Event Space Amenities

Where blue horizons meet elegance.

Waterfront venue, open air pavilion on Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City, Michigan

INDOOR PAVILION SPACE

Venue Blue is a unique indoor-outdoor event space with breathtaking views of West Grand Traverse Bay. Pavillion rentals provide three-season access for any celebration!

• 4,000 square foot covered pavilion
• Accommodates up to 300 persons
• Open floor plan
• Handicap accessible
• Transparent, pull-down side enclosures for comfort in all weather conditions
• Permanent overhead lighting

OUTDOOR PIER SPACE

Enjoy immersive bay views from the pier. The spacious pier offers a nautical, natural take on any celebration and is truly a one-of-kind outdoor event space - you just have to see it for yourself!

• 4,000+ square feet of uncovered, outdoor space
• Free parking
• Endless views of Lake Michigan!

ADDITIONAL AMENITIES & SERVICES

• On-site Venue Manager
• Floor planning software to maximize the space for your event needs
• Permanent overhead heating, if needed
• Outlets on every pillar for power needs
• Water access for caterers
• Additional Parking
• Handicap accessible, including barrier-free parking and sidewalks
• Staff to maintain restrooms during event
• Use of property for photography
• Permanent restrooms (Coming in 2028/29)
• Prep kitchen (Coming in 2028/29)

Event Space FAQs

Sometimes it all comes down to the details! Here are a few more things to consider when deciding if Venue Blue is a good fit for your wedding or private event. 

A site supervisor will be on-site the day of your event to help assist you with any venue needs. This person is not responsible for coordinating your event, decor set-up, tear-down, or facilitating vendors.

 

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  • For the 2024 season, we will be provided multiple porta johns, with at least one being ADA compliant. If you wish to rent a separate restroom trailer you may do so.

  • No, event space rentals do not include exclusive access to the pier. This is simply The Discovery Pier is a public park, so it will remain open. We will have signs dedicated to informing the public of the private event taking place, and staff will direct guests and the public.

  • No. The ships are owned and operated by our partners and are unavailable for use to renters of Venue Blue.

  • No, Elmwood Township prohibits fireworks except on certain dates. See page two of the Elmwood Charter Township Consumer and Display Fireworks Ordinance for these dates.

  • All open flames (candles, etc.) must be contained in glass. Sparklers are allowed, a bucket of water must be present for the extinguishing of said sparklers.

  • We are a pet-friendly facility! We ask that any animals brought on to the property are properly trained to handle strangers/ any other guests on the Pier, and that owners clean up after their pets. There are doggy waste bags provided on the property.

  • Yes, please contact the venue manager for options. We offer reduced pier and pavilion rentals for registered non-profits.

  • We have tables and chairs available to rent for your event. We also have a Bluetooth speaker and wireless microphone, TV monitor, and coolers to rent.

  • Parking is available free of charge for event guests. Handicapped spaces are also available. Most of our parking is located across the street from the Discovery Pier. We will have staff to guide guests across the street and handle traffic. We recommend that large events utilize outside transportation companies to shuttle their guests.

  • No, we do not have a bridal suite for bridal parties to get ready. This may be available in 2027.

  • Yes.

  • Yes! The entire pavilion and Discovery Pier is universally accessible.

  • Yes, all projected sound has a cut-off time of 10pm per Elmwood Township.

  • Yes. All renters of Venue Blue that would like to serve alcohol during their event must have that included in their event insurance.