What to Do Around Target Center

In town and staying near the arena? Need to fill time before a Lynx or Timberwolves game? Don't want the end of the concert to be the end of your night? Located in Downtown Minneapolis, Target Center is close to dozens of things to do in your free time!

1. Wine & Dine

There's no shortage of fancy restaurants for those wishing to splurge. Restaurants like Mara (Mediterranean-inspired restaurant from James Beard award-winning Chef Gavin Kaysen) Fogo de Chão (upscale Brazilian steakhouse), The Oceanaire (high-end seafood and steak), Fhima (Modern French Mediterranean) and Murray's Steakhouse (prime cuts & signature cocktails) are all top notch choices for a top notch meal.

2. See a Show

Hennepin Avenue south of 5th Street is often referred to as Downtown's Theater District. A few main spots for your theater and entertainment fix include Brave New Workshop (improv, satire and comedy), and the Pantages, State, and Orpheum Theatres (Broadway, international, national and local entertainment). All within four blocks of one another, you're sure to find a show that suits your fancy!

Looking for something more in tune with your musical interests? First Avenue, Skyway Theatre, and the Dakota Jazz Club are all within walking distance to Target Center and boast some impressive regional, national, and international acts. A few more blocks away (or a short Lyft drive) you'll find the Fillmore, the area's 36,000 square foot venue that opened in 2020, and The Fine Line Music Café. Orchestra Hall hosts the Minnesota Orchestra, where you'll find the Grammy Award-winning symphony orchestra led by Music Director Thomas Søndergård.

3. Play A Round of Mini-Golf

Immerse yourself into a new kind of mini-golf experience. The Puttery, is 21+ only space that offers three intricately designed putting courses as well as three bars with their own unique cocktail creations and upscale apps. During the summer months, head over to the Walker Art Center for Skyline Mini Golf, an artist designed mini golf course on the roof of the museum.

4. Keep It Casual at a Bar or Pub

Craving beer and bar food? Some of the best casual eateries near Target Center include Tom's Watch Bar (the spot to watch live sports on TV on their huge screens), The Rabbit Hole (popular sports bar with live entertainment and hidden menus) Kieran's Irish Pub (upbeat, old-fashioned and family-friendly), Gluek's Restaurant & Bar (bustling old-world beer hall), O'Donovan's Irish Pub (vibrant Irish pub), Sneaky Pete's (high-energy sports bar and nightclub), Lyon’s Pub (English pub, bar food) and Cowboy Jack's (Wild West themed bar with a great rooftop). Dress down or up, hop from one to another or just stay put, these spots are perfect for beginning or ending your night.

In neighboring North Loop, you can even enjoy a micro brewery crawl! Grab Detroit-style pizza and craft beer at Bricksworth Beer Co., a flight at Modist Brewing, Fulton Brewing, and Inbound Brew Co. For the full list of breweries in the neighborhood, check out our North Loop breweries guide.

5. Stay Out Late

Post-dinner, after-dark Minneapolis is bustling with stellar nightlife. For an energetic nightclub experience, try the Gay 90's (vibrant LBGTQ nightclub with multiple bars and dance floors), or Union Rooftop (lively multi-level bar and grill, home to oh so many drag brunches).

If you prefer a classy night out, visit Berlin — a new European-inspired jazz club. Open six nights a week from 4pm to midnight (4pm-1am Friday and Saturday), Berlin features a variety of experimental music and has a full food and drink menu. Shows are free and first come first served, with the exception of some ticketed shows on weekends.

6. Explore the Skyway

Want to kill some time before a game and explore the city in a unique way? How about exploring the largest contiguous system of enclosed, second-level bridges in the world—composed of 9.5 miles of pathways connecting 80 city blocks! You'll find shopping, restaurants, art exhibits and more. Check out our guide to the Minneapolis Skyway and begin your above-ground adventure.

7. Get Crafty

Go home with a DIY souvenir from Upstairs Circus. This crafty workshop-meets-bar concept allows you to gather your group and create unique leather working, woodworking, jewelry making, art & design DIY projects while enjoying craft brews and cocktails.

8. Indulge your sweet tooth

Have an uncontrollable craving for something sweet all of a sudden? Then you should probably check out Edward's Dessert Kitchen. They create decadent desserts made in house daily and range from rich chocolate hazelnut Rocher Mousse to refreshing seasonal fruit offerings and unique plated desserts. Plus they have a unique menu of cocktails that pair perfectly with all their sweet treats.

9. Throw an Axe

Learn to throw axe at a target at Bad Axe Throwing a block from the Target Center in the City Center Mall. This is one of the largest Bad Axe facilities to date at 8,000 square feet and 18 targets!

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