Courtesy of Hennepin Arts
Earlier this fall, the city of Minneapolis announced the inaugural recipients of the 2024 Cultural Districts Art Fund—an initiative designed to highlight and empower local artists, creative entrepreneurs, and cultural organizations across the city. It is no surprise the city that helped catapult the careers of artists like Bob Dylan, Lizzo, and Prince continues to prove its legacy as a top arts and entertainment destination through citywide initiatives and programs. No matter your style—a concert at a small venue for a regional musician or an international art exhibition coming to your favorite gallery—you’re sure to find your fix in the Twin Cities’ thriving arts and entertainment scene.
Performing Arts
St. Paul’s Fitzgerald Theater is the city’s oldest surviving theater space and hosts artists, activists, and comedians while still staying true to its historic roots by showcasing Broadway musicals and vaudeville shows.
UPCOMING SHOWS:
- Fran Lebowitz, Nov. 15
- The Nutcracker Presented by the Metropolitan Ballet, Dec. 7 & 8
- Luminare Christmas!, Dec. 11
- A Prairie Home Companion Christmas, Dec. 14
Courtesy of Hennepin Arts
Venture along Minneapolis’ Hennepin Avenue and you will be greeted by three historic theaters: the Orpheum Theatre, Pantages Theatre, and State Theatre. Owned by Hennepin Arts, all three theaters boast opulent architecture throughout, with State Theatre being considered one of the most technologically advanced when constructed in the early 1920s. If looking for history while enjoying the classics or new-age performing arts, Hennepin Avenue is your go-to.
UPCOMING SHOWS AT THE ORPHEUM THEATRE:
- Les Misérables, Nov. 19 through Dec. 1
- Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, Dec. 6-7
- The Book of Mormon, Dec. 10-15
UPCOMING SHOWS AT THE PANTAGES THEATRE:
- DeRay Davis: Apologies in Advance, Nov. 15
- Jim Brickman: Comfort & Joy, Dec. 7
- The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show, Dec. 11
UPCOMING SHOWS AT THE STATE THEATRE:
- A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage, Nov. 21
- Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy, Dec. 14-22
Courtesy of Hennepin Arts
Music and Festivals
Experience the venue that helped launch the careers of Prince and Lizzo at First Avenue and 7th Street Entry. One of the longest running, independently owned and operated venues in the nation, First Avenue and 7th Street Entry boast six venues across the Twin Cities region—including Fitzgerald Theater—and for over 50 years has hosted local and international stars alike. Mark your calendar for the below artists coming to First Avenue’s stages soon.
UPCOMING SHOWS AT FIRST AVENUE:
- Yoke Lore, Nov. 4
- Tycho, Nov. 16
- John Lennon Tribute with Curtiss A, Dec. 8
UPCOMING SHOWS AT 7TH STREET ENTRY:
- Letdown., Nov. 10
- Ashley Kutcher, Nov. 15
- Nate Bergman, Nov. 24
Courtesy of First Avenue & 7th Street Entry
The Armory—once the most expensive buildings in Minneapolis—has a notable history including being the used as the Minneapolis Lakers’ primary court during the 1959-1960 NBA season. It was also one of the the filming locations for Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” music video. Today, the venue hosts concerts, sporting events, civic events, and plays host to some of the biggest names in entertainment.
UPCOMING SHOWS:
- Chief Keef, Nov. 16
- Yung Gravy, Nov. 29
- Lucid Nights, Dec. 27, 28 & 31
Courtesy of Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Visual Arts
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) is home to more than 500,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years of human history. Crossing cultures, mediums, and themes, art lovers will always have something new to explore at MIA, as it features rotating and visiting exhibitions throughout the year.
CURRENT EXHIBITS:
- At the Moulin Rouge, through March 9, 2025
- Catch of the Day, through May 25, 2025
- Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room: The Alice S. Kandell Collection, ongoing
Minneapolis’ Walker Art Center features contemporary art throughout its multiple indoor galleries and 11-acre outdoor sculpture garden. Cinema is also a celebrated medium at Walker, boasting screenings of full-length features and video shorts from across the world.
CURRENT EXHIBITS:
- Sophie Calle: Overshare, through January 26, 2025
- Stanley Whitney: How High the Moon, Nov. 14, 2024 through March 16, 2025