Minneapolis boasts a thriving theater and performing arts scene, with a rich history of both classic and contemporary productions. From grand historic venues to intimate black box theaters, the city offers a diverse range of experiences for every theater and dance lover.

Day One

Grab a show at the iconic Guthrie Theater, founded in 1963 and renowned for its innovative productions and stunning architecture. Showcasing both classic and contemporary plays across three stages, the Guthrie is a must-visit for performing arts aficionados. If you don’t see a production, it’s worth a visit regardless—the iconic building was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel and is open to the public to explore its quirky architectural features and exceptional views. While you’re there, stop into the Guthrie Store for theater-centric gifts and mementos, from scripts and posters to local jewelry and art inspired by the theater’s productions. Just across the street from the Guthrie you’ll find Farmers Kitchen and Bar, showcasing produce and other goods from local farms and ranches, plus one of the best farmers markets in the city, the Mill City Farmers Market, open Saturdays year-round. A few steps away, the riverside Gold Medal Park offers sculptures and a spiraling pathway up to a mound with stellar views of the Stone Arch Bridge.

If movement arts are calling you, head to the University of Minnesota's Northrop Auditorium for world-class dance performances featuring companies from around the country and the world — think Dance Theatre of Harlem, BalletMet, and American Ballet Theatre. Afterwards, walk through the charming UMN campus before hopping over for a meal at The Market at Malcolm Yards. This bustling food hall sports nearly a dozen eclectic eateries and bars, from Korean fried chicken and Japanese curry to Argentinian empanadas and Nepalese momo. Finish the night with a pint at Surly Brewing, offering a truly staggering selection of lagers, pilsners, tart ales, IPAs, Belgian beers, and more.

Day Two

Start your day with a themed drag brunch at the Union Rooftop or Crave Downtown, hosted by Flip Phone Events. They offer fun themes like Sound of Music sing-a-longs and Britney vs Christina battles featuring local queens alongside guest stars from RuPaul's Drag Race.

Explore the vibrant Theatre District, home to historic venues like the Orpheum, the State Theatre, and the Pantages. While you’re in the neighborhood, don't miss the chance to snap a photo with the legendary First Avenue Star Wall (First avenue and Hennepin), the Bob Dylan Wall (5th Avenue and Hennepin), or the “Baby I’m a Star” mural (930 Hennepin Avenue) near the Orpheum. Catch a Tony award-winning Broadway show or stand-up special from national comedy stars. Before the show, enjoy Latin American tapas and tacos at Barrio or a craft cocktail at The News Room.

Day Three

Dive deeper into Minneapolis’s diverse theater scene with a show or event at one of our independent theaters notable for their commitment to racial healing, gender inclusivity, and showcasing contemporary works from fresh perspectives. Here are two options sure to please:

Jungle Theater in Minneapolis’s Lyn Lake/Uptown neighborhood has been a local (and national) favorite for moving performances and meaningful dialogues since 1991. Catch one of their mainstage shows, or enjoy off-the-cuff comedy and storytelling at a Neighborhood Improv night. Grab a beer and a burger before the show at LynLake Brewery, which was built in a former theater!

Mixed Blood Theater uses theater to disrupt injustice, facilitate dialogue, and inspire relationship building within and across communities. It's a short walk from the Cedar-Riverside stop on the METRO Blue Line or the West Bank stop on the METRO Green Line. A short walk away, Hard Times Cafe is a worker-owned, cash-only vegetarian restaurant with loads of vegan and gluten-free options.

Other great independent theater options: St Paul’s Penumbra Theatre is Minnesota’s only Black professional theater company that has blossomed into a site of artist-led equity programs and wellness offerings for BIPOC community members, and offers $5 access tickets to every performance to ensure price isn’t a barrier to inclusion in the arts. Also check out Illusion Theatre, Theater Latté Da, or Pillsbury House Theatre.

Minneapolis is an art lover's paradise, boasting a diverse collection of museums and galleries showcasing everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary Minnesota-made masterpieces. Whether you're captivated by abstract paintings, intrigued by modern textiles, or simply looking to expand your cultural horizons, you'll find plenty to inspire and engage you in the Minneapolis art world.

