2025-12-15 08:27:00
FIND LEGENDARY MUSIC VENUES
Minnesota's live music scene is electrifying year-round, from iconic venues that shaped American music history to intimate clubs showcasing emerging talent.
FIRST AVENUE: A MINNEAPOLIS ICON
A renovated bus depot in downtown Minneapolis, First Avenue has been rockin’ for more than 50 years and remains a shining example of what it means to be truly independent. You may have seen First Ave even if you’ve never been to Minneapolis; it’s where the concert scenes from Prince’s “Purple Rain” were filmed.
JAZZ NIGHTS AT THE DAKOTA
With tables wrapped around the stage, the Dakota in Minneapolis offers one of the most immersive listening experiences in the Midwest with dinner and a show. This cozy music club and restaurant has hosted jazz legends like Ramsey Lewis and McCoy Tyner and has a rich history of showcasing renowned jazz, blues, contemporary and world music artists.
FITZGERALD THEATER: ST. PAUL’S HISTORIC STAGE
St. Paul's oldest active theater served as the home of "A Prairie Home Companion" for nearly four decades. The elegant 1,000-seat venue with its exceptional acoustics now hosts an eclectic mix of musical performances, comedy shows and speaking events in its historic space.
WHERE TO SEE THE BIG SHOWS
The Twin Cities attracts major global tours. Target Center in downtown Minneapolis has hosted stars like Charli XCX, Foo Fighters and Doja Cat, while Grand Casino Arena (formerly Xcel Energy Center) in St. Paul has featured Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel. For the biggest acts, U.S. Bank Stadium transforms into a massive concert venue for artists like Beyoncé, Post Malone, Luke Combs, Kendrick Lamar, Paul McCartney and Taylor Swift.
Underground & Indie Favorites
For intimate shows in the Twin Cities, check out the eclectic lineup of the nonprofit Hook & Ladder in south Minneapolis, the rock and metal bands of Zhora Darling in northeast Minneapolis or the Cedar Cultural Center in Cedar-Riverside, which focuses on international and folk shows.
In St. Paul, the Turf Club has long been a favorite local hangout for indie rock performances, while the Palace Theatre hosts global touring bands in a restored vaudeville theater with great sound quality.
Looking to dance the night away? The Twin Cities offers plenty of choices, from EDM at the Armory and goth nights at Ground Zero to lively dance parties at The Saloon, Minneapolis’s premier LGBTQ+ nightclub, to swing dancing at TC Swing or the Wabasha Street Caves.
Music Events
Scan to explore more of Minnesota's music events and festivals. ExploreMinnesota.com/musicscene
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Live Music
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