When it comes to raising money for worthy causes, Los Angeles earns its “City of Angels” moniker with lots of glamorous galas and fun fundraisers. To assist in these efforts, we’ve created a list of the best gala venues in Los Angeles for celebrations that educate about non-profit organizations while entertaining guests and raising the monies needed to fund good work. From luxurious hotels to expansive raw spaces, there’s a spot on this list for any size gathering or gala theme.
*In no particular order…
INTIMATE CELEBRATION FOR UP TO 500
Fig & Olive Melrose
For a restaurant venue with built in beautiful décor and delectable fare…
- This West Coast flagship location is located on Melrose Place in West Hollywood
- With 8,000 square feet of usable event space, this restaurant is ideal for celebrations of any sort
- See how this CSSSA 30th Anniversary Gala used the tented space
- With four different spaces, this venue can host up to 450 people in their Orchard Dining Room and accommodate smaller parties as well
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles
For an art museum that features two different event space locations…
- Variety of indoor and outdoor spaces in both the MOCA Grand Ave location and The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
- The expansive museum space is both functional and known as one of downtown LA’s most distinctive buildings
- See how this MOCA Annual Gala used the space
- MOCA Grand Avenue and The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA locations each have multiple spaces, the largest of which can accommodate up to 500 guests
Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
For a hotel filled with glamorous and sophisticated spaces for your next event…
- Luxurious, perfectly-located hotel set in the epicenter of Beverly Hills
- Known for their lush grounds and impeccable Four Seasons-caliber service
- Beautifully-expansive gardens are perfect for an afternoon cocktail and can be transformed to accommodate any type of outdoor celebration
- See how this Traditional Rebels With a Cause Gala used the space
- Eight versatile meeting and event spaces include a ballroom which can accommodate up to 500 standing guests — and the famous Wetherly Gardens.
LA River Studios
For an open studio space with vintage and modern design elements…
- Located in the heart of LA River Arts Corridor, this unique venue space can be easily transformed into any imaginative theme
- Reviewers note the expansive rooftop space which offers versatility
- Production company Vox Productions supports the venue with 20+ years of industry experience
- With an 8,000 square foot studio space, retractable garage doors, a rooftop, and other smaller break-out spaces, this venue can accommodate parties up to 500 guests
Montage Beverly Hills
For a lavish Southern California hotel with over 20,000 square feet of event space…
- Conveniently-located in the Golden Triangle of Beverly Hills
- Expansive views of the Hollywood Hills can be spotted from the lush rooftop space, where guests can enjoy a gorgeous California sunset before heading inside for an evening celebration
- Highly-rated for their world-class service and top-notch location
- See how this 5th Annual Help Haiti Home Gala used the space
- Five event spaces include a ballroom and terrace, perfect for events up to 500 guests
MID-SIZED PARTY FOR BETWEEN 500-1,000
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
For a luxurious hotel venue, perfect for hosting seaside gala celebrations…
- Beautiful hotel with plenty of outdoor event space located in downtown Santa Monica
- Reviewers love the on-site accommodations for out of town guests
- Fully experience the charm of Santa Monica and incredible views of the ocean
- See how this Spring Fling! Extravaganza used the space
- Seven various event spaces include a ballroom that can host up to 800 guests
Candela La Brea
For a historic space with art deco design complete with hanger style ceilings…
- Impeccably renovated 1920s venue space located in the heart of Miracle Mile, the epicenter of Los Angeles.
- Draws rave reviews for amazing in-house food and service
- Convertible space to suit any type of occasion
- See how the Target x Pandora Concert and the Young and Restless Live Event transformed the space
- Three event spaces, including the main room and two lounge spaces, with the largest capacity up to 850 guests.
