The Top 25 Event Venues in Washington, D.C. for 2020

The nation’s capital is brimming with museums, iconic monuments, political hubs, and not to be overlooked, renowned event venues. Washington DC is home to some of the most historic buildings in the country, while also attracting the world’s innovators and trailblazers. This discrepancy promotes a range of old-world charm and innovative amenities in the city’s event spaces. If you’re searching for Washington DC event venues, take a look at the city’s top 25 locations for 2019.

This post shares the best event venues in Washington DC, in the following categories:

1. The Best Cheap Event Space DC

2. The Best Conference Event Space Rental DC

3. The Best Places to Rent a Mansion in DC

4. The Best Party Room Rentals in DC

5. The Best Party Venues in DC for Birthday Parties

6. The Best Small Event Space DC

THE BEST CHEAP EVENT SPACE DC

Convene

WHY IS IT COOL? Convene offers bright, modern coworking and event space rentals with full service meeting packages. Convene has two very centrally located downtown Washington, D.C. locations: one just steps from the Penn Quarter metro station and the other just blocks from the White House (opening Fall 2019).

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Meetings, conferences, lectures

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Convene offers spaces for groups of all sizes, from boardrooms for 14 up to conference rooms to seat 200

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house projection available

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: Catering can be arranged as part of your meeting package

TRANSPORT: Metro; street and public parking

THE BEST CONFERENCE EVENT SPACE RENTAL DC

The Line Hotel

WHY IS IT COOL? The Line Hotel is a recent addition to the DC hotel scene. This uber hip venue is located in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, home of great shopping, restaurants, and bars. The Line Hotel features residential style rooms, great views, and a rooftop terrace.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR?

Conferences, meetings, client events, cocktail receptions, galas, banquets

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 10,000 square feet of meeting space

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: In-house catering from James Beard Award Winning chef

TRANSPORT: Valet, street and public parking

Credit: James Jackson

Marriot Marquis, Washington, D.C.

WHY IS IT COOL? The Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. is a very large conference-style hotel that offers spaces for groups of all sizes. This modern, 4-star property has a great location, convenient to the DC Convention Center, Chinatown/Penn Quarter Neighborhood, and metro. This property is also a Cvent Top Meeting Hotel award winner.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, meetings, galas

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 100,474 square feet of event space across 80 meeting rooms; their Marquis Ballroom can seat 2,750 banquet style

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: State of the art meeting technology through PSAV

SUSTAINABILITY: The Marriott Marquis, Washington, D.C. is LEED Silver certified

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to Mt. Vernon Square Metro, valet, street and public parking

National Union Building

WHY IS IT COOL? The National Union Building was built in 1890 and offers stylish meeting space for groups of all sizes. The event space has an industrial feel with an open concept floor plan and wood floors. As a bonus, the National Union Building has a speakeasy bar that’s available for events as well.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, meetings, retreats, board meetings, cocktail parties

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 28,000 square feet of event space across 7 meeting rooms, with the largest able to seat 200 banquet style

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: Bose towers for surround sound, mounted A/V projectors and screens, microphones, and WiFi

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: N/A

TRANSPORT: Convenient to Chinatown metro station; street and public parking

The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.

WHY IS IT COOL? The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D. C. is a four star, five diamond property, located in DC’s West End neighborhood. The hotel underwent major renovations in 2016, taking influences from neoclassical style and modern designs.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, meetings, board meetings, galas, cocktail receptions

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 25,000 square feet of meeting space across 11 function rooms

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: State of the art meeting technology through PSAV

SUSTAINABILITY: Ritz-Carlton has a sustainability initiative focused on reducing energy and water consumption, sourcing environmentally friendly products, and more

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Valet, street and public parking

The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center

WHY IS IT COOL? The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is a hotel and conference center with extensive conference facilities and convention services. The property features a multi-story indoor atrium with gardens, shops, and restaurants. It offers easy access to National Harbor attractions, including a ferris wheel, boat cruises, performing art centers, restaurants, bars, shopping, and more.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conventions, conferences, galas, holiday parties, board meetings

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 546,889 square feet of event space across 94 function rooms

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: State of the art meeting and AV technology

SUSTAINABILITY: The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center practices sustainability through its installation green roof and honeybee habitat

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Garage, lot, and valet parking

The National Archives

WHY IS IT COOL? The National Archives is a neoclassical building constructed in 1935 and located just off the National Mall. Home to the Declaration of Independence,the Constitution, and Bill of Rights, the National Archives allows event organizers the unique opportunity to host events within steps of the Charters of Freedom (just don’t try to steal them!). The museum also features event space in its Rotunda Galleries, McGowan Theater, and Presidential Conference Center.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, parties, cocktail receptions, meetings, board meetings, conferences

