My only complaint is that, as a short girl, visibility is sometimes a problem. But they do what they can, and without some creative architecture, I'm not sure how they would accomplish this request. I just want to see stuff better. Story of my life. read more

First Avenue... I am sure most of the Twin Cities have been to First Ave at one time or another. I does amaze me sometimes of all the Names that have played there. Not much I can say besides that it is the Godfather of Music Venues in the Twin Cities. I will give a few things that they do right because the list to long to mention everything. A full bar that takes Credit Cards. I would bring Cash for faster service. Lots of bars spread throughout the place. Lots of bartenders at the bars. Concert prices are reasonable. One of the best sound systems I have heard. I think it might be bigger than the Stage. On to the review of the Har Mar Superstar show. Mpls Mayor RT Rybak proclaimed Sept 20th "Har Mar Superstar Day" if that says anything about the concert. Lizzo... Sorry not impressed. I have seen High School talent shows do better rap. You're not ready for the big time. You better stick to being the backup singer for Har Mar. 1 Star Purple... A three piece band that has the engery to make them a Power Trio. Think of the Runaways meets the Ramones. Hanna Brewer kicked butt on the drums but her voice makes the band. I'm Fan! 5 Stars. Har Mar Superstar... Har Mar has the Dance moves of Prince and the body of Danny DeVito. By the end of the show and after he has stripped down to his shorts you get the get the full effect. He has a great voice and great songs. 5 Stars. First Avenue ... 5 Stars, Flogging Molly and an Update on 1st Ave So Me and the Gal needed to get primed for our trip to Ireland and what better way than to drink some Guinness and see Flogging Molly at 1stAve. The Night was meant to be a kid free zone. But... Well wait, I will get to that later. 1st Ave... Still a great venue to see a concert. That hasn't changed since my last review. The sound is great. The 2 opening bands rocked. The Guinness was tasty. We found a place on the upper deck to watch the show. We were right by the reserved tables and had our own waitress attended to our needs. (We did need to stay behind the rope and stanchions) We were chatty with the people at the tables and they let us put our empties on their table. 5 Stars. Flogging Molly... We do love our Drunken, Fighting, Irish Music. Not sure what was more fun watching the band or the Mosh Pit on the floor. Early into their set I closed out our Tab with the waitress and gave her 20%, I asked her to continue to stop by to keep the Ice water coming. Well I needed to use the bathroom after all the Guinness and Ice water. On my return Kate had 2 more glassed of Ice water in hand but now there was someone in my place. So I politely excused myself and moved back next to my Gal. Well this Collage age Girl (Child) didn't like that I wanted my place back. I could tell this by the F bombs she was dropping. Little Missy said I don't get my spot back because I didn't pay for the spot. Well the Lass must have been paying a lot of attention to us, because she said Kate didn't even tip the waitress when she got the Ice water. I "politely" told her she doesn't know squat cause I had tipped her 20%. This went on for a while but eventually I just ignored the Child. She still tried to push her way back in but I said to her you didn't pay for the spot did you. So much for a Kid free zone. Flogging Molly gets 5 stars. Next stop Dublin!!! read more

Great place to see live bands. A must-visit for someone visiting Minneapolis from out-of-town because of the history.

I was there this past Thursday for the 'Dropkick Murphys' concert and again last night for the 'Flogging Molly' show. They both were fantastic and First Avenue is the common denominator. I go to a ton of concerts every year and this is one of the best venues in the Twin Cities. Great staff. Great service. Great atmosphere. read more

First Ave is a music venue where decades of historic and legendary performances have taken place. It's right across from the Target center, but I hadn't even noticed the first time I went there. First ave grabs your attention immediately, as it's painted black and stamped with stars filled with the names of the many artists who have graced it's stage in a similar fashion to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Inside, the building is not very big, which is perfect because each concert feels intimate. If you're planning on going to Minneapolis, look at their upcoming shows and purchase some tickets. I've had many memorable nights here. read more

Had a fun time here! Just sucks that I had to stand the whole time. Also it was very hot and I had an advantage finding a vent with cold air blowing out lol! Worth going once or twice! read more

This place is horrible , had one drink and was sitting at a table went up for a drink and they said they could no longer serve me , I was clearly not intoxicated to the point I was acting stupid , just sitting on some bleachers ! My hubby said it was clearly unnecessary! Never ever will we ever return to this venue ! Oh and make sure u don't use in potty mouth or u will get in trouble for that as well and all I said was shit read more

Great place for bands and djs. Rock, blues, funk, hip hop, house, techno, etc. You name it, first Ave has hosted it.

