From Seminars to Showers: 5 Top Event Venues in Corpus Christi

Planning a business function or private event such as a birthday party is stressful enough without taking a chance on the venue and catering. We've done some research and come up with a list of the top event spaces in Corpus Christi featuring first-rate facilities and impeccable customer service.

The Ortiz Center, located on the downtown waterfront near some of the city's top attractions, is a bridge between Corpus Christi's past and present. The sleek, modern conference center was constructed from a number of historic dockside warehouses. Available meeting spaces can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, and the Center offers full A/V capabilities along with custom catering options. The Ballroom and Aransas Room feature windows with a view of the ship channel and access to the outdoor Harbor Plaza.

If you're looking for a memorable, one-of-a-kind venue, your search ends at the Art Center. Your event takes on an atmosphere of sophistication in the Meadows Gallery, which features a revolving display of original art from the Center's exhibits. French doors open onto Devary's Courtyard, with its scenic views of the bay and marina. Smaller spaces can be configured for more intimate events such as wedding showers or dinner parties.

Dating back to the 1940s, the Courtyard has a charming Old World ambiance that makes an elegant backdrop for business events, banquets and parties. Wrought iron gates, stained glass windows and brick entries create a quiet, understated drama. The indoor Gaslight and Plaza Rooms and outdoor Courtyard may be rented individually or in combination based on your needs.

Add a touch of Continental flair when you hold your rehearsal dinner, anniversary celebration or company banquet at Bleu Bistro. Classic French decor runs through the restaurant and its 2,200 square feet of meeting and dining space, including the private Blue Room. You and your guests can dine on menu favorites such as escargot, steak frites and Niçoise salad.

Texans love their steak, and there's no better place for it in Corpus Christi than Katz 21. Wood paneling and earth tones give their new meeting rooms a warm, club-like feel. Katz 21 has a full assortment of top-of-the-line audio/visual equipment for your meetings, seminars and training sessions, and accents like floral arrangements and ice sculptures add something extra to both business and private events. Midwestern corn-fed beef is the star of the menu, but Katz 21 also offers a number of gourmet seafood, poultry and veal dishes.

Do you have any party planning tips or hacks to share? Tell us in the comments!