Day One

Start your day at the Walker Art Center, a renowned contemporary art museum featuring thought-provoking exhibitions, free-to-attend creative gatherings, and the iconic Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The sculpture garden opens early, so grab a latte and a scone at the picturesque Fawkes Alley Coffee or local art-centric Caffetto Coffee House beforehand and stroll through the sculptures as you sip (Don't miss the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture, a perfect spot for a photo op.) Explore the Walker's collection, which includes 10,000+ works by a diverse range of artists, as well as rotating exhibitions that showcase cutting-edge contemporary art. Afterwards, grab lunch at the Walker's Cardamom restaurant, offering Mediterranean fare and cocktails, or pop down to The Lowry in Uptown for hand-battered cheese curds, pub burgers, and fresh oysters on the half shell.

After lunch, head to the always-free Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), home to an extensive collection spanning 5,000 years and countless cultures. Wander through the frequently rotating galleries and discover a Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, Mary Cassatt’s works on paper, and ancient ceramic vessels from Mexico. For dinner, enjoy a delicious meal along Eat Street, just south of Mia. Dig into pho at Quang Restaurant, a Minneapolis mainstay featuring excellent Vietnamese fare, or tuck into fried chicken sandwiches and eclectic cocktails at Little Tijuana (known locally as Little T’s).

Day Two

Begin your second day at the American Swedish Institute for a glimpse into Swedish customs, traditions, history, and art. Start with breakfast (think Nordic pastries and open-faced sandwiches) at FIKA Café. Then, explore the museum's diverse offerings, including exhibits on Nordic history and heritage and rotating art gallery collections. Don't miss a tour of the historic Turnblad Castle, and be sure to save time for the well-stocked gift shop with its unique Nordic souvenirs.

In the afternoon, head to the Northrup King Building in Northeast Minneapolis, home to over 350 artists, galleries, and boutiques. Artists set their own open studio hours during the week, but every Saturday from noon to 4 the building becomes a weekly art event with four stories of incredible local art in a former seed warehouse. It’s the best place to talk face-to-face with the artists who call Minneapolis home and shop for something special to take with you. Once you’ve had your fill of the visual feast, get ready for the real feasting — Northeast Minneapolis is packed with truly excellent restaurants and craft breweries. Favorites include Earl Giles, Young Joni, Hai Hai, Indeed Brewing, Sociable Cider Werks, STEPCHLD, Francis Burger Joint, and Centro.

Day Three

Begin your day by exploring the unique Textile Center, a hidden gem near the University of Minnesota campus showcasing fiber arts and creative textiles of all kinds. The center features fiber art galleries, a natural dye plant garden, an artisan shop stocked with local textile gifts, and one of the nation’s largest circulating textile libraries. Before you leave the area, pop over to Prospect Park — the highest natural land area in the city of Minneapolis — to see the 110-foot “Witch's Hat Water Tower.” For lunch, enjoy regional Chinese cuisine at Tea House Chinese Restaurant, complete with private, curtained booths for a cozy and flavorful meal.

After lunch, wander over to the UMN campus and visit the Weisman Art Museum, known for its striking stainless steel exterior designed by Frank Gehry. Admission is always free, and visitors can explore the museum's diverse collection, which includes American modernism, traditional Korean furniture and more than 20,000 other works. The museum is dedicated to making art available for all, as evidenced by their Art Rental Gallery from which UMN students can rent original art for just $15 a semester!

Other art galleries and museums to check out: All My Relations Gallery, Mill City Museum, Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, Museum of Russian Art, Dreamsong Gallery, and Gamut Gallery.

Music is at the heart of Minneapolis’s creative scene, echoing its legendary past as the stomping grounds of iconic artists like Prince, Bob Dylan, and The Replacements. From intimate jazz clubs to grand concert halls, the city offers a symphony of sounds and experiences for every music lover.

Day One

Start your day at the iconic Electric Fetus, a legendary record store that has been a staple of the Minneapolis music scene for over 50 years. Browse their extensive collection of vinyl, CDs, and music memorabilia, and discover new artists or rediscover old favorites—including an award-winning selection of signed records. The knowledgeable staff can offer recommendations and share stories about the local music scene. Prince could often be found exploring both new music and old favorites here.