I just wanted to take a minute and publicly thank First Ave. I have been to maybe 20 shows there and the room always seems to add that extra element to a show. Tonight though I don't know because the babysitter called and we had to leave 5 minutes before showtime. First Ave was kind enough to refund our tickets. I'm sure this isn't policy so I don't want to claim some precedent they can't follow, but I am genuinely appreciative and wanted to say thanks. As let down as I am to miss our show, it was a nice silver lining to see our local rock institution has a heart of Minnesota Nice under the black t shirts. read more

DO NOT BUY TICKETS AT THIS VENUE! A friend and I bought tickets recently to see a concert but were refused entrance at the door. The employees were intimidating and rude, and we just finally left after spending well over 200 dollars (including tickets and travel expenses) without getting to see the concert. Don't waste your money. read more

I think the venue needs a serious make-over. I've only been twice, no one playing -- yet the service still requested another Medal

I got kicked out for doing NOTHING WRONG. I arrived at the venue around 8pm to see my favorite band on the planet perform. I live in Albert Lea, Minn., so the commute took about an hour and a half, then it took about another half hour to get parked and walk to the venue. During my drive, I sipped on a delicious medley of orange juice and kombucha (this is important information, I swear), and finished it as I walked up to the venue, throwing it in the trash before I got in line (after I took a picture in front of the sign). As I threw the generic plastic bottle away, a visibly intoxicated man outside the venue looked at me and said "Having a quick screwdriver before the show?!'" Because I was an 18 year-old girl in downtown Minneapolis, there was not a chance in hell I was about to start a conversation with the stranger. I simply laughed, and found my way to the back of the line. I waited in line for a short time, then was at the front. I presented my identification and ticket to the security, and suddenly a woman marked my hands with red Xs and told me I would not be getting into the show that night. I was in complete shock. I asked her why, and she told me that I had supposedly been seen drinking alcohol. I was extremely confused. I was treated with complete and utter disrespect from the start of the conversation with this woman whom appeared to be in charge of security that evening. I repeatedly explained to her that I had drove in from out of town, and there was no way I had even been presented with an opportunity to drink. After a little while, she mentioned the man whom had asked me if I was drinking. I told her exactly what had happened, also explaining how I had planned to be the designated driver for friends who might need a ride after a night out and that I was 18 and had NO CLUE WHAT A 'SCREWDRIVER' WAS. She absolutely refused to consider anything I had to say. She and her coworkers decided it would be a good idea to dig through the half-full trash can in downtown Minneapolis to find the bottle I had tossed. They picked out a generic water bottle, opened it and told me it smelled of alcohol. I asked two things: first, how they knew that was mine, and, two if I could smell it. I can't recall the exact wording, but I was basically told no. They proceeded to take the bottle into the venue, presumably to keep me away from smelling it. I work within the twin cities music scene, so many people who were a part of the production that night spoke with the First Avenue employees, and still, they refused to consider anything that was told to them. I was extremely upset by how I was treated, so on Monday I called the venue and asked to speak with a manager. The woman on the phone asked for some info on the subject and told me she would have a night manager call me back. Later that day, I received a phone call from a man who I believe said his name was Daniel. Throughout our conversation, his voice was raised the entire time, yelling at most times. He also brought up many things to me I had not yet said (one can only assume he was fed the lies and coached through their version of events) and continuously referred to the woman I was speaking about as his manager. Clearly I was not talking to the manager of First Avenue. Once again, I was shocked by the complete disregard for anything I had to say. I explained to him I could gain nothing from calling about the situation, I only wanted an apology or SOMETHING that made me want to remain a customer. I was told I would not ever receive an apology from him. I grew extremely frustrated with his attitude and poor customer service, ultimately telling him I refused to be treated that way, and ending the phone call. I have come to the conclusion that the reasoning behind kicking me out (and many others that I watched being thrown out that night), must have been for some kind of financial benefit. The last time the band I was there to see had played that venue, it was a sold out show. I'm sure First Avenue was anticipating the same to happen this year, so if they kicked me and others out they could sell additional tickets. I'm certain they chose me because I am only 18 years-old; unable to spend money at the bar. I had been a loyal customer to First Avenue and 7th St. Entry, and truly enjoyed my experiences there. As much as it pains me, I can no longer support the music venue. It makes me sick thinking about the All Ages shows I had attended there prior to that evening, where 14 year-old were visibly intoxicated and smoking pot inside the venue. Yet, here I was, sober and there to dance to my favorite band with people I love, and I was refused entrance. I don't know what will come of this, but I just can't let it go. I hope to prevent this from happening to anyone else. read more

A totally must for music heads. There are multiple stages. Carefully not to fall into the "club" on weekend nights.

