California Ballroom

California Ballroom is a historic Oakland venue available to hire for weddings, private celebrations, corporate functions and conferences. Built in 1926, the Art Deco ballroom pairs period character with a large, adaptable space in the heart of downtown, close to public transport and Lake Merritt.

The ballroom covers 7,500 square feet and can host up to 300 people for a seated banquet or 600 for a standing reception. Its high decorative ceiling, performance stage, curtains, spotlights and generous dance floor provide a distinctive setting for dinners, receptions, parties, performances and formal presentations. Event layouts can be tailored to suit the occasion, with the venue also welcoming gatherings such as quinceañeras, bar and bat mitzvahs, milestone birthdays and anniversaries.

For business organisers, the space can accommodate conferences, training sessions, team meetings, orientations, trade shows and other large group events. An adjoining meeting lounge offers additional room for breakout sessions or a VIP area. The venue has a kitchen and bar, and organisers are not required to use preferred vendors, allowing flexibility when choosing event partners. Tables and chairs are available, while audiovisual equipment, pipe and drape, and parking can be discussed as additional options.

California Ballroom is managed by Oakstop, an Oakland-based organisation with a focus on workspace, event and creative spaces. Its location and flexible hire arrangements make the ballroom a useful choice for planners seeking a characterful setting for both social and professional occasions.