Now Booking 2026 Dates – Limited Weekend Availability
Empire 509 Venue Space Info
Empire 509 is located at 1917 Carolina Beach Rd. Wilmington, NC. Approximately 975 sq feet. Capacity 45 people. We focus on the success and the outcome of your event and not your pockets.
50% deposit will reserve your date in our calendar. Upon receiving, we will send you a receipt of payment, a contract, and officially secure your date and add to our calendar. The rest of the payment is due 7 days prior to the event.
BYOB Friendly— 21 and up only. Please enjoy beverages responsibly among friends and family. Under aged drinking is not permitted and will shut down your event immediately without refunds and is agreed upon when booked. However, if you plan to host a ticketed event or sell alcohol, an event permit through the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission is required.
BYOB. Alcohol can be served at events but the Client must book bartender from the venue’s preferred vendor and security for evening events must present. (Security is provided by the venue for fee of $200.00).
You are able to set up the day of your rental date. Call us the day before or the day of to be considered to set up at an earlier time. Please celebrate late into the evening and even into the following morning — including late-night events.
Graduation and teen events end at 11:30pm. And accompanied by a responsible adult.
Please help us keep the venue clean and ready for the next guest. At the end of your event, place all loose trash, bottles, and food waste into trash bags and dispose of them in the outdoor bin located in the back or the indoor bin provided. Please sweep the floor. Do not mop.
Graduation Deal
Book Early. Save Big. Celebrate Bigger.
2026
We reward planners who move early. Lock in your graduation celebration ahead of the rush and enjoy exclusive savings.
Celebrate your graduate in style at Empire 509 Event Lounge — where milestones turn into memories. Whether it’s high school, college, or trade school, this is the perfect space to honor the hard work and host a celebration your family will never forget.
Why Choose Us
Location
Wilmington, NC
Empire 509 accommodates up to 49 guests, creating the perfect setting for intimate celebrations, micro-weddings, corporate mixers, and private events without sacrificing comfort or style.
Occupancy
Up to 49 Guests
Empire 509 accommodates up to 49 guests, creating the perfect setting for intimate celebrations, micro-weddings, corporate mixers, and private events without sacrificing comfort or style.
Spaces
Main Event Area + Lounge
The venue features a flexible main event area and a dedicated lounge space, allowing guests to mix, relax, and celebrate in style. The layout can be customized for seated dinners, cocktail-style events, Tiny Desk-style performances, and curated private experiences.
In addition to the main event floor, Empire 509 includes a modern lounge area designed for VIP seating, networking, or relaxed social moments between celebrations.
Clear Pricing
We pride ourselves on straightforward pricing and a venue
rental fee that includes extensive amenities. There are no
service charges or other hidden fees! Personalized pricing is
available based on your customization. We want to help you design
your perfect day!
Our Team
Whether we are provding expert planning advice, setting up for your wedding, serving your guests, or packing your to-
go meal, you'll know your day is in good hands with our highly rated event and catering team who is committed to providing a
delightful and worry-free experience!
Testimonials
“I know Empire 509 is still under renovation, but let me tell you… the vision is there. When I walked in, even with the floors not finished and some work still being done, I could already see my baby shower happening. The space feels intimate but elegant. The owner walked me through where the backdrop would go, where the dessert table would sit, and how the lighting would hit once everything is complete.
It’s rare to find a space that feels personal before it’s even done. I booked because I believe in the vision. Once the porcelain floors are in and everything is complete, this place is going to be beautiful.”
Emily Johnson - Expecting mom
“I hosted a small yoga session at Empire 509 during renovations, and surprisingly, the unfinished elements added character. The open floor space, the quiet energy — it worked.
The owner was transparent about the updates still happening, but that didn’t take away from the experience. If anything, it made it feel exclusive — like we were getting in early before the full transformation.
Once the plumbing issues are resolved and the final design touches are in, this space is going to be a powerful wellness and event environment. I’m excited to see the finished version.”
Lizzy Jordan- Yoga Instructor
“We did our gender reveal at Empire 509 while it was still being worked on, and honestly… it was perfect for us. It wasn’t about perfection — it was about the moment. The open layout gave us room to set up decorations exactly how we wanted.
You can tell a lot of love is being poured into this place. Even with renovation details still in progress, it felt like we were part of something being built from the ground up. In a way, it matched our journey — building something new. Empire 509 is going to be one of Wilmington’s hidden gems once everything is finished.”
Sophia Patel - Gender Reveal