22 Gorgeous Raleigh Event Venues
Where can you find 9,000 acres of parkland, 1300 acres of water, and more than 40 free museums and attractions? The City of Oaks, of course. Raleigh, North Carolina, is so iconic that the entire town is considered a national historic landmark. And its appeal is no secret. More than 16 million people visit Raleigh each year, many of whom come for the hundreds of conventions, meetings, and company events held here each year. Those planning a major conference or small gathering need look no further than Raleigh–and this helpful list.
MOFU Shoppe
Capacity: 100
Location: 321 S. Blount St.
Great For: Team Gatherings, Happy Hours
Those planning high-end business meetings, team celebrations, and local meetups in Raleigh need to remember four little letters: MOFU. Located in Downtown Raleigh’s City Market neighborhood, MOFU Shoppe is a window-clad, warmly lit lounge located in a former garage (thus the Shoppe name). The first floor comfortably accommodates 30 seated or 40 standing, while the main dining room offers seats to another 100.
Marbles Kids Museum
Capacity: 2000
Location: 201 E Hargett St
Great For: Galas, Corporate Parties, Birthday Parties
Playful. That’s the calling card of Marbles, Raleigh’s very own award-winning kids’ museum. But don’t just think of Marbles for kids’ parties. The whimsy, color, and vibrancy of Marbles’ event spaces are perfect for corporate parties and galas that delight and surprise. The eye-popping maximum occupancy? 2000.
The Merrimon Wynne House
Capacity: 250
Location: 500 N Blount Street
Great For: Weddings, Holiday Parties
In 1876, a home was constructed that would go on to delight brides, guests, and Hollywood directors alike. The Merrimon Wynne House, located just steps from the Governor’s Mansion, is located in the heart of Downtown Raleigh. Tall white ceilings and light-filled windows surround guests with elegance. Holiday parties, weddings, and photo shoots call the historic site home on a regular basis.
The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation
Capacity: 250
Location: 2201 Wakefield Plantation Dr
Great For: Company Meetings
Looking for some Southern charm? Host your next company retreat at a country club on a plantation. Onsite chefs and hospitality pros offer meetings the high-end service you’d expect from a country club, while the variety of meeting and dining spaces offer seating, meeting, presenting, and even golfing accommodations for groups of all sizes (up to 250).
Melrose Knitting Mill
Capacity: 200
Location: 309 North Dawson Street
Great For: Weddings, Receptions, Award Dinners
From 1900 until the Great Depression’s “Black Tuesday,” the Melrose Knitting Mill was a center of industry. Underwear and bathing suits were crafted in the brick building on Dawson Street until its closure made way for new life. Today, the building hosts weddings, receptions, and charming dinners for crowds of up to 200 in Downtown Raleigh.
The Glass Box
Capacity: 45
Location: 230 Fayetteville St, 5th Floor
Great For: Small Private Parties
On the fifth floor of 230 Fayetteville sits a modern, light-filled space that can only be described as its name does: the Glass Box. Owned by the larger Stockroom at 230 venue, the Glass Box makes the perfect destination for small gatherings of 45 or fewer, or an add-on venue to a larger booking at the Stockroom.
Market Hall
Capacity: 450
Location: 215 Wolfe Street
Great For: Presentations, Receptions
Directly across from the newly renovated and oh-so-fashionable Moore’s Square Park, Market Hall welcomes crowds of 450 or fewer to its black chairs, glistening lights, and open ceilings. Both in-house and approved catering is permitted, and a bridal suite is included at no additional charge for certain events.
Cypress Manor
Capacity: 524
Location: 1040 Buck Jones Road
Great For: Family Gatherings, Private Parties
A short drive from Raleigh in Cary, Cypress Manor is a full-time event space that offers a fairly priced setting, tell columns, lovely chandeliers, a massive fireplace, and a ready-for-primetime dance floor. A quality and conveniently located venue for a rustic wedding.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Capacity: 2300
Location: 11 West Jones Street
Great For: Galas
As professional event planners, we’ve seen our share of gorgeous galas. But none make us smile more than those enjoyed in the company of dinosaurs. North Carolina’s Museum of Natural Sciences is an eye-popping collection of animal life by day, and a blank canvas for celebration by night. With capacity for 2300 black tie guests, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences offers a slew of various rooms and settings, each of which helps support its noble cause.
Reynolds Coliseum
Capacity: 5500
Location: 2411 Dunn Ave
Great For: Conventions, Performances
North Carolina State knows how to throw a good event. Their multiple venues offer something for everyone, and the Reynolds Coliseum is no exception. Following its $35 million renovations, the space now offers more than 19,000 square feet of space perfect for large presentations and performances. Plus, its built-in video screen makes A/V a snap (and impressive).
Vaughn Towers
Capacity: 1000
Location: 5400 Trinity Rd
Great For: Game-Day Company Celebrations
Another gem in the North Carolina State portfolio of event spaces, Vaughn Towers opened in 2005 with 110,000 square feet of private suites and viewing areas. Yes, event planners can reserve the spaces most any day of the week, but game-day bookings offer diligent teams or lucky families the best view in the house supported by quality catering and special entrances.