
Grand Rapids sits near the shores of Lake Michigan, across the water from Milwaukee, and not far from giants like Chicago and Lansing, the state capital. Families planning a Sweet 16 party here can do a lot worse. With the Grand River flowing through the area, exciting nightlife, great restaurants, and a laid-back vibe during the day, the first thing you need to throw an epic party is a memorable venue.
Luckily, Giggster has your back. We take the hassle out of finding the perfect party venues and event spaces, so whether you're planning corporate events, weddings, a Sweet 16 birthday bash, or a New Year's Eve party, our venues are sure to fit the bill.
With Giggster, selection is the name of the game. From industrial-themed warehouses to banquet halls to quirky choices like a trampoline park or a dance studio, if you can imagine it, we can find you a party space. And, all this choice comes at an affordable price, so you can save your budget for entertainment and food options. Download the Giggster app, and your big event will come together in no time.
Whether it's downtown Grand Rapids that you're after, the suburbs, or an industrial location, the app offers access to all the best spots.
Picture a lavish banquet hall with white tablecloths, fancy chairs, and lovely hardwood floors. When you want the feeling of space, there will be plenty of room for dancing, mingling, and photos.
Maybe your teenager is more into an active party. In that case, why not rent out a colorful trampoline park or a neon-filled arcade? Give the kids something to do and they'll stay out of trouble.
If a blank slate is in order and you want to take advantage of the lovely Grand Rapids summer weather, rent a complete parking lot where you can run carnival games, have food trucks, and let everyone stretch their legs.
When you want to up the ante, and really make someone feel special, pick one of the large event spaces or ballrooms available on the Giggster app. From chandeliers and ornate railings to polished floors and large windows, these venues mix well with any theme.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Although we have 26 in Grand Rapids, we don't just put any old venue on our site. Everything is curated to make sure that the venues are reliable, responsive, and affordable. Beautiful event spaces situated downtown, dance studios for a movement-filled party, and just about any other space you can imagine are available.
Hassle-Free Booking: To book in a flash, all you need to do is start your search for Sweet 16 venues in Grand Rapids. You'll see the price displayed clearly, which starts at $50/hour, and all the other pertinent info. This includes the availability, high-quality images, a list of all the amenities, and the option to communicate with the host.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Only the lucky few have their Sweet 16 birthday fall on the weekend, so the date will be obvious. But, if you need to adjust the date after booking, you can do so within the first 24 hours at no charge. Just don't leave things to the last minute and book for an event that is scheduled at least 48 hours out for the free cancellation to apply.
Platform Protections: When you book at Giggster, you always have the option to add coverage. For example, if you rent Virtual Reality Arcade Event Space, you can increase the cancellation period, get extra liability coverage, or choose enhanced damage protection for a completely worry-free party.
When you feel sure that your party is best suited to the Grand Rapids area, do a quick double-check just to make sure. Consider these factors before you make your decision.
Advantages
There's a variety of venues. Although Grand Rapids is small, Giggster alone has tons of options from elegant ballrooms to chic galleries to upscale banquet halls.
Your budget will thank you. Especially compared to big cities like Chicago, pretty much everything about Grand Rapids is more affordable. That includes entertainment, catering, and private party venues.
Grand Rapids is safe. Its small size means it doesn't have the crime rates of larger US cities and it also doesn't have as much trouble with traffic. Feel confident partying well into the night and everyone will get home safe or be into hitting an all-ages after-party downtown.
Disadvantages
This is Michigan, after all. Winter weather is a real issue. Don't be surprised if snow, ice, and wind cause logistical challenges and impede guests from getting to the party.
Grand Rapids isn't the easiest city to get around without a car due to limited public transportation options. If you're not prepared to organize event transport for the masses, you'll force many guests to drive or take rideshares, which can get expensive and even dangerous during the winter.
Some Sweet 16 parties really aim to impress. In Grand Rapids, it can be trickier to book high-profile entertainment, like celebrity DJs and bands compared to cities with cachet like New York and Chicago.
When you've been waiting for inspiration to hit, bring up the Giggster app and just start searching the 26 options. We have all the best venues for every budget, style, and theme.
Banquet Halls – Dine in Style. Banquet halls are classic for a reason. They have lots of space, great dining tables, and a typically elegant decor. With options for seating guests up to 200, you can really plan an unforgettable Sweet 16 in any of our Grand Rapids halls.
Ballrooms – A Grand Occasion. Chances are good that when your child pictured their Sweet 16 party, it involved a luxurious ballroom. Fabric draped on chairs, gleaming floors for dancing, and intricate chandeliers help this pretty picture come to life.
Lofts – Let Creativity Shine. A loft is the perfect blank canvas to dress up how you see fit. Create dedicated photo areas, set up a barbecue outside, and turn any of the open areas into the dance floor.
Outdoor Spaces – Lasting Summer Memories. While only really appropriate in Grand Rapids during the late spring to early fall, pick a venue with huge, flat outside areas, like a parking lot, and transform it into your vision. One perk is that guests will have plenty of parking options!
Trampolines, Arcade Games, and Dancing – Stay Entertained. If you're worried about the Sweet 16 party being dull, the venue can alleviate any concerns. From vintage vibes in a classic video and arcade space to the bounciest of indoor trampoline parks to dance studios full of windows and mirrors, the activities plan themselves.
Although it would be nice if it worked this way, your party won't come together on its own. Get input from the guest of honor and put in the work, and you're sure to please everyone. To get you started, here are a few items you don't want to forget.
The Venue is Crucial – On a basic note, there's no party without a location. But you don't just want to settle for any Sweet 16 party space. Think about exactly what you need and use Giggster to find the venue that perfectly matches your vision, budget, and theme.
Feed Hungry Guests – Everyone will pretty much expect a meal at your party, and you'll need drinks, too. Carefully plan the menu to match your kid's tastes and try to put in a few things that will appeal to other guests, like young children. Do this early—knowing what you want in advance will help you narrow down the catering options and book.
You'll Need Entertainment – Whether it's a fantastic DJ spinning the latest and greatest, a local band, or a fun karaoke machine, get to grips with the entertainment. Decide when they'll be performing and secure the top talent by booking well ahead.
It's so easy for things to get out of hand when it comes to the budget. Obviously, spoiling your kid is important but there are a few things you can do to help make sure a single party doesn't break the family's bank.
Can you pair down the catering?
Some teenagers might get a kick out of having a full and fancy sit-down three-course meal, but that comes at a high cost. Think about fun (and cheaper) options like food trucks, charcuterie boards, and appetizer bars with wings, tacos, and pizza.
Don't rule out playlists.
Entertainment is pricey. While your kid probably doesn't want you to choose the music, instead task a few of the guest of honor's friends with creating some exciting and interesting playlists because they will know your child's taste best. That way, you can get out of hiring an expensive DJ or live music as entertainment and still maintain a nice variety of songs.
Brand new isn't always best.
Although this is a special party, you don't need to purchase everything new. Look for second-hand items and try to get creative yourself with things like signage, banners, and other decorations. Also, when things are portable it makes everything a lot simpler when you need to decorate the venue on the day of the event.
When you have the Giggster app at your disposal, you have everything you need to get the party planning started. Select the ideal party venue from our curated list and watch as the birthday celebration creates lasting memories in a modern banquet hall, a trendy warehouse, or a fancy ballroom.