Evenitto's guide · Minneapolis–St. Paul
Going to a show
There is no dress code and nobody checks how well you know the band. Here is what actually happens at a concert in the United States, and how to get the best night for the least money.
Finding a show
Start with the calendar: filter by the day and a genre, and open a show to see the venue, the times, the age limit and where the tickets are sold.
Big tours go on sale months ahead, often with a presale first; small clubs sell a few weeks before. The venue's own newsletter is the surest way to hear first.
Tickets and fees
Buy from the venue's box office or the ticket company it links to, usually Ticketmaster or AXS. Since May 2025 sellers must show the total price, fees included, from the start, so compare totals.
If a show is sold out, use the official resale the venue links to, and be careful with tickets sold by strangers. Will call means you collect your ticket at the box office with your photo ID.
Age limits and ID
Every show is all ages, 18+ or 21+, and the listing says which. Bring a valid photo ID whatever your age: the door checks it, and only guests 21 and over can buy alcohol.
Rules for minors at 18+ shows differ by venue. At First Avenue's rooms they can come with their own parent or legal guardian; at others, under 18 means no entry.
Doors, openers and show time
A ticket shows two times: doors, when the venue opens, and show, when the first act starts. One or two openers usually play before the headliner.
The headliner often goes on an hour or more after the show time. Arrive at doors for the front; arrive later if you only want the headliner.
At the venue
Most shows are general admission: standing room, first come, first served. Clubs allow small bags and send backpacks to coat check; arenas allow only a small clutch or a clear bag, so read the venue's bag policy before you go.
Concerts are loud. Earplugs lower the volume without taking the music away, and the merch table, where the band sells shirts and records, is the best way to put money in their pocket.
Getting home
Metro Transit's Green Line light rail runs between downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul, and the Blue Line goes to the airport. Check its trip planner before the night, because service thins out late.
Downtown parking fills up on big nights, so book a ramp ahead or plan a rideshare pickup a block away from the crowd.