Minneapolis Music Scene Visitors Guide

There are plenty of reasons to plan a weekend getaway to the great northern state of Minnesota: the Mall of America, incredible outdoor activities, world-class restaurants, the friendly people – the list goes on. One such feature that separates this state from the rest is the Minneapolis music scene. Performers, critics, writers, and musicophiles alike agree that the atmosphere and history surrounding this midwest locale is among the top in the nation. Book a Twin Cities vacation with MINNēSTAY and check out the booming Minneapolis music scene first hand!

Although not technically called 'Music City' (that designation belongs to the country music capital of the world, Nashville, Tennessee), Minneapolis is a thriving hotbed with roots deeply planted in some of the most influential sounds and moments in music history. This city has given birth to music royalty and has been the setting to many artists' most formative years. Most notably, superstars such as Prince and Bob Dylan were brought up through and helped create the legendary Minneapolis music scene. While living in apartments above drug stores and shooting films at downtown danceterias, these founding members developed their distinct sounds and built the scene up around them. Many other music greats, the likes of Janet Jackson and the Replacements, credit the Minneapolis scene for many of their early accomplishments. While Minnesota is the site of all this remarkable music history, it is also home to a flourishing scene to this day. The Minneapolis music scene is rated among the top in the nation, behind obvious contenders like that of New York City and Los Angeles.

While on your relaxing Minnesota vacation with MINNēSTAY, take an evening to see a show at one of the legendary Twin Cities music venues. Almost every night of the week budding local artists, touring bands, and internationally loved performers make their way across the stages of these storied locales. Head downtown to First Avenue and catch a show in the Mainroom, where Prince recorded parts of Purple Rain and filmed portions of the movie. For a more intimate setting, step outside and around the corner into 7th Street Entry, the smaller 250-person venue in the same building that holds nightly shows. If cocktails and smooth saxophone sound like the makings for a perfect evening, visit the Dakota Jazz Club and be serenaded by local musicians. For larger shows, the best venue in the Twin Cities is the Xcel Energy Center in downtown Saint Paul. If your musical preferences fall in the classical genre, get your tickets to Orchestra Hall to experience the renowned Minnesota Orchestra.

No matter the season, the Minneapolis music scene is always going strong. Book your Minnesota vacation today with MINNēSTAY and enjoy the incredible offerings in some of the most historic and legendary music venues in the nation. A Twin Cities getaway is perfect for any serious music lover in need of some quality live entertainment. Take advantage of our luxurious Minneapolis vacation rentals and find yourself in the heart of one of the best music scenes in the nation!