Planning a holiday gala requires equal parts logistics and hospitality. We make both feel effortless. At The Barn at Pleasant Acres in Saint Leonard, you’ll find warm service, flexible spaces, and the kind of practical support that lets your team focus on guests instead of setting up. We host formal galas, charity events, and end of year celebrations, and we stay with you from the first walkthrough to the last guest in the parking lot.
Calvert County residents choose The Barn at Pleasant Acres for holiday galas because it combines flexible event spaces, attentive staff, and convenient amenities. The venue offers customizable layouts, open catering options, on-site coordination, and full accessibility, creating a polished experience that allows planners to focus on guests while every detail runs smoothly.
Holiday Galas That Feel Polished and Personal
A successful gala balances flow and comfort. Our role is to make that easy. From your first planning call through the final toast, our family run team is present and involved. Guests notice the smooth arrival, the thoughtful program pacing, and the care we give to every detail. That’s why planners return season after season to host with us.
Flexible Spaces for Dinners, Auctions, & Receptions
The main level is set up for seated dinners and live program moments, complete with barn wood tables and Chiavari chairs. For cocktail hours or sponsor showcases, the outdoor cocktail hour area is an optional upgrade that adds variety. The mezzanine overlooks the floor, a favorite spot for photos or quiet conversation. If you’re hosting a VIP reception or breakout space, the Lower Level is ideal for small gatherings of 40 or fewer.
Dedicated Staff From Start to Finish
Every holiday gala venue includes a day of coordinator to manage your schedule and keep vendors aligned. Our guest care staff guides arrivals, helps with parking, and shuttles attendees by golf cart. Throughout the evening, they stay visible and responsive. Once the celebration ends, we handle teardown and cleaning so your team leaves with energy instead of tasks.
Choice-Based Catering and Bar Service
We believe food and beverage should fit your mission and budget. That’s why we allow outside catering and an open vendor policy. New caterers and DJs simply need approval and a site visit. For bar service, you purchase the alcohol, and our bartenders run the service. For large events, we can open a second bar so lines move quickly and guests stay engaged.
Built-in Program Supporting Amenities
Our barn is equipped with climate control, elegant chandeliers, and string lights that frame the evening. On the Main Level, a projector with a screen is available, and a sound system with a microphone supports announcements and appeals. Bathrooms with barn wood finishes keep the rustic style consistent, while ready rooms and mother’s rooms are available upon request for private use when needed.
Easy Access for Guests and Planners
We know that logistics make a difference. The property has ample on-site parking with shuttle support and is fully wheelchair accessible. Out-of-town guests can stay nearby in Prince Frederick, Solomons, or Chesapeake Beach. Many planners also build in a photo moment at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum or along the Solomons Island waterfront, just minutes from the venue.
Room to Host Up to 200 Guests
Holiday galas often follow a dinner plus program format. We support seated receptions for up to two hundred, keeping everyone together while leaving space for movement and mingling. If you’d like a more dynamic layout with sponsor areas or breakout spaces, the mezzanine and lower level provide natural divisions without losing connection to the main event.
Conclusion: Why Local Organizations Choose Us
The Barn at Pleasant Acres is family owned and operated, and our approach reflects that. We engage with your guests as if they were our own. Planners appreciate that we provide 8,500 sq. ft. of usable space while managing the unglamorous but critical details like setup, cleaning, and parking. That leaves your committee free to focus on fundraising and guest relations.
Ready to plan your holiday gala? Let’s walk through the space together and discuss your program. Call (443) 624-3333 or schedule a tour at thebarnatpleasantacres.com.
FAQs
Can we bring our own caterer and vendors?
Yes. We have an open vendor policy. New caterers and DJs need approval in advance and a site visit.
How does bar service work for galas and fundraisers?
Clients purchase the alcohol. Our bartending team provides service during the event. A second bar can be added when needed.
What setups and equipment are available for the program portion?
On the main level, a projector with a screen is available, and a sound system with a microphone supports speeches and presentations.
Is the venue accessible, and is parking available?
Yes. The venue is wheelchair accessible with indoor ADA compliant restrooms, and there is ample on site parking with golf cart shuttle assistance.