Facilities & Event Rentals

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, we are not currently accepting facility reservations for any future date. Open viewing for the Clock Tower is also on hold until further notice.

FACILITIES AND EVENT RENTALS

We invite you to learn about following facilities/event venues for which we accept reservations:
Clock Tower  ♦  Benicia Community Center  ♦  Senior Center  ♦  City Gym  ♦  Gazebo at City Park  ♦  Marina Green ♦  Marina Pavilion 

General rules that apply to all event venues: 

    • Reservations must be done in person at the Parks and Community Services Department, 370 East L Street. No reservations can be taken by phone. 
    • Applicants must be 21 years of age with valid identification. 
    • A deposit or the full fees are due at the time of reservation, depending on the facility.
    • INSURANCE: Event insurance may be purchased at our office. The cost of insurance varies depending on the type of event, the number of attendees, the end time of the rental, and whether or not alcohol will be present. If you plan to provide your own insurance, please see our Insurance and Endorsement requirements.

 

CLOCK TOWER

The historic Clock Tower is located at 1189 Washington Street in Benicia, near the entrance to the port of Benicia.

Constructed in 1859 of native Benicia sandstone, the Clock Tower was designed as a U.S. military arsenal. Originally built as a three story building, it provided the occupants with a view of Suisun, San Pablo, and San Francisco Bays. A fire and explosion in 1912 reduced this facility to the two story structure that exists today.

In 1964 the Clock Tower became the property of the City of Benicia and has since served as a multiple use facility for weddings, fundraisers, private parties, receptions, and community functions. The Clock Tower is Benicia’s largest facility with a maximum standing capacity of 601 people and a seating capacity of 536 people. The second floor event space may be reached by two sets of stairs or an elevator located at the center of the building. 

The Clock Tower is our largest indoor facility and is great for weddings, receptions, parties, and meetings of all sorts.

We host an open viewing each Tuesday from 5pm-7pm for those interested in exploring the building prior to rental.  We recommend that you attend an open viewing if you would like to decide if the facility is right for you; decide where to set up tables and chairs; determine where to hang decorations; and/or show your party planner, caterer, photographer, or other vendors the facility before your event.

  • Contact the Parks & Community Services office at 746-4285 to check available dates.  You may also contact Lindsay Zarcone at 707-746-4771 if you can any questions about Clock Tower policies and existing rentals.
  • Insurance and security are required for every rental at the Clock Tower.
  • Alcohol is not permitted at events that are to celebrate a person or event focused on youth or anyone under the age of 21 years.
  • Reservations can be made 12 months in advance, to the date.  Benicia non-profits may reserve 13 months in advance.
  • For a full listing of policies, please see the Clock Tower Facility Use Guidelines and Policies document below

CLEANING SERVICE OPTION - We offer the you the option to allow us to coordinate the cleaning of the facility after your rental. See the information in the links below about the cleaning options for the Clock Tower.

For information about rental prices, deposits, services provided, and available rental times, please click on the link to the brochure below: 

  

COMMUNITY CENTER

Formerly "Mills Elementary School," the Community Center is now home to the Parks and Community Services Department offices and is used for a variety of daily activities and classes.  The facility has meeting rooms, classrooms, and a large multi-purpose room that may be reserved for meetings, seminars, and private parties.  The smaller rooms have a seating capacity of 20 people and the multi-purpose room can seat up to 120 people.

NOTE: this facility does not permit alcohol. Insurance is required. 

For availability, please contact us at 707-746-4285.

Benicia Community Center use guidelines

 

SENIOR CENTER

A great place for a small private event.  Maximum capacity in the large room is 120. The small rooms holds 69 people.  The rooms are divided by French doors.  Both rooms are included in the price of the rental.  Insurance is required for all Senior Center rentals. The Senior Center can be reserved up to 3 months in advance.

For availability, please contact our office at 707-746-4285. 

Senior Center use guidelines

Programs at the Senior Center

 

CITY GYM

Rentals are for sport related activities, require 30 days advance notice, can be made 3 months in advance, and may require a security deposit. Proof of insurance may also be required.  
There is a 2 hour minimum rental for the facility. Individuals and/or organizations are limited to 1 (one) rental per calendar month.
The gym cannot be reserved by a renter/organization that is collecting/charging fees for attendance or participation in activities or events.  
Tables and chairs, as well as food and drink, are not allowed inside the gym. No equipment is provided with rentals.
Any outside equipment that will be used for any rental requires advanced City approval. Bounce houses are not allowed in the gym. 

Saturdays are consistently the only days available for private rentals. 

Please contact Wendy Stratton Monahan to check availability, and for more information about rental prices and policies: wmonahan@ci.benicia.ca.us or 707-746-4306.

Programs at the City Gym

 

 

GAZEBO at City Park

Rental of the facility is limited to the Gazebo and the concrete section an immediate surrounding area.  This is recommended for groups of 75 or less.  Six hour maximum rental. Electrical access is available upon request. Insurance is required. For availability, please contact us at 707-746-4285.
More information about City Park

 

MARINA PAVILION ♦ MARINA GREEN

Areas can be reserved separately or together.  The facilities are located at the marina, adjacent to the Benicia Yacht Club and homes.  Electrical access is available upon request. Six hour maximum rental (between hours of 10am and 6pm). Insurance is required.  For availability, please contact us at 707-746-4285.