Your Event. Our Priority.
Affordable Event Venue in Eastern NC for Meetings, Weddings & Conferences
Premier Event Space in Rocky Mount, NC
Looking for professional event space or want to book a meeting room in Rocky Mount or Eastern North Carolina? Serving the Twin Counties for over 30 years, The Dunn Center offers flexible event venues in Nash County and across Eastern North Carolina for corporate events, meetings, conferences, and large events for businesses, organizations, and individuals, weddings, performances, and community events—all conveniently located near I-95.
Book Your Event Space Today!
About the Dunn Center
The Dunn Center is a premier event venue and rental facility in Rocky Mount, NC, serving businesses, organizations, and individuals across Eastern North Carolina. Our modern facility offers a variety of meeting rooms, conference spaces, and large event venues designed to accommodate everything from small corporate meetings to large-scale events or concerts.
With a convenient location near I-95, we are easily accessible from Downtown Rocky Mount, NC, Nash County NC, Eastern North Carolina, Greenville NC, Wilson NC, I-87 (US 64) corridor of North Carolina and surrounding areas, making us a top choice for regional events.
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Why Choose the Dunn Center?
- Convenient location in Rocky Mount, NC near I-95
- Serves all of Eastern North Carolina
- Flexible room sizes and layouts
- Personalized attention from staff
- Professional and clean facilities
- Ideal for both small meetings and large events
- Trusted by businesses and organizations across the region for over 30 years
Our Services
- Event Space Rental – Eastern NC
- Meeting Room Rental – Rocky Mount NC
- Conference Room Rental – Rocky Mount NC
- Auditorium Rental / Performance Venue
- Wedding Venue Rental – Rocky Mount NC
- Corporate Event Space – near I-95
- Training Room Rental – Rocky Mount NC
- Banquet Hall Rental – Rocky Mount NC
- Community Event Space – Nash County
Where Your Event Gets the Attention It Deserves!
Meeting Room Rental
Flexible corporate meeting space in Rocky Mount for business meetings, training sessions, and small group events.
Conference Room Rental
Rent conference space near I-95 in North Carolina, perfect for seminars, workshops, and corporate events. Host professional conferences and training sessions with our spacious and adaptable conference rooms.
Event Venue
One of the top event venues in Nash County NC, ideal for community events, conferences, and private gatherings.
- Corporate events
- Community gatherings
- Private events
Wedding & Banquet
A beautiful wedding venue in Rocky Mount NC, with flexible banquet hall options for receptions and special events. Plan your wedding or special celebration TODAY.
Auditorium & Performance Venue
The Dunn Center features a professional performance space ideal for:
- Concerts
- Live Events
- Theater productions
- Speaking events
Checkout the spaces inside The Dunn Center
Minges Auditorium
The 1,180 seat Minges Auditorium is the largest performing arts facility in the eastern part of North Carolina. The stage has full technical facilities (A\V Capability, Lighting Design & Projection) including fly space and orchestra pit. Minges is the home of the Tar River Orchestra and Chorus and is ideal for large concerts, conferences, plays, meetings and more. When you reserve Minges Auditorium or an y space in the Dunn Center, our team makes your event “effortless” and we take your event as serious as you do. Call us today for a tour and meet our team.
Powers Recital Hall
Seating about 130 in a warm and intimate setting, the Powers Recital Hall is an idea venue for individual and small group concerts and meetings. Powers is home to the University’s Visiting Writers Series and student drama club productions.
Ideal for:
- Private Meetings
- Concerts
- Discussions
Technical capabilities: A/V Capability and Projection
Max. Capacity: 130
Carlton Board Room
The Carlton Board Room is perfect for that private board meeting, seminar, workshop or small dinner or banquet event. The small outdoor courtyard enhances the use for an indoor/outdoor event.
Ideal for:
- Private Meetings
- Workshops
- Receptions
Technical capabilities: A/V Capability and Projection
Max. Capacity: 200
Mims Gallery
The Mims Gallery hosts a variety of exhibits, including paintings, drawings, and sculpture. The Gallery is open weekdays from 10 am-5 pm, as well as during performances. Viewings at other times may be arranged by appointment with the curator.
