I'll probably be flogged for this review as First Ave is such a staple of Minneapolis night life... but man, I think this place is really overrated. Let me preface by saying that most of the shows I've been to over the years have been either all ages or 18+. This means that they don't serve booze on the main floor. Okay... well, I'm not one of those guys who needs to be front and center anyway. I don't mind going upstairs, it keeps me away from all the brats. But of course it's packed. Getting any kind of view of the stage is like winning the lottery. I'm 6'4" so I can usually peer over people's heads. But still. I can't attest to the women's bathroom, but the men's is awful. About the worst ever. No stall doors (not that I would even consider sitting on those nasty toilets, even in dire distress). The pull towels are always pulled through, although I'd almost rather wipe my hands on my jeans. I'm going to arbitrarily say that about 75% of the bartenders are unfriendly, snobbish, and act like they are doing you a real favor by serving you. I hate that. One of my biggest pet peeves for any place that serves alcohol. It's unfortunate because they do have a pretty decent beer selection. And tallboys. That's a must at this place. The sound is mediocre at best. It is, of course, good and loud. But more often than not, distorted. For the size of the venue, I guess I just expect more. However, what I DO love about First Ave is that it really does feel like you're in somebody's basement watching some of your favorite bands play. Even from the back, you feel somewhat close. Even if you can't see or get a damn drink in your system. I have no doubt that I'll continue to go to First Avenue in the future, but dang it needs an overhaul. Props to them for shunning the evil empire of Ticketmaster though. There are few things in this world that I hate more than Ticketmaster. Only kitten genocide and the Kardashians come immediately to mind. read more

First Avenue is where Prince's soul lives. Playing that Mainroom stage for the first time is a milestone for many musicians. It's a moment they can turn to their bandmates and say, "We made it." Watching bands have that moment on that stage is one of those gorgeous privileges of Minnesota life. I've been to a gazillion shows in the Mainroom and The Entry. Obviously they haven't all been good, but First Avenue has never let me down even when the band does. In a packed house (and as a shorty), I can always find a good viewing spot. And when I get bored during an opening set, I entertain myself with more beer at one of the many bars scattered around the club. I could knock a star for the pricey drinks, but I think they've earned the right to charge people too much. Rock on. read more

First Ave is a pretty decent venue to go see a show at, as for the people working there, it sucks. They hate their lives, and make people attending shows there hate it too! I really don't know what to say except do no order drinks from the servers walking around upstairs. They are horrible people! I once ordered two Red Stripes from the bartender and it was like $11.00 or so, and then later on in the night, I order the exact same thing from a server walking around, and she charged me $15.00. I was sorta taken aback by it and when I asked her why the price went up from the bar, she just so rudly relpied saying, "thats my prices, if you don't like it, whatever". I refused to pay, and went to the bar, where the prices were still only $11.00...huh. read more

We stumbled upon this jewel while walking! Very nostalgic if you love Prince! The bartender was sweet and helpful. Food was great bar food. The Poutin was yummy! We would go back! read more

This is the best place to watch a musical act in Minnesota. End of review. read more

Traveled north of the wall to party with White Walkers and expatriated, Americanized Swedes and their associates who came out in roving mobs to support and revere Sweden's only remaining national treasure: Little Dragon. After a debacle at a nearby rooftop bar, I arrived at First Avenue with my droogs ready to see what a place that paints its biggest acts on the side of the building really has to offer the EXPERIENCED, DISCERNING partygoer. The answer, dear reader, is EVERYTHING. I guess what you need to know is that the place is pretty big. There is a main floor, an elevated back portion and an upstairs. Both levels have bars. Both levels are LIT. There's not really a bad view of the stage no matter where you are. Clientele were very chill and diverse. Barmen were dope and accommodating. ticket ladies were worthy of a thousand high fives and true happiness for dealing with psychopaths and criminals in stride. I live in a music city with ill venues, but none of them like First Avenue. Worth the plane ticket up here to party with wildlings and flick da wris with Nordic types. read more