Marconi Automotive Museum
For a venue owned by a nonprofit organization that donates a portion of their event proceeds to help local at-risk children…
- Located in Orange County, this unique automotive museum features incredible car collections and amazing event spaces
- Reviewers love that the space donates money to local charities as part of their mission
- See how this Fight Night 21 Fundraiser used the space
- Can host up to 900 guests in their largest event space
California Science Center
For dramatic future- and nature-themed galas against authentic backdrops …
- Premiere Los Angeles Museum and event destination with rotating and immersive exhibits that can be seamlessly incorporated into galas
- Reviewers note that the impressive Space Shuttle is the “star” of the museum
- See how the 21st Annual Discovery Ball and the Ornate Gala transformed the space
- Five event spaces with the ability to accommodate groups up to 1,000, include a Pavilion and an Ecosystems Gallery with a thirty-foot long touch tank and immersive shark tunnel
The Center at Cathedral Plaza
For a space located next to one of LA’s most beautiful landmarks…
- Beautiful indoor-outdoor space located in downtown LA next to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, a gorgeous historic landmark
- Owned and operated by the well-known Levy Restaurants, the space offers wonderful on-site catering options for large-scale events
- Reviewers note the “no-stress experience” that this space provides and love the expansiveness of the venue
- See how the St. John’s Gala used the space
- Can accommodate anywhere from 10-1000 guests, in their spaces which include multiple meeting rooms, a ballroom, and plaza
City Market Social House
For a contemporary chic warehouse event space located in the LA Fashion District…
- Indoor-outdoor event space that feels industrial, yet fresh, and can accommodate major industry events, galas, and more
- Brick walls, towering exposed-beam ceilings, and sprawling space allow for complete space transformation
- Reviewers love the flexibility of the spaces as well as the impeccable service
- See how the Inner City Arts Gala and the Espy’s Awards Party transformed the space
- Four event spaces which can host up to 1,000 guests, including 2 patio spaces.
BLOW-OUT BASH FOR OVER 1,000
The Ebell of Los Angeles
For a versatile event space with a private, on-site live performance theater…
- Classic event space and historic theater located in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles
- Highly rated for its “classic Hollywood feel” and charm, reviewers love the in-house catering and on-site events team that make for a seamless experience
- Built in 1927, The Wilshire Ebell Theatre is one of the oldest live performance venues in Los Angeles
- See how this Aids Healthcare Foundation: World Aids Day Gala used the space
- Five event spaces include a charming garden and Art Salon, plus 2 ballrooms perfect for large groups of guests up to 1,200
Sheraton Grand LA
For an urban hotel located near some of LA’s top attractions…
- Situated in the Financial District of Los Angeles, Sheraton Grand LA is both conveniently-located and recently renovated
- An open-air deck is the perfect spot to host an outdoor celebration
- Highly recommended for its versatile spaces and swanky rooftop pool
- Five event spaces including a California Ballroom can host up to 1500 guests for a special gala celebration
LACMA
For a cool museum venue your guests will want to take a picture at…
- Located on the famous Wilshire Boulevard, LACMA is known for its Urban Light installation, which is perfect for the backdrop of any special event
- Private viewings of the exhibit galleries can be arranged for celebrations
- See how this “Dancing in the Street” gala presented by The Gabriella Foundation used the space
- Three unique spaces allow for events as large as 1500, and as intimate as 50 in the smaller Garden spot
The MacArthur
For an Art-Deco inspired space often utilized in film productions…
- This historic 1925 landmark is located adjacent to MacArthur Park, which offers scenic views
- Top-notch staff available to assist with on-site events to make for smooth coordination
- See how The Orthopaedic Institute for Children “Stand for Kids” Gala used the space
- Event hosts can choose between six event spaces ranging from 60 guests up to 1200 to suit the needs of their celebration
Warner Bros. Special Events
For a famous Hollywood venue sure to have your guests feeling like celebrities…
- Located as part of the Warner Bros. Studios, this space is definitely a prime location for attendees
- A full on-site production team specializes in industry, charitable, and corporate events, and can help produce the event of your dreams
- See how this Bugs Ball hosted by the WB Animation president used the space
- With many spaces to choose from, the expansive Midwest Street set can host up to 3,000 guests, while the Picture Car Vault accommodates up to 125
featured event planner
ALFRED HOUSE PRODUCTIONS
We appreciate AHP’s authenticity and worldly trends that are incorporated into each and every event. photographer: Jack Rodriguez