Top 10 Cocktail Party Venues in Brisbane

Cocktail parties are always popular! And why not? There are flowing drinks and tasty little things you can munch on with one hand and roam where you like. And it's the best way to top off an exhausting week at the office!

Planning a cocktail party in Brisbane? You're in luck! This beautiful city has many cocktail bars, function rooms, warehouse spaces, pubs and restaurants for your event. Whether you've been roped into putting together a corporate team event or throwing your best mate a surprise birthday party, VenueNow's Brisbane cocktail party venue guide has plenty of spectacular spaces and tips that will impress.

Top Venues to Host a Brisbane Cocktail Party

A cocktail party is one of the most flexible events you can organise. You can host a cocktail reception anywhere, from outdoor spaces to waterfront locations, trendy restaurants, and hidden bars. You have a lot of venue options to select from. Below are some of the best cocktail party venues in Brisbane:

Hotels

Hotels are an excellent choice for hosting a cocktail party in Brisbane. They often have stylish event spaces and provide top-notch amenities and accommodation options for guests travelling into the city or wishing to make a night of it. Here, you can find a variety of versatile settings that cater to both intimate gatherings and large-scale corporate events.

Restaurants

Cocktail parties in Brisbane restaurants are yet another excellent idea. As the city is home to diverse restaurants serving various cuisines, it won't be hard to find one that suits your tastes and the event's theme. As the whole place can be rented out, you get to dictate everything from what colour to use on the balloons to how you arrange the tables and chairs. Most restaurants have private dining rooms or event spaces that can be booked exclusively for your cocktail party. Some even have outdoor spaces or rooftop terraces where you can take in the lovely views of Brisbane while indulging in your favourite cocktails.

Pubs

Pubs are convenient for hosting a cocktail-style event, much like restaurants. In Brisbane, many pubs can be hired for private events, accommodating groups as small as 15 and as large as 200. With drinks and bar food readily available, you can enjoy your event with fewer concerns. All you have to do is enjoy the night!

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Bars

When it comes to hosting a cocktail party with a lively atmosphere and an array of creative drink options, bars in Brisbane stand out as a top choice. Known for their trendy interiors and expertly crafted cocktails, bars offer a unique setting to elevate your event. Many bars can provide a private area or even complete venue hire, depending on your party size and preferences.

Rooftop Venues

With breathtaking views of the city skyline, the Brisbane River, or lush green surrounds, a rooftop setting is the perfect choice for an unforgettable cocktail party. Rooftop restaurants or bars with fairy lights and candles draped over them create great spots for social gatherings and corporate ones, particularly evening ones.

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Popular Event Types to Host at Cocktail Venues in Brisbane

Cocktail parties can be kept informal and carefree, ideal for family gatherings. They can also be classy and elegant, as a pre-awards night reception or corporate function for high-profile clients would demand. These are our favourite kinds of events for Brisbane cocktail venues:

Office Parties

Cocktail-type parties are ideal for fundraising and celebrating company milestones and employee retirements. Some companies host cocktail receptions for wine and dine potential clients. It may also be charity events, networking events, or office Christmas parties. Brisbane has a variety of cocktail party venues that are ideal for office parties and corporate events. You can choose from modern bars, rooftop venues, or even elegant banquet halls to suit the tone of your office gathering. Whether you're looking for a casual after-work setting or a more formal affair, Brisbane's diverse venue options can accommodate your needs perfectly.

Check out these networking event venues,Christmas party venues, and corporate event venues.

Family Parties

Cocktail parties involve less work than sit-down dinners, so they're the ideal way to celebrate milestone birthdays, bridal showers, anniversaries and other family gatherings. They allow you to bring together family members for free-flowing drinks and chatter without any pressure of putting together a menu or a seating arrangement. So, whether you're searching for a birthday party location or a venue to celebrate a milestone anniversary, there are many wonderful choices for family parties in Brisbane.

Check out these birthday party venues, bridal shower venues, Christening venues, engagement party venues and baby shower venues.

Product Launches and Brand Activations

For introducing a new product or generating buzz about your brand, a cocktail party is a great option to make a lasting impression. The sophisticated yet casual environment provides for comfortable interactions, where guests can connect with your brand more intimately. Brisbane has an array of venues ideal for hosting such events, whether you seek a sophisticated city vibe or a more relaxed and intimate setting.