First Avenue is the legendary venue featured in Prince's film, Purple Rain. We all remember our first First Ave experience. Mine was seeing The Donna's perform there way back in the 90s. I couldn't hear for at least 2 days afterwards. So, first tip: earplugs might not be a terrible idea, if you are seeing a LOUD ASS BAND. At least if you like... well hearing things. One of my favorite concerts here was seeing The Fleet Foxes. I got there early, but not quite early enough to have my own spot holding on to the front rail. So I was second row. Not bad! Suddenly by the time the headliners went on, I found myself in the 3rd row. There are these folks called "people pushers" that go to shoes in pairs and will PUSH THEIR WAY TO THE FRONT. However, if you are holding on to the wall in the very front, they can't push their way past that. Second lesson learned, get there super early, have a spot in the front. Beware of the people pushers. There doesn't seem to be any good solution to them other than getting there early. They capitalize on the fact that people here will tolerate behavior like that. Your other option is to confront them, but who wants to do that? Don't let them ruin your experience if you like being up close, that's all I will say. Personally after seeing enough shows, you find your "perfect spot" at First Ave (there are so many choices). And you get a feeling for what time you will need to arrive to secure that spot based on if it sold out or not. Back to the Fleet Foxes though. They sounded amazing and it was still a great show. Most shows here sound pretty great. If they don't sound great, it's probably the way the band meant for it to sound. First Ave is... First Ave. They book great acts. Get there early and have lots of fun. It's legendary and about as Minneapolis as you can get. If you are visiting from out of town I recommend seeing a show here to get a real flavor for our city. Also don't forget about the connected 7th Street Entry (a smaller venue) and the restaurant called vaguely enough "The Depot" which features pretty good food. There's also dancing here which is pretty great if you are into that. read more

I love First Ave. as a music venue, I've been going there for shows since the early 90's. Such great memories and it's a great place to see an artist up close and personal. The acoustics are amazing and they have some great sight lines. The one thing I dont like is beer prices,$9 for a can of Surly is ridiculous. read more

What's left to say? First Avenue is a Minneapolis legend, and I'm a huge fan of this place. This is the perfectly sized venue for artists in heavy rotation on the Current (if you're not already listening this radio station, start NOW) - at a manageable capacity around 1600, it's intimate but not crowded. There are a ton of different sight lines, and it's unlikely that you'll ever have a bad view of the stage...unless you have an unfortunate experience like my last visit, where a 6'7" dude in front of me WOULD NOT STOP bobbing from side to side for the entire show. Ugh. I'm all for people expressing themselves, but please don't ever be that guy. A Few Bonus Tips: - Do not - I repeat, DO NOT - check your coat for $10 near the entrance. There's another coat check near the merchandise tables (head to your right after entering) for $3. This seems like a sleazy way to take advantage of First Ave newcomers, in my opinion, but a moneymaker, I'm sure. - If you bike to the club, you can check your helmet for free! - It's expensive to drink here. Take advantage of the next-door proximity of the Depot. Cocktails and beer are basically 50% cheaper than they are inside First Ave., so use your dollars wisely! - Buying tickets at the Depot or at the Electric Fetus will let you avoid those pesky "convenience" fees. read more

I had the pleasure of watching a Blue October concert here and it has forever been etched in my memory as one of my favorite ventures. I love this venue. It's not disgustingly huge, the acoustics of the building are phenomenal and almost ten feet from anywhere you stand, you can purchase alcohol. Speaking of the alcohol... it -is- markedly expensive here, but who pays to go to a concert to get completely shitfaced and miss the entire thing? Get buzzed and enjoy the show. The way this place is laid out allows every single person in the building to enjoy the show; I'm not sure how it manages this, but it does. Even if you were to stand by the entryway, you're still closer to the band and music than you would be at almost any other place. Do -not- miss the opportunity to see one of your favorite bands here if they're in town. You will deeply regret it. read more

Probably just reiterating what other people have said, but: great venue for seeing shows, I've seen some of the best concerts of my life here. When they open up the floor on Saturday nights for dancing, it's pretty great too. Drinks are overpriced, so pre-gaming is necessary. The Entry is a fantastic small stage to see a band on. Sometimes headliners will pop up on The Entry for a surprise show before doing the mainstage, and those are always great. Note: The door time on the ticket is hardly ever right. It's probably the standard way to do business, but be aware, if the ticket says doors at 7, then the doors are likely to open at 7:30 if you're lucky, 8 if they're on time. If you go to a 7pm show, your band won't hit the stage until 9:30 if there's one opener, closer to 10:30 if there's two. Not a hard and fast rule, but it's been my experience. I show up to shows late now unless I really desperately want to see the opening act. I still usually catch the tail end of the opener's set. It's not a problem for me if the shows run late, but I know a lot of people work in the morning, and I've seen people leave early because the show didn't start until midnight on a Wednesday, so fyi and all that. read more

