40th Birthday Party Venues for Rent in San Francisco

Time to celebrate turning the big 4-oh! We’ve put together a list of 40th birthday party ideas for you to plan the best birthday party of your life. If you're preparing a birthday party for someone, keep in mind that the focus should be on the honoree. Because some people dread their 40th birthdays, it's vital to make sure that the birthday boy or gal gets all of their demands satisfied.

How can you celebrate your 40th birthday?

First, congrats on four decades of sheer awesomeness. It's time for you to have the birthday bash of your life! Now let’s move on to some party ideas. 

Treat yourself to a pool party

There’s no better time to rent out a venue with a pool than on your birthday. If you've been considering having your birthday party at a pool, now is the time to do it. It's impossible to go wrong with a pool party celebration. Your guests will be thankful forever, and you’ll probably feel like you’re 20 again! Ask the venue to serve your favorite food and drinks if they can, and play your favorite tunes all day. If you’re thinking about making your day extra special, you can even throw in some aqua gym or a yoga session by the pool followed by a Margarita for everyone. Pool parties are also ideal for games such as volleyball and cardboard boat races. They are also wonderful for families with children!

Bowling alley fun

If you're out to start the birthday celebrations at Plank or simply heading to a pub with a few bowling lanes, you’re in for a lot of fun. While renting a bowling alley can be costly, it is an all-inclusive activity that will make all of your guests feel welcome. While most sports necessitate some level of ability, bowling does not, unless you want to win! Some bowling alleys will even let you customize your celebration by playing your favorite songs and setting up food and beverage specials! If you plan to rent out a portion of the facility, make sure you book a few bowling lanes.

Napa Valley getaway

40 calls for an epic, memorable birthday party, and what could be more exquisite than hosting a party in Napa Valley. Places like the B.R. Cohn Winery, for example, is the ideal combination of relaxation and entertainment. Celebrating your 40th birthday in Napa Valley is guaranteed to make you feel fantastic. Napa Valley is the ideal destination to get away alone or with a group of friends, featuring everything from luxury resorts to local vineyards. You might make your day even more memorable by going grape stomping or taking cooking classes. Not a fan of grape cruelty? Head to a spa and enjoy some me-time, followed by some wine tasting in the evening. Napa Valley is also a terrific place to experience fine dining.

Free bar for your mates

Nothing beats a big party at a bar yet, planning a birthday party can be quite a nightmare. However, renting a bar or a bar with a private room means that someone else will be taking care of everything, from the drinks to the clean-up. It’s probably one of the best ways for you to enjoy your special day without worrying about responsibilities. San Francisco has numerous cocktail bars and breweries to explore. Are you planning to organize a fun-themed party? Why not head to a tiki bar and ask everyone to dress up for the occasion? If you can't afford to fly to a remote location right now, themed bars will most likely make you feel as if you've escaped to the Caribbean islands or traveled back to the prohibition era, depending on your tastes. When renting out the space, you can always request in-house catering and an open bar if you feel like it.

Restaurants with private rooms

A private dinner experience exudes elegance like nothing else. If you love the finer things in life, why not indulge in some champagne or caviar? With San Francisco as one of the greatest gastronomic locations, you’ll surely have the happiest tummy on your special day. A taste of luxury never hurts, so why not try one of San Francisco's 45 Michelin-starred restaurants? From seasonal delights to Burmese specialties, this city has something for everyone's taste. Restaurants with private rooms are fantastic for smaller birthday parties. Their regal setting and delicious cuisine will certainly make you feel like a queen or king. You can also book a private culinary experience at the chef's table, where you will have the opportunity to meet the chefs and owners of your favorite restaurants. Why not schedule a private cooking lesson at one of your favorite venues if you enjoy witnessing how bluefin tuna is prepared? Who knows? Maybe you could replicate the same at home and treat yourself every once in a while.

40th Birthday Party Venues in San Francisco FAQ

What are some of the best neighborhoods for 40th birthday party venues?

It all depends on what type of venue you’re looking for. If you’re planning to spend the night at a hip bar, you could take a look at some bars in SoMa or the Mission District. Looking for the best Italian restaurants? Head to North Beach. For pizza joints, head to the West Coast for the best wood-fired pizzas. If you’re planning a weekend getaway, consider places like the Napa Valley or Sonoma for relaxing.

Where can I host a 40th birthday party in San Francisco?

Here are some of our top picks for your 40th birthday bash in the city:

Book/Shop are you a bookworm? Then let your birthday be a celebration of books and creativity! Located in Oakland, this place is a design-minded concept shop where everything is book-themed. Perfect for reading, drinking, and socializing on your birthday.

Le Souk Supper Club restaurant features lavish decor in an intimate setting. Located in Nob Hill, this stunning restaurant is the perfect spot for a unique dining experience. 

The Courtyard at Chambers eat + drink can accommodate hundreds of guests if you’re planning to have the time of your life at the pool or indoors. This place features poolside patio seating and provides a variety of seasonal food options.

How can I save when searching for birthday party spaces?

Look for package specials! Many venues offer birthday packages that can help you save heaps of money. You can also go for unusual venues like galleries and warehouses and plan the rest with the help of some friends. Hiring a backroom or an upstairs room at a bar is also a great option if you’re having a few guests. Prices tend to get higher during the holiday season, so it’s best to book your venue in advance to take advantage of lower prices. Consider less popular days of the week to host your party, like Tuesdays and Thursdays, as prices tend to be lower. Remember, flexibility is key to saving money when picking your venue.

What is the price range for renting a birthday party venue in San Francisco?

Prices vary according to the venue size, the date, and the number of guests. If you’re renting a venue during peak season or on Friday/Saturday, prices are likely to be higher. In general, prices are between $500+ and $35,000+ (whole day), depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re planning to spend a few hours at the venue, the price is likely to be lower than the rental price for the whole day. (All data from Tagvenue)