Benicia residents know that we have a good thing going. We have it all: our walkable waterfront location, highly regarded arts community, vibrant downtown, acres of parks, rich history dating back to the gold rush and the best weather in the Bay. When asked, people say they love it here. It’s peaceful, and Benicia’s natural beauty is unbeatable. But we also have something else that’s lacking in many communities our size: we know how to throw a great party, and have the event spaces to prove it.
The diversity in our event space offerings is unusual in a burb of just under 29,000. Consider this: Two beautiful period mansions—the recently renovated Commanding Officer’s Quarters and the Jefferson Street Mansion, the historic B.D.E.S hall, home to many a local crab feed and to Benicia Old Town Theatre Group, the Benicia Yacht Club, the Clocktower, the Benicia Blacksmith Gallery, the Arts Benicia Gallery and the Benicia Historical Museum. Then there’s the City Park Gazebo, where, in summer, bride sightings are not uncommon.
Community crab feeds kick off the event season in January, closely followed by a new event this year: Benicia Main Street’s Great Bowl of Chili Challenge February 18. The public is invited to taste and vote on their favorites: Greatest Bowl, Greatest Vegetarian and Most Creative. The event features live music, a raffle and beer & wine. Come and taste Benicia Magazine’s version!
On the other end of the formality spectrum, Benicia’s growing reputation as a wedding destination keeps venues busy from April through October. Besides numerous churches, there are at least six facilities, plus the Gazebo, in which to say “I do.” We are also known as a fashion destination, which has given rise to annual runway fashion shows, including a big one at the Clock Tower in April that packs our largest venue to capacity, benefitting the Benicia Community Action Council, and Benicia Main Street’s annual Fashion Weekend runway show, a highly successful outdoor evening event downtown. Then there are the casino nights, art openings, live music and numerous gala charity auctions. There’s always a party brewing in Benicia, and many opportunities to pop the question, pop a cork, bust a move and celebrate. Check our online calendar for a complete listing of Benicia events at www.beniciamagazine.com.
