April 13, 2026

This piece is sponsored by JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars.

Whether you’re celebrating a new graduate, a growing family or other major milestones, you can toast to the day with ease by working with JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars.

“This is the time of year we love hosting graduation celebrations, serving beverages for weddings and helping out with showers, retirements and other major events in guests’ lives,” co-owner Tom Slattery said.

“Between our own venues and those we support through our beverage service, we are here to help make special moments even more special.”

Here are some ideas to get you started as you plan your milestone celebrations.

On-site venue options

Keep the party out of your house, and let JJ’s host.

 The Event Room at JJ’s, which is attached to the retail store and bar at 3000 W. 57th St., can accommodate as many as 72 guests seated and up to 100 “if we can mix it up a little with seating and standing,” Slattery said.

“There’s a lot of accessible parking. And we offer all of your tables, chairs and linens, as well as flexible beverage options and top-notch catering from our culinary team.”

It’s a great fit for graduation open-house events and easily accessible from anywhere in Sioux Falls.

“We also do a large number of rehearsal dinners, retirement parties, office gatherings and celebration-of-life events, with an emphasis on the service elements provided by the best team in the business,” Slattery said.

Looking for a different vibe in the same convenient location?

JJ’s Axes & Ales, located in the retail center across from JJ’s, offers an interactive venue guests will love.

“There’s a lot of space for gathering and plenty of activities – not just axe throwing but pool, darts and TVs to watch sporting events or scroll a photo montage,” Slattery said. “You can still bring in catered food from JJ’s Bar, we have plenty of beverage options, plus tables, chairs and linens are included.”

Food trucks at JJ’s Axes & Ales also are an option. “We’ve seen several events take advantage of this and have invited food trucks to some of our events as well,” Slattery said. “It’s a great way to diversify your menu and support another local business.”

As you’re event planning, give JJ’s at least a few weeks’ lead time, he said.

“It’s shaping up to be a busy season, but we have plenty of space for more events, and we would love to help you celebrate,” he said.

Click here to learn more and fill out an inquiry form: jjswine.com/event-services.

Beverage service simplified

Looking for a bigger or different style of venue?

With JJ’s full-service liquor license, the team can go where you go – bringing a complete beverage service, including glassware, all your alcohol-free beverages, all your cocktail mixers, garnishes, cut fruit, etc.

“We call it the kitchen-sink treatment. We bring everything but,” Slattery said. “But we can also scale based on your needs and budget.”

Here’s a list of JJ’s preferred venues to consider:

• Old Courthouse Museum – downtown Sioux Falls – Siouxland Heritage Museums – Up to 250.
• Urban Adventure Center (Scouting America) – Urban Adventure Center | Sioux Council Properties – Up to 300.
• Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum – Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum & East Sioux Falls Historic Site – Inside, up to 100. Outside up to 300!
• Startup Sioux Falls – Welcome | Startup Sioux Falls – Up to 100.
• NEW to Sioux Falls – Walk Thru Plans – Walk Thru Plans – Sioux Falls – Up to 300.

This is just a small selection of venues where JJ’s can operate.

“All of the event spaces above are independently operated. Find a spot that suits you, then contact us to see what we can provide,” Slattery said. “We can also come to your home or workplace if you’d rather enjoy your event and let us handle the most important element of the hospitality.”

Special-event permitting is required for venues that are not owned by JJ’s. This is an easy process but requires time. A minimum 30-day-in-advance booking requirement is needed to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Click here to learn more: jjswine.com/event-services.