Host Something Unforgettable: Corktown’s Premier Catering & Private Event Options

Your Guide to Celebrating in One of Detroit’s Most Iconic Neighborhoods

Corktown continues to be one of Detroit’s most welcoming places to gather, whether you're planning a wedding, hosting a corporate party, celebrating a birthday, or bringing friends together just because you feel like it!

The neighborhood’s mix of historic charm, new energy, and beloved local businesses makes it the perfect addition or venue for meaningful events.

One of the greatest venues in the area is Brooklyn Detroit, often considered Corktown’s go-to space for weddings and corporate gatherings. Its polished, modern atmosphere is perfect for everything from elegant ceremonies to professional celebrations. For larger celebrations, Cork & Gabel offers the ability to accommodate big groups and even the option to rent out the entire restaurant for the day. 

Just down the road, Supergeil offers a lively, eclectic event setting. With both indoor and outdoor options, you have the flexibility to craft an event that fits any season or vibe. Corktown Taphouse provides a welcoming place where families, young professionals, and kids can all gather comfortably, making it a great fit for casual events with mixed-age groups. 

Nemo’s, a longtime neighborhood landmark, offers both a private event room and the main bar for groups up to 50, complete with custom catering. For cocktail-forward celebrations, The Sugar House provides a one-of-a-kind setting that works beautifully for both intimate gatherings and lively parties. 

Michigan Central features a unique mix of historic and modern spaces, creating exciting backdrops for gatherings, celebrations, and corporate events. Trumbull & Porter Hotel offers an array of flexible event spaces suitable for meetings, receptions, and everything in between. Two James Spirits brings a sophisticated touch with its exemplary tasting room, an ideal setting for company parties, holiday gatherings, or cocktail receptions.

Food lovers looking to enhance their events with Corktown’s best eats through catering have plenty of options, too. 

For something deliciously Detroit, Slows Bar BQ offers a little bit of everything: a private room for up to 40 people, full catering services, and even food truck reservations for events that need mobility and flexibility. Brooklyn Street Local brings farm-to-table catering rooted in fresh, local ingredients, perfect for gatherings where thoughtful food matters. McShane’s remains a neighborhood staple for casual spreads, offering everything from wings to fresh salads so there’s truly something for everyone. 

James Oliver Coffee offers a cozy café vibe for your events by catering specialty roasted coffee, house-made bagels, and seasonal pastries.And if your event calls for comforting starters, mains, sides, or desserts that are ready to heat and serve, Momma Sherm’s delivers homemade favorites designed to take the stress out of hosting.  

Private events don’t stop at bars and restaurants in Corktown! For those planning weddings, showers, or special bridal moments, The Bridal Studio offers a serene escape where you can rent the entire loft and enjoy a private appointment with a dedicated bridal stylist, creating an unforgettable way to start the journey toward the big day.

For teams or groups looking to blend adventure with celebration, The Michigan Pedaler offers 15-person party bikes and a smaller six-seat mini-pedaler perfect for sightseeing, team-building, or bar-hopping through Corktown.

From large-scale events to intimate gatherings, Corktown businesses offer a rich blend of spaces, flavors, history, and experiences that make planning easy and memorable. Whether you’re drawn to farm-to-table dishes, historic venues, craft cocktails, or family-friendly settings, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood continues to reinvent what it means to gather. Explore Corktown, support local businesses, and make your next event truly unforgettable.

A Salute to Service: Corktown's 20th Annual Veterans Day Parade

The 20th Annual Veterans Day Parade took place in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood on Sunday, November 9, 2025, bringing together thousands of community members, despite cold and snowy weather conditions.

Nearly 2,000 Metro Detroit veterans, representing all five branches of the U.S. military, participated in the march. Heartfelt and community-driven, it served as both a celebration of service and a real reminder of the continued need to support veterans in the community, especially during times of uncertainty for many.

Attendees included World War II veteran Art Fishman, 98, who expressed the importance of connection among veterans. WDIV Local 4 quotes Fishman saying, “These aren’t just friends, this is a new family.” City leaders also used the occasion to emphasize ongoing initiatives and programs that help veterans transition to civilian life.

Detroit’s oldest neighborhood provides the perfect backdrop for this meaningful tradition. With its rich history, deep sense of pride, and strong network of residents and businesses, Corktown embodies the spirit of community that defines Detroit itself.

The neighborhood’s blend of historic character and modern revitalization makes it a natural gathering place for events that honor service, unity, and resilience. Our local businesses continue to play a vital role in sustaining that sense of connection by opening their doors, showing their gratitude, and celebrating alongside the community of people who make Corktown and all of Detroit strong.

