Downtown Clare Event Venue

The Venue at 501 was built in 1910 in Clare, Michigan. The original brick walls and hardwood floors provide the perfect rustic setting for any and every event. This timeless space lends itself to an array of styles and is the perfect location in Central Michigan for those looking to host a one-of-a-kind event!
 

Not your average michigan wedding venue

If you want a wedding venue that is all-inclusive, easily accessible, in a cute town, and with vendors that relieve all of your wedding planning worries, The Venue is the best place to get married.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Clare, The Venue at 501 seamlessly blends stunning rustic features with modern luxury, providing the perfect backdrop for your special day. With close proximity to great food and comfortable lodging, you’ll have everything you need.

Our dedicated team of experts is committed to ensuring your wedding day is nothing short of extraordinary, offering personalized service and impeccable attention to detail. Your love story deserves a venue as unique as your love, and we invite you to celebrate your wedding day with us!

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500 District Events

The 500 District is home to a wide variety of events all throughout the year. Check out our calendar to stay up to date on our upcoming events.

The Venue at 501 Open House

Come experience what the 500 District has to offer and start imagining your celebration at The Venue at 501!

Join us on Saturday, September 12 from 11 AM–3 PM for our Open House. Whether you’re searching for the perfect wedding venue, already booked with us, or helping someone you love plan their big day, we’d love to welcome you in.

During the Open House, you’ll have the opportunity to tour The Venue at 501 and The Trap Door and see firsthand how these unique spaces can come together for your wedding or special event.

This is also your chance to start envisioning the details! Explore table settings, arch options and layout ideas, find inspiration for photos throughout the property, and learn about the unique lodging accommodations available for your wedding weekend.

And because it’s all located in the heart of the 500 District, you’ll have the convenience of 505 Café right next door when you want to grab a coffee or bite to eat.

We will have catering samples at the event and our team will be available to answer questions about food and bar service. If you already have a caterer you love, outside catering is welcome too.

Our Venue Manager will be on-site throughout the Open House to answer questions, talk through your options, and help you picture how your celebration could come together at 501.

Already booked with us? Bring your friends and family along for a sneak peek at your venue! You can explore setup ideas, continue planning the details of your day, and enjoy a special gift for previously booked couples.

Still looking for your venue? Be sure to ask about the special booking incentives available during the Open House!

Saturday, September 12, 2026
11 AM–3 PM
The Venue at 501 | Downtown Clare

FREE EVENT • NO RSVP REQUIRED

Come tour, taste, explore, ask questions, and experience everything that makes The Venue at 501 such a special place to celebrate. We can’t wait to show you around!Open House

Ready to get started?

We would love to walk you through our facilities and go through the details of your big day! Fill out our information request form and schedule a visit with us today.
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meet the Team

For Morgan Waggener, the owner of 500 District, her dream of joining the business world came true when she was just nineteen by opening the Heart of Michigan Cafe – a cafe with a full menu specializing in coffee that created an environment for the community and travelers to enjoy.
 
Morgan opened the 505 Cafe in December of 2015, but she wasn’t ready to stop there. A year after opening Heart of Michigan Cafe, Morgan continued on to open the Venue at 501 – the Cafe’s sister business – that has since hosted countless weddings, showers, and events.
 
She expanded again in the spring of 2017, opening The Upper Rooms Sleep Suites right above the Cafe. In July 2019, Heart of Michigan Cafe rebranded to 505 Cafe and expanded its menu to lunch options and handcrafted cocktails; then The 500 District was created.
 
In May of 2021, the 500 District expanded yet again and opened the Trap Door Speakeasy located beneath the Venue at 501. Morgan’s dream won’t stop there…stay tuned for what’s to come in the future for The 500 District!
 
Meet Alex, A proud Clare County native, Alex is passionate about bringing people together and giving back to her community through thoughtfully curated and beautifully organized events.
 
Alex is especially excited to be reconnecting with the 500 District—an area close to her heart. She previously worked as a barista and waitress at the beloved 505 Café, where she first developed meaningful relationships within the community and learned the importance of creating welcoming, memorable experiences for others.
 
Her love for planning was sparked while organizing her own wedding—a journey that revealed her natural talent for creativity, coordination, and attention to detail. Since then, she has helped friends and family plan weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, and other small gatherings, growing her skills and deepening her passion for event planning along the way.
 
With a professional background as a preschool teacher, Alex brings a unique blend of patience, creativity, and organization to every event she touches. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and think on her feet makes her a trusted support for clients on their most important days.
 
What Alex enjoys most is watching a bride’s vision come to life, seeing the joy on guests’ faces, and knowing she helped create lasting memories. Looking ahead, Alex is eager to expand her role in the community by organizing events at The Venue at 501.

By Trevor Runner

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Call us

(989) 272-9009

Contact us

thevenue@the500district.com

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501 N McEwan St, Clare, MI 48617