Great affordable space for a party…read more I've been busy, so it was one year ago I through a graduation party for my Best friend. It was a great experience. The event space was a big blank slate and I was able to throw a fiesta themed party. I know the website had a list of approved vendors they wanted you to use but when I inquired about it, I was informed that they hadn't updated the site and I could use any caterer I wanted. I'm not sure if this is updated info since it was a year ago but that was my experience so I'd inquire. It saved me money and since it was a fiesta I was able to use a traditional taqueria for the food which brought an authentic experience to the party. Also it was catered and dropped off in the kitchen so I was able to replenish the buffet area that was located away from the kitchen with ease. I just needed the help of my three closest men to keep it looking good and stocked. The city workers who opened the hall for me were very friendly and helpful. I set up with ease and a different person came to help lock up afterwards. Important note: my friend opted for an afternoon party and we were cleared out by dark. I don't know if I would have felt comfortable if it was a nighttime event since it's a dark lake and open to whomever shows. My opinion is do an earlier party so you can see the beautiful view. I took off one star because there were flies near the entrance that I had to keep the area closed until the party started so they wouldn't get in. But it's nature so it's not their fault. I liked that there were bathrooms located right outside the entrance for my guests. I did not have a problem with outsiders using them since we were on the second floor. I also looked that there was plenty of parking since it was on the lake and a whole parking lot next to the Sailboat house.

I'm surprised there are only a few reviews of this location beside Lake Merritt. It's a venue…read morerented for various events I have attended, namely Oaklandish puts on a Radio Regatta here every year, which has kegs upstairs, and stuff going on in the courtyard below. I also come to some 420 event a few years ago and people were legally sparking up like crazy upstairs. So so Oakland. There's a kitchen area off this main room where food has been served from at events I've attended, but I'm not sure that it's a fully functional kitchen. The space is primarily on the second floor of the structure, so you have a nice vantage point of the Lake, the view is really nice. The room is large and feels like a church rec. hall to me. Someone said the floor is hardwood but I'm pretty certain it's linoleum. Lots of bright light makes it cheerful despite it's institutional vibe. The outdoor patio is also super sweet. It tends to be pretty calm on the water here, so the patio is a nice place to soak up sun. It's not difficult to find parking nearby, and it's also a walkable location from nearby Grand avenue and even from BART, if you had to hoof it from 19th St. BART it wouldn't be too taxing. The restrooms for this building are external, as far as I know, at least for the events I have attended, you have to go outside to the public restrooms. These bathrooms can be a lifesaver when you're walking the lake. I have fond memories of times spent in this very 70's 'boathouse' by Lake Merritt!

Attended the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy event this past weekend and thought the venue worked…read moreperfectly for this theatrical experience. Though the outside does not look like much, the inside of the ballroom is characterized by ornate patterns on the walls and around the stage, and unique light fixtures hanging from the ceiling. Not a whole lot to be impressed by, as it still looks quite plain and simple overall, sort of like an ordinary conference room. But I guess that's what makes Oakstop special, that it's multi-use. It was fitting for the event I attended, and they set up the seating, decor and lighting just fine. It wouldn't be my first choice for a wedding or other celebratory event though.

Had yet another fantastic offsite- this time for my OBGYN chiefs and managers- at the newly…read morerenovated California Ballroom. The space is super charming - it has a simultaneously old and new style, which makes it classically modern. It's like you are going to see some grand theatrical performance upon entering. There is new carpeting, teardrop hanging lights, modern bathrooms, bar counter, small private room for calls or soon to be lactation, and a brand new cozy and stylish extra meeting room in the back! The A/V works well, although there is some minor acoustic issues for people in the back. I think the speaker just needed to use the mic better, however. Our event was an end of year meeting/ celebration for all of the 2019 accomplishments and we did a Grammy-style award show at the end- the stage came in handy for this! Working with Paul to secure the venue was great- he's very organized and detailed. Everything you discuss is in the contract and he's very amenable to any changes and responsive to the many questions I ping ponged to him. Appreciated his patience and coordination very much! Lots of kudos to the day of coordinator, Meghan, who was the wind beneath my wings during my event. She assisted with everything at every request, whether it was new batteries for the mic, ensuring the caterers were able to get in, or just reassuring me when I was acutely stressed. She's the best! Definitely recommend California Ballroom for your next event! Just email Paul at info@californiaballroom.com for more info!

This venue was perfect for what we wanted! We wanted a small wedding of 50 guests and I was looking…read morefor a place with some scenery and not just a boring hall that needed a lot to look beautiful. We were on a small budget so we also needed something at a reasonable price. This place hit all that and more. All of our guests loved the venue and it helped that it was a beautiful sunny day. The garden area made for a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony and great for photos. The lake was beautiful with all the ducks swimming around. I loved everything about this venue and definitely recommend it if you are having a small wedding.

I booked the Beach House for my son's 5 PM wedding last weekend. They hired Jasmine catering and…read moreJustin Credible for their DJ. Everything went smoothly, and we felt very comfortable in the hands of these pros. (I was a little worried because we didn't have a wedding planner or wedding coordinator, but my mind was set at ease the moment I walked into the venue and saw these vendors setting up.) The beach house was the perfect size for the 60 guest reception and the patio was a beautiful place to hold the ceremony. Everything went smoothly and everyone was very happy with the event. The only hitch we ran into was that it was difficult to schedule a rehearsal because the venue was booked up. We ended up having to have the rehearsal on July 4, when the venue was closed so we could only use the patio. However, that worked out since the ceremony was all taking place on the patio, and that was the part that they needed to practice. It was a warm day, so it was good to have the air-conditioned rooms for the meal. However, it was also very comfortable outside by 6 PM.

