Located in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg is just a stop off I-81, which runs directly through the city. In recent years, the city, home to nearly 119,000 people, has been designated a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as a designated Virginia Main Street Community. On the wings of an urban renaissance, Harrisonburg event venues are welcoming more groups, which have the opportunity to enjoy the city's performing arts scene, 27 locally owned restaurants and endless options for outdoor fun.
There are no purpose-built convention venues in Harrisonburg, but the city is home to James Madison University, which has several spaces perfect for educational seminars and presentations, as well as conventions and trade shows. It has over 40 classrooms available that range in capacity for 20 to 100 people. The Festival Conference and Student Center also has numerous venues available, including a grand ballroom for more than 1,000 guests, five conference rooms and even an outdoor amphitheater. In addition, JMU also has auditoriums for groups of over 1,000 people, a 566-theater and a dining hall for up to 150 people. Its Edith J. Carrier Arboretum grounds can accommodate up to 200 people, while the elegant Frances Plecker Education Center can seat up to 40 for banquets.
Off-campus, groups will find an array of unique Harrisonburg event venues. Hotels such as the Ramada Inn and Conference Center and Holiday Inn Harrisonburg have comfortable accommodations and first-class meeting space. The Ramada has 2,000 square feet of space available for meetings, parties and receptions as well as 80 rooms. The 140-room Holiday Inn has over 10,000 square feet of meeting space spread across a ballroom, two meeting rooms and a boardroom. Also in downtown Harrisonburg, the Court Square Theater is a beautiful historic venue that can seat up to 260 people.
Just outside of Harrisonburg, CrossKeys Vineyards is a gorgeous location, offering panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. CrossKeys has two large function rooms with adjacent terraces and courtyards and offers a selection of award-winning wines to complement any event. Just 25 minutes from downtown Harrisonburg, the conference center at Massanutten Resort offers custom banquet services in a picturesque venue that overlooks the Shenandoah Valley. Year-round, Massanutten is a great retreat for groups, thanks to an indoor/outdoor waterpark, mountain bike trials, horseback riding, two golf courses, skiing and fine dining.
Dining venues in Harrisonburg can be a great option for smaller groups. Bravo Italian Restaurant's authentic Italian cuisine and full wine bar - and interiors complete with red brick, ornate wrought-iron chandeliers and wine barrels - will delight groups up to 80 people. Union Station Restaurant & Bar, located in the historic Wetsel-Seed Building, welcomes up to 65 people to enjoy classics with a twist, including pan-fried Salisbury steak with French onion gravy and crispy black bean cakes topped with smoky salsa.
