One of my absolute favorite places in the cities and probably my second favorite venue in the world (Sorry, Red Rocks is number 1!). I have so many fond memories of this place over the 15 years or so it has been my second home. Staff are generally friendly and sound is great. Best of all, it’s clear they really care about their community based on how involved they are with promoting local artists and issues affecting the area around them. While we’re mid pandemic as I write this review, I’m looking forward to this stupid virus going away do I can see another show here again.

What a nice venue for a concert. Saw some Australian chap, Chet... He has two names (very Peter Gabriel). The pat down before entering was the best part ( I think I might be engaged - yes? No?). Not a bad spot in the house. Plenty of bars, everybody was bloody lovely. Acoustics were great. Priced right, too. This is an iconic place. Last time I saw a concert there it was Information Society! Place has only gotten better. Go. Visit. Listen!

Absolutely stunning venue in terms of staff, sound, sightline, and history. A must stop for Minneapolis! The history of this venue is amazing as you can see from the stars on the wall from some of the past performers. It’s a family owned club that treats staff with respect. This is also the venue much of Purple Rain was filmed in.

This is an amazing venue for a person like me who loves concerts, but doesnt like being in a crowd. I was able to view an incredible concert (Betty Who) from the comforts of a balcony. Drink prices were reasonable and bars were on both levels. The entire place was full of music history which was really incredible to look at before the show. This all said, the area around the venue seemed to have some sketchy characters, but security and staff at First Avenue seemed on point with making sure everything inside felt safe and secure. I had a blast here and wouldnt hesitate to see another concert here again in the future.

Great time. 1st Ave is an awesome place to see artists a little closer. Must go at least once b4 you die.I seen Atmosphere, and it was amazing.

This place is the place if you want to hear whats hot or up and coming in the music scene. Known for showcasing giant headliners as well as local talent. The walls are filled with music history.

Boarded up but wanted to see this landmark.

First Avenue is a great venue for smaller or emerging artists!! Ive been here multiple times and enjoyed every concert Ive been to here. The bars are conveniently located near the back and the bathrooms are very large. I also love the stars alongside the outer wall. It really makes it feel like youre getting the best possible shows!

I always have a good experience here. Bartenders have cups of water at the ready, and drinks are reasonably priced. The sound is excellent, but not loud enough to leave your ears ringing. Multiple parking ramps in a short walking distance. Aside from the younger crowd thinking its okay to sit on the stairs....

Go here! Ive only been to one show, but it was great. Very casual with a hip college crowd and plenty of bar service. Drinks arent cheap, but thats to be expected. I paid $10 for a rum and Coke.I stayed on the balcony and had a good line of site for the whole show. Not sure if it was sold out so its possible other shows are a little more crowded. Even so, this is a fun venue and pretty intimate. You can be as close or far from the stage as you want. Overall just a fun time. See photos for Superorganism

This place is historical I only dream of performing there one day.

I went to First Avenue for an Owl City Concert in October and found it to be totally delightful. The music of course was awesome and atmosphere was fine which was great. There might have been a bit more seating for just those with needs as a few people who needed seats couldnt get any because they were all reserved for special guests. Otherwise, the lines moved fast outside, the place had an easy layout, and you could really feel that there was some history there. Well worth the trip. A1

First Avenue is magical. It transports you in time and you feel the age of the place in a good way. If you havent experienced it. I highly recommend it. I had 2 Tequila sunrise made by 2 different bar tenders and they were both equally great. Paced the drinks and didnt get drunk. So I was able to have a great time.

Fun place to stop and see all of your favorite musicians on the stars outside because they all played there at one time or another. If you are in the mood for some comfort food head next door to The Depot Tavern and try the O Canada (cheese curds and gravy on house cut fries)

Amazing venue, lots of history. Not a bad spot to see or listen. Caught Tyler Childers here tonight and wow what a show. Will not not hesitate to drive the six hours down to catch another show here in the future, what an amazing venue

What I like about this place is that though its so iconic it really isnt a ginormous space. Big names can come through, but you can often get an intimate feel in a venue like this its very cool. It also has the potential to be a madhouse so theres something for everyone.

A legendary club where everyone has played. Many great times. Also:. they now have doors on the bathroom stalls!!!!

Love this venue. Ive seen so many shows here, and the staff is always efficient and friendly. So many great musicians play here! Great location with convenient parking less than a block away.

Everything a rock club should be. Plenty of bars, two levels, grungy, friendly attentive staff. Can be too loud but they have earplugs available. 1st Ave is pretty much booking most shows around town at multiple venues which seems to work.