And for Prince lovers, no music pilgrimage to Minneapolis is complete without a visit to Paisley Park, Prince's legendary home and recording studio. Explore the museum and immerse yourself in the world of the Purple One, discovering his creative process, iconic costumes, and musical instruments. In Downtown Minneapolis, you can check out First Avenue, the beloved Minneapolis nightclub featured in Purple Rain that hosted Prince performances throughout the 80s. Recreate an iconic Prince photo in front of the Schmitt Music Wall at 10th and Marquette, featuring a massive black and white piano piece across the entire brick wall of the building that housed the Schmitt Music headquarters in the 1970s. (For more of Prince’s Minneapolis, check out our list of landmarks and key locations from his life here.)

Day Two

Dedicate your second day to a show at one of our world-class music venues. Steeped in music history, The Armory has not only hosted national touring musicians, sporting events, and comedians but also served as a backdrop for iconic music videos like Prince's "1999" and Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing.” The luxe, 1850-capacity Fillmore Minneapolis is one of the city’s newest venues—opened in 2020, the space is known for its excellent acoustics and lighting, and features Trax Burgers and Bar which sources ingredients from within 200 miles. Built in 1915, Dinkytown’s 950-capacity Varsity Theater is a historic venue known for hosting breakout artists. Located in the heart of the North Loop's Warehouse District, the Fine Line Music Café is a swanky live music venue with a rich history, hosting a diverse range of nationally and regionally known acts since 1987.

For dinner, grab a bite at a Minneapolis restaurant featuring live music. The Dakota offers an intimate cabaret experience with world-class jazz performers, Bunkers Music Bar & Grill features bar food and live roots rock, funk, R&B, and blues music six nights a week, Icehouse on Eat Street is a two-story music club offering dinner and specialty cocktails, Merlins Rest Pub serves up British pub fare with a side of live Irish music, jazz, blues, and folk, and 331 Club hosts regular local live music along with pizza and happy hour pints in a classic dive atmosphere.

Day Three

Catch a matinee performance by the renowned Minnesota Orchestra at Orchestra Hall, a stunning modernist building on Nicollet in Downtown Minneapolis. The orchestra performs over 175 classical, pops and jazz concerts annually, including hi-def movie screenings scored by the live orchestra. In 2019, Orchestra Hall became the first performing arts center in the U.S. to be awarded LEED v4 O+M Silver certification, reflecting Minneapolis’s dedication to the arts and sustainability. Within a block of Orchestra Hall, you’ll find several notable dining options, including Brits Pub, Barrio, the Dakota Jazz Club, and Hell’s Kitchen.

Bring home a piece of Minneapolis's creative spirit by shopping the city's art scene and supporting local artists. From independent galleries and artist studios to bustling markets and charming boutiques, you'll find unique treasures and one-of-a-kind gifts throughout the city.

Day One

Start your day in the charming Linden Hills neighborhood, known for its picturesque streets lined with independent shops and boutiques. Grab brunch at Tilia or Turkish bagels at Cafe Ceres, then browse the curated selection of fine art, prints, ceramics, and gifts from local artists and makers at Everett & Charlie Art Gallery. Browse art books and more at indie bookstore Comma, a Bookshop. Pop into Heartfelt for craft supplies and giftable art kits for the whole family, or stay and make something special onsite.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the world of printmaking at the Highpoint Center for Printmaking in the Lyn-Lake neighborhood. Browse their gallery, featuring contemporary prints from local and national artists, or take a workshop to make your own works of art and explore the printmaking process. Then head to the MCAD Galleries at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design for rotating exhibitions that highlight diverse perspectives and mediums—and if you’re lucky enough to visit in November, mark your calendars for the annual MCAD art sale where you can shop one-of-a-kind artwork by students and alumni. While you’re there, be sure to check out MCAD’s own sculpture garden featuring works created by MCAD students, alumni, faculty members, and invited artists.

