Columbia Manor

Overview:

From our DJ, Derek C:

Columbia Manor, definitely one of the more difficult places to Dj as far as lack of outlets and staff. You will want to take a few days to really try and contact the venue because the lack of involvement with the event staff can be a tad frusterating especially when they do not answer calls or emails and you have no one to go over a timeline with when you arrive. For example, the only time they came out of their cave for me was to tell me I was supposed to end at 11:30 when my sheet said 12:00 and were really rude about it. So definitely make a second and third effort to get ahold of this venue. If that all doesnt work don't be afraid to arrive early I wish I knocked on some doors in back to see where they were hiding. 

As far as Power there are plenty of 3 pronged outlets near where they generally have you which is usually to the right of the gianormous fire place to give your system enough power. However if you have uplights for this event the building is incredibly old and there are only the old two pronged outlets which will make it difficult, so to remedy this issue definitely make use of the uplight extension cords and if you have to, ask for a few more of the 2 pronged adaptors for good measure. I highly reccomend putting two of the uplights up each side of the fire place. It really illuminates the dance floor and dining area well and looks slick when they dim the lights. My clients were really happy with that choice and commented the creativity since I didnt have enough adaptors for that event and really was able to deliver a fantastic experience for them. 

Keep in mind this is a very old building, and the dance floor acoustics are pretty wild. So don't raise the speakers really and be careful with the dinner music level. You shouldnt have any issue reaching any announcements into the other room which is like an inclosed porch because the doors are always open so it's really just apart of the entire room. 

All in all this Venue is a bit of work but once you figure it out it is definitely a fun venue due to the fact that of it's smaller size it definitely allows you to be more personable with guests and really connect on that fun level to where it doesnt even feel like you're working but just apart or the wedding. 

I enjoyed myself and hope you will too!

Challenges:

Venue staff is difficult to get a hold of and not very helpful. If you're having trouble to get a hold of the venue, get to the venue early to find somebody to talk to.

It's an old venue with not a whole lot of outlets. Ask for an extra extension cord if you'd like. If you have uplights at this venue, it's a whole new animal. Ask for extra extensions for the uplights and you should be just fine.

Extra Venue Call Questions:

Where should I load-in?

Do you have outlets near where I will be set up?

Website:

https://www.minneapolisparks.org/rentals__permits/reception__event_sites/events_at_columbia_manor_reception_hall/

The Knot:

https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/wirth-chalet-columbia-manor-sculpture-garden-and-more-minneapolis-mn-367992