So, I'm totally having a love affair with Minneapolis after I went there for a 4th of July weekend trip. This is due in no small part to the awesomeness of legendary venue First Ave and a little hometown band called The Hold Steady. Maybe you've heard of them? I go to a lot of concerts. A LOT. And something that we kind of lack in Chicago is good sound in the small venues. Being able to hear Craig Finn wax poetic on love and life and not hearing mush come through the speakers = the best. I loved the layout of First Ave - it provided so many options, depending on how you wanted to enjoy the show. Try the balcony, move up front, chill by the bar or soundboard. I was actually photographing the show and couldn't believe how nice and accommodating everyone was, when I was trying to get some cool shots from the stairs, or when I needed to navigate through the crowd. So props to the cool Hold Steady fans that night, because I've had many a concert experience ruined due to un-chill bros. (You know who you are, un-chill concert bros!) If you live in Minneapolis and love music, I'm sure you've been to First Avenue a million times. But if you're heading there on vacation and looking for something to do, you simply must go see a show there. Even if it's a band you aren't familiar with, you've gotta experience this place! read more

As a venue, I really enjoy First Ave. It's the kind of place where you can choose how you want to experience a concert. You can easily join the throngs of people near the stage, getting so close to the performers that you can see them sweat.You also can go upstairs, grab a seat (if you're lucky) and sit back and relax with a drink. They have big screens and good sound upstairs, too, which is great! The drinks are very pricey, but that's to be expected. They do have some interesting beer choices, and they offer HUGE glass tallboys on a lot of varieties, which is nice for concertgoers who don't want to have to keep getting refills. A slight negative is that I've experienced some really crabby workers and bartenders. I get that it's busy, but I don't really appreciate snappishness and eye rolls. However, my last couple shows here have been very pleasant experiences, which makes me think that crankiness is a thing of the past! They also no longer use Ticketmaster, which I really respect. read more

This place needs TEN stars! I've been all over the country and this is BY far the best music venue I've ever been to! (this compared to: Chicago, Milwaukee, Seattle, New Orleans, Phoenix, Los Angles and San Diego ... trust me I've done my research!!) If your hip/cool ... do not miss this place. I now live in Phoenix and miss this place terribly. read more

First Avenue is celebrating it's 40th birthday this year - and everyone loves an excuse to party, right? Right. I mean, you pretty much have to visit here at least once in your life. Come for a show, or come on an off night for local dj's. The place simply smells - so don't expect otherwise. Bartenders are at times overwhelmed but the scene is fantastic. read more

At the Gary Clark Jr concert currently and have been moving for an hour trying to get a good viewing spot but am fighting the crowd upstairs and downstairs. Worst thing is the positioning of VIP blocks everyone upstairs. First AVe please remodel and figure your standing room with terraced levels for everyone to enjoy since right now I mine as well listen to Gary Clarj Jr on Spotify to get same effect. Waste of 69 dollars I saved to go to the concert. Very disappointing read more

First Avenue - That's the best view I can get. Thanks first ave - Music Venues Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

First Ave is hands down one of the best music venues in Minneapolis. They always have great music in the Entry and Mainroom, so you can rely on them having great live performances almost every night of the week. What I really dig is that the staff and security teams are made up of some of the most helpful and friendly people around. Whether you're a veteran First Ave goer or a newbie that can't find the $3 coat check they will help you with anything. Also, their social media game is on point - they have ticket giveaways and table upgrades all the time. They're also good about communicating door/start times and recently announced performances. First Ave embodies live music for me. #gushing read more

Legendary, especially for any Prince fan. Despite the over-priced watered-down drinks, the dismal "VIP Room" and the bizarre restrooms (there are two stalls in the ladies restrooms where one wall is all window - while you're yanking yer drawers down you can watch the folks down below on the street) it's one of those establishments you have to visit at least once. Aside from all the history, it's just a really great live music venue. - I've attended Prince Night parties in the upstairs VIP Room (which is so far from VIP it's laughable). - I was there for the 20th Anniversary screening of Purple Rain. - I just saw Prince play there for the first time in over 20 years last July during the 7/7/7 Purple Olympics. You just gotta go. The temptation to recreate the dance scene in the balcony from Purple Rain will hit you. Trust me. It will. Make sure to check out all the stars painted on the exterior. You may be surprised at all the bands who have come through First Avenue over the years. read more