I recently rent a space for my husband birthday party, we all have a great time…read more Very open, natural, light room with a lot of space The host/ owner was super helpful and made sure we had everything we need it. We all had a great time and I will recommended that space to anyone . Definitely I will be back for next party

I recently rented this place for a small event with my friends and we loved it. It is big space…read more,very clean , lots of natural light, lots of tables and big TV. We were able to order some good food, coffee and cakes from the Aria Market on the first floor and they brought it to us upstairs. I would refer this place to anyone who needs kids birthday party, small company event or any meeting. Employees are nice too, 5 star rating

This place was a Godsend…read more We married here on September 10, 2011. We had originally booked another venue, but considering how many people we were going to have to invite we needed a larger venue. Because the date was popular (9-10-11) many of our choices were booked. Then, we pretty much stumbled in to Bayside Pavilion. We checked it out and went over initial details with Anna Marie. The place could use a minor facelift, I admit, but inside was a whole 'nother story. The place is SPACIOUS! It can easily SEAT 400 people comfortably! It also has vaulted ceilings with In house lighting and sound! it also has a large projection screen and a Dlp Projector, for those who love slideshows! (we don't hahaha). the bar is HUGE and there is also a nice spacious patio area as well. THe restrooms are clean and have plenty of stalls, and there is a private changing room and a coat check at the front main entrance. What makes this place extra special is the flexibility of the staff. Bernadette, who took over as event coordinator, was stellar in her service to us! She was very accommodating! Prices were also VERY Reasonable, and the venue is easy to get to, right by the Webster Tunnel! I won't get into the rates and all that, but let me tell you...you will NOT be sorry you booked this place!

Gayle and I took a look at the Leona Lodge yesterday as part of our wedding venue search. The…read moreLodge itself is in a woodsy setting and has a roomy interior that partially looks down on the ravine below. There's also a nice BBQ area on one side. However, both Gayle and I agreed that the Leona Lodge would work better as a place for a family reunion, reception or other party, rather than a wedding location. For that, the Sequoia Lodge would be a better choice.

This is a great facility for a baby shower or bridal shower…read more I hosted a babyshower at the Leona Lodge two weeks ago, and it was great. The only issue we had was with the attendant assigned to stay at the facility during the time of our event. She wasn't an attendant whose presence went unnoticed. My family and guest definitely knew she was there for these reasons: 1. She sat right at the entrance of the facility; so you'd assume that she was part of the welcome committee, but her attitude immediately told you otherwise. 2. She hung out in the main part of the facility where the baby shower was taking place. 3. She made a plate of food and had lunch/dinner on us (Maybe she forgot she wasn't a guest). 4. We had a desert table, and she helped herself to cupcakes. She then planted herself right next to the desert table, thus solidifying herself in quite a number of our pictures. Armando, was an absolute pleasure to work with in reserving the facility. It's unfortunate that the attendant they used (Ronnie), provided a completely opposite experience.

Attended a beautiful gala here tonight -- benefiting young people in the foster care system…read more The venue itself overlooks Lake Merritt and the terrace is incredibly spacious. There is a beautiful bar set up and the lighting is perfect for special events as it really sets the mood for a romantic ambiance. I see a lot of potential in what could be done here. Hope I get to return for another event hosted in this space. Views are gorgeous.

What a cool venue!! I came here for the Candlelight Tribute to BTS, which was hosted by FEVER. It…read morewas well organized and the staff were friendly. Clean interior and nice bathrooms. I can imagine this being an awesome place for remote start up companies to have a space for their team meetings... but it could also be an intimate wedding or engagement venue! It has the VERSATILITY! The rooftop terrace has a nice tiki bar and a view of Lake Merritt & the Oakland cityscape. I was impressed by the protected parking garage (with a really friendly parking attendant!). Very clean and it felt safe to park there.

I inquired with BK studio about hosting a repass for my mother. We didn't end up going with them,…read morebut they were very accommodating with letting us view the space and very open and honest about their availability and what they could do to make it work for us overall the customer service was impeccable, and I would definitely recommend them

Date: 6/3/2025 Time: 12:00 PM 68° Sunny…read more A repast was held at this venue for one of my high school classmates who passed away last month. His family and church hosted the Celebration of Life for the late Elder Eddie Walker. The venue is indeed an excellent one for any occasion - birthdays, bridal and baby showers, repasts, parties, etc. There is a stage area for bands to perform. For this occasion, the stage area was the pulpit. The Celebration of Life for my departed classmate was uplifting. Just hearing the praise and love by family members and friends, sharing memories of a man who was faithful, a mentor to his relatives and no matter where he was, the gospel was being preached. The ambiance is one of comfort. The catered food was quite enjoyable. Yummy delicious was the Southern green beans that accompanied the mac 'n cheese, bbq chicken and candied yams. I did not meet the owner of BK Studio. I have to admit based on my observation she did this occasion right.