Albuquerque's Venue for Causes That Matter
Raise More. Spend Less on the Venue.
An elegant, fully equipped event space for nonprofit fundraisers, charity galas, and awards dinners. Stage, AV, silent auction space, and a dedicated coordinator included. Nonprofit pricing so more of every dollar goes to your mission.
500+
Events Hosted
4.9★
Google Rating
Dedicated
Event Support
Open
Vendor Policy
Where Albuquerque's Nonprofits Come Together
Albuquerque's nonprofit community is doing extraordinary work, from supporting families in the South Valley to preserving cultural traditions along the Rio Grande to advancing research at our national laboratories. When it is time to bring your donors, volunteers, and supporters together for the event that fuels your mission, you need a venue that delivers elegance without draining your budget. The Albuquerque Event Center offers a 15% nonprofit discount, a flexible open layout that accommodates silent auctions, seated dinners, standing receptions, and award ceremonies all in one evening, and a full AV package for presentations and paddle raises. Our dedicated coordinator works with your team to plan the flow of the evening so every moment, from the reception to the live auction to the final appeal, lands exactly as intended. Your cause deserves a venue that works as hard as you do.
Why Choose Us
Everything You Need for Your Fundraiser & Gala
A venue designed to give you flexibility, freedom, and peace of mind.
Stage & AV for Presentations
A raised stage area with podium, projector, large-format screen, and premium sound system. Perfect for keynote speakers, video tributes, live auction callouts, and paddle raise appeals that energize the room.
Silent Auction Space
Dedicated display areas for silent auction items with proper lighting and easy guest flow. We help you plan table placement so bidders can browse without crowding the dining area or bar.
Open Catering Policy
Bring any licensed caterer to maximize your fundraising margin. No vendor restrictions, no kitchen fees, and no markups. Serve the menu that fits your event and your budget.
15% Nonprofit Discount
Registered 501(c)(3) organizations receive a 15% discount on venue rental. We want more of every dollar raised to go directly to your mission, not to overhead. Just provide your determination letter at booking.
Flexible Floor Plans
Configure the space for a standing reception, seated dinner, or both in the same evening. Room for a registration table, auction displays, a dance floor, and banquet seating for up to 100 guests.
Dedicated Event Coordinator
Our coordinator works with your planning committee on timeline, layout, vendor arrivals, and day-of logistics. From the reception transition to the final fund-a-need appeal, every moment is managed.
Simple Pricing
Transparent, Honest Pricing
No hidden fees. No surprise charges. Just a beautiful venue at a fair price.
Venue Rental
Plus tax · up to 8 hours
Our base package includes everything you need for a beautiful event. Tables and chairs included, with the freedom to bring your own vendors.
- Up to 8-hour venue rental
- Tables and chairs (up to 75 chairs included)
- Free parking for all guests
- Open vendor policy — bring any caterer, DJ, or decorator
- Flexible floor plan configuration
- Setup and cleanup time included
Available Add-Ons
- Additional Chairs$5 per chair
Need seating for more than 75 guests? Add extra chairs as needed.
- Linen Rentals$15 per table
Elegant table linens to elevate your event décor.
- Sound System$150 per day
Bluetooth speaker system for music, speeches, and announcements.
Reserve Your Date
$250 deposit to reserve your date. This deposit goes toward your event total. The remaining balance is due in full 7 days prior to your event.
Military, nonprofit, and recurring booking discounts available. Contact us for details.
Planning a Gala That Maximizes Your Impact
A great fundraiser is more than a dinner. It is a carefully orchestrated evening designed to inspire generosity at every turn. The Albuquerque Event Center has hosted galas for organizations across the city, and we know what makes the difference between an event that meets its goal and one that exceeds it. Our space and our team are set up to support the flow that top fundraising consultants recommend: an engaging cocktail hour with silent auction browsing, a seamless transition to a seated dinner with program, and a high-energy live auction or paddle raise that closes the night strong.
- Silent auction display tables with dedicated lighting and traffic flow
- Stage and podium setup for keynotes, award presentations, and live auctions
- Reception zone separate from the main dining area
- AV support for video tributes, slideshows, and live-streamed appeals
- Flexible timeline to accommodate registration, dinner, program, and dancing
- Coat check and registration table area near the entrance
Testimonials
Loved by Our Community
Real stories from real celebrations at our venue.
“From the moment we toured the Albuquerque Event Center, we knew it was the right place for our wedding. We had 120 guests, a full mariachi band, and a taco bar from our favorite local caterer, and the space handled it all beautifully. The open vendor policy saved us thousands compared to other venues, and the coordinator helped us set up the lazo ceremony area exactly the way we envisioned it. Our families are still talking about how perfect everything was. If you want a venue that respects our traditions and gives you the freedom to make your day your own, this is it.”
Maria & Carlos Garcia
Wedding • October 2024
Only a few Saturday evenings still available this spring.
Reserve your date today before it's gone.
FAQ
Fundraiser & Gala Questions Answered
Common questions about hosting your fundraiser & gala at our venue.
Make Your Next Fundraiser the Most Successful Yet
Schedule a walkthrough with our team to see the space, discuss your layout, and get a custom quote with your nonprofit discount applied.