Auld Pavilion Recreation Center stands as Lincoln Parks and Recreation’s premier reservation facility, serving the community for nearly a century as a historic dance hall and event venue. Located within Antelope Park at 1650 Memorial Drive, this distinguished facility offers the largest indoor seating capacity of 250 people in the Lincoln Parks system, making it ideal for significant community gatherings and celebrations.
The pavilion maintains its original charm as a century-old dance hall while providing modern amenities for contemporary events. The main ballroom measures 65 feet by 48 feet, offering substantial space for dancing, dining, and large gatherings. An additional north porch area extends the indoor space by 65 feet by 13 feet, providing flexibility for event layout and guest circulation.
The facility includes a dedicated stage measuring 27 feet by 14 feet, suitable for musical performances, presentations, and entertainment programming. This performance space supports concerts, plays, and community events that require elevated presentation areas.
Auld Pavilion accommodates diverse event types including wedding receptions, birthday celebrations, family reunions, community fundraisers, and corporate meetings. The facility’s elegant atmosphere and spacious layout make it particularly popular for wedding ceremonies and receptions, providing couples with a distinctive venue that combines historical character with practical functionality.
Veterans’ ceremonies and memorial services regularly utilize the pavilion, demonstrating its role in community commemoration and civic events. The facility has hosted events ranging from Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremonies to Quilts of Valor presentations, reflecting its significance as a gathering place for meaningful community occasions.
The rental package includes comprehensive table and seating options: four 30-inch by 60-inch serving tables with casters, 25 five-foot round tables, six 12-foot fold-down tables, 200 stacking chairs, and 50 brown plastic stackable chairs. These furnishings support various event configurations and guest capacities.
Kitchen facilities include a 10-foot by 8-foot preparation area equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and 100-cup coffee pot. The kitchen supports catering operations and food service for large gatherings, though event organizers typically arrange their own catering services.
Additional amenities include a podium for presentations and speeches, plus all non-disposable items necessary for event operations. The facility maintains high cleanliness standards and provides staff assistance throughout rental periods.
First Friday dances operate monthly from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, featuring live music and community social dancing. These events include dinner and entertainment for ten dollars, creating affordable recreational opportunities that honor the pavilion’s original purpose as a dance hall.
The facility hosts Lincoln Municipal Band concerts and various community programming throughout the year. Memorial Day programs and other civic celebrations utilize both indoor and outdoor spaces within the surrounding park setting.
Rental fees are set at $500 for four hours with additional hours available at $125 each. A refundable security deposit of $400 in cash or check form is required two weeks prior to the event date. Parks Department staff remain on-site throughout rental periods to provide assistance and ensure proper facility use.
The wheelchair-accessible entrance is located on the southwest side of the building, ensuring inclusive access for all guests. Dedicated parking is available on the south side of the building, with the south entrance serving as the primary guest access point.
Auld Pavilion’s location within Antelope Park provides additional recreational opportunities for event guests. The park features playground equipment, walking trails including connections to the Rock Island Trail, and green spaces suitable for outdoor activities and photography.
The bandshell area near the pavilion supports outdoor performances and extends the facility’s entertainment capabilities during favorable weather conditions. This integration of indoor and outdoor spaces creates versatile options for event planning and guest enjoyment.
As a historic landmark within Lincoln’s park system, Auld Pavilion represents nearly a century of community gathering and celebration. The facility’s continued operation as both a rental venue and programming space demonstrates its enduring value to Lincoln residents and visitors seeking distinctive locations for memorable events.
The pavilion’s combination of historical character, modern amenities, and professional management makes it a sought-after venue for significant life celebrations and community events that require elegant settings and reliable service.
