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NightlifeIconicLocal GemDate Night

First Avenue

701 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403 · Minneapolis, MN

Why you should go…

The black building covered in silver stars is hallowed ground: Prince filmed Purple Rain here, and nearly every act that matters has played its Mainroom or the tiny 7th St Entry. It's still a working club with shows most nights, not a museum, which is exactly why it's worth the pilgrimage. Find Prince's gold star out front, then stay for whoever's on the marquee.

  • #live music
  • #prince
  • #purple rain
  • #concerts
  • #nightlife

Good to know

General nightlife guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Doors, showtime, last call

    Three different times, and only one of them is usually on the poster. Check all three.

  • Covers and minimums are normal

    Weekend nights often carry a door charge or a per-person minimum, especially for table seating.

  • Bring ID either way

    Age policies shift by night and by room, so carry it even if you have not been asked in years.

  • Weeknights show the room properly

    Quieter nights are the ones where you can actually hear the band and find a seat.

What's around here?

The closest stops to First Avenue, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Mill City Museum

    Under $25

    A museum built into the ruins of the world's largest flour mill, with an 8-story elevator show and rooftop river views.

    0.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Walker Art Center & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

    Under $25

    Cutting-edge contemporary art beside the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry in the free Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

    0.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Theatre & Events
    Iconic

    Guthrie Theater

    $25–$50

    World-class theater on the riverfront, wander its cantilevered Endless Bridge for free Mississippi views.

    1.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Stone Arch Bridge

    Free

    James J. Hill's 1883 stone rail bridge, now a beloved walk-and-bike crossing over St. Anthony Falls, freshly restored and fully reopened in 2025.

    1.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    Rainy-Day Pick

    Minneapolis Institute of Art

    Free

    One of America's great free art museums, 90,000 works spanning 5,000 years, from Monet to samurai armor.

    1.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Nightlife
    Local Gem

    Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack

    Free

    A card casino, hotel, and live harness-racing track in Columbus, Minnesota.

    23 mi awayMore like this