Celebrate at Van Aken District

Versatile event spaces in the heart of Shaker Heights. Four unique venues. One unforgettable experience.

Why VAD

Choose Van Aken for Your Next Event

At Van Aken, hosting is about more than just an event venue. You gain the district’s built-in atmosphere, full-service support, and a variety of event spaces that make planning seamless.

Flexible Event Spaces

Indoor, outdoor, and hybrid spaces designed to fit any occasion—from small team offsites to lively community gatherings or elegant baby showers.

Local Food Partners

Choose from a variety of on-site restaurants and vendors with crowd-pleasing catering options, complete menus, and bar service to match the tone of your event.

Event Planning Support

We provide AV equipment, setup and cleanup, and light day-of-event coordination. This is ideal for anyone planning a business meeting, pop-up, or social celebration.

Built-In Atmosphere

Right in the heart of Shaker Heights, Van Aken offers a walkable events location surrounded by shops, restaurants, and a lively community backdrop.

Explore Spaces

Featured Event Spaces

Explore our diverse event spaces tailored for every occasion—whether you’re hosting a corporate meeting, birthday, baby shower, or creative pop-up. Each space offers unique features to enhance your experience.

Rate: $100/hr

Ao Office Conference Room

Meet with purpose. Work with focus.

A boutique meeting space designed for focus, collaboration, and success.

Capacity: 12-15 guests.
Best for: Business meeting, workshops, team strategy sessions, or for those looking to rent a conference room for a day.
Location: Inside Ao Co-Working

Raider Space

Joyful noise encouraged. Connection guaranteed.

Celebrate, connect, and make memories in a space as dynamic as your party.

Capacity: 30-45 guests.
Best for: Birthday parties, mixers, community events.
Location: Inside Market Hall near Meade entrance

Rate: $150/hr

Rate: $250/hr

Event Center

A space as special as the moments you host.

A flexible indoor-outdoor venue perfect for upscale gatherings and professional events alike.

Capacity: 75 indoor + 75 outdoor.
Best for: Rehearsal dinners, baby showers, corporate offsites, conferences, or private banquets
Location: Above Paloma, second floor

Market Hall Patio

Celebrate outside, together.

When your gathering deserves more than two pushed-together tables.

Capacity: 40-50 guests.
Best for: Outdoor socials, networking events, pop-ups
Location: Front patio of Market Hall

Rate: $200/hr

Amenities

Everything You Need to Host with Confidence

Every event space rental includes the essentials you need to host with confidence and make your event run smoothly. You focus on your guests. We’ll take care of the rest.

Support

AV Support

Screens, speakers, and event-ready tech included in each space:

– Ao Office: 65” display, tabletop touch-screen controller, microphone, supports all video platforms. Perfect for use as a private coworking space or business meeting room.

-Event Center: Wi-Fi, projector, amp, and 2 microphones. Ideal for business meeting rooms and private events.

Convenience

Day-of Coordination Support

Our team helps ensure the space is ready and equipped for your event with assistance for layout logistics.

Furniture Available

Tables, chairs, and flexible layouts tailored to your setup.

On-Site Parking

Convenient and free for all guests.

Accessibility

ADA Accessible

All venues are fully accessible to ensure everyone can enjoy.

Security Coordination

We’ll coordinate the space setup in advance, including table and chair needs, and ensure the venue is clean and unlocked for your event.

Catering Partners: Food & Drink Options from Local Favorites

Food is part of the experience. That’s why we’ve partnered with some of the district’s favorite restaurants to offer catering that’s convenient, flexible, and fits a variety of event styles.

Our partners are located right here in the district, with options ranging from full-service menus to small bites, sweets, and casual bar service. Whether you’re planning a team lunch, an evening happy hour, or a relaxed gathering with friends, there’s something for every kind of crowd.
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Most restaurant and food vendors need 48 hours to two weeks’ notice, depending on your event details. Have something specific in mind—like a signature drink, dietary need, or custom setup? Let us know, and we’ll help coordinate the right fit.

How To Book

Booking Process Made Simple

Booking your event at Van Aken is simple. We keep the process clear so you can focus on planning a fun party!

Submit Inquiry

Submit your inquiry and tell us which of our event spaces you’re interested in. From cocktail parties to private dinners, we’ll help you find the right fit.

Confirm Space

Choose your preferred space, whether you’re booking a casual party venue or a professional meeting room, and secure your deposit to reserve it.

