First Avenue & 7th St Entry

First Avenue is Minneapolis’ most iconic live music landmark, instantly recognizable for its black façade covered in silver stars. Inside, the Mainroom offers a large, electric space perfect for rock, hip-hop, indie, and everything in between, while the 7th St Entry delivers an intimate club vibe for emerging artists. With a rich history that includes hosting Prince’s legendary performances, it’s a venue where music history feels alive in every show.

Insider Tip: Before your show, grab a bite at The Butcher's Tale for pre-concert energy, or head to Gluek’s for a post-show pint.

The Armory

Once a 1930s military facility and later the home to the Minneapolis Lakers, this historic downtown Minneapolis music and event venue hosts national touring musicians, sporting events, comedians, and other live events. (Music fans take note: Prince and Aerosmith used the Armory to film the music videos for “1999” and “I Don't Want to Miss a Thing!")

Insider tip: Explore the Mississippi riverfront, just a 10 minute walk away from The Armory, then swing over to Boludo for Argentinian pizza and empanadas before the show.

The Fillmore Minneapolis

Catch a headliner at The Fillmore, a massive music venue with 36,000 square feet of space to rock out. The Fillmore opened in early 2020—not an auspicious year for a large public event space—but is still rocking with nationally touring bands, live podcast events, and more.

Insider tip: The Fillmore is just two blocks away from the North Loop brewery scene - check out any of these six breweries for a pint before or after the show.

Fine Line

The Fine Line, located in the Warehouse District, blends intimacy with top-tier sound and sightlines. They’ve had big names and local artists ranging from Ben Harper, Alanis Morissette, John Mayer, Buddy Guy, The Neville Brothers, Amos Lee, The Black Keys, The Avett Brothers, Raphael Saadiq, and Lady Gaga.

Insider tip: Reserve a coveted balcony seat (includes a small table and two chairs) for excellent sight lines and people watching.

Orchestra Hall

Watch a performance by the Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra, led by Music Director Thomas Søndergård. The modernist design and stunning acoustics make it a memorable night for all ages, including the orchestra’s popular Movies and Music nights, where they perform the soundtrack of popular films as the audience watches the movies.

Insider tip: Plan dinner at nearby Brit’s Pub before your show, and consider a post-performance stroll through Peavey Plaza.

The Cedar Cultural Center

Head to the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood to visit the Cedar Cultural Center, a mission-driven, nonprofit music venue showcasing global music and dance. The culture and history of each performance is just as important as the sound. Check out the calendar for unique shows in a welcoming atmosphere.

Insider tip: Arrive early for pre-show community talks or artist Q&As, which are sometimes offered before performances.

Varsity Theater

Set in Dinkytown, near the University of Minnesota Campus, the Varsity blends historic charm with a funky design and excellent acoustics. Expect an eclectic lineup from indie and rock to comedy shows, all in a space that feels both classy and quirky.

Insider tip: Spend time walking around the University of Minnesota campus before the show and grab a bite at Shuang Cheng - a favorite amongst U of M students for Cantonese food.

331 Club

This old-school Northeast Minneapolis Arts District bar and nightspot serves up daily music, movie and music trivia, plus a menu prepared by The Sheridan Room next door. Check out their calendar for music and trivia listings!

Insider Tip: Get there early to claim a good spot—this tiny venue fills fast.

Green Room

A newer addition to the local music scene, Green Room is a fully independent music venue that hosts local and national bands. The interior is filled with plants, features a disco ball, has multi-level seating and standing room, and gives off "sophisticated nightclub" vibes.

Insider tip: Swing by Up-Down Arcade Bar or Barbette before the music starts.

The Cabooze

The Cabooze has been a fixture of the Minneapolis music scene for decades, hosting everything from reggae to metal to jam bands. Its indoor stage and adjacent outdoor plaza make it a versatile year-round venue.

Insider tip: Check the outdoor stage schedule in summer; lawn seating and casual games make it a fun social experience beyond the music.

The Hook & Ladder Theater

This South Minneapolis space holds events and concerts for local artists. It's unique indoor performance stages include the Lounge stage, The Theater stage and the Mission Room stage. They also have an award winning outdoor Under the Canopy seasonal (May-Sept) stage!

Insider tip: Explore the venue’s seasonal outdoor space when weather permits; they host mini-festivals and pop-up shows that feel like a neighborhood block party.

Dakota Jazz Club

The Dakota Jazz Club is a downtown institution where you can enjoy world-class jazz, blues, and R&B in a stylish, dinner-club setting. With its intimate stage, table service, and excellent acoustics, it creates a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere for experiencing legendary artists and rising stars.

Insider Tip: Book a dinner reservation for before the show to enjoy their excellent seasonal menu.

Merlins Rest Pub

This British-style pub in the Longfellow neighborhood offers more than just fish and chips - it’s also a hub for folk, roots, and Celtic music. The vibe is cozy and unpretentious, with regular traditional music nights that feel like a neighborhood gathering.

Insider Tip: Pair your evening with one of Merlin’s renowned single malt whiskies for a truly authentic experience.

Bunker’s Music Bar & Grill

Located in the North Loop, Bunker’s is a local favorite for funk, R&B, and blues, with a house band that’s been packing the dance floor for decades. The no-frills setting puts the focus squarely on the music, making it a go-to spot for loyal regulars and visiting musicians alike.

Insider Tip: Stop into nearby Borough or Bar La Grassa before the show for a standout dinner.

The Skyway Theatre & The Loft

Once a movie theater in the historic Hennepin theatre district, The Skyway Theatre is now home to two music venues. The main stage is a two-story music venue with two bars and over a thousand square feet of dance floor for rocking out to local and national acts. The Loft is a single-level, more intimate venue for getting up close to your favorite acts.

Insider Tip: Take advantage of smaller events in The Loft to see rising DJs before they hit the big stage downstairs.

Icehouse

This two-story, industrial-chic space offers fabulous cocktails, a full menu, and live music nightly. Check out local singers, songwriters, guitarists, and touring artists while you are wined and dined. See the calendar for this week.

Insider Tip: For a great view, head upstairs—the balcony offers a unique angle of the stage and the full energy of the crowd.

Berlin

Nestled in the heart of Minneapolis’s North Loop, Berlin is a cozy, European-inspired music lounge where jazz, ambient, and experimental sounds take center stage. With a refined yet intimate atmosphere, state-of-the-art acoustics, and expertly curated shows it's a space designed for music discovery and immersive listening.

Insider tip: On free-admission nights, arrive early to grab a prime spot, Berlin fills up fast for buzzy local acts and you’ll want to soak in every note.

Volstead's Emporium

A true speakeasy experience, Volstead’s hides behind an unmarked door in the Whittier/Lyndale neighborhood and transports you to the Prohibition era with dim lighting, vintage décor, and a lineup of intimate jazz, blues, and acoustic sets. It’s as much about the atmosphere as the music, making every visit feel like you’ve stepped into a secret slice of the city’s past.

Insider Tip: Finding the entrance is part of the fun - look for the subtle lantern light in the alley. If you’re new, ask your server about the history behind Volstead’s; the staff are full of hidden stories.

If you want to learn about the rich musical history of some of Minneapolis's most iconic venues, check out SoundAround's self-guided audio tours.