Evenitto's guide · Minneapolis–St. Paul
Classical concerts: questions and answers
What people ask most about going to a classical concert in America.
Finding a concert
Where can I find classical concerts in Minneapolis–St. Paul?
In the calendar on this page. We are just starting in the United States: every day we list the classical concerts on the venue calendars we read, today First Avenue and the Cedar in the Twin Cities, with more halls to come. For a full season, check the halls' own sites, such as Orchestra Hall and the Ordway.
Is there a classical concert tonight?
Very likely. Most days there is a classical concert somewhere in the Twin Cities, and many more on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The week page shows the ones on our calendar, day by day.
Are there free classical concerts?
Yes. In St. Paul the Schubert Club gives free Courtroom Concerts at noon most Thursdays at Landmark Center, most University of Minnesota School of Music concerts are free, and churches hold organ recitals with a free-will offering. The free page lists every free concert on the calendar.
Which classical music festivals are there in the United States?
Most are in summer: Tanglewood in the Berkshires, the Boston Symphony's summer home, Ravinia near Chicago, the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado, Marlboro Music in Vermont and the Grand Teton Music Festival in Wyoming. In Minnesota, the Minnesota Beethoven Festival in Winona and the Minnesota Orchestra's Summer at Orchestra Hall fill June to August.
Going to a concert
How do I get cheap tickets?
Look for student and young-adult prices. The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra lets kids and students in free, the Minnesota Orchestra has student rush and under-40 tickets for select concerts, and many American orchestras have similar programs. Buy from the hall or the orchestra's own website: resale sites often charge more than face value.
What do you wear to a classical concert?
There is no dress code. Wear what you would wear to a nice dinner; jeans are fine everywhere. Opening nights and galas are dressier.
When do you clap at a classical concert?
At the end of a whole piece, not between its movements: wait until the conductor lowers their arms or turns around. At the opera you can applaud after a big aria. Nobody minds a mistake.
How long does a classical concert last?
Most evening concerts start at 7:30 or 8 p.m. and last about two hours, including an intermission of about twenty minutes. Family concerts last about an hour, and some orchestras play one-hour concerts without an intermission.
Can I take my kids to a classical concert?
Yes: family concerts are made for kids and say which ages they suit, and some orchestras give sensory-friendly concerts. For regular concerts, check the hall's age advice; a weekend matinee is a good first concert. The Minnesota Orchestra's Hall Pass gives kids free tickets to select concerts.
Through the year
When can I hear Handel's Messiah?
Mostly in December, when orchestras, churches and choirs across the country perform it, often as a sing-along where the audience sings the choruses from the score. Boston's Handel and Haydn Society has performed it every year since 1854.
Where can I find Christmas concerts?
Throughout December: Handel's Messiah and sing-along Messiahs, holiday pops and choral Christmas concerts, then New Year's Eve concerts. In 2026 the St. Olaf Christmas Festival comes to Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis on December 4 and 5. The Christmas page lists those on the calendars we read.
About this guide
Which orchestras play in Minneapolis–St. Paul?
The Minnesota Orchestra, founded in 1903 as the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, plays Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra plays the Ordway in St. Paul, where Minnesota Opera also performs. Add college and community orchestras, baroque ensembles and many choirs.
How does Evenitto choose the concerts?
Concerts come from the venues' own calendars. A ranking puts forward the highlights by venue, performers and date; nothing is hand-picked yet. Nobody pays to be listed or picked.