10 Unique Detroit Venues for Small Events

Story by Max White

Heading into the spring and the summer after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic means the returns of events.

No matter what you’re hosting – a wedding, a corporate meeting, a gathering of friends and family, or something else, below you’ll find some of the best spots for gatherings of 500 people or less in Downtown Detroit.

Gem Theatre – 333 Madison St.

The Gem Theatre is in a great spot in Downtown Detroit, right near Comerica Park and Ford Field. The historic theatre was built in 1903 and was moved to its location now in 1997, breaking the Guinness World Record for the heaviest building ever moved on wheels.

With a parking garage attached, the Gem can host events with hundreds of people and has 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 St.

Eastern Market is available to host events from 9 a.m. to midnight on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. It also can host events on Tuesdays and Sundays not in the summer, with a variety of options for spaces.

There are three different sheds, all of which have been renovated in the last 14 years, that can seat guests up to 1,000 and more. The market also has a list of preferred vendors for food and drinks, who all have experience with the venue.

You can fill out the inquiry form on the Eastern Market website and find their event brochure with 2022 rates.

The Madison – 1555 Broadway St.

The Madison Loft and Auditorium is a great spot to host an indoor or outdoor event in the heart of Downtown Detroit, surrounded by beautiful buildings. The Madison Theatre was built in 1917 and was transformed in 2011 after being purchased by Dan Gilbert’s Rock Ventures.

The Madison has three different areas to host events. The Loft can host 150-180 people with tables, chairs, a couch, and more. The auditorium has audio and video set up and can seat up to 130 people. There’s the rooftop, which overlooks Comerica Park and can host 180 people strolling.

You can fill out a form on their website with your event information to reach them.

The Whiskey Factory – 1000 Maple St.

Located near Detroit’s Eastern Market, the Whiskey Factory is the home of Detroit City Distillery. They have 7,000 square feet of space that can set up to 200 guests or host 250 guests for a strolling 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 is aging, and you can see the devil’s cut up close. They also offer spirit packages where you can try the drinks that are being made in the same building the event is in.

The Whiskey Factory has a contact form on their website, or you can call them at 313-656-4528.

Image courtesy of Whiskey Factory Detroit on Facebook

Aloft at David Whitney – One Park Ave.

The David Whitney building and Aloft Hotel are located right along Woodward Ave. in Downtown Detroit near Grand Circus Park. Their meeting space can hold up to 200 guests in a theater-style setup with five event rooms and eight breakout rooms totaling more than 10,000 square feet of space

They also have audio-visual equipment available to rent including panels, projectors, PA systems, TVs, and more. There are also catering services available for snacks, coffee, breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Click here to fill out an event inquiry form

Diamond Jack’s River Tours – Rivard (Cullen) Plaza

Diamond Jack’s may be the most unique place to host an event in Downtown Detroit. The river tours take off from the Rivard Plaza along the Detroit Riverfront and cruise up and down the Detroit River. They offer private charters seven days a week for up to 100 people.

They’re good for corporate parties, family reunions, senior groups, and more on either the Diamond Queen or Diamond Belle.

Diamond Jack’s also offers catering and a bar available, and indoor or outdoor areas to host the event.

You can contact their office at 313-843-9376 or fill out a form here.

Cliff Bell’s – 2030 Park Ave. 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 live performances weekly with a focus on jazz. Inside, you’ll get a historic jazz club feel, and it’s a great place to host an event.

The club has 3,000 square feet of venue space with house sound equipment and stage lighting. They also offer live entertainment services at an additional cost.

Click here to contact Cliff Bell’s for events.

Cliff Bell’s, Bill Bowen

Waterview Loft at Port Detroit – 130 Atwater St.

Located along the Detroit Riverfront with a beautiful view of the Detroit River and Windsor skyline, the Waterview Loft can host hundreds of guests in three different spaces. There’s 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 W. Fort St.

With nearly 15,000 square feet of space, the State Savings Bank can host up to 600 guests or 400 guests in a banquet style. The historic bank was built in 1900 and is designated as a Michigan State Historic Site with a white marble interior.

At the center of the room is the original bank vault. Bedrock Events offers alcoholic beverage services, and they have a list of preferred caterers for food services.

You can contact an event manager by clicking here, or call at 313-373-8720.

Shinola Hotel – 1400 Woodward Ave.

The Shinola Hotel is a great spot right in the heart of Downtown Detroit with a variety of event spaces. They have five different event spaces, which can host small sessions for up to 20 people or a hall that can host nearly 200 people.

The hotel also has a food service menu offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and more.

You can contact them here.

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