Community Building/Fairgrounds
Community Building/Fairgrounds
1129 Charlevoix Ave. (U.S. 31 S)
Petoskey, MI 49770
(Closest major intersection is U.S. 31 and U.S. 131 North)
Call the Fairgrounds Office at 231-348-5479
Email: Austin LaVigne, Fairgrounds Sales Coordinator, at [email protected]
Please note that rates are subject to change annually. Please call to confirm current rates.
Fairgrounds/Community Building Rental Rates
What you need to know about renting the facilities

Fairgrounds Community Building
A multiple-use facility
The Community Building at the Fairgrounds is often used for a variety of events large and small, public and private. Some examples include weddings and receptions, non-profit events, community fund-raisers, business meetings and seminars, special shows like an annual flower, quilts, garden and 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.
Below are rental rates for the Community Building, the J.D. Harris Building (Equestrian Center), the Grand Stand, and the T-Barn and Horse Barns.
Visit the Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair Website -The annual Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair is held the third week of August at the Petoskey Fairgrounds.
Fairgrounds/Community Building Rental Rates
SEATING: Table Measurements (Download PDF)
Maximum capacity: Seating 300 – Standing/Concert style 650
AREA: 11,000 Square Feet
KEY RETURN: Leave key in Community Building where designated.
Take a virtual spin tour of the Community Building
Type of Rental Request | FEE |
Full Day (Mon-Thurs) | $1,000 Daily |
Full Day (Fri-Sun only) | $1,500 Daily |
4-hour block (Mon-Thurs) | $350 Daily |
4-hour block (Fri & Sun only) | $500 Daily |
Security Deposit** | $300 per reservation |
Bath House | $150 Daily |
Cleaning Fee | $300 Daily |
**Refundable
***Additional restrooms and showers separate from the Community Building for major events.
J. D. Harris Building (Equestrian Center)
Type of Rental Request | FEE |
Building | $200 Daily |
Arena | $90 Daily |
Grandstand:
SEATING: 2,792 maximum capacity
Type of Rental Request | FEE |
Grand Stand including Bath House | $3,150 Daily |
Infield | $90 Daily |
Horse Ring | $60 Daily |
Stall | $15 per Stall per Day |
Green-space next to Grandstands | $600 Daily + $300 Deposit |
Security Deposit** | $500 Daily |
**Refundable
T-Barn and Horse Barns
Type of Rental Request | FEE |
T-Barn Rental | $700 Daily |
Security Deposit** | $300 per reservation |
Horse Barns (#2,#3,#5,#7) |
$200 Daily |
**Refundable
(Barn #1 is used for storage.)
PARKING LOT – $90 Daily
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]