To see more local news stories published about Corktown’s Veterans Day Parade:

WDIV Local 4, Fox 2 Detroit, CBS News Detroit

Autumn in Corktown

Autumn has arrived in Corktown, and the neighborhood is full of ways to embrace the season!

McShane’s Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar is the perfect spot to gather with friends over seasonal hard ciders, hearty Irish meals, and spirited watch parties, with shuttles running to Little Caesars Arena for Red Wings and Pistons games. Just around the corner, Honey Bee Market La Colmena offers the freshest produce, quality meats, seafood, and Central American staples, plus all the pumpkins and fall essentials you need to bring the season home. Corktown Taphouse keeps the autumn flavors flowing with 76+ rotating taps of beer, cider, and wine, where you might just find your new favorite pumpkin ale or crisp hard cider to toast the season.

Of course, fall in Corktown isn’t just about food and drink; it’s also about atmosphere. The Sugar House brings cozy sophistication with its ever-evolving seasonal cocktails alongside the classics, while Folk captures the lighter side of autumn with fresh, seasonal plates perfect for brunch or lunch. And when the craving for comfort food hits, Slow’s Bar BQ serves up smoky barbecue with a gourmet twist, paired with a love for craft beer and community.

These businesses, along with the many other remarkable Corktown businesses, make Corktown a true fall destination, where flavors, festivities, and community spirit come together under the golden glow of the season.

Corktown Cafe Scene

While Corktown is home to some of Detroit’s best pubs and historic landmarks, it’s also an unlikely home to a rich and creative café scene! Each spot brings its own unique flavor, creating a neighborhood that celebrates the community around food and drinks.

At James Oliver Coffee, roasting is a family tradition that began in New Hampshire in 1995 and found its way to Detroit in 2019, where Jim’s daughter Miranda and her husband David continue the craft with the same high standards. For something sweet, Momento Gelato and Coffee is Detroit’s first gelateria and café, serving handcrafted gelato, espresso drinks, and their signature affogato. Alba brings together global coffee culture and Detroit spirit, offering a daytime café and their unique late-night “Night Café” series. And at Folk, a James Beard–nominated café and community hub, you’ll find seasonal brunch dishes, specialty drinks, and a focus on ethical sourcing.

If you’re looking for coffee featuring bold, hand-crafted flavors and ingredients with deep cultural roots, Haraz Coffee shares the rich tradition of Yemeni coffee with every pour. Just down the street, Supergeil infuses Corktown with the flavors and energy of Berlin’s Kreuzberg district. Known for its creative brunch menu, featuring everything from hummus to beignets, it’s a place full of global inspiration and neighborhood comfort. And Brooklyn Street Local keeps things fresh and sustainable with locally sourced breakfast and brunch favorites, including their famous poutine.

Even Corktown’s Irish pub scene gets in on the brunch action with McShane’s Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar now serving brunch every day of the week. Together, these cafés, brunch spots, and coffee houses are what make Corktown's café scene something truly special. Follow along to support these local businesses and find your new favorite spot!

Wellness in Corktown

Whether you’re looking to take care of your teeth, eyes, hair, or entire body, Corktown offers an array of unique and community-rooted approaches to wellness. These small businesses are redefining what it means to feel good both inside and out. Joyola Mei Salon is a celebration of natural hair textures and holistic hair care. Grounded in vegan-friendly, sustainable practices, their approach helps nurture stronger, shinier curls while creating a safe, affirming environment for clients of all textures and backgrounds. Right in the heart of Corktown is a thriving one-acre urban farm growing salad mixes, herbs, edible flowers and more. With a farmstand open Fridays from April through early November, Brother Nature Produce offers a fresh, hyper-local connection to your food and community. Say goodbye to anxiety-inducing dentist visits. Detroit Dental Spa blends modern dentistry with a calming, spa-like atmosphere. Plus, they showcase multilingual care in Arabic, Spanish, and English. Compassionate, personalized care is their specialty. Looking to boost your eye-care and eyewear game? Then check out Spectacle Society! This optician-owned, only optical boutique in Detroit helps individuals find frames that fit their face and their personality. With handcrafted styles and top-tier optical expertise, Spectacle Society transforms your vision experience into one of personal style, self-expression, and care that truly sees you. Plum Health DPC makes primary care without the insurance stress possible. With transparent, affordable monthly memberships, this direct primary care model gives you text access to your doctor, same-day appointments, and significant savings all with a focus on your full health journey. And lastly, but certainly not least, is Corktown Apothecary. Part pharmacy, part wellness haven, Corktown Apothecary brings together trustworthy healthcare with clean skincare, high-quality vitamins, and top-notch service. It’s a go-to for holistic support with a neighborhood feel. However you are tending to your health, Corktown has a wellness destination that’s got your back.

