PRIVATE EVENTS FAQ

To secure your date, we require a signed contract and a 50% deposit (based on the room rental and food & beverage minimum). The remaining balance is due one week before your event. If you’re hosting an open bar, that portion can be settled at the end of the event.

Your final headcount is due 2 weeks before the event. After that, you can increase your number—but not decrease it—so we recommend confirming with your group early.

Guests can park in the attached MKE Self-Park garage with over 2,000 spots. It’s first-come, first-served. Discounted rates apply: $3 for 3 hours or $6 for 6 hours. Validation stickers are provided on the day of the event upon arrival.

Each of our spaces has a required food & beverage minimum, which varies by room and day of the week. This is the minimum amount you'll need to spend on food and drink (before taxes and fees). We offer tons of options to help you hit that number comfortably—vouchers, catering, bar packages, and more.

EVENT VOUCHERS — A flexible, guest-friendly dining option designed to feel like a personalized gift card. Each attendee receives a voucher to use at any vendor of their choice. You choose the quantity and value per voucher—we handle the rest. Vouchers can be customized for food only OR full food and beverage access - your call. Recommended amounts: $15–$25 per guest for daytime, $25–$35 for evening. Vouchers are active only on your event date. 3SMH VENDOR CATERING — In-room catering featuring over a dozen of 3rd St. Market Hall’s food vendors Our diverse vendor lineup features a range of ethnic and regional cuisines, including Latin American, Asian, Mediterranean, and regional American fare—giving you the flexibility to tailor your event to your guests’ tastes. Choose from one or select a little from each. Food is served within your rental space buffet-style. One Event Catering Staff required per 50 guests. Not included in cost of food or rental fee. A per person fee for disposables is required. Not included in cost of food or rental fee. OUTSIDE CATERING — Outside catering is only permitted in private event spaces with a minimum rental duration of 5 hours. A fee applies: either 10% of total catering sales OR $2 per person, whichever is greater. Food & beverage minimum is still required to be met The outside catering fee can be applied towards the food & beverage minimum 3SMH provides a preferred catering list for clients seeking recommendations.

OPEN BAR ON CONSUMPTION — Customizable; completely open or set with limitations. 3SMH provides the group with a unique colored wristband. Guests can freely order and be added to the tab. Charged based on consumption, not per person. DRINK TICKETS — You determine the number of tickets per guest. You determine the drink ticket limit or what it is good for Priced based on consumption. PRE-SET BAR PACKAGES — (three-hour minimum) Minimum of 25 people | charged per person Three different tiers to choose from ‘DEBIT CARD BAR’ — The bar is available for guests to self-purchase.

We offer a range of enhancements! Depending on the room your event takes place, some items may already be included in the price of the room rental. Ask your event coordinator for 3SMH’s Add-Ons Catalogue! Items include but are not limited to... Champagne wall, donut wall, and pipe & drape Farmhouse tables and chairs, stage pieces, high-top tables, and linen Fun extras like cornhole, safe axe throwing, shuffleboard, and giant Jenga. Additional labor such as coat check attendants, AV tech support, additional bartenders, and more.

Yes! Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire hall and all private event spaces. No password needed.

Yes—professional security is provided with every event. This is included as part of the standard 22% service charge. For large or high-profile events, we may recommend adding extra personnel.

We’ve got it covered! Our custodial team handles cleaning before, during, and after your event. This is included as part of the standard 22% service charge. If your event requires excessive cleanup, additional charges may apply.