There’s no better time to host your event in Concord, New Hampshire, than today. A new era of revitalization for downtown Concord has reawakened the city, adding boutiques, cafes, and restaurants along its main drag, and creating more pedestrian-friendly streetscapes. Not only does the area feature numerous noteworthy event spaces, but it also offers your guests a wealth of things to do before and after the day’s festivities — plus, several standout stays to rest their heads for the night. The arrival of Arts Alley, Concord’s newest and buzziest destination, introduced even more options for those looking to plan an event in town.
On the second floor, you’ll find The Main Venue, a multi-purpose event space ready to bring all kinds of celebrations to life — weddings, milestone anniversaries, nonprofit galas, creative workshops, corporate retreats, upscale dinners, and everything in between. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow ample light to pour in, while affording guests some stellar views of the surrounding historic pocket of Concord. With interiors paneled in light wood, modern fixtures, and sleek design, The Main Venue is also flexible enough to be transformed into anything you desire. Whether you’re hosting a corporate event or a wedding, here’s how this inspired new space can accommodate any sophisticated event.
Weddings
Have a specific vision for your big day? One of the major perks to hosting a wedding at The Main Venue is its versatility, which makes the possibilities for your wedding vision truly endless. A pared-back, modern aesthetic and minimal preexisting decor offers a blank canvas you can dress up or down as you wish. Its scale, too, can be adapted to fit your needs, whether you prefer a smaller, more intimate celebration or want to draw a big crowd for your special day. The floorplan allows you to optimize the event space, with banquet-style seating or round tables for sit-down, plated meals, open spaces for dancing, and lounges and cocktail tables for mingling. Lastly, hosting your nuptials at Arts Alley also means you can take the festivities from a courtyard ceremony to a rooftop cocktail hour and finally, an elegant reception at The Main Venue.
Upscale Lunches or Dinners
Looking for the perfect place to gather around the table? An upscale lunch or dinner at The Main Venue is a great way to celebrate a milestone like an anniversary, birthday, or engagement. It can also serve as a sophisticated setting for networking with industry professionals, impressing clients, or recognizing your company’s significant achievements through an elevated dining experience. Keep it more laidback with a casual lunch — complete with mimosas and light fare served buffet-style, so your guests are encouraged to mingle. For a more formal affair, consider a multi-course, plated dinner with curated wine pairings, ambient lighting, and creative tablescapes. With its clean lines and flexible layout, The Main Venue’s space can be adapted for every level of formality.
Creative Workshops
If your team is struggling in the inspiration department, hosting a workshop can help your employees get over their creative roadblocks — while fostering collaboration and teamwork. (Not to mention, learning a new skill is always a rewarding experience and goes a long way in strengthening a sense of loyalty to your company.) Think: a guided painting class, cocktail-making session, or pottery workshop. Start the event at Arts Alley’s open-air courtyard, which can be divided into distinct zones: a welcome area with signage and hors d’oeuvres, a central classroom-style activity space with organized stations or communal tables. After the workshop, guide your attendees upstairs to The Main Venue, where they’ll find casual, cozy lounges to kick back and mingle, and a showcase area to display their finished work.
Panels, Presentations, and Seminars
Today, employees are looking for workplaces that offer opportunities to grow — and improve their long-term prospects. What better way to show your commitment to their career development than with an event tailored for their education? Host an educational panel by bringing in guest experts to discuss industry trends and share their experience and viewpoints. The Main Venue’s space can accommodate theater-style seating and breakout lounges for post-panel discussions. Alternatively, you can organize a keynote-style presentation led by a company executive or industry expert, or offer breakout seminars and workshop-style sessions that focus on professional development. The Main Venue is fully equipped with state-of-the-art AV capabilities for any occasion.
Networking Events
The key to hosting a great networking event your guests will actually enjoy? A well-thought-out, clever event floorplan that encourages natural movement and uninterrupted traffic flow. The Main Venue’s space can be broken up into cozy-yet-elevated lounge areas with plush seating and high-top tables for casual chats. A central bar or refreshment area can anchor the space, serving as a focal point and gathering area. Have a theme for your networking event? Weave it into your bar offerings with themed libations, and pass hors d’oeuvres to keep your guests engaged. Better yet, take cocktail hour to the Arts Alley’s Rooftop Social, which boasts scenic views and ample space for mingling.
Awards Ceremonies and Galas
With a capacity of up to 150 guests, The Main Venue boasts plenty of room for most kinds of events. However, if you’re looking to go even bigger, Arts Alley has partnered with the Bank of New Hampshire Stage next door to welcome all manner of glamorous, large-scale events. Give your guests a red-carpet moment with a branded step-and-repeat backdrop upon arrival, before ushering them into the Bank of New Hampshire Stage’s main theater. The theater is already well-equipped with all the AV capabilities you’ll need — microphones, projectors, lighting, and any other tech — during the event. After the winners are announced, keep the momentum going by throwing a post-ceremony after party at The Main Venue. (For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, complete buyout options are available.)
Live Performances
Arts Alley’s partnership with the Bank of New Hampshire Stage also makes it possible to surprise your guests with a live performance by a popular singer, a pianist, a jazz ensemble, or a rockin’ country band. Start the evening on the right note with a cocktail hour at Arts Alley, and give your guests some time to socialize before the concert begins — with flutes of champagne in hand. Post-show, there are even more opportunities to prolong the fun back at The Main Venue. Think: Branded gifting stations, themed late-night bites, a photo booth, and even a meet-and-greet lounge with the evening’s talent.
At Arts Alley, there’s always room for business and fun — combining the two has never been easier at our multi-venue, completely walkable destination that promises an evening your guests won’t soon forget.