Plan Event

Coordinate with our team to finalize details, from catering to AV setup. We’re here to make your event space rental seamless.

Celebrate

Enjoy the event! We’ll handle the details so you can focus on having a great time.

What Guests Are Saying

Hear from our satisfied guests!

“We had a great time hosting a birthday party in the Raider Space at Van Aken! The space was perfect — cozy, bright, and just the right size. Not to mention being surrounded by incredible options for food and drinks. Highly recommend for a stress-free hosting experience.”

Tori H.

Event Planner

“I was absolutely overjoyed to start hosting our weekly Mamahood meetups at the Van Aken Event Center! The space is modern, sleek, and a true blank canvas, easily customizable to various types of events and use cases. You can’t beat the location, the brightness of the space, and best of all, the patio access! The Van Aken team has been truly fantastic to work with — she makes the whole process seamless. Highly recommend!”

Sarah B.
Mamahood

FAQs

Get answers to your most pressing questions about hosting your event with us.

Can I tour the space before booking?

Yes. After you submit your inquiry, we’ll help coordinate a tour to make sure the space fits your vision. Whether you’re planning a baby shower, business meeting, or casual dinner party, seeing the space in person helps you plan with confidence.

Is someone available to help me plan the event?

While we don’t provide full event planning services, we’re here to help coordinate the essentials. We’ll assist with booking the space, connecting you to catering options, and ensuring tables and chairs are delivered as needed.

What AV equipment is included?

Ao Office: 65” display, tabletop touch-screen controller, microphone, and support for all major video platforms.

Event Center: Wi-Fi, rollaway TV, amp, projector and 2 microphones. Let us know your setup needs and we’ll help get everything in place—especially helpful if you’re using the space as a corporate conference room, coworking-style meeting room, or hotel conference room rental alternative.

Can I bring in outside food or drink?

Yes, depending on the space. For Ao and the Event Center, you may bring your own food, cocktails, or non-alcoholic beverages. For Market Hall spaces, we recommend using merchants inside the district with DORA-approved service—perfect for building a menu that matches your event’s atmosphere.

Is alcohol allowed at my event?

Yes. For Ao and the Event Center, a licensed security guard is required at a rate of $50/hour (we’ll coordinate that for you). DORA rules apply for Market Hall-based events. Whether you’re serving beer, wine, or a signature cocktail, we’ll help ensure everything is covered.

What are the rules around cleanup?

All spaces should be returned to the condition they were delivered in. The Event Center has a $250 cleaning fee for events over 1 hour. For other venues, guests are responsible for general cleanup (removing trash, sweeping if needed, etc.). Cleanup support is especially important after large banquet-style gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Are there any decoration rules?

Yes. No open flames, no glitter, no wall adhesives, and no pets. You’re welcome to bring your own décor as long as it aligns with these guidelines—great for customizing your loft-style party or themed bridal shower.

Where do guests park?

Parking is free and easy. Guests can use the parking garage, nearby surface lot, or street parking throughout the district. This convenience makes Van Aken a great choice for corporate meeting venues and social events alike.

What’s your cancellation policy?

Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance to receive a refund. If you’re unable to host your business meeting or birthday gathering as planned, just let us know in time and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Still have questions?

If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to us directly.

Your Event Starts Here

Ready to book? Let’s bring your event to life. Fill out the form below and our team will be in touch within 3–5 business days. We’ll help you find the best space, confirm availability, and walk you through the next steps.

Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Preferred event date:(Required)

Purpose of event(Required)

(e.g., birthday party, offsite, pop-up, rehearsal dinner)

Estimated Number of Guests(Required)

Preferred event space(Required)

(Select from: Ao Office, Raider Space, Event Center, Market Hall Patio, Not Sure Yet)

Tell us a little about your event (3 sentences or less)(Required)

(What are you planning? What kind of vibe are you looking for?)

Do you have any tech or AV needs?(Required)

(Let us know if you’ll need screens, microphones, or Wi-Fi access)

Do you have any marketing or promotional needs?(Required)

(Let us know if this is a public-facing event that may need signage or support)

Will you be selling a product or service at the event?(Required)

Yes

Please allow 3-5 business days for us to process your request. Once processed, we will reach out with information.

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Still Have Questions?

Need help planning or have questions? We’re here to help.

‍Email: events@thevanakendistrict.com
‍Address: 3441 Tuttle Rd, Shaker Heights, OH 44122