Are you looking for ideal venues to host events in Boston but don’t know where to begin? Look no further.
Most event planners find choosing event venues in Boston challenging. That’s because no matter what type of event they’re planning, there are endless possibilities of suitable spaces to compare.
The options range from world-class convention centers boasting a remarkable resume of high-end corporate meetings to over 350 cultural and historical attractions. All are well-designed and perfect for various event types, including fine art events. There are also thousands of hotels with striking architecture and beautifully designed spaces that can host a wide array of events.
To simplify things for you, we’ve narrowed your options to the top five event venues you can start with. We’ll explain the criteria we used to create our list so you’ll know what to look for when exploring the range of venue choices available.
Top 5 Event Spaces in Boston
When putting together our list, we used a few key factors to help us pinpoint the best meeting spaces and event venues in Boston. You can use the following as a guide during your search for event spaces in the area too:
- Layout and aesthetics. A venue’s layout and aesthetics contribute to its ambiance and set the tone for the whole event. Ensure the layout of the venue you select aligns with the event’s objectives.
- Location accessibility. How close is the venue to airports? Is it well-connected to public transport routes? Be careful to choose easily accessible event venues. It makes travel convenient for attendees and reduces logistical challenges on your end.
- Attendee experience. Attendee experience is an essential factor to think about when choosing event spaces in Boston due to the venues' architectural designs. You want to assess the space’s acoustics, i.e., how sound travels in different spaces. The quality of a space’s acoustics can affect engagement. Good acoustics ensure clear sound based on the event type, say corporate events, presentations, or private events. Also, confirm the hospitality provisions for different venues because they can affect the guests’ overall experience. Enquire about event venue package deals that will help you offer your guests an immersive and enjoyable experience.
- Budget. Boston is home to some of the most well-known luxurious restaurants, such as Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons. You can work with these venues or less expensive ones based on your budget.
With these factors in mind, here are our top five event venue choices in Boston:
1. The Lexington
Well-designed with an open greenhouse-like layout, The Lexington is a versatile event space that can accommodate groups of guests for different events. As the heart of Cambridge Crossing, this venue features the only rooftop decks in the region. It’s the go-to destination for corporate events, seasonal holiday parties, and other private events.
When you book the roof deck and bar space, visitors will enjoy a spectacular view of The Boston Common – the United States’ oldest city park. They’ll also enjoy a breathtaking view of the city’s blue skies. Besides the rooftop decks, you can book the venue’s patio or private dining room, which can accommodate up to 30 guests comfortably seated.
Your guests will delight in mouthwatering modern American dishes, and you can cater to different palates with all the vegan dishes offered. What’s more? There’s a kids’ menu perfect for family events. You also won’t have to worry about parking because visitors will find plenty of free-of-charge street parking and paid garage parking.
2. Puritan and Co.
Puritan and Co. should be one of your top event venue choices if you want to bring a farm-to-table flair and flavor to your event. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the establishment serves contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on classic New England flare and occasional excursions into various ethnic meal preferences. A few of these include tasty beets and brussel sprouts.
Menu items are packed with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They cater to several dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and pescatarian options. Guests will also enjoy a unique selection of alcoholic drinks and mocktails, including local beers and wine variations from independent makers worldwide.
The space has a casual, friendly vibe. It’s the perfect event venue for relaxed dining experiences. You can plan events of various sizes as the main dining room accommodates about 65 people seated and 90 standing. It’s a perfect venue for a wedding reception.
The private dining room can hold 40 seated and 50 standing, and would work well for a graduation dinner with close friends and family. The Puritan Oyster Bar, on the other hand, can support 30 seated plus 45 standing, which is great for an intimate birthday celebration.
3. Oleana Restaurant
Oleana is recognized as one of the best restaurants in Cambridge, Massachusetts, thanks to its commitment to fresh, bold, creative, and exciting food offerings.
Here, event participants embark on a culinary adventure as they relish dynamic, tasty Turkish and Middle Eastern dishes with distinctive flavors. Menu items are made with fresh produce from the restaurant’s farm and locally sourced meats and fish, offering an unmatched sensory experience. There’s also a great selection of artisanal wines that can pair well with the dishes.
Furthermore, you can get a menu custom-designed for an event of 50 guests. This is ideal for making a special event more exclusive.
If you choose this venue, consider booking the patio. It’s surrounded by twinkling lights and lush greenery, providing an intimate setting for different events, including weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, graduations, or holiday parties. You may also go for the full buyout option if you want to host a semi-private celebration.
4. Lamplighter Brewing Co.
As the name suggests, Lamplighter Brewing Co. mainly offers drinks. It is situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and offers a rotating selection of beers brewed on-site. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of quick snacks that pair well with the in-house drinks.
For main meals, the space hosts pop-up food events during evening hours. You can take advantage of this or order full-course dishes from your favorite joints for different events. You also have the option to bring your own food (BYOF) to satisfy your guests’ dietary needs.
It’s the perfect location for chilled hangouts and night events, such as trivia nights. You can book the back taproom couch area for a private special event or the patio and shuffleboard lounge for small group dining events. For larger social events, consider the full buyout option, which can accommodate 240 individuals.
5. Strangers & Saints
Strangers and Saints is an intimate yet grand venue that can help you plan and execute one-of-a-kind celebrations. From its location in Provincetown, guests enjoy the scenic sights of Cape Cod Bay. Surrounded by intimate gardens with classic elegance and modern flair, this venue transports visitors to a different world.
Whether you’re planning spirited cocktail parties, intimate dinners, or weddings, the beautifully warm décor and antique atmosphere can turn your occasions into unforgettable memories. Plus, there’s a dedicated team ready to craft an experience tailored to the theme and goals of your next event.
You’ll also have a range of unparalleled craft cocktails and savory dishes to offer attendees. You can organize your events on the back porch and garden venues, which accommodate 20 individuals seated and 50 standing, or book the entire venue for bigger events.
It's worth noting that all the event venues on our list use the Perfect Venue platform to streamline coordination and communication during the event booking or planning process. On your end, this reduces your workload and ensures a more efficient event planning flow.
The Bottom Line
We hope this guide makes finding the best venues for hosting events in Boston straightforward. All the spaces on our list comply with the city’s regulations on hosting outdoor events on public or private commercial properties. They can help you offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences for guests.
If you’re a professional event planner and would like to streamline your event planning, coordination, and execution processes, consider using the Perfect Venue platform. It will help streamline mundane tasks and simplify your job. Book a free demo of the platform to see how this is possible.