I’ve come here a couple times, first for the 7/07/07 show Prince had and the one with the Revolution. I just love the place! There’s something magical about being at the same place your idol made famous...Such good memories of those concerts!

Good venue (iconic for its notoriety) but not the best in town. The concessions and restrooms arent as accessible as most others. We go where our favorites play though, right?

First time there and enjoyed it. I wouldnt mind going back to watch other artists.

First Avenue is still small enough to feel close with the band without it being an arena. They usually have great bands booked and have a long history of hosting some of the greatest bands out there.

First Ave is easily my favorite venue in the twin cities. The sound is always on point. They have the best acts come through. The staff is always enthusiastic and friendly. Sometimes I go to shows that I dont even know because first Ave is such a cool place to be. Love it love it love it

The Walls have the feel of all the great bands that have come thru...top of the list of course Prince ️ for some of us older crowds..more stools would have been apprecitated but it is a Club

Great place for a show and very historic! My son had a fun time checking out the wall of stars!

I visited this place to attend a concert but was told that the concert was in St. Paul. I wasn’t going to try to make it but asked if I could just look at the place that was made famous by Prince. The door guy was nice and told me to wait for the manager. I did but he never showed so no concert and no tour. I was left with taking pictures of the outside wall: kind of lame.

This venue is amazing. I wish all my favorite shows ended up here.

Always have a good experience here

AMAZING venue to see live music and they book upcoming and/or mainstream talent! It feels like too small of a space for the concerts they put on but there are two levels and 6 bars which is a game changer! Love this place, every time!

Amazing venue. Great acoustics. You can feel the history when you walk in. Not many music venues around the Country have this ambiance these days.

Went to see Anderson East, great show. Havent been to First Avenue since I cant remember...we used to go there on weekend nights to dance. Loved reminiscing, really hasnt changed much at all in 30 some years. My husband had never been there and thought it was a nice small-scale venue to really feel close to the performance. Fun was had

Amazing per usual! Great club, awesome sound and fabulous staff and security! Always feel welcome and safe at First Ave!

Its an iconic venue, and its setup well. Lots of very good views of the stage. Good acoustics in my opinion (for rock music at least). Great staff in my experiences too.

The best live music venue in Minnesota.

Minneapolis has a lot of great music venues and were incredibly fortunate to have so many great local musicians. I love going to first ave because I know Im always going to be able to get a good spot regardless of location. If its a band I know has a very hands on pit, I know I can go upstairs and still be able to see the show. Its a fairly chill crowd, I know I can get up really close to the stage. My favorite venues are this, the Fine Line and I have to say I miss Mill City Nights.

Always loads of fun here at this venue with many artists that preform here over the years. Prince tribute was amazing here. This is and always be the home of the king “Prince”. This place always gets me hyped with friends standing in a line that goes all around the corners of the building with built up anticipation to get inside. Parking is your only downfall but that comes with the territory of anywhere in downtown Minneapolis. I have been here countless number of times for shows, local bands, and many great performers. This place never disappoints with its Great Wall of Stars and beautiful inside designs. Don’t judge from its small outside doors, because once you get in, you won’t believe how many people can fit in there. 1st Avenue is a go to place for everyone from locals, tourists, and just pure fun. Thanks 1st Ave!

Great live concert atmosphere. Quaint, but it is old. It was originally a bus station (in the 1930s). They also offer tours. Music & cinematic history was made here. Prince4ever

Iconic space with a diverse mix of acts.

Every show Ive ever seen at this historic venue is amazing. I always fall in love with it over again every time I go to a concert. Definitely one of the best intimate venues in the Twin Cities.

Legendary experience every time!

Refurbished rooms. Gorgeous entry. Warm breakfast included eggs, meat and make your own pancakes. Friendly staff and inexpensive snacks at the front desk!

Minneapolis iconic night club First Avenue survives and thrives. The Aveis the best venue anywhere for live music. And though it has fewer dance nights, the #1 dance club is adding more.

I love a First Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis a whole lot!

7th Street Entry is fantastic, main room is decent. Spent most of my youth in here drinking Red Bull Jaegers. Some of the best bathrooms that may ever grace your bum.

Just saw Jungle at First Ave. Such a great venue for live music. Jungle was also fantastic. Love that they support local bands no matter where they play and advertise concerts in the area between sets. Way to support your community First Ave!

Not the first time Ive been to First Ave, but its my first time in the smaller venue. Cool, dark atmosphere. The sound was nice, and wasnt too loud as to blow your ears out or cause ringing by the end of the night. It was a sold out show, and pretty packed, so it got kinda warm in there. All in all, it was a fun experience. First Ave is a pretty standard venue, and ice always enjoyed watching shows there.

