Charity & Fundraising Event Venue
Lexi Foster Photography
Charity & Fundraising Events at the Hawthorn
A memorable venue can lift a fundraiser from an obligation to an occasion, encouraging guests to give generously and stay late. The Hawthorn offers a striking, elegant backdrop for galas, benefit dinners, auctions, and nonprofit celebrations. Set within the warm brick walls of a reimagined 19th century brewery in Portsmouth's West End, our venue brings a sense of significance to any cause. With soaring 30 foot ceilings, a sweeping 64 foot curved bar, and a flexible floor plan that seats up to 250, the space accommodates a formal seated dinner, a cocktail-style reception, a silent auction, or a full program with a stage and speakers.
Tailored Ways to Celebrate
At The Hawthorn, organizers shape the evening around their own vision and budget. Reserve the space and bring in your preferred caterer and vendors, or lean on our optional catering, bar, and linen package to keep planning simple. Built-in surround audio and expansive space for speeches and audio-visual presentations make it easy to run a program, share your mission, and recognize your donors.
Our event team works alongside you and your committee from the first conversation, coordinating the details so your volunteers can focus on the cause. Explore our corporate events options to see how the space comes together.
The Venue
At a glance
- Exclusive use of the venue for the entire day and evening.
- 6,000 total square feet of space
- 3,800 square feet of event space, subdividable for smaller events
- Available for both ceremony and/or reception
- A Gatsby style lounge and sweeping, curved bar with seating for 18 overlooking the event space.
- A mix of 60β round and rectangular farm tables paired with our signature black wooden willow chairs
- Full catering prep kitchen
- Ability to supply your own beer, wine and liquor
- Built-in surround audio
- Ideally positioned in Portsmouthβs West End with easy access to plentiful restaurants, ceremony options, and guest accommodations
let us be a part of your story
Steeped in Portsmouth's rich past, The Hawthorn is more than a venue, it is a living chapter of the city's unfolding story. Once part of the legendary Frank Jones Brewery, once one of the largest ale producers in the country, the building has been thoughtfully reimagined for the modern host while keeping its original architecture, exposed brick, and hard-won character intact. A space built on community makes a fitting home for an event dedicated to giving back. When the evening winds down, downtown Portsmouth is just steps away, full of restaurants, boutique hotels, and things to explore.
Letβs craft the perfect Fundraiser together
Planning a gala or fundraising event in Portsmouth or the New England Seacoast? Our team is ready to help you create an evening that moves your mission forward. Get in touch to start planning.
