![Room lined with chairs and lights, decorated for a wedding.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/Wedding.jpg)
Ensminger Pavilion
![Award setup in Ensminger building.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/EZ1C5391.jpg)
![Rows of chairs facing a an alter decorated with flowers for a wedding.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/Wedding-2.jpg)
![Party layout idea for inside of the Ensminger Building.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/Gathering-4.jpg)
![Wedding table layout in Ensminger hall.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/FB_IMG_1561330321189.jpg)
![Red roses in a vase on a table.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/bb01276a-8cff-403f-a5b3-2ffe257b13bc.jpg)
![CAHNRS Student Award setup.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/EZ1C5395.jpg)
![Wedding aisle layout in Ensminger hall.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/FB_IMG_1561330325115.jpg)
![Wedding table set up in Ensminger hall.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/FB_IMG_1561330332960.jpg)
![Entrance to Ensminger Pavilion building.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/ce45908d-6858-4a3b-9e5c-8044f068208b.jpg)
![Tables set up in Ensminger building.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/26a936d8-a698-430e-9c2e-0a3f298bf403.jpg)
![Party layout idea for inside of the Ensminger Building.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/Gathering.jpg)
![Conference room set up.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/Ensminger-11.jpg)
![Tables set up in Ensminger building.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/ecbfcf82-91c0-4b04-a788-b37ce8159d83.jpg)
![People mingling and sitting at a food table in Ensminger building.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/686687b2-330a-4584-83b0-151cd220450b.jpg)
![People mingling in Ensminger building.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/56d9f0a6-9e42-413b-a1ef-68d750e1554b.jpg)
![Side of the Ensminger Building.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/Ensminger-Pavilion2.jpg)
![Outside of Ensminger Building.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/Weather-Vane-Go-Cougs.jpg)
Ensminger Pavilion: at the Heart of the Cougar Family
Planning an event? Imagine immersing yourself in the rich heritage of Washington State University by choosing Ensminger Pavilion as your venue. This isn’t just a space— it’s part of the Cougar legacy.
Established in 1933 as the Livestock Judging Pavilion, this adaptable building has witnessed countless chapters of Coug history. From vibrant student gatherings to the notable presence of Bing Crosby back in the ’50s (yes, that happened!), it holds a treasure trove of memories.
Today, it serves as the premiere locale for CAHNRS events, encompassing student orientations, prestigious award ceremonies, and lively celebrations. And the best part? You can use it too! Whether it’s a wedding, a reunion, or a retirement, this venue has room for everyone, and your booking helps maintain this unique building.
Elevate your next event to legendary status. Book Ensminger Pavilion and become a part of the ongoing Coug story!
Built in 1933, the building we now know as the M.E. and Audrey H. Ensminger Agricultural Pavilion was for decades the Livestock Judging Pavilion. Thousands of animal science students have taken classes in the pavilion while archaeology students once practiced excavation techniques in one wing. But the pavilion has always been much more than a classroom.
In its heyday, the pavilion hosted a variety of events. Old photos show crowds of 800 attending the Livestock Feeders’ Day outside the building in 1945. Bing Crosby once attended a livestock judging event at the pavilion, when his twin sons were briefly students at WSU in the early 1950s. In the ’60s, Summer Palace community theater presentations were staged in the pavilion. In recent years, the horticulture club has held plant sales in the building. The pavilion was the scene of many autumn Land-Grant Day dances and auctions.
Most important, though, was the generous gift from Mrs. Audrey Ensminger, whose donation paid for a significant portion of pavilion renovation work. Thanks to Mrs. Ensminger, the pavilion remains a historically important gathering place for the entire WSU community.
Mrs. Ensminger made the gift in memory of her husband, Dr. M.E. Ensminger, who was head of the animal sciences department at WSU from 1941 until 1962. Dr. Ensminger was instrumental in the construction of the Cattle Feeding Laboratory and Hilltop Stables, now recognized as one of the best light horse facilities in the nation. Dr. Ensminger’s energy, enthusiasm, and expertise also made the animal sciences department one of the best in the country. He wrote many books, some of which are still standards used in classrooms around the world. One of the most recognized animal scientists of the twentieth century, Dr. Ensminger was fond of giving credit to his wife for his many accomplishments.
Although both Dr. and Mrs. Ensminger have passed away, they leave behind them a living legacy in the M.E. and Audrey H. Ensminger Agricultural Pavilion, one that will be cherished and enjoyed by this and future generations.
![Tables covered in white tablecloths and centerpieces, decorated for a wedding.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/IMG_5359-1.jpg)
Weddings
Celebrate your special day at the Ensminger Pavilion, a picturesque venue perfect for weddings. Our versatile space can be transformed to suit your vision, whether you’re dreaming of an intimate gathering or a grand celebration. With the ability to accommodate up to 400 guests in layouts from banquet to reception style, we ensure a memorable setting for your ceremony and reception.
![Dr. Richard Zack talking to students in Ensminger.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/Dr.-Richard-Zack-talking-to-students-768x1024.jpg)
Conferences & Training
Ensminger Pavilion has the space for your in-person meetings and trainings. The shape of our building allows people to use the space in multiple layouts such as theater, classroom, U-shaped, and rounds. The space can be customize the space for small meetings to large trainings up to 400 people. There are 4 hotels within 1.5 miles of our location.
Floor Plan Options
Rectangular Table Plan
![Floor plan option with rectangular tables.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/Ensminger_Rectangle-1024x472.jpg)
Round Table Plan
![Floor plan option with round tables.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/7/Screenshot-2024-05-23-at-11.15.15 AM-1024x472.png)
Amenities
- Seats up to 400
- Free parking – evenings and weekends
- On-site restrooms
- Heating
- Wheeled whiteboards
- About 28 5.5 ft Round
- About 24 8 ft rectangular tables
- About 275 Chairs (brown and/or black colors are available, chairs in photos are rentals from other places)
- Free Wifi Access
Book Your Event
$0 CAHNRS Departments & Registered Student Organizations (request submitted by CAHNRS and paid with CAHNRS account)
- CAHNRS Departments
- CAHNRS Registered Student Organizations
$450 Non-CAHNRS WSU Departments & Registered Student Organizations (request submitted by WSU department/RSO and paid with WSU account)
- Any non-CAHNRS WSU Department
- Any non-CAHNRS Registered Student Organization
$750 External/Non-WSU Entity (request submitted by external member/organization from the university)
- Individuals submitting a request for events not related to WSU activities
- Companies/Industries hosting events
- Non-profits/Foundations hosting events not related to WSU or paying with non-WSU money
These costs are subject to change.
Some of the events below are placeholder events. Please contact cahnrs.majors@wsu.edu or fill out the Ensminger Pavilion Event Request Form.