17 Best Gala Event Venues in Washington, D.C. for a Prestigious Fundraiser [2023]

Downtown

This stand-alone event space in Hamilton Hotel DC offers an impressive Art Deco backdrop for any fundraiser. Key amenities include a direct-access floor-level loading dock, a full-ceiling state-of-the-art sky-hook rigging system, industrial catering kitchen, VIP entranceway, and much more.

The Schuyler can host up to 450 seated and 1,200 standing guests.

The Mall

Maya Mahoney, CEO and Lead Planner of Honey & Lavender Events, shares, “This beautiful museum is located on the National Mall and offers a variety of impressive spaces to rent out for a gala.”

International Spy Museum can host up to 400 seated guests and 1,200 standing guests.

Georgetown

Sequoia pairs fine cuisine with stunning visuals. Hitoshi Kuriyama’s neon and glass vacuum tube light installation creates a dramatic focal point for your nonprofit’s fundraiser.

Sequoia can host up to 325 seated guests and 500 standing guests.

The Mall 

Mahoney of Honey & Lavender Events shares, “This beautiful museum is located on the National Mall and offers a variety of impressive spaces to rent out for a gala.” Guests will especially love the balcony views.

National Museum of African American History & Culture can host up to 400 seated guests and 2,500 standing guests.

The Mall

With access to numerous exhibitions at Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, gala attendees are guaranteed an engaging night in a beautiful setting. Guests will especially appreciate Flag Hall with its vaulted ceilings and abstract flag backdrop with various uplighting options.

Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History can host up to 350 seated guests to 3,800 standing guests.

Southwest

Jennifer Charles, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Something Fabulous, shares, “The view is gorgeous, especially at dusk. The ballroom, as well as the 12th-floor space, overlooks the Potomac. We’ve been able to create unique experiences utilizing the mix of the 12th-floor space for a cocktail hour and the two-story presidential suite for an exclusive private experience for our top-tiered sponsors. Guests can then move into the main ballroom for dinner and an awards ceremony, with a dessert experience in the Pearl room.”

InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf can host up to 400 seated guests and 700 standing guests.

Penn Quarter

Charles of Something Fabulous shares, “We just recently celebrated VVMF’s 40th Anniversary Gala at the Willard. The elegance & grandeur is classic D.C. There is so much history and beautiful architecture. The service is wonderful, as well.”

Willard Intercontinental, Washington D.C. can host up to 170 seated guests and 400 standing guests.

Downtown

Melva LaJoy Legrand, CEO & Founder of LaJoy Plans, shares, “This venue allows guests to experience language, arts, and culture in a first-of-its kind interactive exhibit design. Guests are encouraged to tap into their inner child, because, within every touchpoint of the museum, there is something to pique their interest. 

“For those seeking a private gala space, look no further than the top floor which includes bistro lighting and a beautiful terrace ideal for a spring day function. Oh, and take it from me: Don’t take the stairs; take the elevator, because the ride up is where the experience begins.” 

Planet Word Museum can host up to 150 seated guests and 300 standing guests.

Adams Morgan

Meridian House might be in one of D.C.’s artsier neighborhoods, but it feels as if it could just as easily be located in the French countryside. Guests will love the grand entrance into the two-story foyer before heading to the drawing room with 18th-century artwork or the pebbled courtyard with its canopy of imported linden trees.

Meridian House can host up to 200 guests.

Penn Quarter

Charles of Something Fabulous shares, “The Presidential Ballroom is one of the largest ballroom spaces, with room to grow for our nonprofit and corporate gala clients. Their private ballroom entrance is separate from the main hotel, which makes it exclusive for the guest experience. The amazing extra large chandeliers are gorgeous and make this space instantly a showstopper.  Customer service is also at its best with Harrison Rohr. Harrison truly makes you feel like his only client.”

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC can host up to 800 seated guests and 1,300 standing guests.    

West End

The Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C. offers one of the largest ballrooms in the city. The classic design and elegant finishings provide a beautiful backdrop to raising critical funds and making meaningful connections throughout the evening.

The Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C. can host up to 840 seated guests and 1,100 standing guests.

Penn Quarter

Mahoney of Honey & Lavender Events shares, “The crown jewel of Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery is the “glass atrium” of The Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard.” We love how uplighting adds a contemporary vibe to the more traditional Greek revival architecture in this palatial setting. She also recommends the Renwick Gallery for a more intimate fundraiser. 

Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery can host up to 850 seated guests and 1,200 standing guests.

Downtown

The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection has witnessed countless Presidential Inauguration Balls and historic meetings. This opulent hotel boasts 8 distinct event spaces with stunning backdrops that include custom, hand-painted walls, domed skylights, and grand chandeliers. 

The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection can host up to 500 seated guests and 800 standing guests.

Penn Quarter

The Atrium at Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center will enthrall guests with its stunning architectural elements. A grand staircase and mezzanine overlook, combined with a granite and terrazzo marble floor and soaring skylight, set the scene for an impressive fundraiser in Washington, D.C. 

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center can host up to 1,170 seated guests and 5,000 standing guests.

Downtown

Legrand of LaJoy Plans shares, “Given the proximity to the nation’s capital, this venue is uniquely skilled with handling high-profile guests who may have complex and important security needs. Finally, Washingtonians and D.C. insiders alike know about the hand-painted Columbus Club for your intimate pre-or post-social event needs. And don’t worry, because when and if your event expands, your event can extend to the main concourse area of the venue.” 

Events at Union Station can host up to 2,000 seated guests and 5,000 standing guests.

Penn Quarter

National Building Museum, ​​housed in the historic Pension Building, boasts an impressive space for grand, large-scale galas. Their Great Hall features soaring ceilings and colossal Corinthian columns — making it one of the most photographable backdrops in the city.

National Building Museum can host up to 2,000 guests.

Downtown

Ballroom ABC at Walter E. Washington Convention Center offers one of the largest gala spaces in the city. Accessibility features include infrared audio assistive listening systems, on-site American Sign Language interpreters, and wheelchair access throughout the building.

Walter E. Washington Convention Center can host up to 4,480 seated guests.