Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Blue Hill Event Center the best event venue in Chapel Hill?

Blue Hill Event Center has won the Chapel Hill Magazine “Best of Chapel Hill” award for Best Event Space in Chapel Hill multiple years in a row! We are the Chapel Hill event venue with ample parking, multiple meeting spaces, included amenities, and a convenient location close to everything.

What sets Blue Hill Event Center apart is our mission. As a part of Chapel Hill nonprofit Extraordinary Ventures, Blue Hill Event Center has a mission to create meaningful employment for adults with IDD such as autism. Our Events Crew provides cleaning and set up services for every event at our Chapel Hill event space. They look forward to assisting with your next event!

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What is the capacity at Blue Hill Event Center?

The Great Hall at Blue Hill Event Center can comfortably fit…

up to 100 guests using a conference/classroom setup (tables and chairs facing one direction),

up to 150 guests using a banquet setup (eight chairs per table),

or up to 200 guests using a theater setup (chairs only).

How much does it cost to rent Blue Hill Event Center?

The pricing at Blue Hill Event Center is determined by the number of hours you need in the space, including any setup and teardown of your own materials or decorations. Side rooms start at $75/hour, and the Great Hall ranges from $150-$300/hour depending on the time and day. We are one of the most affordable event spaces in Chapel Hill!

Where can I read reviews of Blue Hill Event Center?

We are proud that Blue Hill Event Center has many 5 star reviews! Read all of our Google reviews and see what our customers say.

Is Blue Hill Event Center open for bookings?

Yes! Blue Hill Event Center is currently open for bookings for all types of events through the end of 2025. Request your quote today.

How do I reserve Blue Hill Event Center for my event?

To secure your date, a 25% Reservation Deposit is required along with a signed rental agreement. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your event. Request your quote here.

What time of day can I rent Blue Hill Event Center?

The Great Hall may be rented anywhere from 8am in the morning to 12am at night. Side rooms are typically available until 8pm, unless rented in combination with the Great Hall, in which case they remain available until 12am.

Are tables and chairs included at Blue Hill Event Center?

Yes! We have plastic-topped banquet tables and comfortable padded chairs, and we’ll set them up to a prearranged layout before you arrive. There are plenty of five-foot rounds and eight-foot rectangles (15 of each), and a handful of smaller tables that will be sure to suit any type of event.

Does Blue Hill Event Center provide tablecloths?

While linens are not included, we do have black, full-drop, polyester tablecloths available to rent separately at $10 each, capped at $200 for 20 or more. If you rent tablecloths, we will place them on the tables before you arrive.

Is alcohol allowed at Blue Hill Event Center?

Yes, alcohol is permitted at Blue Hill Event Center. You must acquire event insurance and show proof of proper coverage 30 days before your event. Events with alcohol require a special security deposit and for a security guard to be on the premises during the event. To serve fortified wine and spirituous liquor, a Limited Special Occasion permit must also be obtained through the NC ABC Commission. Please note that the liquor permits are only valid until Midnight on the day of the event.

Do I have to use a preferred caterer or vendor for my event?

No! We believe you should choose the vendors that work best for you, though we’re happy to provide suggestions of our favorite local companies. Any caterers used must be licensed and insured. Here are recommendations for some of our favorite caterers.

Are there kitchen facilities at Blue Hill Event Center?

Our office kitchen (included with a Great Hall rental) is equipped with a refrigerator, stove with oven, and a microwave. You may use these to keep items hot or cold, but all food must be prepared and cooked ahead of time offsite.

Are candles or other open flames allowed at Blue Hill Event Center?

Candles are welcome, but they must be in a protective glass, such as a votive. Open flames are strictly prohibited.

Do you allow smoking?

There is a strict no smoking policy, both inside and outside the building.

Are there limitations on decorations?

Nothing permanent, and no glitter, please! You are welcome to decorate each space to fit your needs with any decorations that can be removed without any harm to the venue. No nails, staples, tapes, or glues that leave a sticky residue are permitted. Any damage to the venue will be assessed and deducted from the security deposit. Additional cleaning fees may be deducted from the security deposit for glitter.

Am I responsible for any of the cleaning?

All items brought in by you, your vendors, or your guests will need to be removed. All the tables should be cleared, with only our linens remaining, if used. The kitchen should be free of food and beverages and wiped down. All trash should be placed in the provided bins, and any extra waste must be bagged and placed next to the bins. Any major spills, confetti piles, etc. must be cleaned up prior to your departure.

Our cleaning crew will arrive immediately upon your event’s contracted end time. They will handle the deep cleaning, including breaking down the tables and chairs, cleaning the bathrooms, and taking trash to the dumpsters.

Can I come in earlier to drop off items or decorate before my event?

All rented hours must be consecutive, and this includes time for decoration and drop-offs. The duration listed in the rental agreement determines your arrival time on the day of your event. If you feel you need more time after signing the contract, additional hours may be purchased if we are able to accommodate the request.

Most events will require a minimum of one additional hour to set up the room before the event and one hour after the event to clean up. If your decor includes chair covers, plan on at least two hours before the event and two hours after the event to set up and break down your decorations.

For example, for a party from 5pm to 10pm, choose rental times from 4pm to 11pm for minimal decorations / set up or from at least 3pm to Midnight if you will have chair covers or more elaborate decor.

Does Blue Hill Event Center have free parking?

Yes! Blue Hill Event Center has ample free private parking onsite.

Is Internet available at Blue Hill Event Center?

Yes, we provide high-speed Wi-Fi, and login information will be given prior to your event.