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 8 event spaces, with the largest able to accommodate 200 banquet style

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: N/A

TRANSPORT: Immediately adjacent to the Archives metro station; street and public parking

Credit: Christopher Jason Studios

Freer Gallery of Art

WHY IS IT COOL? Located on the National Mall, the Freer Gallery is the home of the Smithsonian’s Asian Art collection. The building features a beautiful courtyard with a fountain, indoor hall and gallery spaces perfect for large banquets and galas.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, cocktail receptions

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Seated capacity for 290 and reception capacity for 500

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: N/A

TRANSPORT: Convenient to the Smithsonian metro station; street and public parking

The Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C.

WHY IS IT COOL? Named by Travel + Leisure as DC’s best hotel for business, this gorgeous waterfront hotel features recently renovated ballrooms, breakout rooms, and outdoor patios and terraces. Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C. is convenient to attractions on the National Mall and the Wharf, a popular dining, shopping, and cultural events district.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, meetings, galas, board meetings

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 40,000 square feet of event space across 16 function rooms

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: State of the art meeting and event technology

SUSTAINABILITY: The Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. practices sustainability in several ways, including through a partnership with Anacostia River clean up.

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to L’Enfant Plaza metro station; valet, street and public parking

THE BEST PLACES TO RENT A MANSION IN DC

Dumbarton House

WHY IS IT COOL? Dumbarton House is a Federal style mansion, originally constructed in 1800, that offers an elegant setting for private events. Event rental includes the Belle Vue ballroom and a slate courtyard that can be tented to accommodate larger groups.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, parties, cocktail receptions

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 1,040 square foot ballroom, can accommodate 80 banquet style

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: N/A

TRANSPORT: Street and public parking

The Mansion on O St

WHY IS IT COOL? Named “Coolest Place in DC” by booking.com, the Mansion on O & O Museum is a unique historic venue, with 100 rooms and 70 secret doors. Designed to be explored, the Mansion & O Museum provides guests with a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, cocktail receptions

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Seated capacity for 185, reception for 650

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to the Dupont Circle Metro; street and public parking

Credit: J-P- Gross Photography

THE BEST PARTY ROOM RENTALS IN DC

Rose’s Luxury

WHY IS IT COOL? Rose’s Luxury was recently named the best new restaurant by Bon Appetit Magazine, and private dining may be the only way you get to eat at this super popular DC spot. The restaurant’s charming Barracks Room private dining space seats 20.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, client events

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Barracks Room seats 20

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to the Union Market metro station; street and public parking

Credit: Anna Meyer Photo

Blue Duck Tavern

WHY IS IT COOL? Located inside the Park Hyatt Washington, D.C., Blue Duck Tavern is a DC institution. Its décor is an elegant, minimalist take on Federal style furnishings. Guests can enjoy private dining experience from this highly rated restaurant at the Chef’s Table or in the Tea Cellar.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Team celebrations, client events, small parties

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: The Chef’s Table can seat 20, the Tea Cellar room can seat 10

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: The Blue Duck Tavern received the Couteaux Review Award for sustainable practices

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Valet parking through the Park Hyatt; street and public parking

Zaytinya

WHY IS IT COOL? Chef Jose Andres’ Zaytinya is a perennial DC favorite and a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant. It features soaring vaulted ceilings and a blue and whitewashed color scheme. Zaytinya offers several spaces for private rental, in addition to a full restaurant buyout.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, client events, cocktail receptions

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: A full buyout of the restaurant can accommodate 300 guests

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: Zaytinya recently underwent lighting renovations to increase energy efficiency

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to the Chinatown metro station; valet, street and public parking

 

THE BEST PARTY VENUES IN DC FOR BIRTHDAY PARTIES

The Rooftop at the Embassy Row Hotel

WHY IS IT COOL? The Embassy Row Hotel is a trendy hotel located in Northwest DC. Its rooftop pool was named one of the “Best Rooftop Pools in America” by USA Today. The rooftop offers sweeping views of the city, as well as a fun, seasonally available party rental space.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Can accommodate 120

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to the Dupont Circle Metro; street and public parking

Mellon Auditorium

WHY IS IT COOL? The Mellon Auditorium was constructed in 1934 and is notable for its ornate, classical interior. This soaring event space is located on Constitution Avenue, just off the National Mall and perfect for larger groups.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, banquets, large client events, lectures, and product launches

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 15,650 square feet of event space across 6 function rooms; the Grand Hall can seat 696

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: N/A

TRANSPORT: Convenient to the Federal Triangle metro station; street and public parking

Credit: Event Emissary

The National Zoo

WHY IS IT COOL? Located on 163 acres of hilly green space in Northwest DC, the National Zoo offers 12 separate event spaces for groups of all sizes. An event at the National Zoo allows guests to experience the animals in a unique way. What’s cooler than hosting an event in the LEED certified Elephant Community Center?

