Winston-Salem private party venue Millennium Event Center

The ideal Winston-Salem party venue

As a premier North Carolina event venue, MEC is known for its wedding receptions and corporate occasions held in our Ballroom and Grand Lobby. But do you know about Millennium’s beautiful and flexible spaces for more intimate social events? Whatever the celebration, we have a place for you! Get a feel for our other rooms and how they set the tone for a myriad of milestone occasions. Then take a look at some helpful party planning tips we’ve put together for you.

Our Winston-Salem party venue sets the stage

Think of the room for your event as the “stage” for your occasion. And like a stage, you need enough space for all the “actors” – your guests. You’ll also want to consider room flow, your service style (cocktails and hors d’oeuvres or sit-down meal), entertainment – even natural lighting if you want your event to be held during the day. Millennium Event Center is your Winston-Salem party venue for:

  • Engagement parties
  • Wedding party luncheons
  • Showers
  • Rehearsal dinners
  • Reception after parties
  • Guest departure brunches
  • Gender reveals
  • Anniversaries
  • Milestone birthdays

Natural light and historical elegance – MEC’s upper level

Elegant Winston-Salem party venue with a grand hall featuring round tables dressed in blue tablecloths and floral centerpieces, complemented by wooden paneling.

The Federal Courtroom at Millennium Event Center

The Millennium Event Center started its life in the early 1900s as a United States Post Office and Federal building. Housed on the upper level, you’ll still find beautiful remnants of Millennium’s justice era in the Historic Federal Courtroom. The striking features of this space include a 25’ high tin ceiling, elegant mahogany woodwork, and eight oversized windows. You’ll even find the original judge’s bench, witness stand, and jury box.

This room works well for both day and evening occasions. It can accommodate 150 for a cocktail party or up to 95 for a seated dinner. Intimate wedding ceremonies are also held in this stunning room.

Also on the upper level is the Grand Jury Room. This airy, versatile space has a great view of downtown Winston-Salem and is perfect for daytime events like luncheons, showers, and brunches. Host cocktail style for 125 or seated for 95.

Creative space made for entertaining – MEC’s lower level

There are some celebrations just made for dancing and entertainment, like wedding after parties, anniversary celebrations, and milestone birthdays. The Millennium Event Center has plenty of lower level space that blends some unique historical features with professional sound, stages, lights, and bars, giving your event that club vibe.

Small events feel right at home in The Jazz Club on the lower level. The space is adjacent to a full-service bar and an intimate lounge area for relaxed conversation. Host a seated dinner for up to 50 or a party for 100.

Interior of a dimly lit room in a Winston-Salem party venue, featuring an open wooden door framed by a brick arch, with benches to either side and candles on a small table in the doorway

The original jail cells are now part of the Millennium Event Center’s lower level.

Give your soiree a Prohibition feeling in Millennium’s Speakeasy. This space can handle parties up to 250 with a DJ or small band on the permanent stage. This is the place for a wedding after party – and everyone loves the original jail cells!

And if you’re looking for a mix of indoor/outdoor space, check out MEC’s Redroom. The room itself, with a stage and bar, can fit up to 150, while the adjacent patio can accommodate 100.

Helpful party planning tips

Millennium Event Center is a full-service Winston-Salem banquet facility offering 5-star cuisine and superior service. Our event staff is well versed in planning social events and can guide you to a seamless experience.  Here are a few helpful party planning tips – and be sure to check out 3 top considerations for finding the right space as well as Martha Stewart’s take on planning a party in 11 easy steps.

Start with the Basics: Date, time, and location. 

Guest List Glamour: Nail down your guest list early. It will help you choose an appropriate venue and plan for catering.

Theme it Up: The right space and theme can tie everything together beautifully.

Foodie Fun: Food is often a highlight of any event. Whatever you’re serving, remember to include options for guests with dietary restrictions.

Toast-worthy Drinks: A well-stocked bar can really elevate the celebration. But don’t forget some tasty non-alcoholic thirst quenchers.

More party planning advice

Decor Delights: Decorations definitely set the mood. Ask our event planners about our decor rentals. 

Entertainment Extravaganza: Whether it’s a live band, a DJ, photo booth, or some fun games, having something to keep everyone entertained is key.

Capture the Moments: Don’t forget to arrange for photography or videography to capture all the special moments of the event.

Timeline Tidiness: Create a timeline to make sure everything runs smoothly. Consider a party planner to work on logistics and keep the event running smoothly so you can enjoy the occasion.

Stay Flexible: Finally, go with the flow! Not everything may go exactly according to plan, and that’s okay. The most important thing is that you and your guests have a fantastic time celebrating together.

We’d love to host your special occasion, providing you with the ideal Winston-Salem party venue, stellar cuisine and impeccable service your event deserves. Contact us today to schedule your tour of our intimate event spaces.

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