Minneapolis/St. Paul is more often than not a stop for national acts, and we have a thricing 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.
1. First Avenue and the 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 shows from 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.2. The Fine Line Music Cafe
This two-level venue is a favorite haunt for established local bands, up-and-coming artists, and the occasional national act.3. The Varsity Theater
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.4. The Nomad World Pub
Not a specialized live music venue, but when it's not trivia night, dog-friendly night, or a special event, the Nomad World Pub has mostly local artists playing covering just about every genre from psychobilly to jazz to reggae to punk rock.5. 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.6. 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 play 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.7. The Turf Club
In St. Paul, this venerable venue hosts many 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.8. Station 4
Another one of the handful of live music venues in St. Paul. Station 4 is a nightclub some of the time, and a venue for mainly rock, hard rock and metal acts. Mostly lesser known local artists, but the occasional up-and-coming national act plays here.9. Stadiums and Larger Venues
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.
