The Midway
Event Space for Galas & Fundraisers
Make Your Cause Shine with a Stunning San Francisco Gala
Your gala or fundraising event deserves a venue as sophisticated and dynamic as your cause. The Midway offers a stunning, fully customizable event space conveniently located in San Francisco, perfect for charity galas, award ceremonies, benefit dinners, and high-profile fundraisers.
With elevated dining, immersive visuals, and seamless production, we create memorable, high-impact events that captivate guests and maximize fundraising success.
Make Your Cause Shine with a Stunning San Francisco Gala
Your gala or fundraising event deserves a venue as sophisticated and dynamic as your cause. The Midway offers a stunning, fully customizable event space conveniently located in San Francisco, perfect for charity galas, award ceremonies, benefit dinners, and high-profile fundraisers.
With elevated dining, immersive visuals, and seamless production, we create memorable, high-impact events that captivate guests and maximize fundraising success.
Why The Midway?
We specialize in producing elegant, high-profile events that combine sophistication, seamless execution, and an exceptional guest experience.
- Versatile Spaces & Custom Branding Capabilities
- Elegant Dining & Full-Service Catering
- Turnkey AV & Live Presentation Support
- Dedicated Areas for Auctions, VIP Receptions & Networking
- Proven Success with High-Profile Clients
Spaces Designed for Impact
From elegant check-in and cocktail hour zones to immersive dining spaces and silent auction displays, our venue layout is crafted for donor comfort and giving momentum. Whether you’re planning a live paddle raise or a high-tech silent auction, we ensure each space supports your mission—and your goals.
- Ride – A versatile space for awards ceremonies, auctions, and entertainment.
- Gods & Monsters – A chic lounge setting for VIP receptions and intimate donor gatherings.
- CarreSel – A visually stunning event space with 360-degree projection capabilities, perfect for keynotes and presentations.
- Outdoor Spaces – Heated patios and rooftop areas for cocktail receptions under the stars.
- Full-Venue Buyout – Unify multiple spaces for a seamless event flow from cocktail hour to dinner and presentations.
Elegant Dining & Full-Service Catering
Exceptional food and drink are key to creating an unforgettable gala experience. Our in-house culinary team delivers sophisticated menus designed for your event’s theme and mission, ensuring an elegant and seamless flow from cocktails to dinner.
- Seated fine dining with chef-curated menus
- Elegant buffet-style dinners and premium food stations
- Passed hors d’oeuvres for cocktail receptions
- Dessert and specialty beverage pairings
- Signature craft cocktails & premium spirits
- Wine pairings & champagne service
- Stylish built-in bars throughout the venue
Turnkey AV & Live Presentation Support
Fundraising galas and award ceremonies require flawless presentation capabilities, from live speeches and video presentations to auction technology and donor engagement tools.
At The Midway, we provide:
- Concert-level sound & lighting for speeches, live performances, and auctions
- Projection mapping & LED screens for live bidding updates and branded visuals
- Seamless live-streaming & recording options to expand your event’s reach
- Onsite AV technicians to ensure a polished, professional production
Whether you’re hosting a paddle raise, live auction, or keynote address, we make sure your messaging is heard, seen, and felt by every guest in the room.
Turnkey AV & Live Presentation Support
Fundraising galas and award ceremonies require flawless presentation capabilities, from live speeches and video presentations to auction technology and donor engagement tools.
At The Midway, we provide:
- Concert-level sound & lighting for speeches, live performances, and auctions
- Projection mapping & LED screens for live bidding updates and branded visuals
- Seamless live-streaming & recording options to expand your event’s reach
- Onsite AV technicians to ensure a polished, professional production
Whether you’re hosting a paddle raise, live auction, or keynote address, we make sure your messaging is heard, seen, and felt by every guest in the room.
Galas That Inspire—and Give Back
At The Midway, we don’t just host remarkable events—we help bring important missions to life. With years of experience producing standout galas, fundraisers, and benefit events, we understand the impact a single evening can have.
We’ve worked with leading nonprofits, cultural institutions, and mission-driven brands to raise money for causes that matter. But our commitment goes beyond logistics. As a cornerstone of San Francisco’s creative and cultural scene, The Midway actively supports our community through accessible programming, artist residencies, and charitable partnerships.
Whether you’re raising awareness, honoring changemakers, or launching a major campaign, The Midway offers the creative canvas, technical expertise, and community spirit to help your mission shine.
Discover The Perfect Space for Your Gala
The Midway’s spaces adapt to your event’s scale and energy—book individually or combine for a seamless experience.
The Midway’s spaces adapt to your event’s scale and energy—book individually or combine for a seamless experience.
Ride
Ride is a spacious, immersive setting ideal for large-scale galas, benefit dinners, and fundraising celebrations. Whether you’re planning a seated awards presentation or a dynamic paddle raise, Ride provides the flexibility, production power, and visual impact to bring your mission to life.
Capacity: Standing: 1,500, Seated Theatre: 700, Seated Banquet: 400
Room Size: 12,000 sq. ft.
Stage Dimensions: 35 ’x 24’
AV: Funktion-One EVO Soundsystem; 30 ft 4.8 MM LED Video Wall
WIFI throughout
Gods & Monsters
Gods & Monsters is an intimate, lounge-inspired space ideal for donor receptions, pre-gala cocktails, and VIP gatherings. With rich textures, ambient lighting, and built-in AV, it creates a warm, elegant atmosphere that encourages connection and celebrates your most important guests.