For more information or to schedule a tour or showing, contact:
Jan Volz
Gallery Art Curator
jvolz@ncwu.edu
252.985.5268
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Gravely Gallery
The Gravely Gallery in The Dunn Center is a new space for edgy, young art made possible by a generous gift in honor of the late Janice Gravely. As a showcase for student talent at both NCWU and other local schools, it’s a great entry point for emerging artists and a tremendous benefit to the local art community. With so much to see and do at The Dunn Center, here’s a brand new gallery fulfilling that promise!
For more information or to schedule a tour or showing, contact:
Jan Volz
Gallery Art Curator
jvolz@ncwu.edu
252.985.5268
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Garner Lobby
The Garner Lobby is the ultimate banquet event rental space for up to 300 people. If you are planning a wedding, awards banquet, class reunion, church dinner or other special, the the Garner Lobby adds that “elegance” to your event.
Ideal for:
- Private Meetings
- Weddings
- Workshops
- Receptions
- Banquets
Technical capabilities: A/V Capability and Projection
Max. Capacity: 250
The Mims Gallery has some great exhibits that I haven't seen anywhere else. This visit, I got to see the Charles Schulz exhibit and learn about Schulz and how each character developed over time. I was not aware that Snoopy originally looked so different. Admission was $5. There was even a bench to sit and watch a video of the characters.
A Bob Ross exhibit was also here, showing his artwork, which I visited several times because I enjoyed it so much.
The lobby has a player piano that is a delight to listen to. Performances are held at the center throughout the year.
What Clients Are Saying About The Dunn Center
Book Your Event Space Today
Whether you’re planning a business meeting, conference, or large event, the Dunn Center provides the ideal space in Rocky Mount, NC.
Our Location
The Dunn Center sits on the beautiful campus of NC Wesleyan University. Located just minutes from Interstate 95 and adjacent to highway 301 (Wesleyan Blvd), we are less than an hour from the Triangle and RDU International Airport and approximately 4-5 minutes from downtown Rocky Mount.
3400 N Wesleyan Blvd
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Who We Serve
We proudly provide event space and meeting room rentals for:
- Businesses & Corporate Teams
- Nonprofits & Community Organizations
- Event Planners
- Schools & Universities
- Wedding & Private Event Hosts
Request More Information
To learn more about the Dunn Center at NC Wesleyan University for your next event or corporate meeting, please call 252.985.5348 or fill out this form below.
Frequently Asked Question About The Dunn Center
Where can I book a meeting room in Rocky Mount NC?
The Dunn Center offers flexible options for booking meeting rooms in Rocky Mount NC for business and community events.
Is there conference space near I-95 in North Carolina?
Yes, the Dunn Center provides conference space conveniently located near I-95 in Rocky Mount NC.
Where can I rent a meeting room in Rocky Mount, NC?
The Dunn Center offers flexible meeting room rentals in Rocky Mount, perfect for business meetings, training sessions, and small events.
Why choose the Dunn Center for event space in Rocky Mount NC?
The Dunn Center is one of the premier event venues in Rocky Mount, NC, offering flexible meeting rooms, conference spaces, and a large performance venue. Located near I-95, we serve businesses and organizations across Eastern North Carolina with professional, fully equipped event spaces.
What types of events can be hosted at the Dunn Center?
The Dunn Center hosts a wide range of events including:
- Corporate meetings and conferences
- Weddings and receptions
- Concerts and performances
- Training sessions and seminars
- Community and nonprofit events
Our flexible spaces can accommodate both small meetings and large-scale events.
What spaces are available to rent at the Dunn Center?
Available rental spaces include:
- Minges Auditorium (1,180-seat performance venue)
- Powers Auditorium (small concerts and meetings)
- Garner Lobby (banquets up to 250 guests)
- Boardroom and meeting rooms
- Art galleries and outdoor courtyard
These spaces are ideal for conferences, meetings, weddings, and events.
