From a Dream to The Diamond Ballroom: Events By Liz Opens New Venue in Calipatria

What began years ago as a dream to own a larger event venue has become a new destination for celebrations in Calipatria.

On September 10, 2026, The Diamond Ballroom officially celebrated its grand opening at 135 Main St., Suite A, Calipatria, with a ribbon cutting ceremony facilitated by the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.

For owner Elizabeth Estrada, the opening represents much more than a new location. It is the latest chapter in a business journey she describes as having been built “from the ground up.”

17 Years of Building Events By Liz

Estrada has operated Events By Liz for 17 years, growing the business from its early beginnings in catering into event packages, décor and other services. After returning to the Imperial Valley from San Diego, she began catering as a way to build her business before gradually expanding into full event services. 

Through the years, that work created a larger vision: a venue where she could continue helping clients bring important moments to life while entering a new stage of her career.

According to Estrada’s IVRCC business questionnaire, she had dreamed of opening a larger venue for many years. The opportunity that became The Diamond Ballroom arrived only months before the grand opening.

The milestone also brings her journey back to a community that played an important role in the early years of her business. Estrada has described Calipatria as one of the first communities to welcome her and Events By Liz when she was getting started.

An All Inclusive Approach to Celebrations

The Diamond Ballroom is designed as an all inclusive event venue, allowing clients to coordinate multiple elements of their celebration through one location.

The venue can accommodate up to 193 guests and includes a dedicated dance floor. It is available for celebrations including weddings, quinceañeras, birthdays, baby showers, anniversaries and other special occasions. 

But Estrada’s vision extends beyond convenience for her clients.

The model also gives her an opportunity to continue working with trusted vendors she has built relationships with over the years. By bringing those businesses and service providers into events at The Diamond Ballroom, the venue can create additional opportunities for other entrepreneurs involved in Imperial Valley’s event industry.

That collaborative approach closely reflects the venue’s guiding philosophy: “Building Dreams from Scratch.”

A Milestone Built With Family and Community

Estrada credits her mother, her son, Sam, and the Events By Liz team and family among the people who have helped build the business.

She has also expressed gratitude to the individuals and local tradespeople who helped prepare the new venue, as well as the community members who have supported her business throughout its growth. 

The grand opening gave guests an opportunity to experience the venue firsthand with food, dessert and music while marking the beginning of its next chapter. 

For Estrada, that chapter is grounded in gratitude after the challenges, growth and years of work that brought Events By Liz to this point.

A New Place to Celebrate in Calipatria

The opening of The Diamond Ballroom adds another locally operated destination where Imperial Valley families can gather for some of life's biggest moments. At the same time, its collaborative vendor model has the potential to keep more event related opportunities connected to businesses and service providers within the region.

IVRCC congratulates Elizabeth Estrada, The Diamond Ballroom and the Events By Liz team on this milestone and their continued investment in Calipatria and the Imperial Valley.

The Diamond Ballroom: 135 Main St., Suite ACalipatria, CA

Reservations and event information: 760-886-4255

Celebrating a Business Milestone?

Ribbon cutting ceremonies are one of the ways IVRCC helps eligible members recognize and promote important moments in their business journey.

Whether your business is preparing for a grand opening, expansion, relocation, anniversary or another milestone, contact IVRCC at (760) 352-7413 to learn more about this membership benefit.