About Ann Arbor
Located about 40 miles outside of Detroit, Ann Arbor is the home to the University of Michigan, and it has many great attractions to offer. There are several museums like the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, the Willow Run Bomber Plant and Yankee Air Museum, and the University of Michigan Museum of Art. There are also plenty of entertainment options-- you'll find theatre, music, comedy, restaurants with live music, and traditional dance halls.
Ann Arbor is close to many outdoor destinations like Ypsilanti, where you can find wildflowers in spring and summer. Many visitors enjoy biking along Huron River Drive or hiking at Anthony Wayne State park.
With a population of about 120,000, Ann Arbor has a small-town feel with all the amenities of a large city. It offers a diverse range of venues and activities, making an Ann Arbor event venue a fabulous idea.
Event Options in Ann Arbor
Once you've chosen an Ann Arbor event venue, it's time to work on the finer details of planning the occasion. From selecting a caterer to sourcing flowers and decorations or renting equipment, all kinds of decisions must be made. Fortunately, Ann Arbor has plenty of service providers and vendors to choose from.
- AV Equipment Rental
Is your venue lacking in the necessary AV equipment for your event? Work with a local equipment rental company in Ann Arbor to source anything you need, from projectors and lighting systems to sound systems and beyond.
- Event Planner
There are a lot of details that go into planning events of any size. Hiring an expert event planner is a great way to ensure everything runs seamlessly without having to shoulder all of the responsibilities on your own.
- Florist
Whether you need centerpieces, bouquets, floral decorations, or something else, a local florist can help you select the perfect blossoms. Flowers can go a long way in setting the mood and the tone for your event, so don't be afraid to get creative with textures, colors, and styles!
- Caterer
Good food is an essential part of any event. Work with an experienced caterer to create a menu that fits the atmosphere of your gathering. Will you opt for passed appetizers or a charcuterie board? A plated dinner or a buffet? Your caterer will help you decide what works best for your event.
- Photographer
Naturally, you want to preserve memories from your event, but if everyone is trying to take photos, they won't be focusing on the festivities. Hiring a professional photographer ensures that the pivotal moments and emotions will be captured while freeing you and your guests from having to do it.
Event Companies in Ann Arbor
Putting together a memorable event is a big ordeal. Reduce your overwhelm by outsourcing some of the associated tasks so you can relax and enjoy the festivities.
- Luna Soiree Events
Luna Soiree is a wedding and event planning service that has been serving clients in the Ann Arbor area since 2008. They specialize in bringing their clients' stories to life through bespoke events. They've planned everything from anniversary parties and baby showers to retirement celebrations, fundraisers, and beyond.
- Katherine's Catering
The team at Katherine's has produced and catered more than 65,000 events since 1985. They offer multiple different menu packages suited to all kinds of different events. They will also work with you to create a custom menu tailored to your needs and preferences.
- Lily's Garden
Lily's Garden has been creating floral designs for clients in Ann Arbor for over 35 years. They are a family-owned business that strives to provide only the freshest, highest-quality arrangements for their customers. They will work with you to create custom arrangements based on your vision for your event.
Pros and Cons of Events in Ann Arbor
An Ann Arbor event venue is a wonderful setting for events of all types, but considering all of the pros and cons will help you anticipate challenges and plan carefully so your event runs smoothly.
Advantages
- Beautiful natural scenery
Nature-lovers will feel right at home in Ann Arbor with its stunning parks and beautiful forested areas. An outdoor event would work well in Ann Arbor.
- Football culture
The University of Michigan's football stadium is the largest globally, and attending a game there is a massive draw for college football fans.
- Cultural attractions
Ann Arbor is home to many museums covering everything from archaeology to aviation and beyond, making it a compelling destination for history and culture lovers.
- Diverse venues
Whether you're looking for an outdoor venue, a cozy historic building, or a modern ballroom, or something else, you'll be able to find it in Ann Arbor.
- Accessibility
Ann Arbor is just 20 miles from the Detroit Metropolitan International Airport, making it easy for guests to arrive from anywhere in the world.
Disadvantages
- Lots of snow
Snow is common in winter in Ann Arbor, so plan accordingly if you're hosting a winter event.
- Traffic
The traffic in Ann Arbor can be heavy, and it's aggravated when there's snow on the ground. Always allow extra time when commuting, especially during the winter.
- High prices
The cost of living in Ann Arbor is relatively high, especially compared to other midwestern cities, so you'll likely pay more to rent event spaces here than you would elsewhere.
- Poor public transportation
Ann Arbor's public transportation leaves a lot to be desired. Plan to drive or use a car share to get around the city.
- University events
While University events can be fun, they create a lot of congestion and chaos, which can be bothersome if you're not directly involved.
Famous Locations in Ann Arbor
- The Big House
The University of Michigan's Big House is a historic stadium and the largest in the United States. It has a capacity of 107,601 seats, making it one of the largest in the world. The University's football team played its first game in 1879, and it was completed in 1927. If you're a football fan, this site can't be missed.
- Yankee Air Museum
The Yankee Air Museum is a non-profit aviation museum dedicated to preserving the history of aviation. This museum collects and displays historically significant aircraft and artifacts from World War II through today. The museum is also known for its restoration projects that preserve vintage aircraft. It has been a birthplace for many of the world's most famous aviators, including Chuck Yeager.
- Zingerman's Deli
Zingerman's is a must-visit spot in Ann Arbor. This deli is renowned for its fantastic food and has been ranked one of the best sandwich shops in America by Zagat numerous times. This down-to-earth eatery is located near downtown Ann Arbor and is frequented by everyone from students to locals, tourists, and even served President Obama once!