The Best Concert Venues In Minneapolis MN

Prince, Bob Dylan, The Replacements – Minneapolis is known worldwide for its famous music scene that helped shape these local musicians into the legends they have become. Within this scene are some of the greatest concert venues in the nation. From Italian-style theaters, to contemporary dance clubs, these Minneapolis landmarks help define and create the modern music culture of today.

1. Dakota Jazz Club

Music Venue

This downtown Minneapolis jazz club offers more than just phenomenal live music. “Eat, drink, listen,” is Dakota’s slogan, and they stay true to their word. Brown butter gnocchi, seared tuna, and duck breast are just a few of the gourmet items that distinguish their dinner menu. And the cocktails? That’s a whole different story. The “Amy Winehouse” and “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” are two of our personal favorites. If you are planning on enjoying dinner during the show, it’s wise to make a reservation, the Dakota is easily one of the most popular date destinations in town.

Ooh, alright ?✨ #DMSR with #NPG fam @livwarfield @aashley_jayy @realgoodsax @mandersonsax @saxoligist007 @ryanwatersmusic @bkjacksonsax #Love4oneanother #celebration2018 #Prince #Minneapolis
A post shared by emily (@golddust27) on Apr 21, 2018 at 5:42am PDT

2. First Avenue & 7th St Entry

Music Venue

Joan Jett, Ray Charles, and Björk (along with countless other musical geniuses) have dazzled audiences at First Ave, making it one of the most historic venues in the country. The renowned club is one of the oldest independently-owned and operated music venues in the nation, and has become an icon for music lovers and venue owners alike. Prince was one of First Ave’s most frequent performers, creating some of his defining musical breakthroughs on its stage, including the first performance of Purple Rain. The venue and its unique history have played a major role in making Minneapolis the city that it is today.

Surprised B over the weekend ??????✨ Christmas date in the city! Our second time seeing @needtobreathe this year- and we’d go again and again and again! So good, every single time! #needtobreathe #mpls #minnesota #midwestisbest #home
A post shared by omeynard (@omeynard) on Dec 10, 2017 at 11:42am PST

4. Northrop

Music Venue

The University of Minnesota campus boasts one of the music scene’s most important venues: Northrop. Renovated and reopened in 2014, the theater has welcomed artists such as John Legend, Norah Jones, and Father John Misty. Northrop even hosted this year’s NFL Honor Awards during the Superbowl, where stars such as Kevin Hart, Emma Roberts, and Milo Ventimiglia were seen wandering the aisles. On top of this, the building has great acoustics and comfy seats, two necessities for music lovers throughout the city.

#concertcrowd featuring Lindsey Buckingham & Christine McVie 30 October 2017 #nexus6p #nofilter #phonephotography #phornography #bestmusicshots #livemusic #lindseybuckingham #lindseybuckinghamchristinemcvie #christinemcvie #myminneapolis #minneapolisphotographer #mnphotographer #guitarplayer #concertphoto #concertphotography #musicphotography #musicphoto #red #perspective #mundane
A post shared by Gary Boughner (@boughnergary) on Oct 30, 2017 at 9:23pm PDT

5. Turf Club

Music Venue

Visit the Turf Club for impressive artist residencies, daily happy hours, and the best basement lounge in town. The club has been around since the 1940s and has built an impressive reputation within the city. Though it may not host the mainstream acts of First Ave and Northrop, Turf Club showcases some of the best local and underground artists today’s music scene has to offer. With live shows almost every night of the week, the venue is a favorite among locals, and a destination for tourists.

6. Icehouse

Music Venue

This restaurant-meets-bar-meets-concert venue is one of Minneapolis’ most eclectic establishments. Visit for brunch on Saturday morning to sip on a Bloody Mary and listen to live jazz, or stop by on a Sunday night for their weekly “Night Church” featuring the best hip-hop, new indie, and house DJs in town. Icehouse truly caters to masses with a menu, apparel line, and event line-up that will empress just about anyone.

@peterlochnermpls CD RELEASE PARTY and yes Pete is old school and had cd’s and hats. ‘‘Twas a great concert. Hear on over to @peterlochnermpls and check it out.
A post shared by Jon Maichel Thomas (@jonmaichel) on Apr 11, 2018 at 6:57am PDT

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