First Avenue is a great venue to go see live music. Good Vibes, Good Beer, Good Entertainment. Fast access to the building.

This venue is really great. But some of the people working there are a bit pushy. I just wanted to hangout with my friend and have. a good time. And if you get tired from dancing your tired lol. Over all a great establishment. For my first time going there.

The sweet part of the city.

First Avenue is an amazing venue – great staff, awesome bartenders, a fantastic space, a great dance floor, killer sound, and a wide selection of great shows and dance nights. And yes of course, there is the history. First Ave isn’t just where Prince first made it big, it has been central in the Twin Cities’ music scene for decades.First Avenue is better maintained and more inclusive than it used to be. It’s not as edgy, but it’s still home. While it very much is a museum of local and national music, it is still very much alive, and unlike some of us, it hasn’t started to get old.

It was 20 years ago when I had last been to First Avenue, and even all of the times that I had ever danced there during my college years, I had never attended a concert. Well, I finally got to attend one here, and, really, it was an excellent experience. To a certain extent, its the same as it was 20 years ago even though Mpls has grown up around it. Its a lot cleaner and kept up than it used to be, yet it still has its grit.I attended 89.3 the Currents 15 year anniversary party. They had a lineup of 5 excellent bands both local and out-of-town headlining with the Black Pumas. The sound was good, the drinks are strong, the floor spacious, and the atmosphere and mood were fun. I really enjoyed myself, and I hope to attend another concert here in the near future.

Went to see CHERUB last night at First Ave n had an incredible time. The vibe here is so cool and the crowd that attends events here are always open minded. Loved this venue and will definitely be hitting it up again. Dont think twice, just go!

Legendary venue, the history is all around.. great views from nearly everywhere and quick service at the multiple bars make the place even better.. also climate controlled!! It was 86° and humid out but the show was perfect, even with 2000 people jumping around. Great place.

Always a great show! Large standin room, plus bar stools around the edges up top. Amazing sound, even a quiet voice booms!

Very much the same place today as when I used to go here 25 years ago for Sunday night dance parties. So nostalgic yet still Modern.

Such a cool venue. It was chilly waiting outside for the doors to open, but so worth it! The staff was friendly and fast... the drink prices were reasonable... the bass was a little loud for my taste, but the show was amazing!

Visited First Avenue for the first time for the LP Concert. We traveled from out of state to attend. Enjoyed the atmosphere a lot, a real urban rock club. Nice acoustics, bars were strategically located in every corner of the building, both first and second floor. I counted at least five of them- which was great, they had full house and were sold out on the tickets but between five bars and guy who walked around with a huge cooler and sold beer they had no lines to buy drink!!! Surprisingly low prices on both - tickets and booze by the way... we enjoyed experience so very much. Needless to say LP did a great job performing, great songs and more importantly amazing delivery. Energy was amazing! ️

Always an EPIC place to see music. This partucular show was at The Entry, but the following pertains to both sides. Cant really say anything more then everyone already has. If youve never been, youve never been. Simple as that. Bottom line, check out ANY show at either venue, and then youll know.

Saw Flying Lotus in 2017 and Godspeed You! Black Emperor in 2018 here. It doesnt seem much when you first walk in... packed with drunk and sweaty folk. A mixture of hipsters and alternatives, depending on the night. But the stage is perfectly located. The Sound System is top quality. Their Bar selection is also pretty good. The restrooms are huge. What doesnt seem much ends up being not a bad night. Definitely go if an act you like are appearing here.

Love it so much!!

Enjoyed my experience here. Great sound in a small, intimate venue. Line was long, but it was for Owl City’s hometown show, so it was a pretty popular show. Didn’t try the bar, but enjoyed the rest of the venue. Definitely worth going at least once, given its history and significance in the MPLS scene.

Great location and venue. Had an amazing time and staff were definitely on their game! Thanks guys! Will definitely travel from upper Michigan to come here again!

Saw Valerie June here. AMAZING! Lots of floor space in front of the stage. Got there early to check coat ($4 in the back instead of $10 in the front). Well mixed drink (whiskey & ginger ale) was $7 and $9 with Jack Daniels. Nice walk around server to get me a drink during concert so I wouldn’t lose my spot. Go see your favorite artist here.

Caring and empathetic staff, clean bathrooms, well-known venue able to book large acts, reasonable prices on drinks.. really what more could one ask for? Well.. maybe for more parking.. However.. it’s kind of a given that parking is limited in general downtown & can’t fault First Avenue for that

Being a Huge Prince fan going to First Ave and watching Sheila E on the same stage as Purple Rain was awesome. Seeing the Prince stuff and even just being in the building where Purple Rain was filmed was a dream. It is more of a music venue than anything it seems. I do feel they could make more room for people who go for shows and not drinks. Security seemed kinda low. ID check and pat down was proper. Could see some areas of improvement but overall had a great time tonight. Been wanting to go for awhile. R.I.P Prince. Maybe someday I can do a tribute there for him.