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, parties, cocktail receptions

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Indoor and outdoor event spaces to fit groups of all sizes that accommodate up to 2,000 seated banquet style

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: The National Zoo is LEED certified and promotes environmentally friendly practices on its campus and supports conservation and biodiversity across the globe

CATERING: N/A

TRANSPORT: Paid lot parking, street parking

The Smithsonian Natural History Museum

WHY IS IT COOL? The Smithsonian Natural History Museum opened its doors in 1910. An event at the Natural History Museum offers guests the chance to have dinner in the Rotunda with Henry, its iconic African bush elephant. Guests can also experience an after-hours tour through the Butterfly Pavilion and the Gem Hall where the Hope Diamond is kept.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR?

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 16,052 square feet of event space across 7 function rooms; the Rotunda Room seats 565 banquet style

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: The Smithsonian Natural History Museum promotes sustainable practices onsite

CATERING: N/A

TRANSPORT: Convenient to the Smithsonian metro station; street and public parking

Union Market

WHY IS IT COOL? Union Market was originally constructed in 1931 and underwent a massive renovation in 2012. It’s now regarded as one of America’s best food halls. The Dock5 event space at Union Market combines an open-concept floor plan with industrial style.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, parties, cocktail receptions, product launches, and brand activations

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Room for 400 seated banquet style; room to grow with use of outdoor space

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: WiFi included

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: N/A

TRANSPORT: Convenient to Galludet metro station; complimentary parking

Arena Stage

WHY IS IT COOL? Located in DC’s up and coming Wharf neighborhood, Arena Stage is a non-profit center for American Theater. It underwent a major renovation in 2010 that preserved it’s unique, original  architecture within the new structure.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Banquets, large meetings, performances, and receptions

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 15,000 square feet across 9 meeting rooms

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: State of the art lighting and sound equipment

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: N/A

TRANSPORT: Convenient to the Waterfront metro station; street and public parking

Credit: Nic Lehoux

Artechouse DC

WHY IS IT COOL? Artechouse DC is an immersive art, science, and technology gallery located in Southwest DC. The space was created to showcase experiential, technology-driven works of art and is available for private events.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, cocktail receptions

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 15,000 square feet of event space across 7 function rooms

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: Cutting edge AV technology

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: N/A

TRANSPORT: Convenient to L’Enfant Plaza metro station

Credit: ARTECHOUSE

The Hay Adams Rooftop

WHY IS IT COOL? Built in 1928, The Hay Adams Hotel is a 5-star hotel located just across Lafayette Square from the White House. In addition to traditional meeting rooms, its top floor – the Top of the Hay – offers incredible views of the White House and five contiguous spaces that can be joined to create seating for 340.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, celebrations

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 8,000 square feet of event space across 6 meeting rooms; Top of the Hay can seat 340 banquet style

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house

SUSTAINABILITY: The Hay Adams practices sustainability by sourcing 25% of its power from renewables, eliminating styrofoam, and cleaning with eco-friendly cleaning products

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to the Farragut North metro station; valet and public parking

Nationals Park

WHY IS IT COOL?  On non-game days, the home of the World Champion Washington Nationals hosts events of all sizes on the field as well as in a wide variety of indoor locations. Event enhancements can include fireworks, visits from the racing presidents, on-field batting practice and more.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, meetings, celebrations, retreats, parties, client events

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 100,000 square feet of event space across 15 meeting rooms

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house AV

SUSTAINABILITY: Nationals Park is LEED Silver certified and is one of the most sustainable professional sports arenas

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to the Navy Yard metro station; garage, valet, street and public parking

THE BEST SMALL EVENT SPACE DC

The Loft at 600 F

WHY IS IT COOL? The Loft at 600 F is an industrial style event venue located in the Penn Quarter just around the corner from the Capital One Arena. The Loft at 600 F offers several stylish, well-appointed meeting spaces. The Lounge, the Loft, and the Retreat spaces are each situated on separate floors and can be used separately for small meetings or combined for larger events.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, meetings, board meetings, cocktail parties, product launches, brand activations

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: A total of 6,000 square feet of meeting space is spread across 3 separate open-concept meeting rooms

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: WiFi, HD Projector, HDMI, 10ft Widescreen Projection Screen, Sound System and Wireless Handheld Mics, Apple TV, 60″ HD Television

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: N/A

TRANSPORT: Convenient to the Chinatown metro station; street and public parking