The approach of spring and summer after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic means the return of events.
No matter what you’re planning – a wedding, corporate meeting, gathering of friends and family, or something else entirely, below are some of the best places for gatherings of 500 or less downtown. from Detroit.
Gem Theater – 333 Madison Street
The Gem Theater is conveniently located in downtown Detroit, right next to Comerica Park and Ford Field. The historic theater was built in 1903 and moved to its current location in 1997, breaking the Guinness World Record for the heaviest building ever moved on wheels.
With an attached parking lot, the Gem can host events with hundreds of people and offers packages for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or snacks.
You can contact them on their website or call them at 313-463-4215.
Eastern Market – 2934 Russell Street
Eastern Market is available to hold events from 9 a.m. to midnight on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. It can also host events on Tuesdays and Sundays not in the summer, with a variety of options for spaces.
There are three different hangars, all of which have been refurbished over the past 14 years, accommodating up to 1,000+ people. The market also has a list of favorite food and drink vendors, all of whom have experience with the venue.
You can complete the application form on the Eastern Market website and find their event brochure with 2022 prices.
The Madison – 1555 Broadway St.
The Madison Loft and Auditorium is a great place to host an indoor or outdoor event in the heart of downtown Detroit, surrounded by beautiful buildings. The Madison Theater was built in 1917 and remodeled in 2011 after being purchased by Dan Gilbert’s Rock Ventures.
The Madison has three different areas to host events. The Loft can accommodate 150 to 180 people with tables, chairs, sofa, etc. The auditorium is equipped with audio and video facilities and can accommodate up to 130 people. There’s the rooftop, which overlooks Comerica Park and can accommodate 180 people on a stroll.
You can fill out a form on their site with your event information to reach them.
Bedrock-Detroit-Madison-Building-loft
The whiskey factory – 1000 Maple Street
Located near Detroit’s Eastern Market, the Whiskey Factory is home to the Detroit City Distillery. They have 7,000 square feet of space that can accommodate up to 200 guests or accommodate 250 guests for a promenade event. They host a variety of corporate events, private dinners, weddings and more.
You’ll be surrounded by the charred American oak barrels where DCD’s bourbon ages, and you can see the devil’s cut up close. They also offer spirits packages where you can try the drinks that are made in the same building as the event.
The Whiskey Factory has a contact form on their websiteor you can call them at 313-656-4528.
Image courtesy of Whiskey Factory Detroit on Facebook
At altitude from David Whitney – A park avenue.
The David Whitney Building and Aloft Hotel are located along Woodward Ave. in downtown Detroit near Grand Circus Park. Their meeting space can accommodate up to 200 guests in a theater-style setup with five event rooms and eight breakout rooms totaling over 10,000 square feet of space.
They also have AV equipment available for hire, including signs, projectors, sound systems, televisions, and more. Catering services are also available for snacks, coffee, breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Click here to complete an event request form
Diamond Jack River Trips – Place Rivard (Cullen)
Diamond Jack’s is perhaps the most unique place to hold an event in downtown Detroit. River tours depart from Rivard Plaza along the Detroit River and up and down the Detroit River. They offer private charters seven days a week for up to 100 people.
They are perfect for corporate parties, family reunions, senior groups and more on the Diamond Queen or Diamond Belle.
Diamond Jack’s also offers a catering service and a bar available, as well as indoor or outdoor spaces to host the event.
You can contact their office at 313-843-9376 or fill out a form here.
Cliff Bell’s – 2030 Park Avenue in Detroit
Cliff Bell’s has a long history in Detroit. It was renovated in 2005 and reopened in 2006 after closing in 1985, hosting weekly jazz-focused shows. Inside, you’ll feel like a historic jazz club and it’s a great place to hold an event.
The club has 3,000 square feet of space with sound equipment and stage lighting. They also offer live entertainment services for an additional fee.
Click here to contact Cliff Bell’s for events.
Cliff Bell, Bill Bowen
Waterview Loft in Port Detroit – 130 Atwater Street
Located along the Detroit River with magnificent views of the Detroit River and the Windsor skyline, the Waterview Loft can accommodate hundreds of guests in three different spaces. There is the main level which has 3,600 square feet of space, the second level loft with 5,500 square feet and an outdoor terrace with 2,800 square feet of space.
You can fill out a contact form on their website here.
State savings bank – 151 West Fort Street
With nearly 15,000 square feet of space, the State Savings Bank can accommodate up to 600 guests or 400 banquet guests. The historic bank was built in 1900 and is designated as a Michigan State Historic Landmark with a white marble interior.
In the center of the room is the original bank vault. Bedrock Events offers liquor services and has a list of preferred caterers for catering services.
You can contact an event manager by click hereor call 313-373-8720.
Shinola Hotel – 1400 Woodward Ave.
The Shinola Hotel is a great location right in the heart of downtown Detroit with a variety of event spaces. They have five different event spaces, accommodating small sessions for up to 20 people or a hall that can accommodate nearly 200 people.
The hotel also offers a dining menu offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and more.
