Your Trip to Minneapolis: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE prev next Downtown St. Paul Neighborhoods in St. Paul Shopping Districts & Streets Xcel Energy Center Minnehaha Park Beaches in Minneapolis The Cathedral of St. Paul Lake Harriet Frank Lloyd Wright Around Minneapolis Summit Hill, St. Paul Weekend Getaways The Best Road Trips Skiing & Snowboarding River Tubing Nearby Spring Break Spots The Best Minneapolis Hotels Weather in Minneapolis What to Expect in Winter Getting to Downtown From the Airport Airport Parking Getting Between Minneapolis & Chicago The Minneapolis Skyway System The St. Paul Skyway System The Metro Blue Line Parking at Target Field Parking at Target Center The Top Things to Do in Minneapolis 48 Hours in Minneapolis: The Perfect Itinerary Unique Things to Do in Minneapolis Free Things to Do in Minneapolis Free Things to Do With Kids Things to Do in the Snow Planetariums in Minneapolis Ice Skating in Minneapolis Rock Climbing in Minneapolis Free Entertainment in Minneapolis What to Eat on Eat Street The Best Juicy Lucy Burgers The Best Chicken Wings Gluten Free in Minneapolis The Best Craft Beer Bars The Best Live Music Venues Your Trip to Minneapolis: The Complete Guide close Overview United States Minnesota Live Music Venues in Minneapolis and St. Paul By Clara James Clara James Clara James is a St. Paul-based writer with more than 10 years of experience. She covers kid-friendly attractions in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities region. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 05/19/19 Minneapolis/St. Paul is more often than not a stop for national acts, and we have a thriving local music scene. Here's where to see everyone from big-name acts to the latest national sensation, plus local legends and newcomers on the Twin Cities music scene. 01 of 08 First Avenue and the Seventh Street Entry Seventh Street Entry Many artists on their national or world tours stop at First Avenue when they come to the Twin Cities. It's the most famous rock music venue in town. The main room of First Avenue has shown the most popular local underground artists and the most famous touring names. The Seventh Street Entry is a smaller, very intimate venue for lesser-known artists, but the band playing the Entry on any given day is often more famous than any other gig in town that night. 02 of 08 The Fine Line Music Cafe Cory Ryan / Stringer / Getty Images This two-level venue is a favorite haunt for established local bands, up-and-coming artists, and the occasional national act. 03 of 08 The Varsity Theater The Varsity Theater/Getty Images In Dinkytown, the Varsity Theater is a great supporter of local bands and artists. The Varsity Theater probably has the most national acts of any of the smaller venues, after First Avenue. 04 of 08 The Cabooze The Cabooze Underground acts, both local and national, play the Cabooze in Cedar-Riverside. Folk, punk, rap, and rock are represented at this popular venue. Continue to 5 of 8 below. 05 of 08 The Cedar Cultural Center The Cedar Cultural Center Another venue in Cedar-Riverside, the Cedar is a non-profit organization and voracious supporter of local arts and musicians. Bands and artists from all genres of music played here, and the venue holds art festivals, dance, and other performances too. The Cedar mostly hosts local acts, but the occasional national name plays here too. 06 of 08 The Turf Club The Turf Club In St. Paul, this venerable venue hosts much local punk, rock and rap acts, both new and legendary. This is one of the few venues in St. Paul to host national acts, in conjunction with First Avenue. The Turf Club has indie rock, rap, punk and metal, and another room downstairs where jazz acts play. 07 of 08 Dive Bars Palmer's Bar Free music and Pabst Blue Ribbon can be found at locations across Minneapolis. The Hexagon has been grimy since the 1930s but their monthly Surf Night is awesome, there's live music every weekend night, and never a cover charge. The 331 in Northeast, and sister venue the 501 Club host the latest bands for the hipster crowd, and it's always free admission. Palmer's Bar, in Cedar-Riverside, has a tiny stage so the musicians have been known to end up dancing on the bar. Occasionally there's a cover, but it is generally free. 08 of 08 Stadiums and Larger Venues Target Center Minneapolis The Twin Cities doesn't have a dedicated venue for large concerts. The Target Center in Minneapolis, and the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, host the most famous national acts that visit Minneapolis/St. Paul. Both are multi-purpose venues that hold sporting events as well as music, so neither has exceptionally good acoustics, but are otherwise decent places to see live music. The Best Coffee Shops in Minneapolis Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Share Pin Email