RENTAL FAQS
You may contact us about a possible future event.
What is the current COVID cancellation/rescheduling policy?
BlackRock follows all federal guidelines and state/county restrictions.
If BlackRock is required to close, the rentals staff will make best efforts to reschedule your event for a later date. If your event cannot be rescheduled, the monies paid to BlackRock, less any non-refundable fees, will be refunded to the Client in accordance with BlackRock’s standard refund/cancellation policy.
What is BlackRock’s standard refund/cancellation policy?
If the Client chooses to cancel a contract, BlackRock will retain certain payments made.
-
If cancelled 60 or more business days prior to the event, any monies paid (less the space reservation deposit) will be refunded.
-
If cancelled 30 or fewer business days prior to the event, 50% of any monies paid (less the space reservation deposit) will be refunded.
-
If cancelled less than 10 business days prior to the event, all payments will be retained.
How far in advance do you take reservations?
We take reservations up to two years in advance.
How should I reserve a date?
Dates can be reserved by contacting the Rental Department and paying a $200 non-refundable space hold fee. This will hold the space for 10 days.
What happens during an inquiry appointment?
Rentals Management will review our rentals policies, venue availability and pricing, labor and technical needs, and other important details and requirements to assist you in your decision-making process.
What happens during a walk-through appointment?
The Rental Manager will give you a guided tour of our building. You’ll have a chance to ask any additional questions you have as well as finalize a quote.
Can I have more than one walk-through appointment?
Yes, we welcome you to schedule as many walk-throughs as you need to create the perfect event.
Can I decorate the venue?
Decorations must be agreed upon by Rentals Management. In general, flowers and balloons are allowed. BlackRock does not allow open flame, confetti, rice or glitter inside or outside for health and safety reasons. No decorations can be permanently affixed to the walls or floor. All decorations must be removed at the end of the event. Masking tape, painter’s tape, spike tape and gaff tape are all approved for use in BlackRock. Damage to walls or floors due to décor will result in an additional fee. Please discuss details of your decorations during your walk-through appointment.
For performance, MainStage, and BlackBox rentals, our staff with work with you on all your lighting, sound, and projection needs. You are welcome to connect us with any of your Production Staff during the inquiry process. Any BlackRock equipment must be operated by a BlackRock technician.
Are there time restrictions for rental events?
We’re happy to accommodate your rental whether it’s early in the morning or late at night. Please note alcohol cannot be served after 1 a.m.
How early can I begin set-up for my event?
You may arrive on site only when your rental time begins, according to your contract. All vendor deliveries and pickups must be scheduled during the time frame listed in your contract, unless otherwise agreed to by Rentals Management.
Can I leave behind items and pick them up later?
All items must be picked up and removed from BlackRock’s building at the end of your event, unless otherwise approved in advance by Rentals Management. If approved, your insurance policy must be extended to cover the additional day(s).
What is included in the rental fee?
Packages are all-inclusive: space, staff, tables, and chairs etc. A la carte rentals will include the space fee as well as use of any standard room equipment.
Do I need to rent tables or chairs?
We include furniture in all of our rental packages. Currently we only provide black linens and black event chairs.
Is parking available?
Yes, free parking is available in BlackRock’s parking lot. The parking lot entrance is off Town Commons Drive, just behind our building. There is free, onsite parking in front of the building on Century Boulevard.
Do I need to hire my own police or security officers?
At the discretion of the Rental Department, Client will be responsible for providing licensed, bonded, and unarmed security person. Written proof of services is to be provided no later than 45 days prior to event or your event may be cancelled, and all rental payments retained.
What is your catering/outside food policy?
You may use any licensed and insured caterer of your choice. Caterers are responsible for requesting tables and chairs for their set up and will be responsible for the clean-up and hauling of event garbage from BlackRock. BlackRock does have auxiliary spaces that can be set up as a catering kitchen. Please note that we may be able to provide fridge space, but no cooking may happen on-site.
We recommend that you contact SimplyFresh Catering to discuss your catering needs.
Charlotte Neville
Charlotte.Neville@simplyfreshevents.com
(240) 685 2500
You may also bring into BlackRock any food professionally prepared by a licensed restaurant or grocery store such as catered lunches or snack trays.
What is BlackRock's alcohol policy?
All alcohol must be purchased from BlackRock, unless you use a caterer with a valid Maryland Statewide Caterer’s (SCAT) License. Alcohol may not be consumed in BlackRock’s restrooms or parking lot and are not allowed to leave BlackRock's premises. Alcohol may only be served and consumed during hours listed on the rental agreement. All alcohol services stop no later than 1 a.m. or (1) hour before the end of your event, whichever is earlier. Any violation of alcohol use policies may result in the closure of an event. All guests are required to provide a valid ID to be served. No one under the age of 21 can be served alcohol. Any guest providing alcohol to a minor (under the age 21) will be required to leave BlackRock immediately.
Are there hotels nearby?
There are a few hotels near BlackRock:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
20260 Goldenrod Lane, Germantown, MD 20876
(866)-238-4218
Extended Stay America
20141 Century Blvd, Germantown, MD 20874
(301)-515-4500
Fairfield Inn & Suites
20025 Century Blvd, Germantown, MD 20874
(844)-684-9427
What restaurants are nearby?
There are several restaurants within a short distance of BlackRock.
Zane Japanese Eatery - 19833 Century Blvd, Germantown, MD 20874
&pizza - 19823 Century Blvd, Germantown, MD 20874
Sabai Sabai Simply Thai - 19847 Century Blvd Ste M, Germantown, MD 20874
Panda Express - 19847 Century Blvd, Germantown, MD 20874
Moby Dick House of Kabob - 12844 Pinnacle Dr, Germantown, MD 20874
Five Guys - 12840 Pinnacle Dr, Germantown, MD 20874
Senior Tequila – 20021 Century Blvd, Germantown, MD 20874
Woodside Deli – 13048 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, MD 20874
Tortacos – 13024 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, MD 20874
Is there public transportation available near BlackRock?
Yes, you can take the Red Line to Shady Grove Metro Station. Once there, there are various Ride On buses available to take you to Germantown Transit Center, which is within walking distance of BlackRock Center for the Arts.