This Place is Aaaaawesome!!!!!!! Make sure to check out the VIP room before you leave! DoiT!~

Ive been to only a few concerts at First Ave, but I enjoyed them! There werent many places to sit if you wanted to have a drink, but the fact that you are at a concert and probably want to stand makes that not such a big deal. It was a great experience and I would go back! read more

Love first ave, always have a great time when I come!

This is one of the best venues for music that i've been to. I love First Avenue and have seen hundreds of bands there. I see that people talk about how the club makes "few efforts to bypass fees" and you could pay up to 20% more on tickets which is no a good feeling. But when we consider operation costs and ownership in a prime location such as this we do need to pay a little more sometimes just to keep places like First Ave profitable and in business. I'm just grateful we have this club in our little city, i'll pay a little more if I have to. read more

This place is a over romanticized dump. Sure it has its place in music history but lets be honest its not that great. If it wasn't for Prince nobody would give two shits about this old bus depot. read more

i really only go there for Thursday night Latin music. i would love to be able to give them 2 and a half stars but that is not an option. i would give them 3 starts BUT it all happened one night on my birthday... there i was having a good time with my man, dancing the night away.... then i look up and there is a naked chick on the big screen "pleasing" herself with a shower head.... no I'm not joking. it got worse from there, i wont go into the details but i can tell you it was all chick and not much clothing. Not really something i want to see while I'm out dancing. I want to know who came up with this idea of showing porn on the TVs at first ave. Cuz last time i checked it is in the clubs best interest to cater to the women - hence ladies night- cuz that makes the guys come and buy beer. BUT if you put naked ladies up on the screen that makes us (women) NOT want to stay there, in fact it make me so pissed off that i got my coat and we left.... as we left i did notice all of the men mesmerized by the jiggly bits of the ladies on the screens... who's dumb idea was it to show a bunch of Latin, that have been drinking, naked chicks on a big screen... well if you've been to first ave anywhere you look there is a screen. i think this just spells disaster... you know- pent up energy... aggression... i can hear the sirens now. read more

I grew up in this club and I'm only knocking off one star cause maybe reality wouldn't live up to my memories (I haven't been in a couple years, now that I don't live in MN). Started out with the all ages "Sunday Night Dance Party" when I was in high school and graduated to "Two For Tuesdays" in college. Along the way and in-between saw many amazing shows here, including: Sunny Day Real Estate (my first show!), Fugazi (at least 3 times!), Afghan Whigs (almost made me cry!), and Hum (now in a Mercedes commercial?!). I have moshed and danced here for hours, and some of my drunkest nights surely began at First Ave. When I was in a band we even played The Entry many, many, many long years ago. I love that there are at least 4 different bars and many vantage points and levels from which to see a show, or hang out away from the dance floor. This may be super cheesy, but I don't think I'd be the same without First Ave. Amen. read more

It doesn't matter what time they tell you doors open, they will open no earlier than an hour AFTER they should have. The headliner will always go on AT LEAST 2 hours after they're scheduled. read more

I've seen dozens of shows here and there really isn't a better room this size in town, or the state for that matter. It's divey, grimey, and the staff is rude, but it's kind of part of the rooms charm, right?! Oh yeah...prince and stuff. read more

I bought 5 tickets for Wrestlepalooza Saturday night for my son with special needs and 4 of his friends. My son doesnt drive but does have an ID but did not have it on him. I texted him a copy of his ID but they would not let him in the door. It was very cold out Saturday night and he was left outside. If he had his ticket he should be allowed in the door instead of standing out in MN cold weather! My other son had to drive down to MPLS from Ramsey (not right in the neighborhood). He got lost down town, pulled over because he was on a one way and my son did not get in until 9:30 pm. As a mother with a special needs son I was pissed off to say the least! read more

Spending my birthday at first ave was a very disappointing experience. Even though I called ahead about getting free tickets on my birthday, I was almost turned away. We arrived at 11:50 on the day of my birthday, and the bouncer told me that i would be unable to get in because it was no longer my birthday (not true!!!!!). It was as if he was looking for an excuse to turn people away. The staff were so rude to me. If you are not gonna honor the birthday promotion, you shouldn't even advertise it!!!!! I was having a great day up 'til then, but the bouncer essentially ruined my special day. I truly wish that I had planned to spend my birthday somewhere else. There is no point in having birthday promotions if you're not gonna honor them. In the future, I will find somewhere else to celebrate my special days. Thanks for a truly shitty end to my 22nd year of life!!!!!!!!!! read more

