The Minneapolis Armory is located in downtown Minneapolis, just a few blocks from U.S. Bank Stadium.

Completed in 1936, the Armory was operated by the Minnesota National Guard until 1980. During this time it was used to run military drills, host concerts, political conventions and sporting events, including games for the Minneapolis Lakers NBA team between 1947 and 1960, before the team moved to Los Angeles. The Armory was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

Once home to the Minneapolis Lakers, fans of Prince and Aerosmith may also be familiar with the Armory’s made-for-music-and-sports interior! The videos for “1999” and “I Don't Want to Miss a Thing” were filmed here in 1982 and 1998 respectively.

Only a few blocks away is Sawatdee, a local favorite that has plenty of Thai food classics. This location prides itself on being the pioneer of Thai in the Twin Cities, as the first Thai restaurant that opened in 1986. Across the Washington Ave., another local hot spot can be found. La Madre is a Mexican street food restaurant, inspired by Puerto Vallerta. You can't go wrong with their tacos, esquites, or the fan-favorite Puerco en Adobo. For a taste of Buenos Aires, eat at Boludo. Whether you order their Argentinian-style pizzas or opt for empanadas, you can't go wrong.

Craving Minneapolis' infamous Juicy Lucy? Head to Crooked Pint Ale House to try their creative spins on the molten cheese-stuffed burgers. Day Block Brewing Company doubles as a brewpub with a full bar and a live music venue! The menu offers snacks, sandwiches and pizzas to hold you down. Alternatively, try Off the Rails for everything from bang bang shrimp to cheese curds.

Need a caffeinated boost before the show? Visit Nur House Cafe on the edge of the Commons park for unique lattes, like a salted date caramel latte or triple berry matcha.

In agreeable weather, kick back at the Commons, a downtown park right across the street from the Armory and U.S. Bank Stadium. They host a lot of pop-up events here, but it’s also a nice place to sit in green grass (or snow), play Frisbee and relax.

If pairing your concert energy with fascinating Minneapolis history sounds appealing, the Mill City Museum can't be missed. Learn about the history of flour milling and how it transformed Minneapolis into the flour milling capital of the world for 50 years, powered by the only naturally occurring falls on the entire length of the Mississippi River. You'll encounter more than just history, with stunning views and exquisite architecture!

Finally, there’s the allure of the West River Parkway (this particular section is designated as a regional park), with bike and walking paths, more open areas on which to pass your time. Spread a blanket on the green lawn of Gold Medal Park and take in the blue walls of the Guthrie Theater and sculptural observation mound at the center of a spiral walkway. If the Guthrie is calling your name, go inside and ride the elevator up to its amber box for stunning views of the Mississippi River. From there you'll see the historic Stone Arch Bridge — a local favorite for walks, bike rides and photo-ops galore!

For more night out options in the area, check out our neighborhood guides for East Downtown/Mill District, Nicollet and the Central Business District.

Stay the Night!

A good night's sleep after your concert, after parties, and night out is just blocks away...

• Raddison RED: on-site parking for $32/night
• Hyatt Place: on-site parking available for a fee
• Best Western Plus: on-site parking for $15/night
• Elliot Park hotel: daily valet parking for $48
• Emery, Autograph Collection: daily valet parking for $48, off-site parking available