Small Business Saturday 2024

Detroit, MI – According to the 2023 Small Business Economic Impact Study, 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays within the local community, highlighting their crucial role in supporting local economies.

Help us celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 30th with a vibrant event at the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, hosted by Fantazma Market & Cafe in partnership with the Corktown and Southwest Detroit Business Associations. Enjoy holiday cheer while supporting localtalent and businesses in Detroit's Southwest and Corktown neighborhoods.

Event Information:

·       Date: Saturday, November 30th, 2024

·       Time:    11:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Small Business Saturday throughout Corktown & Southwest Detroit

              5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Corktown Restaurant and Pub Crawl w/ Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest

Event Highlights:

·       Shop Local – Explore over 20 pop-up vendors offering clothing, accessories, food, art, and more!

·       Live Performances – Enjoy entertainment throughout the day, including Ruby Flwrs, Raquel Soledad, Gabriel Duran, and MotorCity Street Dance Academy.

·       Family Fun – Take photos with Santa, sip on hot cocoa at the cocoa bar, and enjoy activities like bonfires and a Coloring Museum.

·       Music and Vibes – Dance to the beats of DJ Problematic Black Hottie all day long!

Explore More:

The celebration continues across Southwest Detroit and Corktown with exciting stops at:

·       Old Western Market: Vendors, mural painting, and music by DJ Lac.

·       Gaelic League: Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, live holiday music, and a caricature artist (12 PM - 3 PM).

·       Michigan Central: Open from 10 AM - 6 PM with free tickets available online.

Getting Around:

Free shuttle buses will run from 11 AM to 5 PM between Southwest Detroit and Corktown, with an extended service from 5 PM to 8 PM for a Corktown Restaurant and Pub Crawl featuring an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest.

Join us for a day of shopping, entertainment, and community spirit while supporting Detroit’s small businesses! For more details, visit our Eventbrite page: Small Business Saturday Tickets, Sat, Nov 30, 2024 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite

Corktown Sounds 2023 Cancellation

Hey there, Corktown Sounds community!

We've got some exciting news to share with you all! As you may have noticed, Corktown Sounds took a little break in 2023, but we're here to let you know that we're gearing up for an incredible comeback in 2024!

First and foremost, we want to give a massive shout-out to all the talented artists, dedicated volunteers, and passionate supporters who have made Corktown Sounds such an unforgettable event in our community. Your unwavering support and enthusiasm have truly made a difference!

To those of you who have been eagerly counting down the days to attend Corktown Sounds 2023, we apologize for any disappointment and frustration this may have caused. We felt it was important to take a step back and regroup, ensuring that when we return, we come back with a bang!

But fear not, music lovers! The spirit of Corktown Sounds remains stronger than ever. Our mission to showcase local talent and foster a vibrant music scene in Corktown is still at the forefront of everything we do. During our time off, we've been working tirelessly behind the scenes, reevaluating our strategies and exploring new and exciting ways to secure funding for future events.

We're thrilled to announce that when Corktown Sounds returns in 2024, it's going to be a truly unforgettable experience. Picture yourself surrounded by incredible music, enjoying the energy and camaraderie of our vibrant community. It's going to be bigger, better, and more magical than ever before!

We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your understanding, support, and unwavering love for Corktown Sounds. Your belief in our mission continues to inspire us, and we can't wait to share our plans and updates with you. Make sure to stay connected with us on our website and social media platforms to be the first to know about all the exciting developments.

So mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready for a music-filled extravaganza in 2024! Let's come together, celebrate local talent, and keep the spirit of music alive in our incredible Corktown community!

With hope in our hearts and melodies on our minds,

The Corktown Sounds Team

Corktown Is Grieving

Known affectionately as the Mayor of Corktown; from organizing around City policies and regulations, to neighborhood safety to new development to community celebrations, there was not an event or aspect of life in Corktown that Debra did not have a hand in. So many of us looked to Debra for inspiration and guidance. As we remember her and honor her legacy we will continue to think of her for inspiration and guidance in how we grow our community and take care of our neighbors.

Small Business Saturday

On Saturday, November 26th we celebrated Small Business Saturday by going around the neighborhood and showcasing some of the many small businesses located in our area. We encourage you to shop small and shop local. Shopping small makes a big difference! Let's keep our holiday dollars local and #supportsmallbusinesses.

Pictures by Alejandro Ugalde, Kopalli Media