PLAN AN EVENT
Yerba Buena Gardens is the perfect location to plan an event. Corporate gatherings, private picnics, large parties, open-air weddings, and photo/film shoots all take place at this one-of-a-kind urban location in the heart of the City’s cultural and convention district. Permits are issued for events through the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival who serve as the exclusive rental agent for Yerba Buena Gardens. Fees for rentals provide necessary support for landscaping and maintenance of the park, as well as all free programming.
How it Works

Pick Venue + Date
Decide where + when to hold your event at YBG

Get the Details
Review the Rental Docs + Requirements

Submit Rental Application
Get an estimate of fees for your event

Co-Insure + Pay
Co-Insure YBG + complete payment

Hold Your Event
Hold your event on the planned date
Pick Venue + Date
Call Yerba Buena Gardens Festival at 415.543.1718 for date availability.
Get the Details
Venue Options
Yerba Buena Gardens has many flexible open spaces to rent—from large to intimate—amid its expansive lawns, pocket gardens, terraces and plazas. Review the venue summary table below to see if a venue will accommodate your space size and guest quantity requirements.
Tenting can be permitted for some venues. Tenting, catering and furnishings are not provided. YBG is adjacent to ample parking, public tranisit, hotels and the Moscone Center.
Rental Fees
Rental of each venue is based on event scope, specific requirements, and location. Please submit a Rental Application to receive an estimate for your event.
The following fees may be applicable for renting a YBG venue:
• Location Fee
• Service Fee | Maintenance, Security + Permits
• Branding Fee | If applicable
Venue | Dimensions | Sq Ft | Standing Capacity | Seated Capacity |
Esplanade | 585′ x 583′ | 340,000 | 5,000 | 1,000 |
Terrace | 20′ x 240′ | 5,800 | 500 | 200 |
East Garden | 90′ x 90′ | 8100 | 500 | 200 |
Children's Garden | 85′ x 100′ | 85,000 | 2,000 | 500 |
Carousel Plaza | 60′ x 30′ | 1,800 | 200 | 100 |
Jessie Sq | Upper Pond | 77′ x 55′ | 4,250 | 300 | 100 |
Jessie Sq | Full Area | 187′ x 158′ | 29,500 | 500 | 300 |
N Mission St | Parking Cutout | 9′ x 78′ | 700 | 3 Cars/2 Lg Trucks | N/A |
S Mission St | Parking Cutout | 8′ x 80′ | 640 | 3 Cars/2 Lg Trucks | N/A |
Howard St | Parking Cutout | 10′ x 80′ | 800 | 3 Cars/2 Lg Trucks | N/A |
Submit Rental Application
Permits are issued for events at YBG through Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. It serves as the rental agent for YBG. Fees for rentals provide necessary and ongoing support for all of the free public programs at YBG.
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival has a dedicated team to support your event needs. Janitorial, security, landscaping and engineering services are provided by Yerba Buena Gardens.
You must secure an Event Permit to hold an event at YBG. Permits are required for the following activities:
• Corporate Events
• Groups of more than 25 people
• Film Shoots taking more than just a few minutes or using talent, models + professional equipment including: lighting, tripods, reflectors, etc.
• Student Film Shoots
If you are planning an event with these activities or group size, you must contact Yerba Buena Gardens Festival in advance of your event date to secure a permit.
• Special event permits require 30 day advance notice
• Film/photo shoot permits require 72 hr advance notice
Co-Insure + Pay
Proof of insurance is not required to submit a Rental Application. However, an event permit will not be issued without proper insurance which must be received 72 hours prior to an event date.
Valid proof of insurance must include all of the following:
• Certificate of Liability Insurance issued from the applicants insurance carrier
• $2 Million Dollar “umbrella” rider for the activity
• Naming Yerba Buena Arts + Events as the certificate holder
• Naming Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy, Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure and the City-County of San Francisco as additionally insured on the certificate