The Grand Event Center - Northfield

Overview:

From one of our former DJs, John H in 2012:

The Grand Event Center is an opera house-turned-playhouse-turned-movie theater-turned-restaurant-turned-event center. Lots of history and a cool old building. Lots of street parking nearby, and even a side door allows for easy load-in.
The DJ table is usually on the stage. If there’s a ceremony or dinner before the reception, the curtain will be closed (the head table is dead center in the front of the stage) so ensure you’ve enough time to set up lights, because once the curtain is closed, there’s not a lot of light backstage. I didn’t have a table skirt, so all cables were directed upstage and out of sight. Lots of power options here too – one long power cable with multiple inputs runs along the back wall, as well as other outlets. With the speakers, I’d suggest placing them as far left and right as possible from the head table during dinner and then bring them back to the table afterward. The bridal party will thank you.
As for the venue, the staff is super helpful and understanding and willing to help. Sound travels like crazy (it is an auditorium) so no real issue with the speakers/mic.
Overall a fun place and an interesting venue. Make sure you bring backups here – you’re almost an hour away from St. Paul.

Load In:

Use the side door and ask the venue beforehand if it will be open and where you can find it.

Challenges:

The head table is right in front of your stage. Move the speakers up towards the ceiling or move them to the right and left to avoid blasting them with sound. That's the last thing you want to do.

Extra Venue Call Questions:

Where can I park to get loaded in?

Is there a side door I can use to make things a bit easier?

Website:

http://www.thegrandnorthfield.com/booking-an-event/weddings

The Knot:

https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/the-grand-event-center-northfield-mn-271041