First Avenue

There are a few things you need to know before the big day if you want a stress-free experience:

• Bags: Please refer to the venue's policy page for the most up-to-date bag policy information.
• Re-Entry & Smoking: Smoking and vaping are not allowed in indoor public spaces in Minnesota.4 Re-entry is generally permitted, but rules can vary between shows.
• Payment Options: The club accepts both cash and card payments.
• Prohibited Items: Guns and other weapons are not permitted on the premises. Text and symbols that promote hate are not welcome at this venue.
• Age Restrictions: Age restrictions vary. For age-limited events, underage guests need to be with a parent or guardian, with proof of guardianship.

Always check the official First Avenue policy page or contact the venue directly for up-to-date information.

Minnesota may be known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but nature isn't the only thing worth talking about in this state. Head to the city of Minneapolis and you'll find live music, a vibrant art scene, and gourmet restaurants.

While you’re there, consider catching a show at these other leading venues:

• Palace Theater: Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the Palace Theater holds up to 2,500 guests.⁶ This historic building regularly hosts concerts, comedy shows, and special events.
• Target Center: Go downtown and watch a sporting event, music act, or family show in this 20,000+-seat stadium.⁷ Home to the Minnesota Timberwolves, it’s also a great spot to catch an NBA match.
• U.S. Bank Stadium: This large venue has more than 66,000 seats and is the home base for the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL. It's a hub for sports and major concerts.⁸

From accessible parking to public transport, forward planning means you won’t have to miss a minute of the show. Here’s how to get there:

Public Transportation: Getting there may be as simple as catching a Metro Transit bus to First Avenue. Alternatively, the METRO light-rail train’s Warehouse District station is two blocks away, with access to both Blue and Green lines.

If you are traveling from a regional area, you can try the Northstar Commuter Rail.

Driving: Prefer to drive? While there is no dedicated parking for events at First Avenue, you do have options. The closest spot is behind the venue in the single-level parking lot. For directions, view First Avenue Parking on Google Maps.

Street parking is available. There are also a few other parking lots nearby:

• The Mayo Clinic Underground Parking Lot at 34 N 7th St, Minneapolis
• Ramp A at 101 North 9th Street, Minneapolis
• Ramp B at 516 2nd Avenue North, Minneapolis
• Ramp C at 318 2nd Avenue North, Minneapolis

There are several bars located around First Avenue for alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and water. Bar food may be available, but if you want a meal, the adjacent tavern is an excellent choice.

It has been operating since 2010 and sits right next to the 7th Street entry. The tavern features historic photographs from the First Avenue venue, as well as live video feeds.⁵

First Avenue opened its doors in 1970 and has been an iconic music venue ever since. Prince performed regularly at this club throughout the ‘80s and even filmed the Purple Rain video there. Other big-name performers over the years include Culture Club, REM, New Order, and Rod Stewart.

First Avenue also owns The Depot Tavern, the 7th St Entry, the Turf Club, the Fine Line, and The Fitzgerald Theater. Despite its temporary closure during the pandemic, it reopened in 2021 — bigger and better than ever before. Each year, First Avenue books more than 1,000 shows across its venues.⁹

Sources:

1. First Avenue Keeps Bringing the Minneapolis Sound - Twin Cities Business
2. First Avenue - First Avenue
3. Private Events - First Avenue
4. Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act - MN House Research
5. Restaurants - First Avenue
6. Palace Theater - Explore Minnesota
7. About Target Center - Target Center
8. U.S. Bank Stadium - Meet Minneapolis
9. Our History - First Avenue