2025-12-15 08:23:09
CATCH A SHOW IN THE THEATER DISTRICT
In and around downtown’s dynamic Minneapolis Theater District, you can catch a touring Broadway hit, discover groundbreaking new plays or laugh until it hurts at a renowned comedy club.
Discover the landmark venues of this cultural and entertainment hub, a testament to Minnesota’s devotion to the performing arts. You’ll also find more than 30 restaurants in the area, making for an easy and unforgettable “dinner and a show” experience.
GUTHRIE THEATER: MINNESOTA’S THEATRICAL CROWN JEWEL
Designed by famed French architect Jean Nouvel, The Guthrie is an architectural marvel and Minnesota’s flagship theater. It’s also the birthplace of the American regional theater movement. Founded in 1963 on the principle that the highest caliber theater shouldn’t require a trip to Broadway, the Guthrie earned the regional theater TONY Award in 1982. In 2026, the Guthrie will feature a variety of productions including “Somewhere” by Matthew Lopez and the musical “Come from Away” by Irene Sankoff and David Hein.
HENNEPIN ARTS: WHERE HISTORY TAKES CENTER STAGE
Spanning a couple of city blocks along downtown’s Hennepin Avenue, the historic Orpheum Theatre, State Theatre and Pantages Theatre are the backbone of the theater district. Originally built in the 20th century as vaudeville stages and movie palaces, these iconic venues have been carefully restored to host everything from Broadway musicals to acclaimed concerts, comedy shows and cultural events.
ACME COMEDY COMPANY: A LEGACY OF LAUGHS
Started in the early 1990s, Acme has earned a reputation as one of the best stand-up comedy clubs in the country. The club attracts national headliners and has a growing list of alums who have become stars: Jim Gaffigan, Maria Bamford, Arj Barker, Lewis Black and Patton Oswalt, to name a few.
Beyond the District
Find notable theaters, venues and festivals across the state to appreciate the wide range of Minnesota’s performing arts.
MINNEAPOLIS GEMS
A glamorously lush space, the Jungle Theater features an artist team including Native actress Isabella Star LeBlanc from HBO’s “True Detective.” Theater Latté Da offers award-winning musical theater, while Mixed Blood Theatre is both an incubator for new plays and is committed to inspiring social justice and change through art. The Children's Theatre Company is the only children’s theater to win a TONY award for best regional theater.
EMPOWERING PERFORMANCES IN ST. PAUL
The city’s flagship arts venue, The Ordway hosts an array of productions and is home to The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Opera. Penumbra Theatre is a pioneering Black theater company that uplifts the Black American experience. Meanwhile, Ten Thousand Things puts on stripped-down but superb performances for those who are currently incarcerated or unhoused.
DINNER THEATER IN CHANHASSEN
Just outside the Twin Cities, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres does big, splashy musicals with high production values and top talent. It also stages comedy cabarets, drag shows and more.
TIMELESS THEATER IN DULUTH
The Duluth Playhouse is one of the nation’s oldest nonprofit theaters and the city’s largest professional company. Enjoy musicals on their mainstage and contemporary plays in their underground space.
SHAKESPEARE BY THE RIVER IN WINONA
The Great River Shakespeare Festival is a star of the summer lineup. Head to the banks of the Mississippi for this month-long celebration of the Bard’s greatest works.
Scan or visit ExploreMinnesota.com/arts to discover more of Minnesota's performing arts scene.
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