Event Space Rental
Event Space Rental in Downtown Ferndale
Affirmations has been a hub for building community among people of diverse identities across metro Detroit for over 35 years. We are proud to open our space to the LGBTQ+ community and beyond for a variety of uses. From meeting room rental to weddings and other special events, learn more about our available spaces and consider Affirmations for your next meeting or event!
Choose Affirmations to Host Your Next Event
We have a range of spaces and price points to offer for your next team meeting, after-hours social gathering, or formal and fun wedding reception.
Our community center is located in the heart of downtown Ferndale near the intersection of 9 Mile and Woodward, with easy access to nearby I-75 and I-696. Downtown Ferndale offers plenty of parking and nearby restaurants, cafes, and bars within easy walking distance of our center.
Proceeds from event rentals go toward Affirmations’ mission of supporting the LGBTQ+ community in metro Detroit.
Entire Center
300 people
| 17000 sq ft
$850 / 2 hours | $150 each additional hour
Renting the entire center includes the cafe and kitchenette, our SkyDeck with a view of downtown Ferndale, and other private meeting rooms. Cost includes fee to keep Affirmations closed to the public for the duration of your event.
Pittman-Pucket Gallery
150 people
| 1200 sq ft
$180 / 2 hours | $80 each additional hour
This gallery honors the memory of community members Susan Pittman and Christine Puckett and features locally-based LGBTQ+ artists. The area is open to the public during business hours but can be closed to the public for an additional charge.
Theater
60 people
or 40-50 in audience
| 900 sq ft
$200 / 2 hours | $90 each additional hour
This traditional black box theater includes theater style seating. Stage can also be used as open space.
Cafe
50 people
| 645 sq ft
$120 / 2 hours | $60 each additional hour
Includes a pool table, high top seating, and kitchenette. The area is open to the public during business hours but can be closed to the public for an additional charge.
SkyDeck
40 people
| 540 sq ft
$90 / 2 hours | $30 each additional hours
Our rooftop SkyDeck overlooks 9 Mile and downtown Ferndale and comes with outdoor chairs and tables.
Board Room
25 people
| 375 sq ft
$80 / 2 hours | $15 each additional hour
The Board Room is located on the upper level overlooking the SkyDeck and comes with chairs, tables, whiteboard, and TV screen with laptop input connection.
Room 201/202
30 people
| 460 sq ft
$90 / 2 hours | $20 each additional hour
This second-story room is ideal for your team’s next off-site meeting. It comes with chairs, tables, whiteboards, a computer monitor, and a TV screen with laptop input connection.
Room 204/205
15 people
| 225 sq ft
$50 / 2 hours | $10 each additional hour
Another great option for a team meeting room rental! Located on the upper level, it comes with chairs, a table, a whiteboard, and a TV screen with laptop input connection.
Event Rental FAQs
What’s included in this pricing?
Reservations must include time needed for setup and teardown. Base prices include room layout, amenities, and/or furniture included in the room description. You are welcome to rearrange the space to meet your event needs at any point during your reservation.
Additional amenities are available for an added, flat rate charge:
- Tables: $50 and up
- Microphone/sound system: $10
- Chairs: Flat rate of $50 for up to 40 chairs; $75+ for more than 40 chairs
- Projector: $50
- Stage: $100 and up
- Podium: $10
Does Affirmations offer catering services?
Affirmations does not provide catering services. You are welcome to set up your own food or arrange catering.
Can we serve alcohol at our event?
Yes, you can serve alcohol at your event, but you cannot offer it for sale unless you have the proper license through the State of Michigan. If your event is open to the public, you must obtain a license even if alcohol is offered at no cost. It is up to you to coordinate ID requirements to ensure no underage drinking happens on-site, and staff or volunteers to serve alcohol in line with your event needs. (Affirmations staff will not bartend your event.)
Where’s the best parking for our event?
We recommend the City of Ferndale’s Lot #3 Withington South. Lot #3 is located directly behind the center and adjacent to our back entrance for easy loading.
The DOT parking garage south of 9 Mile at 221 West Troy Street is another convenient option.
Hourly rates for both lots are enforced by the City of Ferndale Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; parking is free after midnight, on Sundays, and on recognized holidays. Affirmations does not validate parking.
Can non-LGBTQ+ groups host events at Affirmations?
Affirmations is an open and inclusive environment and offers space rental for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or cultural background. Events do not need to be LGBTQ+ themed to be hosted at Affirmations. All events are welcome as long as they do not violate our mission of promoting inclusivity, respect, and support.
Please note: Rental requests will be reviewed by our rental coordinator before a reservation is confirmed to ensure values alignment. Exclusionary or hate-oriented gatherings will not be welcome at Affirmations.
Does Affirmations have free WiFi?
Yes, Affirmations offers free Wi-Fi that will be accessible to you and your guests during your event.
Do you offer discounted rates for nonprofits?
Yes, we offer discounted event rental rates for registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Please contact our team for additional details.
Is Affirmations ADA accessible?
Ramp access and button automated doors are available at our back entrance located off Lot #3 Withington South. Affirmations has an elevator for upper level access as well as accessible restroom facilities.
Submit a Reservation Request
Please note: Completing the form does not guarantee space rental. Reservations are subject to availability. Rentals will be provided at the discretion of our rental coordinator to ensure space rentals do not conflict with the center’s mission.