My 1st time at this legendary venue. More intimate than I imagined it would be. Cant wait to go back!

First Avenue is an icon! Thanks for the tickets I won in your email contest. Railroad Earth was an amazing show!

Went to #WRESTLEPALOOZA on January 4th, 2020. First stopped by The Depot to grab a bite and a couple of drinks before the show. Food was good, drinks were boozy. As for the venue and the show, everything was good. Venue has good sight lines. Show was amazing.

First Avenue lives up to its reputation. It is a great venue to see live music. Im particularly fond of the 7th Street Entry, but the mainroom drips history and everyone sounds good when they get on stage. Its worth checking out if youre a visitor, and locals should take advantage of every chance to see live music there.

I thought it was a 80s New Years Eve Party Event but theyve been playing 70s music so my Wife & me left with in the first 2h since we got there!! But we made it just in time back home to see the ball drop & to let the fireworks go off :)*

Historic venue! Great sound. Up close and personal!

Its First Avenue. Prince. Husker DU, The Replacements, Bob Dylan.What else is there to say? This place is iconic. If youve never been here, you need to attend a concert here.

Best place to be good memories here got to meet prince few times on my DJ old times

1st Ave is a seriously awesome and historic music venue. If a band you know is playing, get tickets!The small and intimate venue really makes it feel like you are part of the show. Drinks are reasonable and the beer selection is pretty good. Awesome vibe and friendly staff! You cannot go wrong seeing a show at 1st Ave.

7th St. Great small space to see a show. All too often the people running the soundboard have it turned up so damn loud you get feedback and screeching from the mics on almost every single song - kind of ruins it. Its a small space, focus on quality over volume.

What a great venue good sound good viewing area where you are pretty close to the band and bands after bands appear here including bands on the way up and bands that are already well known

A great place and a remarkable place of music history.

This is the best place to enjoy Prince music and to listen to music and dance!

It was my first time ever there for 5he modsun concert will definitely be back

Not a bad spot in the whole venue! Theres a variety of places to watch the show from so youll be able to find something to fit your viewing style!

Absolutely awesome to visit Princes star!

Came here for an Atmosphere concert. Fun venue and relaxed crowd.

Dropped in from the Bay Area to enjoy this historic venue. Great spot for nostalgia, like the Filmore. Sound system excellent and bars were easy to maneuver.

By far the best venue in Minneapolis. Great size. Reasonable prices. Very friendly atmosphere. My favorite place to see artists I love.

We played the 7th street entry last year and were highly impressed by the friendliness and professionalism from the staff. It helped create a great experience for our fans.

Always a classic, fun, musical expression! My favorite place to dance.

Probably my favorite venue. Ween. Some of my best memories have happened here. Ween, mostly.

First Avenue is almost always a great venue to attend some Super Stellar shows! Also, it usually has a fun and exciting atmosphere to just sit with a friend or 2 or 3, and enjoy some good conversation and each others company.

Intimate venue- great history and loved the music. A bit echoey however, and we were quite cramped (standing room only, obviously).

Top 10 concert venue in the nation. The list of acts that have played here is insane. This is hallowed ground...

Went to a show for my birthday and the show was immaculate, also wonderful staff members and great birthday perks! Would highly recommend!

Wonderful venue. I watched wrestlepalooza and had a great time.

Had to get a pic with those iconic stars! This place is a Minneapolis institution. Ask about the ghost that lives in the Ladies room and sometimes comes out on the dance floor.

The greatest, most historic venue in the Twin Cities (for rock n roll, anyway). Also, nothing says Minneapolis Owns quite like a First Avenue hoodie.

First time at 1st Ave. Loved Blue October!!

The show I saw here was great! It felt like they let the band really let loose, which was really cool to see. The only issues I had were that there was not a whole lot of seating, and you really had to work to find a standing spot where you could see the show.

Great venue but they could use more stools in the upstairs area.

I love First Ave. Iconic, and wonderful. You can feel the history in that place. Ive seen many shows there over the years, and had I not moved away, Id see many more.

Went here for the Cuco concert and honestly it was packed people were shoulder to shoulder. I went to the 21 plus side of the event where they served alcohol. Just for you concerned parents oh, they do serve water for free. This place has a lot of character and some of the greatest musicians come here to play and then overnight become famous mainstream artists.