Capacity: Standing: 350, Seated Theatre: 150, Seated Banquet: 90
Room Size: 2,850 sq. ft.
Stage Dimensions: 20’ x 10’
AV: Funktion-One Evo Sound System; 13 ft 4.8 MM LED video wall; LightLink LM
WIFI throughout
CarreSel
CarreSel is an ideal space for mission-driven storytelling. With 360° projection mapping, customizable lighting, and access to a built-in bar and kitchen, it’s ideal for immersive dining experiences, powerful program moments, and creating emotional impact through visual design.
Capacity: Standing: 175, Seated Theatre: 100, Seated Banquet: 70
Room Size: 1,700 sq. ft.
AV: Danley Sound System; 3 point projector video mapping system for seamless digital wallpaper installation; 7K central laser projector & screen
Gallery
The Gallery is a flexible, open-format space perfect for cocktail receptions, silent auctions, and guest arrivals. Often used as a pre-function or transitional area, it seamlessly connects to The Midway’s main event spaces—creating an elegant flow between mingling, dining, and mainstage moments.
Capacity: Standing: 250
Room Size: 2,500 sq. ft.
AV: Funktion-One Sound; Additional AV available upon request
Patio
The Patio is one of our most popular spaces for summer parties, live entertainment, and outdoor receptions. With flexible layouts and a laid-back California vibe, it’s perfect for guests to gather, relax, and celebrate in an open-air setting.
Capacity: Standing: 400, Seated Theatre: 170, Seated Banquet: 150
Room Size: 3,800 sq. ft.
AV: Funktion-One Sound; Modular stage (upon request); LED video wall (upon request); Additional outdoor sound (upon request)
The Observatory
The Observatory is a scenic rooftop-style space ideal for VIP receptions, donor gatherings, or pre-event cocktails. Overlooking Islais Creek and the iconic Bayview Rise mural, it offers a private yet expansive open-air setting that adds a memorable touch of elegance to your gala experience.
Capacity: Standing: 200, Seated Theatre: 110, Seated Banquet: 88
Room size: 1,500 sq. ft.
AV: Available upon request
TRUSTED BY INDUSTRY LEADERS:
TRUSTED BY INDUSTRY LEADERS:
Frequently Asked Questions About Galas & Fundraisers at The Midway
What makes The Midway a unique venue for galas and fundraising events?
The Midway blends artistic sophistication with cutting-edge production capabilities, making it the ideal setting for high-impact galas and benefit events. Located in San Francisco’s Dogpatch district, our venue offers visually immersive spaces, elegant dining, and seamless AV—perfect for elevating your mission and inspiring generosity.
What types of fundraising events and galas can be hosted at The Midway?
We host a wide range of mission-driven events, including nonprofit galas, charity dinners, award ceremonies, donor receptions, foundation events, cultural celebrations, and high-profile benefit shows.
What features make The Midway ideal for fundraising success?
Our venue is designed to support every part of your event—from emotional storytelling to impactful donor engagement. Key features include:
- Turnkey AV and livestreaming for speeches, performances, and paddle raises
- Flexible spaces for silent auctions, receptions, and formal dinners
- Immersive projection mapping for storytelling and custom branding
- Elegant built-in bars and full-service catering to match your event’s tone
Can The Midway support live auctions, donor recognition, or award presentations?
Absolutely. We specialize in producing dynamic and polished live programming. Our team can assist with stage design, run-of-show coordination, video content integration, and donor recognition moments that leave a lasting impression.
Does The Midway offer in-house food and beverage services for galas?
Yes. Our culinary team offers chef-curated plated dinners, upscale buffets, and elegant hors d’oeuvres, all tailored to your event’s style and dietary preferences. We also provide signature cocktails, wine pairings, champagne service, and seamless bar management across multiple venue zones.
Can we customize the look and feel of our gala?
Yes. From thematic décor to custom lighting and branded visuals, our creative and technical teams work with you to bring your event’s message to life. We offer:
- Projection mapping and LED displays for storytelling and sponsor branding
- Custom signage and wayfinding
- Thematic staging and lounge areas for a cohesive experience
Is The Midway equipped to host hybrid or livestreamed gala events?
Yes. We offer full-service livestream and broadcast support so your event can reach donors, board members, and supporters who can’t attend in person. Our team manages the technical production, so you can focus on your message and impact.
What organizations have hosted galas at The Midway?
The Midway has partnered with top nonprofits, cultural institutions, and purpose-driven companies to produce galas that not only raise funds—but spark change. Our clients trust us to handle high-stakes events with professionalism, creativity, and care.
How can I book a gala or fundraising event at The Midway?
Get in touch with our experienced events team to schedule a walkthrough or request a proposal. We’ll guide you through the planning process and customize a package that suits your mission, audience, and fundraising goals.
What sets The Midway apart from other gala venues in San Francisco?
The Midway offers more than just a beautiful venue—we offer a partner in purpose. From community support and nonprofit experience to world-class production and hospitality, we’re here to make your gala impactful, inspiring, and unforgettable.
