Sure, the primary purpose of a hangar is to store a plane, but owning a hangar also means you have an awesome venue at your disposal.  As long as there have been hangars, there have been hangar parties.  Large enough to hold a band, buffet, and bar, don’t surprised if your friends ask to use it for a wedding or birthday party.

Soon after buying your new building, inquiries about the hangar warming party will follow.  This could be as simple as a BBQ, or you could host a catered gala.  One event I attended included poker tables and gymnasts performing in the rafters. After your first few gatherings, try something new and creative. Here are few ideas for inspiration.

• Themed parties featuring ethnic foods, a period in history, or region of the United States, give guests a chance to dress up or try new cuisine.  For example, throw a Sixties Party or a Cajun Low Country Boil.
• During the summer, beat the heat with an ice cream sundaes or milkshakes.  Bring fans to keep your guests cool and pass out hand held misters as favors.
• New Years Eve celebrations can be very grand in a hangar.  Run lights and streamers along the rafters and place candles on each table.  In low light, the space will look like a sparkling fairyland.  Add music and a dance floor, and you’re ready to bring in the New Year in style.
• Pig roasts are always a hit.  Something about the rich smell of a pig roasting for hours revs up everyone’s appetite.  Add a little Latin music and let the party begin.
• Kid’s parties with inflatable bouncy rooms and games work very well in hangars even on a rainy day.
• Hang a large projector screen or sheet from the wall and host a movie screening.  Rent a popcorn maker and hand out packs of candy to your guests.

The biggest challenge with a hangar party is the parking.  If you do not have enough near your building, shuttle guests in golf carts from the parking area.  Teens love to help with this.  Use yours or borrow a friend’s teen for the day.

Another challenge is decorating the high areas of the hangar.  Use a scissor lift or leave them undecorated.

Over the years at the Orlando Apopka Airport, I have attended everything from weddings to (sadly), funerals in hangars.  You are limited only by your imagination and budget.  If you still need more ideas, feel free to contact me!

Remember, if you throw a party in your hangar you are responsible for your guests and ensuring they follow all airport rules.