How large is the Dunn Center venue?
The Dunn Center includes multiple spaces with capacities ranging from small meeting rooms to over 1,000 guests in the main auditorium, making it one of the largest event venues in Eastern North Carolina.
Do you offer meeting rooms or conference space in Rocky Mount?
Yes, the Dunn Center offers meeting rooms and conference space for business meetings, training sessions, and corporate events in Eastern NC, including Rocky Mount, Wilson, Greenville, Nash County and Edgecombe County.
Can I have a wedding or reception at the Dunn Center?
Depending on your rental package, additional rooms on site may be available for preparation and staging. Contact the events team to confirm availability based on your event.
Is catering included with venue rental?
Catering is available through the university’s food service provider, Aramark Food Services, offering a wide variety of menu options for events. Our food selections are endless and we are happy to set up catering arrangements for your event.
Can we bring our own food caterer?
The Dunn Center works exclusively with our on-site provider, Aramark Food Services, who provides an amazing range of meal options and personalized food and beverage options. Contact the Dunn Center team for specific details and menu options, including plated meals, stations, buffet and more. The Aramark Team at NCWU is one of the best in the region.
What if I need tables and chairs at my event?
The Dunn Center can accommodate seating requests and provide stock tables and folding chairs which are included in the rental fees.
Do you require preferred vendors?
Some events may require or recommend approved or preferred vendors to ensure quality, logistics, and compatibility with the facility. For larger concert type events, we require a preferred vendor for A/V and lighting. Contact our technical team for more details.
What does “preferred vendor” mean?
Preferred vendors are experienced providers who are familiar with the Dunn Center’s facilities, ensuring smooth event execution and setup.
Is there parking available at the Dunn Center?
Yes, the Dunn Center offers free on-site parking directly next to facility for event guests, with accessible parking available for individuals with disabilities. There are TWO main parking areas adjacent to Bishop Rd and next to the Dunn Center Facility. Easy in and out!
Is the Dunn Center accessible?
Yes, the facility is accessible, including wheelchair-accessible seating and accommodations for guests with special needs.
Is the Dunn Center located near I-95?
Yes, the Dunn Center is conveniently located in Rocky Mount, NC near I-95, making it easily accessible for guests across Eastern North Carolina.
Getting to the venue is a very short and straightforward drive:
- From I-95 North: Take Exit 141 for NC-43/US-301 toward Red Oak/Rocky Mount. Follow US-301 South (N. Wesleyan Blvd) directly to the university campus. The Dunn Center will be right off the highway.
- From I-95 South: Take Exit 141 for NC-43/US-301. Turn left onto NC-43 S / Red Oak Rd, and then turn left onto US-301 South (N. Wesleyan Blvd) to reach the campus entrance.
Can guests stay on-site overnight?
The Dunn Center itself does not provide lodging, but there are nearby hotels and accommodations in Rocky Mount for event guests. See our Preferred Business Partners.
How do I reserve event space at the Dunn Center?
Event space is reserved by submitting a request and receiving confirmation from the events team.
You can complete our Request for more information form on this page or email dunncenter@ncwu.edu for more information.
What is required to secure a reservation?
Reservations are not confirmed until approved by the Dunn Center events team and a formal signed contract agreement is completed and deposit has been secured. Contact the team today to secure reservation.
What costs should I expect when renting event space?
Costs may include:
- Venue rental fees
- Catering services
- Equipment or technical needs
- Event staffing
Contact the Dunn Center for a customized quote based on your event. Email dunncenter@ncwu.edu to request a customized quote for your event.
Can I tour the Dunn Center before booking?
Yes, tours can be arranged to explore available spaces and determine the best setup for your event. Contact the team today.
Are there inexpensive wedding venues in Rocky Mount NC?
The Dunn Center is one of the top wedding venues in Rocky Mount NC, offering flexible indoor event spaces and banquet options.
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