Fundraising Event
Host your nonprofit fundraiser in our gallery inside the historic Sterling Hardware Building in the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter.
Sparks Gallery is a unique party venue in downtown San Diego, adorned with contemporary artwork, red brick walls, and vintage details.
photo credit: Eder Photo
Location
530 Sixth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
Event Contact
(619) 696-1416
levi@sparksgallery.com
Event Rental Inquiry Form:
Host your next fundraiser in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter and make it unforgettable! Our historic gallery brings together exposed brick, soaring ceilings, and contemporary exhibitions on view, creating a vibrant backdrop that sparks conversation and connection.
We offer flexible packages and nonprofit-exclusive pricing, plus opportunities for art activations and interactive experiences that get guests engaged while supporting your cause. Whether it’s a cocktail reception, seated dinner, silent auction, or lively gala, the gallery turns your event into an art-filled experience.
We work with any event vendor. Please inquire for artistic activations by local artists to engage your guests in a creative and interactive experience.
photo credit: Justice Photo
What nonprofit fundraiser clients are saying:
“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
Fundraising Events Features
- Seated Dinner Capacity: 60-80 Guests together in front of gallery
- Street level access and views of 6th Ave in the Gaslamp
- 4500 square foot ground floor
- 1500 square foot mezzanine
- 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
- Local contemporary artwork on walls; couches
- Cocktail tables: metal hand-forged, wood-topped belly tables plus rolling coffee tables, plus chairs for use
- Sound system
- 1920’s period design: vintage light fixtures, fire-escape railing style, historic paint colors, and restored original maple floorboards
- Trusted food & beverage and rentals partner coordinator
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
Please inquire using our form above or email levi@sparksgallery.com
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. See our Bespoke Events page for a custom proposal.
Creative Activations
Book something artistic and unconventional for your event to activate the space and impress guests.
As Seen On
Fundraising Event Showcase
Nonprofit Fundraiser FAQs
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. Please inquire about pricing for bespoke events and guest exhibitions.
Art exhibitions typically remain on display during events, and artwork removal can only be arranged with advance notice (fees apply).
If you would like your artwork displayed, you can display it on easels and folding tables at no additional cost. We can provide folding tables, however, you will need to supply your own easels. Alternatively, with prior notice, our gallery staff can professionally install the artwork on the walls for an additional fee.
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.
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.
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.
For the vast majority of events, security guards are required but are subject to review on a case-by-case basis.
You may provide your own security guard(s), including volunteers, or you may choose to add security through our event package for an additional fee.
Typically no. If you are a non profit group or are connected with one you can pull an ABC license through the non profit group and supply your own alcohol. All alcohol proceeds must go to the nonprofit.
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.
How do I book the event?
Please fill out our form and our Events Team will contact you.