9 Top Washington DC Event Venues

Planning an upcoming social or business function? Take a look at our guide to the best Washington DC event venues to help you prep.

Washington DC is bursting with local flair, eclectic neighborhoods, and iconic sightseeing. Bordering the states of Maryland and Washington, this unique pocket of America brings in people from all over the world for events of all kinds.

If you’re planning an upcoming social or business function, you might feel like the options are endless. Is it better to go with something more sophisticated, like an art gallery, or does your group lean toward fun—like bowling?

Whether you need a space for a wedding, business meetings, or social gatherings, there are many options for event venues in Washington DC. While you plan your event, potentially at one of the best coffee shops in DC, take a look at our guide to ease your stresses and find the place that best suits your crew.

With 3 floors of event and meeting space, The Loft at 600 F is one of the most beautiful event venues in Washington, DC. Impress your guests with 6,600 square feet of exposed brick, high ceilings, and chic decor. This premier DC boutique space is served by concierge-level event services and staff, and is walking distance to the Convention Center and the Verizon Center. Customize one, two, or three floors however you please—from a lounge to a formal conference table room. This is an ideal space for large corporate happy hours, group parties, training seminars, or cocktail hours. Choose the Retreat, for two business meeting rooms and a cozy foyer or go for the Lounge, with its natural furnishings and rust-colored accents. With a variety of seating options and an open layout, guests will have no problem finding cozy nooks to share conversations and cocktails.

Nestled right near the heart of Washington, DC—a mile-and-a-half north from the White House—Meridian House is one of the most spectacular Washington DC venues for events. It was designed by renowned architect John Russell Pope (who also designed the Jefferson Memorial, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Archives) and is the perfect space for architecture enthusiasts. Surrounded by stone walls and historic gardens, the large oak doors at the entrance are inscribed with, “Quo habitat felicitas nil entret mali,” which is Latin for: “Where happiness dwells, evil will not enter.” From corporate conferences to weddings, Meridian House offers a true taste of Washington DC culture and beauty. Whatever sort of event leads you here, it will be hard to pull yourself away from this stunning and majestic retreat.

When the weather is warm and you’re on the hunt for event venues in Washington DC, look no further than Penthouse Pool Club. This rooftop club offers sensational panoramic views, private spaces, and cabana rental for the coolest of DC event experiences. With plenty of space for guests to spread out, or take a swim, this is a prime venue for pool parties, networking events, and social gatherings. The food and beverage menu can be customized to your liking, but might we suggest some warm-weather favorites like margaritas and chips and guacamole. Choose between several areas to host your event, like U Street with its iconic red lounges and cabana daybeds, or the Yards, with its navy-blue theme and its charming, nautically inspired appearance. Whichever way you go, make sure to bring your swimsuit and your sunblock for this DC hotspot.

A branch of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Renwick Gallery is a National Historic Landmark located just steps from the White House. If you’re looking for Washington DC event venues that are sophisticated and elegant, the Renwick Gallery exceeds all expectations. The museum’s centerpiece, known as the Grand Salon, has been restored with a contemporary finish and offers more than 4,000 stunning feet of event space. The sky’s the limit with this venue, whether you’re hosting a large dinner or a corporate cocktail reception. Keep in mind that they don’t have in-house catering or audiovisual support, though a special events coordinator will be happy to assist with recommendations if you need them. For those guests who are commuting in, it’s good to remember that the venue is only a few blocks away from the Farragut West WMATA station. When it comes to Washington DC venues for events, it’s hard to outshine the historic charm of the Renwick Gallery.

The Josephine Butler Parks Center is ideal for all sorts of events, from galas to nonprofit fundraisers. Overlooking Meridian Hill Park, the center is 18,000 square feet and 40 rooms in a Renaissance revival-style mansion. From hosting organizations like the Peace Corps to the Wilderness Society, this venue is familiar with everything from intimate staff retreats to three-day conferences. With its flexibility and sheer size, it’s one of the most fantastic Washington DC venues for events of up to 300 people. You can book private events a la carte with your choice of rooms and add-ons—use the garden on the south end to create a relaxed atmosphere or set up your bar in its own space. Add on a/v, wood-burning fireplaces, and uplighting. Note that all rentals include the use of a variety of event tables, including hightops for cocktails and gold Chiavari chairs. When you’re on the hunt for something special, Josephine Butler Parks Center is a wonderful way to go.

With panoramic views of the US Capitol, the Washington Monument, and Union Station, the Capitol View at 400 is one of the most awe-inspiring Washington DC meeting venues. The space comes with a retractable canopy, air conditioning, and even a ship’s compass binnacle. Along with its full-service amenity options, and it’s no surprise why, over the years, this venue has hosted everything from political events and networking mixers to fashion shoots and concerts. While attendees grab a glass of something bubbly and soak in the views of the capitol, this is the perfect venue offering a distinctly special feeling.

For a unique, festive, and fun venue, consider hosting your event at Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar. If your group likes to let loose while they sing and dance, Bobby’s features a one-of-a-kind experience. Take a break from work and bask in the beauty of this two-story venue with its exposed brick walls and lofty ceilings. Whether your’e enjoying a corporate gathering or a birthday party, the dynamic live dueling-piano show at one of the hottest Washington DC event venues is sure to entertain.

Treat your guests to world-class drafts and an authentic beer garden experience with the Loft at Dacha Beer Garden. This magical venue is located in the Shaw neighborhood of Northwest DC , though it feels worlds away. The Loft is one of the loveliest Washington DC venues for events and has hosted everything from all-hands team business meetings to corporate retreats, video shoots, yoga workshops, and more. For a seated dinner, this intimate space can hold 12-35 people. For a reception-style gathering, 20-80 is the ticket, and for a team meeting, you can have anywhere between 8-40 people. For the culinary-minded hosts, the menus are completely customizable. Serve a four-course meal, pass around hors d’oeuvres, offer food stations or trays of brunch bites—or have a combination of them all. The team is also happy to work the menu around vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options if necessary. Guests will love grabbing a draft beer then sauntering about looking at all the local artwork on the walls.

Pinstripes

Another one of the outrageously fun event venues in Washington DC is none other than Pinstripes, a restaurant and bowling and bocce ball space. Located in the Georgetown area, Pinstripes is a large venue that’s ideal for social celebrations or corporate events. Host your gathering in the Ballroom, a beautiful area that can seat 240 or fit 500 for a reception. The menu features from-scratch items wood-fired pizzas and flatbreads and PB&J sundaes for dessert. Once you’re full and ready to really get the party started, gear up for a game of bocce or lace up those bowling shoes. With plush seating and game-side food and beverage service, attendees are sure to relish in a unique and memorable event.

Once you decide on the perfect venue and you’re ready to book your lodging, take a peek at the Washington DC listings for Zeus Living. Zeus creates beautiful, smartly furnished studios, apartments, and homes for stays of a month or longer—a godsend to business travelers, relocating families, and adventurers of all stripes. Our stays are stocked with everything you need to feel at home from the moment you walk through the door, from kitchen essentials to cleaning supplies to comfy furniture. With Zeus, you can easily find the perfect place to gear up for a night out on the town—or get some rest once your event is finished. Browse, book, and check-in is a breeze. Get started at zeusliving.com, and let us take care of the rest.