First Avenue's tickets sell out very quickly, which means I often have to look on stubhub or ticketmaster for tickets. When my boyfriend and I had our tickets checked at the door we were almost turned away for buying from a third party. I wasn't aware that buying First Ave tickets from a legitimate ticket vendor was illegal. The managers made my boyfriend and I step aside while they treated us like criminals and yelled at us for purchasing our tickets from stubhub. It was humiliating - the way they handled the accusation about our so called "fraudulent" tickets was incredibly unprofessional. The barcodes on the tickets were accurate and the tickets were not fraudulent as they suggested. They were so rude and did not even apologize for the inconvenience or for the false accusation. That being said, do NOT purchase your First Ave tickets from anywhere besides First Ave! Also, I am still in shock about how horribly my boyfriend and I were treated and I will not be returning. Don't be surprised if you're mistreated by the management! read more

Just saw Anthrax + Testament went home with no socks. Been going here since 1987 and I absolutely LOVE this venue. You should go!

pretty much the only music venue i will go to shows at anymore. i cant do the giant arenas, or the tiny dives with horrible sounds quality. this venue is a legend for a reason. the sound is ALWAYS AMAZING! the dj nights are great too, get cryphy is the best! every show i attend here i can see the stage, the music sounds great, and the atmosphere is fantastic! i've been coming here since i was 15 and they had all ages dance night on sundays, and will prob continue coming here until i'm that creepy old lady in the back rocking out. the renovations to the staircase and what used to be the totally unused pool table area, and now the merch area, was fantastic. no idea why it took they so long, but who cares. there isnt a bad seat in the house, even for a sold out show. hands down the best music venue in the state. possibley the world! read more

I have been there hundreds of times and will continue to go. I wish they would do something about the sound. Usually too loud and not very clear. They must be nice to the musicians, they seem to love it there. I wish they would be kind to the customers and do some work on the sound. read more

I go to a lot of concerts, and First Ave. is definitely up there on my list of favorite venues. Being from Kansas City, the Minneapolis music scene really blew me away when I moved up here, and First Ave. is a staple of that scene. It's a smaller venue, so you can always feel pretty close to the performing artists. The floor fills up very quickly and people cram in tight, so the "dance party" feel is prevalent, especially at the more dance friendly bands that are the mainstay of First Ave. shows. I've never seen a show at First Ave. that I didn't enjoy, and I think the atmosphere has been a big part of that. Finally, I love that the venue brings in so many smaller acts. There's a feeling of connection with the other concert-goers whenever knows that the artist being seen is underground. You can obviously get this feeling at other venues that get small artists, but First Ave. has a knack for doing small acts in a big way. read more

I recently once again found myself at this venue. I was part of an all-women bike race and First Ave hosted the finish line to the race. It was a private event, in order to gain entry, we all had received special wristbands noting this prior to the event. Upon waiting in line to gain entry -at long length- our bags were "inspected" whereas all contents had to be emptied out in front of the staff working the door. This was a bike race, so many of us had park tools and tire kits for our bikes. Those of us who had tools were required to check our bags and pay to do so upon entry. I was not feeling so well and wanted to leave once inside (in fear that I was about to throw up). I had one foot out the door when a female First Ave Staff Member held her hand out to physically stop me. She informed me I had to go 5 feet to my left to exit out the other open doorway. This was a painful reminder of how ineffective this venue is in training their staff on how to treat patrons. They exercise force when not necessary and use blind adherence to "rules" rather than common sense or logic. Not worth ever going to. Aside from the intolerably cruel staff, the venue is dark, views are obstructed, drinks are $$$$, and cleanliness of bathrooms and facility is questionable. read more

really enjoy myself every time i am in town and have a show at 1st ave or 7th street. not sure if we got special treatment because we have a star on the wall, but last time i was there with electric 6 their staff was SO overly hospitable. i know the average person thinks that bands get whatever they want everywhere they go but that's just not true, but it is at first avenue. they brought me the "wrong salad" (i didn't specify which salad i wanted but a vegan burger probably doesn't usually come w a non-vegetarian cesar salad) and they promptly brought me an entirely new meal. they even brought me a heater to my merchandise booth in case i got cold after doors opened. SO SWEET! read more

