For nearly a decade, Kirstin Bailey has been a familiar face at Uptown Social, working her way up from cleaning staff to assistant manager. Her journey is one of dedication, growth, and a deep love for the historic venue she now helps run. Whether she’s coordinating events or bringing new community gatherings to life, Bailey is at the heart of what makes Uptown Social special. With a passion for both the building’s history and its evolving future, she continues to play a key role in shaping one of Michigan City’s most beloved spaces.
Bailey’s story with Uptown Social began in 2015 when she started as part of the cleaning staff. At the time, her mother-in-law and her husband owned the building, and what started as a simple role quickly grew into something more. She soon took on additional responsibilities, moving from barback to bartender, and then into management.
“I didn’t expect to fall in love with this place the way I did,” Bailey said. “I started working here because my mother-in-law and her husband owned the building. I originally just helped clean, but I quickly became more involved in different areas of the business. I fell in love with the energy of the space and the people who make it special.”
Bailey’s dedication led her to become an event manager when new ownership took over. During her brief time away, Uptown Social underwent a full renovation, transforming into a cornerstone of Michigan City’s Uptown Arts District. When she returned, she was eager to take on a leadership role, helping shape the venue’s future while preserving its storied past.
Originally built in 1867 as a church, Uptown Social carries generations of history within its walls. Like General Manager Judy Gehrels, Bailey feels the weight of that legacy and the responsibility of ensuring it continues.
“One of my favorite things is our cleaning closet,” she laughed. “It sounds funny, but on the walls, there are all sorts of names and little notes written by past staff members over the years. It’s a tradition, like an initiation. Some of those names belong to people who have moved on to do great things, and seeing them reminds me of how much this place has grown. It’s like a time capsule – a piece of history that only we know about.”
That sense of connection extends beyond the staff to the community itself. Under its previous owners, Uptown Social primarily hosted weddings, but with its reinvention came a shift toward public events, allowing the venue to play a bigger role in the social and cultural fabric of Michigan City.
“That’s what excited me most about stepping into management,” Bailey said. “We’ve always had this incredible space, but now we’re able to share it in new ways – concerts, comedy shows, community gatherings, and more. We’re bringing people together and making Franklin Street even more vibrant.”
As assistant manager, Bailey’s role is as much about leadership as it is about logistics. She credits her years at Uptown Social with teaching her the importance of adaptability and confidence, skills that serve her both in her career and personal life.
“Looking back, I was more confident than I gave myself credit for,” she said. “I’ve learned to trust my instincts and find the balance between humility and knowing my worth.”
Her natural ability to juggle multiple roles makes her a key player in the fast-paced world of event planning. From organizing floor plans to ensuring every detail of an event runs smoothly, Bailey thrives in the heat of it all.
“I’ve always been a busybody,” she said. “I was involved in multiple clubs and sports growing up, so juggling responsibilities has always been second nature to me. At the end of the day, you can only plan so much. You have to be ready to adjust and handle anything that comes your way.”
For Bailey, great leadership comes with great responsibility.
“You have to be able to read a situation and respond with the right mindset,” she said. “Sometimes, customers aren’t happy, but my job isn’t to argue; it’s to find a solution and make sure they leave feeling taken care of.”
With Uptown Social’s growing presence in the Michigan City community, Bailey is looking forward to the many events still to come. One in particular stands out: Echoes of Pompeii, a Pink Floyd tribute show featuring laser lights, fog machines, and immersive visuals.
“I’m a huge Pink Floyd fan, so this show is always a highlight for me,” she said. “The energy, the music – it’s such an amazing experience. It’s not your average concert.”
She takes pride in events that give back, like Uptown Social’s holiday drag show, which benefits Toys for Tots. Each year, the number of donated gifts grows, filling the venue’s foyer and reinforcing the spirit of community.
She’s also particularly proud of the Kindlmarket, a holiday event that brings the charm of European-style Christmas markets to Michigan City.
“We don’t always have all-ages events, so it meant a lot to me that my kids could come and be part of something at Uptown Social,” Bailey said. “Seeing families gather, celebrating the season, and creating new traditions – it made me really happy. We’re excited to bring it back again this year.”
Bailey’s journey at Uptown Social is one of stability, leadership, and passion. She has grown alongside the business, evolving from a behind-the-scenes worker to a driving force in its success and transformation.
“I take great pride in working here,” she said. “This building is part of me. Uptown Social is the best venue in town. Of course, I’m a little biased!”
As Uptown Social continues to evolve, Bailey remains a driving force behind its success, blending her deep appreciation for the venue’s history with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences. From behind-the-scenes planning to the final, breathtaking moments of each event, she pours her heart into every detail. Her journey shows the hard work, adaptability, and the power of community. As Michigan City’s Uptown Arts District flourishes, Bailey looks forward to welcoming more people through the doors, building new traditions, and ensuring that Uptown Social remains a place where memories are made for years to come.