9 Awesome Venues for Dreamforce Parties

Salesforce’s annual Dreamforce conference is the world’s largest technology convention, focused on innovation, learning, bootcamps, certifications, and more. It’s held in downtown San Francisco at venues that include the Moscone Center, the largest convention complex in the city. Dreamforce 2018 had more than 170,000 attendees and 2,700 workshops, with 103 countries represented at the convention — to put it lightly, Dreamforce is a massive event! And many attendees leave the central conference to organize their own, smaller events: lunches, happy hours, cocktail parties, and lots more (here’s your chance to be creative).

If you’re one of those people looking for breakout spaces for your own party or other event, here’s our list of eight awesome venues for Dreamforce parties, all of them reasonably close to downtown San Francisco.

1. A lovely and spacious sun-filled gallery space

Situated near the Moscone Center, this space was custom-designed by local artisans, and it shows in its warmth and appealing, unique touches: handcrafted tables, gallery lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows, and other high-end features. As many as 40 people can use this space for whatever event you’re planning. The relaxing feel of this venue will provide a great opportunity to unwind after attending bustling, hectic Dreamforce events.

2. A modern gallery in the heart of the Castro

This 800-square-foot art gallery features a varying assortment of local artists every month, making for a dynamic space that will lend your party or other event a fun, energetic vibe. It’s got an open floor plan, so it’s entirely up to you how best to set up your event. Plus, by renting this gallery, you’ll be providing funding to community arts and engagement, crucial to maintaining the creative spirit for which San Francisco is famous.

3. A Castro speakeasy for company cocktails

If you’re planning on hosting a small- to medium-sized cocktail party, this location is beyond cool and will be completely memorable. For starters, you access this basement speakeasy via a hidden bookshelf — honestly, what can top that? Then, there’s the one-of-a-kind artwork by local artists, not to mention the fireplace and custom-made bar. Plus, the outdoor patio provides a space for guests to get fresh air. As many as 40 people can enjoy the fantastic vibes of this venue.

4. An eclectic retail store tucked away in the Mission District

Another wonderful space for a cocktail party (or really a celebration of any kind). The vintage feel is amplified by the mid-century furniture and decor, as well as Victorian tin-paneled ceilings and reclaimed wood walls. The record-listening loft is a particularly special touch. Reviewers comment that this venue is “incredible,” that “everyone loved the loft,” and they’re glad they chose a unique location like this one rather than a more traditional venue.

5. A creative workspace and event venue with a large backyard

As many as 40 guests can enjoy this incredibly modern, welcoming space. It’s a particularly great choice for events that will involve collaborative work on a project, since it’s a workspace as well as a more general venue. We love the abundance of light, and our favorite element has to be the sweet, sunny backyard that’s absolutely brimming with plant life.

6. A vibrant downtown amphitheater space

This amphitheater venue has it all. It’s both a lecture hall and an open cafe area for mingling. It includes a pull-down screen and projector, plus A/V equipment on request, for all your presentation needs. Then, the open cafe area (with or without tables and chairs, as required) is a comfortable place to socialize as well as to get work done. To make your gathering go even more smoothly, you can rely on full support from staff throughout the event. It’s also within easy walking distance of the Moscone Center, which will significantly simplify transportation for guests.

7. A bright Design District villa with ample room to celebrate

Looking to have a larger-scale for an ultra-chic event? Here’s your perfect venue. It can host as many as 200 guests, and it’s an exceedingly sophisticated location, featuring Italian statuary, gorgeous art, a crystal chandelier, cobblestone courtyard, exposed brick, and more. Really — you have to see the photos (or perhaps even see it in person) to believe it.

8. A cool brewery in an industrial-chic warehouse

This venue can include either the main taproom space of 1,000 square feet (which includes a bar, tables and seating, and two HDTVs) or the larger Showroom space of 1,350 square feet — or both, if you’d like to host as many as 175 people. Both have high ceilings, open floor plans, and custom steel and glass work. An event at a working microbrewery is a hugely fun option, and this is undoubtedly one of the coolest venues for Dreamforce parties out there.

9. A scenic downtown rooftop with sweeping views

Available for evening and weekend parties, this one-of-a-kind venue’s unbelievable views of the skyline place it at the top of our list of recommended venues for Dreamforce parties. As many as 80 guests can attend your epic dinner party here, while a standing event can accommodate as many as 100. Plus, it’s just steps away from the Moscone Center, making it a convenient option as well as an extremely impressive one.

Because the conference takes place in downtown San Francisco, there’s an amazing, almost mind-boggling variety of awesome venues for Dreamforce parties. The list above is just the beginning, but it’s certainly a great start as you explore your venue options!

Find unique event spaces in San Francisco on Peerspace