First ave is the best venue in the cities almost by default, if there is a large national act you're hoping to see it'll be here. Always friendly bar staff serve pretty pricey drinks (just stick with the big bottles of beer) so have a few nips at home. Easy access to many buses, and cabs. Ticket prices are reasonable but patronize your local independent music store for advance tickets to be sure. 7th street has drink specials (the classic PBR tallboy has a place in my heart) on nights with shows. Oh, and if you're ever in the mood to unabashedly berate people, and scream obscenities be sure to hit up F1rst Wrestling. I'm by no means a wrestling fan, but I've rarely had as much fun. read more

Its First Ave.!!!!!!! The club I grew up in. The First Show I went to, The First time I was in a mash pit.My first kiss. My first Head banging "Look at me Everybody" Dance on The Stage. ok thats dramatic. I would be at a Pixies show one night, and then Gwar the next. I love this place. It was like my babysitter for a decade. Every time Im in Minneapolis, I try to catch a show. Never a dull moment at First Ave. read more

I love First Ave. It's authentic, has history, is intimate yet big enough to feel crowded, and offers a variety of places to stand to see preforms from different angles. I love how different each experience there can be with different acts. I'm normally in the middle of the pit but have grown tiresome of standing on my tip toes to see over the giants in the crowd so I would love to check out the second level or stand back closer to the bar to get a new perspective. It's a place where you need to go to for yourself to understand how unique it is. The price varies on who you are seeing. I love bypassing the ticket master fee, either purchase the tickets there in advance or several other locations will carry tickets, such as the Electric Fetus. read more

Have I really not written a review about first ave?? Ever since my first show in the Twin Cities, at First Ave, I have loved it. This is a perfect spot, large enough but intimate for all the amazing music Minnesota has to offer. I've seen so many shows here and in the connecting space, 7th entry that if I don't go at least once a month, I don't feel normal. Even if there isn't anyone to see the dance nights are usually fun and inexpensive. The side bar on the left is the best in my opinion; it's usually quicker. Please bring cash, it is so much faster here. I've witnessed too much plastic almost breaking down the cash registers. It's expensive to drink here, go grab a $2 tall boy at The Depot right next door or pre-game. I come here to either dance or listen to shows that I can dance at, it's so hard to drink in a crowd or while moving. My advice, take a shot at the bar if you do choose to drink here. read more

For a good time, call. . ... Or just stop in and go to ANY show at First Ave. Honestly, I used to come here for Sunday Night Dance Party back in the day (all you old-school ravers know what I'm talking about), and made friends with staff to get into free shows in college and beyond. I'm glad they have revamped, but kept the "house of rock" feel and vibe alive. Whether the concerts are great or downright bile inducing, this place always makes me feel like I am apart of the experience. And believe me, there is ALWAYS an experience. When bands from all over the world know what it is like to play at First Avenue and mention it in songs, in interviews, or just to each other, you know it's a good place to get down. So come on and get down and experience the place where stars can be born. read more

Started going here when I was 16.. eleven years later I'd still stand in line to get inside. There is no other place that compares for live shows than First Ave. This locale is composed of two floors, a couple of bars, the VIP area, some pool tables and dirty phone booths. At least for the ladies room, it's roomie and has a waiting table if your stuck with a gal pal that's applying another coat of paint or praying to the porcelain god. Real people, think 90's grunge and rock and roll. Notsomuch on the hip-hop. Bands seen here: Soul Coughing, KMFDM, CIV, Tripping Daisy. I've been to First Ave for dancing, and for a Halloween event. No matter what occasion draws you to First Ave, you're bound to have a good time. read more