Check out these product launch venues and trade show venues.

Cost of Hosting a Brisbane Cocktail Party

Hosting a cocktail party in Brisbane can vary widely in cost, depending on several key factors, including the venue, guest list size, menu choices, and additional elements like entertainment or decorations. On average, you will pay around $65 to $95 per person, but prices can go higher or lower based on the specifics of your event. Here's a breakdown of the potential costs involved:

Venue Rental

Regarding venue hire, the price could vary dramatically depending on the venue you hire and the inclusions. For example, renting out an upmarket rooftop bar in Brisbane CBD may cost differently than renting an intimate little garden venue. Some venues will demand a flat rate rental fee that can cost anything from $500 to several thousand, based on the day of the week, time of year, and venue location. Venues can have a minimum spend policy where you must commit to spending a certain amount on food and drinks.

Guest List Size

The size of your guest list will directly impact the cost of your cocktail party. Bigger guest lists usually mean bigger spaces, more food and beverages, and more employees, all of which cost money. You should budget upfront and decide on your guest list early to make venue selection easier and prevent unnecessary expenses.

Catering Costs

Catering is a central element of any cocktail party, and choices can be as straightforward as simple canapés and light hors d'oeuvres or as elaborate as gourmet-style finger foods and high-end drink packages. Most venues in Brisbane have in-house catering, which can be a great convenience and make the planning process much easier. Take note that while in-house catering simplifies logistics, it is essential to discuss your specific needs and dietary requirements with the catering team to ensure that your guests are accommodated adequately.

Beverage Options

Packages for beverages are usually a considerable portion of catering expenses at cocktail parties. Venues typically offer a range of packages, from basic, which includes local beers and house wines, to deluxe, which consists of a large variety of international wines, spirits, and expertly prepared cocktails. Crafting a bespoke cocktail, often themed around your event, can add a unique touch. Consider whether you want an open bar throughout the event or prefer to offer drink vouchers to control costs.

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Searching for Brisbane function venues for your cocktail party?

Brisbane boasts a diverse selection of function venues. Whatever you're looking for for your next event, VenueNow has you covered. We're Australia's largest venue-booking company with a range of quirky and chic function spaces. We can help find the ideal space for birthday parties, corporate events or wedding receptions, whether you have a preferred location or a budget in mind.

Explore Brisbane's venues and book your private events today!

How much do Brisbane cocktail party venues cost?

Based on VenueNow's historic data, on average, Brisbane cocktail party venues cost between 60 per person and 90 per person. For example, a 100 person cocktail party would cost approximately 6000-9000. Costs may differ based on your food and beverage requirements, AV requirements, event date and time and the type of venue you decide to book.

What are the top Brisbane cocktail party venues?

Here are some of our favourite Brisbane cocktail party venues:

1. Fridays
2. Stamford Plaza Brisbane
3. Voco Brisbane City Centre
4. The Point Brisbane
5. Amora Hotel Brisbane
6. Cielo Rooftop
7. Brisbane City Hall
8. Rydges South Bank Brisbane
9. Fortitude Music Hall
10. Cielo Rooftop

How do I find and book Brisbane cocktail party venues?

Finding and booking a Brisbane cocktail party venue is easy with VenueNow, simply follow these steps:1. Enter Brisbane as your location and cocktail party as your event type into VenueNow's search engine.2. Narrow down your search results by entering more filters such as number of people, event date, room layout and budget.3. Send enquiries to venues to request pricing and availability (we recommend sending 3-5 enquiries to different venues to ensure you get the best price).4. Review your quotes and connect directly with your favourite venues to book a site visit and finalise your booking.5. Host your event!

How far in advance should I book a Brisbane cocktail party venue?

On average, VenueNow customers book a Brisbane venue 90 days in advance of the event. For larger events and event dates in December we recommend allowing additional time as there may be limited availability.

Can VenueNow help me find a Brisbane cocktail party venue?

We sure can! VenueNow's team of Venue Booking Experts can help you find the perfect venue, collect quotes from multiple venues on your behalf, negotiate the best price with venues and book venues, all for free. Simply send us your event brief and our team will be in contact with venue recommendations within 24-48 hours.