COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
& COMMUNITY BUILDING
The Emmet County Fairgrounds is a multi-use park with a community building, equestrian center, grandstand, and barns – all available to rent. The community building is used for a variety of public and private events, including weddings and receptions, fundraisers, business meetings and seminars, flower and garden show, quilt show, gun shows, bridge and ping-pong tournaments, children’s events, music concerts, prom dances, tool trade shows, and two major annual antique festivals in July and August. The annual Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair is held the third week of August, taking over the entire fairgrounds.
Phone: (231) 348-5479
Email: [email protected]
Location: The fairgrounds is located south of Petoskey on US Highway 31 and Eppler Road. The office for the general fairgrounds is inside the equestrian center building while the Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair offices are located across from the community building. Except for specific holidays, office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though park staff often must leave the office for other duties.
UPCOMING EVENTS
We hope you’ll join us at one of these 2022 events! For more information, please call the park programming coordinator at (231) 348-5479 or email [email protected].
• SATURDAY, APRIL 16 ~ Fairgrounds Egg Scramble
Hop on over to the Fairgrounds for an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your own baskets for a safe and fun afternoon that kids and adults will enjoy! Expect exciting egg hunts, food, and more. See the event flyer here.
• SATURDAY, JUNE 4 ~ Plant Sale
Join us on Saturday, June 4th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as the Northern Michigan Gardner Association hosts its Spring Plant Sale at the Emmet County Fairgrounds. Shop a variety of plants, both indoor and outdoor, available at bargain prices while increasing your knowledge of smart gardening, native plants, conservation and so much more. See the event flyer here.
• SATURDAY, JUNE 11 ~ Summer Craft Show
Join us on Saturday, June 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to enjoy a Summer Craft Show at the Emmet County Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds will host both local and guest vendors featuring a variety of jewelry, home goods, food, and more. Interested in becoming a vendor? Download the vendor application here or call the Fairgrounds at (231) 348-5479.
What you need to know about renting the facilities
Supplies
The Emmet County Community Building includes:
- Full restroom facilities and a commercial kitchen.
- A small sound system and stage are available at no extra charge.
- You are responsible for setting up and cleaning up after your event.
- Emmet County provides tables and chairs for seating up to 300. (Standing room capacity is 650.)
- Recycling is available on-site.
- You will need to bring your own linens, glassware, china, silver, etc. for outfitting your event. You may choose your own licensed caterer for your event.
Is there a deposit?
To secure an event date, a $300 security (per reservation) is required to reserve the date. Emmet County accepts cash, check, Visa and Mastercard. This security deposit is returned approximately three weeks after your event provided that the building is in the same condition as it was presented to you.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages is allowed at events. However, liquor liability coverage is required under your homeowner’s insurance policy.
If you are selling alcohol at your event, proof of State of Michigan licensing is required to be posted at the event.
Pets
No pets are allowed within the buildings. All pets outside must be on a leash.
Decorations
- You are responsible for providing your own decorative lighting.
- If you would like to decorate the ceiling rafters (approx. 25 feet high), you must bring your own scaffolding.
- No tape allowed on the walls.
Food preparation guidelines
If you have questions about food preparation guidelines, contact the Health Department of Northwest Michigan at www.nwhealth.org or call (231) 347-6014.
How late can you stay?
All events must end by 1 a.m.
Park Ordinance
The Emmet County Parks Ordinance can be accessed by clicking here.
Who can you call for more information?
Call the Fairgrounds office at 231-348-5479.
Fax is (231) 348-0019
Email: [email protected]