First Avenue is truly a venue that sets the standard for what a venue should be in my opinion. The venue has the patron in mind, as well as the performers. From my perspective, no one is slighted in the process of the many things that must come together to put on a live show. Yet it all seems to come together seamlessly. I continue to be impressed with everything about this place. The organization of the entire process is leaps and bounds beyond so many other places. The website has every single piece of information a patron might need. The promotional process is helpful, timed appropriately, and provides incentive to attend shows. They are active, informative, and ACCURATE with their interactions on social media as well. This is so appreciated by a music fan such as myself. The shows, to my knowledge, also seem to actually start on time. Show times, door times, and set times, are actually posted in advance (and from what I have experienced, are also adhered to barring any special circumstances). The staff has been beyond accommodating and friendly during my visits there. And the place itself is a perfect location to see a show. There is not a bad place in the venue. Vantage points and sound quality are exceptional across the board. This makes me pretty much want to travel to Minneapolis regularly to see shows. I hate spending money on a concert, only to be disappointed due to inferior situations at a venue. This is my time, and my money I am spending. It is almost worth it to spend the extra money to fly or drive out of town, just so I can be pretty much guaranteed a good show at a quality venue like First Avenue. I love the signage, the space, the venue itself. The fact that you even have the option of grabbing food at the Depot Tavern is also a huge selling point for me as well. I love First Avenue, and can't wait to see another show there. Having experienced First Avenue though has caused some issues, as I hold other venues to a much higher standard having been able to see and experience first hand what a venue *can* be. read more

Loved this venue. Had to wait outside for venue to open for show. But the stars on the side of the building entertained me while I waited. Once inside it was absolutely stunning. Great vibe and really nice bathrooms. Super intimate so you can get up close to bands. Staff was super nice and security was also very nice. Really cute whale stamp :) read more

Have been coming here since I was in High School and quite frankly I have always hated this venue. It's dark, dingy, the floor is completely level so tall folks who like to stand in front completely eclipse the view for those of use that are vertically challenged. That being said I have enjoyed the performances of many an artist here some of which include Atmosphere, Aesop Rock, Brother Ali, Sage Francis, Eyedea and Abilities (back when Eyedea was still alive, RIP), and many more. Some of the more memorable/disgusting moments were when Mr. Dibbs vomitted water on Sage Francis while he was laying on his back freestyling on the stage...his only request "don't puke on my face..." Having been born and raised in St. Paul and bumming around the Twin Cities all my life, 1st Avenue's support for local artists is basically the only thing keeping me from giving this place a one star rating. Keep the shows coming! read more

I've been to First Ave many times and it's always a good time. Great space, great parties, and great music here. I don't have much to say about it on here as the reviewers before me have done a thorough job on that already. Plus, seems like everyone in Minneapolis has already been to First Ave -thus seems redundant to reiterate what everyone already knows. Everyone knows it's a great place for music. read more

This venue was not my favorite ever. The show was well staff, but ultimately poorly laid out for all-ages shows, and extremely unaccessible for anyone with a disability. The staff, while plentiful, were unhelpful. However, I will return, and hopefully will have a better experience. read more

I've been told that I've visited the place on a bad time but it really wasn't a particularly positive experience. The whole vibe was seedy and the acts on the stage... let's just say they weren't the best. Drinks are overpriced and service is horrible. I probably won't come here again unless there's an act I really want to see. read more

Finally got to visit this spot where A majority of Purple Rain was filmed. I was there for Wonder Woman weekend and the DJs were awesome! The drinks were good! The staff were friendly! I got my groove on well into the night!!! It was a perfect experience! read more

See all

What is there to say about First Ave that hasn't already been said? I've been here... oh... a dozen times for anything from an Atmosphere show, to Prince, to Jeremy Messersmith. The floor is deceptively small, lending itself to an intimate experience. The sound system, however, is POWERFUL. Like, if you're an old man like I am, bring a pair of ear plugs because you'll still hear it very clearly even with them in. I love First Ave. The bathrooms are always much cleaner than I expect them to be. The atmosphere is perfect for a live venue. It's small enough to remain intimate, but large enough that the coat check line can be up to 25 minutes long after a show ends in the winter time. Most of all though, you can FEEL it's importance. It's hard to describe really, but every nook and cranny feels like, "Here's where Price chatted up some gal and took her home to Lake Minnetonka." or "Here's where Nirvana crowd surfed and I touched Cobain's shoulder!" It simply feels like things happened there (because they did!) without the sense of being run down or past it's prime. It's a world class venue, right here in the heart of the Upper Midwest. God bless First Ave. read more