Unfortunately, I will not be back. I often frequent this venue for shows and dance parties and have never had a problem, but last night my friend was forcefully asked to leave because she was too intoxicated (she was not - however, that's up to your discretion and we respect that). Bouncers came at her from every direction and targeted her and with no explanation grabbed her to leave. It's obvious that these security workers have little to no training - no check in, no sit down, no questions, no adjust. I understand these people are trying to do their job but I suggest maybe a class or something that could help them figure out how to deal with a) people and b) drunk people. After last night, it's obvious they need it. Really disappointed in the treatment of your patrons and guests. This used to be my favorite venue, but your hired security/bouncers have ruined that. Have a little respect. Peace read more

First of all I was a 1st ave Sunday night dance party junkie,( & on the nights I couldn't go I went through a ugly batch of club withdrawl) it was my place to escape, my playground & my, dare I say home away from home. I met some of the coolest people some of which I'm still cool with. It's definitely with the trip. read more

Growing up in Minneapolis, First Avenue/7th St. Entry is one of the best places I ever saw concerts - and I have seen so many that I can't even remember them all! The 7th St. Entry is an adjoining room that can be entered from the street or from inside the "main room". The "entry" is a small venue where a lot of small local bands, new indie artists, etc can get a gig and, where they go from there is sometimes surprising: some of the more notables that've played there include Jane's Addiction, Beck and Low, just to name a few. First Avenue was also the main venue in the 80s for all the punk bands that "all-ages" shows were created for: Minor Threat, Black Flag, Minneapolis's own Husker Du & The Replacements and also Soul Asylum (when they were still good-before they sold out & turned into an awful pop-band-["runaway train"? yuck!] In fact, I saw what was to be the last Soul Asylum show -when they'd just been dumped from their label. When they got a contract w/another one, THAT's what changed them from indie rockers to wanna-be pop-stars and that was a sad, sad metamorphosis. I saw the Pixies there in 91-they're last tour before they broke up-a fiery show! I also have seen The John Spencer Blues Explosion, Buffalo Tom, Superchunk, Sebadoh, Nick Lowe and many more that I can't remember. But I know that every time I left after a show I always was in good spirits, My hearing might've been a little temporarily damaged, but otherwise I was always impressed. Anyone who lives in Minneapolis HAS to have been there or get yourself over there! If you're visiting, make it a point to come check it out-even on the nights when bands aren't playing they'd have a danceteria-style thing going on. Lost of loud DJ-ed music, hot, sweaty bodies dancing on the floor and drinks flowing. BEST CLUB DOWNTOWN - but don't get me wrong, The Uptown Bar, uptown, on Lake St. & Hennepin Ave is also a great place; a little on the small side but they too have had some amazing bands play there, including Guided by Voices. - Kent Manthie read more

Nice venue. Came for NYE. The coat check line was torture, but we got them in. YAY. Decent drink prices. I think my 2 long islands were around $20 including tip. Great music. This place is basically a what you see is what you get. Thanks for a fun time and letting me spend NYE with you. read more

Shows at First Ave are the best! You get the intimate feel (without feeling claustrophobic ), which is way better than the large venues. LOVE this place! read more

By far my favorite venue to see concerts in the Cities! The intimate atmosphere, 2 full bars, cocktail/beer servers throughout, and sometime tables available. Great place to see national acts as well as local bands. read more

It doesn't get much better than Fist ave for live music in mpls.

Question??? Coming to Mpls. Would like to go to the shows on Aug. 23, a Tues. They have 5 preformances that night. I'm coming from Phoenix & need to know. Should I buy tickets ahead of time. Would a show on a Tues. sell out before I get there?? read more

While the venue is a great spot to watch a show, I am beyond disappointed in the management of both the venue and the First Ave production company. I was visiting Minneapolis for business, and got a night off to see a G-Love show. I only had my tickets printed, and in big letters it stated that First Ave was presenting G-Love. Naturally being from out of town, I assumed this was the venue. We arrived for our show, walked to the door, got scanned in, ID'ed and then they collected our ticket stub... Note 3 people checked our tickets, and it was also scanned. Once we got in, it was intermission, so we grabbed a spot and waited. As soon as the music started we realized we were in the WRONG show. We immediately went down to try and work out what happened. The staff was incredibly unhelpful and basically said there was nothing they could do! Um I can think of something, how about our money back. I have emailed management a couple times, and have heard nothing back! We missed our show because of your staffs mistake. We arrived at the wrong place, but THREE of your staff members checked our tickets and your manager stated that "this happens more then we like to admit". Oh and the real venue, it was "Fine Line", I guess in this case it was in fine print on the ticket. No wording that indicated this was the venue or location! And it was way down on the ticket. Again, the venue itself was nice, but make sure you examine your tickets with a fine tooth comb and don't expect any help from the staff. read more