Booking an event at the P&P

Interested in hosting your birthday party, wedding after-party, film screening or networking event at the Pen & Pencil Club?

We have a range of options available to P&P members. If you’re not a member, reach out to board@penandpencil.org about joining the club, starting at just $40 a year. It’s a great deal! If you already have a member to sponsor you, apply on our website.

Here’s what you need to know:

Non-private parties: (Free) You can host your birthday party or wedding after-party at the club free of charge as a P&P member. The bar will remain open to other members during your event, but you and your guests can enjoy full access to either the downstairs space, the upstairs, or both. We can provide a nonsmoking or smoking environment for the duration of the event, depending on your preference. Either the downstairs bar (capacity: 75) or the upstairs (capacity: 30) or both can be reserved for free by members, depending on availability. 

Public events: (Free) Want to host an event open to the public? It’s a great way to support the club and help build our Philly journalism community. As a P&P member you can host a film screening, networking event, panel, podcast, book talk, meet-up, or other event that is related to journalism, writing, or publishing, or that would be interesting to journalists. These events are nonsmoking. Reach out to events@penandpencil.org with your idea.

Private parties: The bar is all yours! Either upstairs, downstairs, or both spaces. We can provide a nonsmoking, or smoking, environment for the duration of the event. Our main downstairs bar has a capacity for 75 people and can be booked for private events by members or non-members from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The upstairs bar has a capacity for 30. Or, close down the entire club for your private party of up to 105 people. Contact us to discuss fees and availability.

Sustaining members: Each sustaining member is entitled to one free private event each year at our upstairs bar, subject to availability. 

Drinks: It’s up to you whether to run a cash bar, to pay up front for an open bar or to offer a set number of drink tickets to your guests. We’ll have a selection of beer and wine, mocktails and NA beer, and a small menu of classic cocktails to choose from. The upstairs bar can also be staffed, subject to availability and guest count.

Food: Until we get our kitchen up and running, you’re welcome to cater your own event, whether that’s pizza, hoagie trays or something fancy.

Gear: We have a projector, a TV screen and a microphone/PA system, ready to go for your karaoke night, panel discussion, or movie night. Contact us for more information.

How to book: Please email events@penandpencil.org