Events at Sparks

A Unique Event Venue in San Diego

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Venue Rental

Location

530 Sixth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 696-1416

Event Contact

info@sparksgallery.com
(619) 696-1416

Virtual Tour

Sparks Gallery is a beautiful event venue located in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.

Housed within the historic Sterling Hardware Building, the interior has high ceilings, exposed red brick walls, vintage wood floors, and is adorned with Contemporary Art by Southern California artists. 

The venue is within walking distance from the San Diego Convention Center, making it the perfect event space to host your next corporate event, celebration, fundraiser, trade show, or San Diego Comic Con Activation.

We work with any event vendor. Please inquire for artistic activations by local artists to engage your guests in a creative and interactive experience.

Event Rental Inquiry

Sparks Event Rental Inquiry

Please fill out the below to send us more information about your event. We will contact you as soon as possible.

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Event Venue Features

Seats 100

Seated capacity up to 100 guests, but cocktail and standing can accommodate up to 350 on a rolling basis.

Daily and Long-Term Rates Available

See our Bespoke Events page for a custom proposal.

Flexible Vendors

Easy approval process to use your own vendors, or connect with our approved vendors who know the event space inside and out.

DIY or Bespoke Services

Let us suggest options and vendors, or let your creativity shine. We are here to help you create a beautiful and successful event.

Creative Activations

Book something artistic and unconventional for your event to activate the space and impress guests.

WHAT TYPE OF EVENT ARE YOU PLANNING?

Corporate Event

Looking for a corporate event venue in San Diego, California? Our location within walking distance to the San Diego Convention Center makes us the perfect solution for offsite networking events, workshops, or corporate training sessions.

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Fundraising Event

Looking to hold a fundraiser for your non-profit organization in San Diego? Our elegant event space provides the perfect backdrop for a successful fundraising event. Special nonprofit rates are available.

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Celebration

Whether you are celebrating with a birthday party, baby shower, or an intimate wedding, Sparks Gallery is a beautiful space to inspire your next social occasion.

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Trade Show

Our close proximity to the San Diego Convention center makes our event venue perfect for a professional trade show in a unique setting. 

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Bespoke Event

Looking for a romantic space for your wedding proposal? Shooting a video or taking photographs for a client? Seeking a full takeover, or a planning an activation for San Diego Comic Con?  We are here to customize an event specially tailored to your needs. 

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Features

Award-Winning Event Space

  • Building max capacity: 348 occupants (320 recommended for max guest count for a standing reception) / Seated Dinner Capacity: 60 Guests together in front of gallery / 100-120 guests seated throughout gallery
  • Street level access and views of 6th Ave in the Gaslamp
  • 4500 square foot ground floor
  • 1500 square foot mezzanine
  • 500 square foot exterior patio
  • New ADA-accessible second story mezzanine level (lift) and accessible men & women’s restrooms
  • Central kitchen with ADA-compliant refrigerator, warming drawers, sink, ice maker, freezer, dish washer, & microwave
  • Temperature controlled with a/c
  • High speed internet available upon request for purchase
  • Local contemporary artwork on walls
  • Gallery furniture 
  • Sound system
  • Gallery Event Coordinator
  • Event Security
  • 1920’s period design: vintage light fixtures, fire-escape railing style, historic paint colors, and restored original maple floorboards
  • Outside catering available – learn about our approved vendors or pre-approve your vendor
  • “Clean & Safe” Gaslamp Program Downtown

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Selected Testimonials

“Beautiful space, fantastic staff.”

-Rita D.

“Fantastic experience all the way through everyone we interacted with during this process was nothing but extremely helpful! Thanks for providing such a fantastic space for our event.”

-Robert O.

“Very smooth booking service, quick email response and friendly service from start ’til the end.”

-Hokyung K.

“We received great feedback from our attendees.”

-Jill F.

“We loved the space and so did our patrons attending the event. We will be using the gallery again next year for our event and hopefully the years to come! Everything was seamless and the Gallery is beautiful! It’s a perfect fit for us and we are so grateful for the partnership we have with you.”

-Katie M.

“We loved the venue for its atmosphere, space, set up options and location.”

-Martina P

Inclusions

Prep Kitchen

Accessible

Chairs

Background Music

WIFI Option (Additional Cost)

Beverage Services (Additional Cost)

Floor Plan

Jump in Virtually

Click Here For A Virtual Tour

All The Details

Would you like to see our San Diego event venue in person? Do you have questions about setup, pricing, rentals, or catering? We are here to help.

More About Our Event Venue

Our event venue in San Diego is a beautiful textural space located downtown in the Gaslamp Quarter. Housed within the historic Sterling Hardware Building, the 4500 square foot interior has high ceilings, exposed red brick walls, and vintage wood floors. The large storefront windows allow natural light to flow into the space and produce warm tones throughout. The artwork on view is available to be licensed for commercial usage, as well as private. The 500 square foot urban patio outside showcases a large geometric mural by Monty Montgomery. We look forward to creating lasting memories for your special occasion, whether you are just visiting San Diego, or live here in the city.

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PREVIOUS EVENTS


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Event FAQs

What is event pricing like? 

It depends on the type of event you are planning. Our standard rental for celebrations or corporate events is 2500 and includes 3 hours of event time, 3 hours for setup, and 1 hour for breakdown. Our wedding packages start at 3,000. Pricing for photoshoots or video productions start at $120/ hour. We also have a great nonprofit rate for nonprofit groups planning fundraisers that starts at $1,000 in addition to an exclusive Art Party package. Please inquire about pricing for bespoke events and guest exhibitions. 

Can I have the art removed during my event? Can I hang my own art?

Art exhibitions typically remain on view during events. Art removal can be arranged only with prior notice. Fees apply. If you would like your art to be displayed they can be set up on folding tables and easels (5) no fees apply, or with prior notice gallery staff can install the artwork on the walls, fees apply.

Can I bring in a live band or a DJ?

Live music is permitted so long as no large or heavy instruments are being brought in. Amplified music must end by 10pm. A certificate of insurance policy is required.

What are my options for food and drink?

If you are planning a corporate event, the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center is our exclusive corporate event catering team. For all other events, we recommend using the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center, however other teams will be considered for approval. The team must provide a licensed bartender and a certificate of insurance policy. There should be no open flames on site.

Can I bring in my own tables and chairs?

We have tables and chairs available for rental, however, you are welcome to bring in your own. Please note all furniture brought into the gallery must have protective felt padding to protect the wood floors from scratching.

Do I need security at my event?

All events over 50 persons or if serving alcohol require at least 1 security guard. You can supply your own guard(s), these may be volunteers, or you can purchase them in our package.

Can I bring in my own alcohol to be served?

Typically no. If you are a non profit group or are connected with one you can pull an ABC licence through the non profit group and supply your own alcohol. All alcohol proceeds must go to the nonprofit.

What are my options for fun activations during my event?

We offer many exciting activations our previous events clients have loved. Some examples include live interactive painting demonstrations, live body painting, and printing demonstrations from our vintage letterpress.