The Social at the Avalon – Rochester, MN
Frequently Questions
What are your rental fees?
Server / Bartender Fees –
$50 per hour
$300 minimum.
The number of servers and bartenders is determined based on the quantity of guests & buffet/plated.
Facility Rental Fees –
Sunday through Thursday – $200/hr
Friday & Saturday – $250/hr
Wedding Package – $3000
What comes with my rental?
Booking The Social at The Avalon means more than just securing a space – you’re stepping into a one-of-a-kind venue built in 1919, fully restored for modern celebrations with vintage soul. Here’s everything included in your rental:
Full Access to the Venue
• The entire event space is yours – no sharing/splitting
• Historic architecture with moody-modern design that speaks for itself
Bar & Lounge Area
• Access to our signature bar and lounge space
• Seating for up to 12 at the bar + standing/cocktail area
• Professional bartender available upon request
Furniture Inventory
• Use of our full in-house collection:
– Event tables
– Dining chairs & high stools
• Styled to support your layout and guest flow – no need to rent the basics!
Dedicated Event Host/Manager
• Your go-to person on-site to keep everything running smoothly
• Works hand-in-hand with you and your event planner to bring the vision to life
Photoshoot Access
• Two-hour use of the venue for an engagement or pre-wedding photoshoot
• Take advantage of the moody-modern charm and historic character for stunning content
Rehearsal Time
• 1.5-hour rehearsal included with all full-day or weekend rentals
• Coordinate with your planner or officiant – we’ll handle the rest
Rental Types Available
• Full-day events
• Weekend packages
• Custom blocks available upon request
What is your capacity?
150 Person maximum seating.
How do I get a tour of your event space?
Is there a bar in the event space?
Yes, it’s as moody and magical as it looks. Here’s everything you need to know before you book the bar space.
How many people can the bar seat?
The bar seats up to 12 guests comfortably – think: cozy cocktail party, bridal brunch, or VIP hangout.
What’s included when I rent the bar space?
Your rental includes:
• Exclusive access to the bar area (seating + standing room)
• Professional bartender for service
• Choice of custom cocktail menu or standard offerings
• Lounge-style seating and bar stools for up to 12
• Full access to the historic-meets-modern ambiance
• Setup and cleanup handled by our team – you just show up ready to toast
How long is the rental period?
Bar rentals are available in 2-hour, 4-hour, or full evening blocks. Want to extend the party? Just ask.
Can we create a signature cocktail?
Yes! Work with our bartender to craft a signature cocktail (or mocktail) that fits your theme, colors, or vibe.
Can I rent just the bar area for a private event?
Absolutely. The bar is perfect for intimate celebrations, tastings, welcome parties, or VIP pre-functions.
Do you allow outside alcohol?
We’re a fully licensed bar – so we’ve got you covered. No outside alcohol allowed, but we’re happy to customize our menu to fit your taste and theme.
Can we bring a playlist or DJ?
Yes! For smaller bar events, a curated playlist works great. For bigger vibes, we’re happy to talk through music options with you.
How do I book?
Fill out the event inquiry form, or email us directly. The bar books fast for weekends – consider this your sign.
Is your building wheelchair accessible?
Yes! There is an elevator and wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Do I have to use a specific vendor?
Food is a love language – and at The Social, we’ve curated catering options that make your event as delicious as it is unforgettable.
Our Exclusive In-House Vendors
We partner with Rochester’s most iconic local talent to bring your celebration to life through food and flavor:
• Victorias Ristorante & Wine Bar
An iconic name in Rochester, Victoria’s delivers elevated Italian cuisine your guests will rave about. Expect crowd favorites, rich pastas, elegant entrees, and elevated presentations – perfect for weddings, showers, and milestone moments
• Tap House West End
Your guests’ favorite local gastropub – now serving at your event. Tap House brings casual-chic energy with elevated bar bites, sliders, and craft-inspired fare. Perfect for rehearsal dinners, birthdays, or corporate parties with flavor
• The Social In-House Pastry Chef
Yes, dessert is included in the deliciousness. Our exclusive pastry partner crafts custom confections, from tiered wedding cakes to sweet-table spreads that will leave guests reaching for seconds (and thirds)
Want to Bring Your Own Caterer?
No problem. We offer a Flexible Catering Package for approved outside vendors. It includes access to our prep area, vendor coordination support, and guidelines to keep service seamless. Outside vendors must be licensed and insured. (We’ll walk you through the details!).
Ready to plan your perfect menu?
Let’s pair your vision with the perfect partner – and get planning.
Tables & Seating Options at The Social
What’s Included with Your Rental:
No need to outsource the basics – we’ve got you covered with a full in-house furniture inventory:
• Low Round Tables
Perfect for intimate seated dinners, sweetheart tables, or lounge-style vibes
• High-Top Banquet Tables
Ideal for grazing stations, buffet-style setups, or placing alongside DJs and vendor booths
• High-Top Cocktail Tables
Great for mingling moments, drink stations, or breaking up your floor plan with layers of height
• Matching Chairs + Bar Stools
Comfortable, neutral, and stylish – designed to fit our moody-modern aesthetic without clashing with your décor
• Traditional Linens Included
Classic black and white linen options are available for all included tables – so your setup looks polished from the start
Layout Ideas We Love:
Here’s how past clients have styled the space – and how you can too:
• Classic Banquet
Flow Rows of low rounds for a full seated dinner – ideal for weddings and large celebrations
• Lounge + Cocktail Combo
A few scattered high-top tables for drinks and movement + low tables for bites and conversation
• Minimal & Modern
Think wide-open dance floor, linear seating, and a clean, crisp feel with subtle styling
• Get Creative
Want a runway down the middle? A dessert garden?
Who will assist us in setting up our event?
When you book The Social at The Avalon, you get a dedicated event host/manager on site. They’ll be your main point of contact leading up to and on your event day, helping coordinate vendors, overseeing setup, and ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
Every couple is unique, with their own vision and vendor relationships – we’re excited to support you in bringing that vision to life. We’re happy to share our preferred vendor list whenever you need it, to help make your planning easier and your day flawless.
Think of your event host as your event-day partner – working closely with you and your planner so you can relax and enjoy the celebration. If you need extra hands for heavy lifting or specialized setup, we can also recommend trusted local vendors or event staff to help out.
Is the space audio/visual and musician compatible?
Yes. We have the ability to accommodate your audio and visual presentations (screen, microphone, lectern provided). Bands and/or DJ will be able to utilize outlets for their equipment.
Is there parking on site or nearby?
Yes! The Social at The Avalon offers limited on-site parking, and we’re conveniently located near metered street parking as well as several public ramps and surface lots within walking distance.
Bonus: Parking is free evenings and weekends in downtown Rochester – perfect for weddings, parties, and after-hours events.
Need parking tips or maps for your guests? We’re happy to help you include directions in your invites or event site.