I don't always like the shows I see here, but if you can get down on the floor, the music and the crowd carries you up into the mood. It's a great place to dance, to the point of being a tiny bit depressing to see a non-danceable act. But we can't choose where our bands are booked, can we? Avoid events that show First Ave in daylight - or any light actually. It's charm wears thin when you can see the years of grim. That said, there's not a whole lot of reasons to be there with the lights on. To the same effect, don't bother going to Too Much Love before 11:30 or midnight. I know it's self-perpetuating and someone has to start the party, but it's depressing to walk onto an empty dance floor. Do check out TML if you like to dance. Doesn't matter if you can dance. I've rarely seen a more eclectic, accepting group of people shaking their thangs. I see what people mean about soft spots, history, and hey-days, but come on. Where's a better place to see shows in this city? In these cities? I'm sure it was a little different in the 80s, but that spirit's still alive and it makes First Ave what it is. That and the flow of great musicians and fans who continue to pass through the doors. read more

Awesome venue, I can understand why it's legendary. We waited for over an hour before the doors opened though, but it paid off as we got in early and got a great viewing place. We got the stools up in the balcony..eg, Best view of the stage! And if youre short like me, always go with the balcony! Great sound. Great scene. Close view of the performer. I loved it. I will be back for sure, definitely want to see a rock band or a more upbeat performer perform here. Or some soul/blues. read more

This is a very cool music venue. Came here to see Bloc Party and it gets points for 1) not being over crowded 2) having LOTS of bars 3) it's a very intimate space! Knocked it down a star due to the extra charge to use a credit card (lame) but overall great venue! read more

Recently came back here for a show for the first time since... HIGH SCHOOL. I think upon moving back to the Twin Cities I was worried that I had elevated how fabulous this venue was in my mind. You know, like how you always remember things better than they actually were? This is most certainly NOT the case with First Avenue. This venue is legendary for a reason - it is genuinely a great place to watch a show (not a bad spot to watch from in the house). The bathrooms were clean and well attended to, and it was pretty easy to get the bartender's attention. I especially appreciate how the venue naturally has places for old people like me to watch from (just at the top the steps leading down to the area in front of the stage, upstairs at the tables on the balcony). I can watch from these places and not be completely smushed between the young'uns dancing. Love that. read more

You can't be a true music loving Minnesotan and give first ave anything but 5 stars. Ok, so sometimes the people can be a little rude (would you want to deal with those crowds every night) and it's not the cleanest place in the world. If you want to see music in Minneapolis it can not be missed! I love this place so much I was a member back in the day (not sure if they even do that anymore), I spend the better part of my 20's there and still go to catch a great show. They get the best show's in town from smaller acts at the entry to huge acts that you can believe are playing a club in the mainroom and they poor a MEAN drink, no skimping on the booze here. Which is exactly what you need when checking out a show. NOTE: Don't try to sneak in if your underage, take it from someone who knows, you won't get in! read more

I felt honored to see a show here after so many years of dreaming of the day. I enjoyed myself and had a great time just soaking up the reality of it. I know this sound dumb if it is your hometown dive...but, come on, you are used to it by now. I was confused by the plexiglass barrier to the second floor and always hate being in "cocktail jail". I hope it is gone if I ever return. I enjoyed that my paid admission to Iron & Wine got me free admission to hip hop night afterwards. I am likely the only guy that enjoyed that combo. read more

There's no place better to see concerts in the Twin Cities. Hands down First Avenue is the best venue. They have three rooms: the smaller 7th Street Entry, the upstairs alcove Record Room (perfect for dance DJs), and the big Mainroom. There's a ton of history here that I won't go into details about. Prince, the Replacements, etc. I bet Wikipedia has all those stories for you to read about. There's 6 bars, I usually frequent the one that's on stage left, and there's a decent sightline from just a few feet away if you want to hang back to take it all in. If it's all ages, they'll only serve booze at the upstairs bar. What else to say? Sold out shows are really crowded (obviously), but you can usually find a comfortable spot. Or push to the front if you're really getting sweated on. read more

I hope folks in Minneapolis don't take this place for granted. As good or better than any club in America for live music. The staff are true pros. read more

First Avenue - J Roddy Walston and the Business - Sept 2017 - Music Venues Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

See all