Day Two

Grab an authentic French pastry at Patisserie 46 before wandering a few steps over to ColorWheel Gallery, a boutique featuring local artists, jewelry makers, greeting cards and prints, and eclectic treasures with a focus on social justice. Then make your way to Fresh Eye Gallery, a community art space showcasing work by emerging and mid-career artists of all backgrounds and abilities (the gallery is a program of MSS, a non-profit serving adults with disabilities in the Twin Cities since 1949). Their gift shop is a neighborhood treasure, featuring a variety of local artist-made art, gifts, and publications. Another great shopping stop is Gamut Gallery, an eclectic art gallery, gift shop, and performance space in Downtown Minneapolis where you’ll find locally designed clothing, prints, ceramics and sculpture, jewelry, and original paintings.

Discover the unique world of ceramics at the Northern Clay Center in Minneapolis’s Seward neighborhood. Browse the gallery, featuring contemporary ceramic art from local and national artists, and explore the center's shop, offering a wide selection of handmade pottery and ceramic gifts. Afterwards, head south to the Minnehaha Mile, a stretch of Minnehaha Avenue featuring a mix of boutiques, vintage shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Be sure to check out Hair and Nails, an intimate artist-run contemporary art gallery before enjoying a Jucy Lucy at nearby Matt’s Bar and Grill to toast a successful weekend of Minneapolis art patronage!

The Twin Cities have a rich cinematic history, serving as the backdrop for numerous films, from cult classics to Hollywood blockbusters (think Jingle All the Way, Purple Rain, the Mighty Ducks, Catch Me If You Can, and Beautiful Girls). In this itinerary, you’ll explore Minneapolis’s love of film and historic movie theaters.

Day One

Start your day in Saint Anthony Main, a tree-lined, picturesque neighborhood on the northern bank of the Mississippi. Grab brunch at Aster Cafe, a romantic European-inspired restaurant with one of the best patios in the city. Then head next door to the Main Cinema, home of the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival and the MSP Film Society — a nonprofit dedicated to showcasing independent and international films. Catch a screening of a new release or arthouse film, or plan your trip around one of their many film festivals and programs, from Cine Latino in October, Midnight Mayhem throw-back features, or the monthly Minnesota Made series featuring Minnesota filmmakers and artists. After the show, grab dinner at Alma, known for their nationally recognized four-course seasonal tasting menu and wine pairings in the perfect atmosphere for discussing the finer points of film.

Day Two

Explore the diverse landscape of independent neighborhood cinemas in Minneapolis, plus some great eats within walking distance of the screen in this choose-your-own-film-adventure day.

At the historic 1950s-style Riverview Theater, retro aesthetics meet 21st-century comforts (think high-backed rocker seats and digital sound) with new releases and special screenings like an annual Lord of the Rings trilogy marathon. Afterwards, grab duck fat fries, wild mushroom pizza, and specialty cocktails at Lynette.

Trylon Cinema, an intimate, volunteer-run non-profit theater in the Longfellow neighborhood, is a cinephile's paradise showcasing classic and international films on 35mm projectors. With a lovingly curated calendar, Trylon offers a unique cinematic experience (and most shows are just $8, or five for $30 with a Trylon Discount Card). Enjoy dinner before or after the show at Himalayan Restaurant, featuring Nepalese, Tibetan, and Indian dishes.

The Parkway Theater in South Minneapolis is a one-stop entertainment destination, hosting a diverse range of live events and throwback movie screenings in a historic 365-seat venue with both digital and 35mm projection capabilities, a full-service bar, and a retro video game arcade. After the show, grab some sashimi and drunken noodles at Bagu Sushi & Thai.

Landmark Theatres' Lagoon Cinema in Uptown offers independent films, foreign language cinema, and new releases in a luxurious setting with unobstructed view thanks to each auditorium’s steep incline. Nearby, Bryant Lake Bowl and Theater offers a vintage bowling alley, live music, comedy, film screenings, and a full menu featuring salads, burgers, tacos, and local craft beer on tap.

From classic to contemporary, intimate to grand, Minneapolis's arts and culture scene truly has it all. Whether you're seeking thought-provoking exhibitions, captivating performances, or unique shopping experiences, you'll find creative inspiration around every corner. Come explore the diverse offerings and discover your own artistic adventure in Minneapolis!