Numerous things in San Francisco will make you fall in love with the city right away, from Twin Peaks to the eccentric Yoda fountain; from eclectic street art to excellent outdoor party venues, this city has it all. Your fascination with the city will grow even greater once you take a look at some of the best places to host your next big or small event. Whether you love quiet outdoor spaces or the hubbub of busy venues, Tagvenue is here to back you up.
You’re probably thinking: what’s so great about outdoor venues, except for the fresh air and stunning views? Well, these spaces are not only great for relaxation, but they are also a lot more accommodating than indoor party spaces, as people can easily move around and don’t feel like they are being hemmed in by four walls! In addition, outdoor spaces are great for photos, particularly in the spring when the street cafés and restaurants are adorned with flowers and all things that remind you of your next vacation. But why go to Hawaii when there are so many amazing outdoor spaces for parties in San Francisco? Okay, enough with the rambling; let's just look at a few technicalities before we get to the fun bit!
Like all things in life, hosting a party in an outdoor venue can be quite challenging. However, we’re here to help you with a list of things to keep in mind when choosing your next spot.
Prepare for all weather conditions
Rain, Oh, Rain! Unfortunately, one of the downsides of outdoor events is the weather. While the weather is rather unpredictable, there are a few things that can ensure that you can host a great event. For instance, if you’re planning a beach wedding in July, you might want to get some blankets for your guests as the temperature drops significantly at night. Even better, you might want to hire an outdoor venue with access to the indoors just in case the weather is totally against your fun plans. Since San Francisco is known as the "Windy City", you wouldn’t want to go running after your beloved attendees’ fedora hats all day, would you? If you’re hosting an outdoor gala at an elegant outdoor venue like Riggers Loft, make sure to rent the indoor area or hold the rest of the celebration somewhere else. After all, a party should be all about merriment and no worries! You might also stay away from months like May when the wind might blow your mind away. Instead, consider hosting your event between June and February, during the calmer time of the year. Another thing to think of is asking the venue manager to provide you with umbrellas or awnings to make sure that your guests are sheltered from all types of weather conditions: rain, high winds, or the scorching September heat!
Adopt a proactive approach
Since the weather in the city is usually mild all year round, you can plan your outdoor parties by keeping an eye on the weather forecast and monthly predictions before booking your event. While you can’t guarantee that the weather will be perfect on your party day, you can still communicate the essentials with your guests-tell them to bring on the raincoats and umbrellas if you can’t postpone the event! Plus, you can still compensate with great food if you are at a place like All Good Pizza where Italian hospitality and tasty pizzas will swiftly take away your winter blues.
Decor and amenities
Among other things to consider when planning an outdoor party are the decor and the amenities of the location. For example, if you’re hosting an outdoor event, you want to make sure that the space has enough restrooms in place, extra lounge chairs, and anything that might impact the overall comfort of your guests. If you’re planning a wedding party, you might want to discuss the option of having an indoor dressing room for your guests. When it comes to the decor, you can always ask the venue manager to assist you and add some additional elements like flowers or party favors. Since it’s an outdoor location, chances are that you’ll already have a fantastic backdrop for all your Instagram needs.
Where can you host an outdoor event in San Francisco?
You can host an outdoor party everywhere in the city, from the Napa Valley wineries to floating restaurants along the Marina Bay. With San Francisco hosting the biggest annual competition of wines in the world, you can surely have a glass or two of the finest wine at Napa’s Riverfront or in Hills Park. So, if you’re more of a foodie, then you’ll be happy to know that you’ll never run out of eateries to host an outdoor party in this city. Planning a birthday party or an intimate get-together? Why not host it on a beautiful patio with breathtaking views of the city or at a rooftop restaurant when you can feast your eyes on some magnificent San Franciscan skyscrapers? Such venues will surely thrill your guests and yourself. Poolside restaurants are also a great option in the summer to party all day with your squad. What about parks? You can never run out of parks and gardens in SF. With over 200 city parks and the 1017 acres of the sublime Golden Park, you can find a lovely spot to lounge in all day or host a mini-golf party for your guests. The only obstacle is finding that one spot. With so many to choose from, it can be quite tough to get your hands on the perfect outdoor venue, which is why Tagvenue has it all sorted out for you-simply use the filter options to find your perfect match-we mean venue!
Looking for an artsy, laid-back venue? Head to Dogpatch or Soma for hip locations. Trying to impress your friends with some culture? Why not head to Mission District and check out some street murals on your way to your party venue? Mission District is a good place to try a variety of cuisines. You will find niche outdoor restaurants in almost every district of San Francisco. It’s best to experiment with the outdoor venues in different locations for the best spots and prices- just remember to take a look at the reviews before booking!
You may rent a space in a public park in San Francisco. However, if you wish to have dinner or lunch with your guests, you can always opt for a restaurant with catering options around the park. You might have to apply for a permit to hold an event outdoors as it might cause disturbance to the people around you. You can discuss the restrictions and options with the venue manager before booking your venue.
The best option is to reserve a spot at the earliest. However, restaurants are usually more flexible when it comes to reservations, so you might always pick your venue a few weeks before the event. Don’t forget that you might find it harder to book a venue during the holiday season, so it’s best to be on the safe side and make your reservation ahead of time.
No, it all depends on the venue. While some venues may have audio and video facilities in place, others might require you to arrange for them on your own. If you're not sure about whether or not the venue can accommodate your needs, contact the event manager to cast away your doubts.
If you’re booking an outdoor space, remember to include all the services provided, such as catering or staff. The location and day of the week might also affect the hiring price. Budget around $150+ per hour and up to $20,000 for a session of 8–10 hours.