
Hollywood
This historic and iconic Hollywood film studio provides a unique and memorable experience for your gala guests. From sound stages and backlots to screening rooms and more, there are lots of interesting spaces to choose from at this venue. By holding your fundraiser at Paramount Pictures Studio, you are supporting an important part of Hollywood’s history and cultural heritage.
Paramount Pictures Studio can accommodate up to 500 seated guests and 5,000 standing guests.
For a unique and educational venue with wow-worthy installations…
Exposition Park
This well-known and respected museum offers a range of exhibits and spaces that can provide a uncommon and educational experience for your guests. From galleries and patios to a large event pavilion, there’s a space for every size of fundraiser against a backdrop of science and innovation.
California Science Center can accommodate up to 3,000 seated guests and 10,000 standing guests.
For an exclusive space that guests will be excited about…
Inglewood
This state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue provides a unique and impressive backdrop for a large-sized fundraiser. With interesting spaces like the field, locker rooms, and club lounges, hosting an event at the stadium allows your organization to support an important cultural and entertainment institution that represents the best of Los Angeles sports and entertainment.
SoFi Stadium can accommodate up to 7,000 standing guests.
People Also Ask…
Should I hire an event planner for my fundraising gala?
When it comes to a large and complex event like a gala, we always recommend hiring a skilled event planner. Your planner will ensure that your event runs smoothly and successfully, resulting in a high impact gathering for your nonprofit organization.
A top gala planner will advise you on important decisions like venue selection, menu planning, theme options, entertainment, and so much more. They will have a strong network of reliable vendors to recommend and will save your organization time and money by working efficiently with your resources.
Selecting the right planner can feel like an overwhelming task, but PartySlate has made it easier with our event planner directory. Click the button below to narrow your planner options by services offered, diversity filters, and more.
What should I consider when choosing a fundraising gala venue?
Choosing the right Los Angeles venue for your gala can make a big difference in the success of the event. Here are some tips to consider when selecting your LA gala event venue:
- Determine your budget: It’s important to establish a budget for your gala and stick to it. Be sure to factor in all the costs associated with the venue, such as rental fees, catering, décor, and a/v equipment.
- Consider the location: Choose a location that is convenient for your guests and easy to access.
- Evaluate the capacity: Determine how many guests you expect to attend and make sure the venue can comfortably accommodate that number. It’s important to avoid overcrowding or a venue that is too large and feels empty.
- Assess the amenities: Consider what amenities the venue offers, such as a/v equipment, lighting, staging, and décor. The more the venue offers, the less you’ll have to rent from outside vendors.
- Think about the atmosphere: The ambiance of the venue can set the tone for your event. Choose a venue that aligns with the theme or mood of your gala.
- Check the availability: Make sure the venue is available on the date and time you need it. It’s a good idea to have several date options in case your first choice is unavailable.
- Schedule a visit: Always visit the venue in person before making a decision. This will give you a better idea of the space, layout, and overall atmosphere of the venue.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing the perfect venue for your gala.
featured event planner
SEGAR
We love how this responsive, easy to work with team offers both event production and catering services for a one-stop-shop event experience. Their clients praise how smart, resourceful, talented, and reliably flawless their events are. photographer: T Rose Photography