GATHERING PLACES - BRING YOUR EVENT DOWNTOWN
Maybe it's a wedding reception, team building, holiday party or maybe it's a board meeting. No matter what kind of event you're planning, there's one need that they all have in common - a great location! No matter what you're planning, you'll find a home for it at one of these great Downtown Santa Cruz event spaces.
KUUMBWA JAZZ
Kuumbwa Jazz is the home of live music in Downtown, with 200 seats, all with an excellent view of the stage. Kuumbwa is available for a wide variety of public and private uses including: concerts, fundraisers, private parties, wedding receptions, workshops, theatre, and classes. Facilities include café and bar, a dressing room, 3 restrooms, and WiFi - and the venue is wheelchair accessible.
Kuumbwa also helps with promoting your event through their marketing network, as well as their own widely-used calendar. Best of all, rental includes use of their sound system, light system, Yamaha grand piano, and professional sound engineer!
Booking info here.
HOOK & LINE
Plan your next celebration at Hook & Line in Santa Cruz. We offer private and semi-private dining spaces that bring people together over great food and warm hospitality.
Our upstairs private dining room, The Mezzanine, is ideal for intimate gatherings—seating up to 15 guests or hosting 20 for a relaxed standing reception. Downstairs, The Starboard Room accommodates up to 30 guests for a seated dinner or 40 for a standing reception, perfect for larger get-togethers.
For big occasions, a full restaurant buyout offers exclusive access to the entire space, with room for 70 guests for a seated dinner or up to 100 for a standing event. Our team will help you design a personalized menu, timeline, and experience that fits your event perfectly.
Booking info here.
THE SANTA CRUZ MUSEUM OF ART AND HISTORY
The iconic MAH has space for all your wildest dreams. Indoors, the Atrium accommodates up to 250 people, and the lush outdoor Secret Garden is great for wedding ceremonies, summertime mixers, and formal dinners. The Rooftop Sculpture Garden is the only rentable rooftop Downtown Santa Cruz, and accommodates up to 50 people. The Garden Room opens up to the Secret Garden for an indoor/outdoor experience for your seminars, lectures, small conferences, and dinner parties, and the Board Room is a classic private meeting space that's great for executive meetings, non-profit board meetings, and other meetings of up to 20 people.
Booking info here.
CIVIC AUDITORIUM
This Santa Cruz landmark is available for events! The Civic boasts everything from state-of-the-art conference rooms to a beautiful proscenium-stage performance area, with removable seating to make space for an open-floor event. Box-office services, equipment rental, and dressing-room space make the details smooth and simple.
Booking info here.
WOODSTOCK'S PIZZA
Woodstock’s Pizza in Santa Cruz is the go-to spot for groups, gatherings, and celebrations of all kinds. Famous for serving the best pizza in town, Woodstock’s also offers delicious vegan and gluten-free options to satisfy every guest. The new cocktail bar adds a fun twist, serving up creative drinks and local brews perfect for pairing with your favorite pies.
Catch the game on the giant Quasiplex TV or kick back on the biggest heated patio in Santa Cruz; dog-friendly, family-friendly, and full of good vibes. With no cost to book, it’s easy to plan birthdays, team outings, or casual hangouts that everyone will love.
Hosting your party elsewhere? Woodstock’s delivers! Enjoy the same legendary pizza and friendly service wherever you are.
For group reservations or catering info, email gm@woodstockscruz.com or visit woodstockscruz.com/groups.
THE 418 PROJECT
The 418 Project puts on their own wonderful events - why not join them? Rates are available hourly or by event. Their space is wheelchair accessible and has plenty of space for your audience AND green room space for your performers. 4 hours of tech is included for dance and theater!
Booking info here.
MOBO SUSHI
Mobo Sushi really knows how to throw a good party. If you’ve got a group of 25 to 30, their private room is a great fit. Need more space? Their outdoor patio, decked out with string lights and heaters, can handle 40 to 50 people, and it looks fantastic at night. There’s also a private indoor area for the same size group if you’d rather stay inside. If you’re planning something big, the whole restaurant fits up to 160 guests, and they’re totally open to full buyouts.
Don’t want to host onsite? No problem. Mobo Sushi caters, and they don’t mess around—expect beautiful platters piled high with sushi that always gets people talking. Sushi just works for all kinds of events, whether it’s a casual mixer or a business meeting. It’s easy to eat, doesn’t interrupt conversation, and honestly, it keeps everyone happy. The chefs can put together dishes for all tastes, so no one feels left out.
Booking info: cv.mobosushi@gmail.com or call 831-425-1700
CRUZIO
Cruzio’s coworking space in downtown Santa Cruz offers a bright, modern environment perfect for meetings, small gatherings, and team events. With flexible layouts, high-speed internet, and convenient amenities, it’s ideal for everything from board meetings to creative brainstorming sessions. The space features private rooms, open lounge areas, and an onsite café serving coffee, pastries, and light bites. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s an easy and inspiring place to bring people together year-round.
Booking info here.
NEXTSPACE
When co-working meets creativity, you get Nextspace - get some privacy and presentation equipment in a business meeting room, or book after-hours in the coworking space for a larger space!
Booking info here.
IBIZA
Ibiza hosts private and semi private events for 30 - 95 guests. Events are very social and fun with lots of spots to mingle alongside platters of dips, farmers market crudités, salads and our popular Spanish PAELLAS.
Booking info here.
HULA'S ISLAND GRILL
Looking for the perfect spot to host your next celebration? Hula’s Island Grill and Tiki Room in Santa Cruz offers a fun, aloha-inspired setting with private seating for up to 55 guests, customizable menus, full-service or buffet options, and no room rental fees. Let us handle the details so you can relax and enjoy the party. Call (831) 426-4852 or email hulassc@gmail.com to start planning your event today!
M.K. CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY
Looking for a unique, inspiring space for your next event? M.K. Contemporary Art Gallery, located in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, offers 4,600 square feet of curated gallery space available for select rentals — from private showings to workshops, panels, and creative gatherings.
Whether you're hosting a business mixer, an artist reception, or a community pop-up, our professionally curated exhibitions and flexible, art-forward atmosphere create a memorable backdrop for any occasion.
We rent on a case-by-case basis. Nonprofits and local artists are especially encouraged to reach out — discounted rates may apply.
Location: 703 Front Street, Santa Cruz
Interested? Contact us to inquire about availability or to schedule a walkthrough.
ARSLANS TURKISH STREET FOOD
Arslans has a private dining room that seats up to 20 people. Known for their award-winning Turkish dishes, the space features warm lighting, Turkish decor, and a comfortable, relaxed feel. It’s located just off the main dining area, offering a bit of privacy while still being part of the restaurant’s energy. Perfect for small gatherings, team dinners, or celebrations with family and friends. Tables can be arranged as a large family style or with smaller table groups.
Booking info here.