The Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis
The Cedar Cultural Center is a nonprofit world-music hall at 416 Cedar Avenue South in Minneapolis, with 400 general-admission seats or room for 645 standing.
Photo credits
The Cedar Cultural Center on Cedar Avenue in Minneapolis by day: the tall CEDAR marquee over the former movie theater entrance, with the Cedar-Riverside towers behind: Fibonacci Blue · CC BY 2.0
Quick answers
- Capacity
- 400 seated or 645 standing, depending on the show
- Address
- 416 Cedar AvenueMinneapolis, MN 55454
- Seating
- General admission, never more than 30 feet from the stage
- Doors and start
- Doors usually 7 PM; shows usually 7:30 or 8 PM CT
- Light rail
- Blue Line Cedar-Riverside, about 5 minutes on foot
- Parking
- University of Minnesota 19th Avenue Ramp, 1/3 block east
- Tickets
- Etix online until 6:30 PM, then the door if available
- Ages
- All ages unless the event page says otherwise
- Contact
- +1 612-338-2674
The Cedar Cultural Center agenda: upcoming events
Tonight, this week and the months ahead at this venue in Minneapolis.
Last night at The Cedar Cultural Center: Noise Party Vol. 15
January 2027
- Fri8Jan
- Sat16Jan
- Fri22Jan
- Sun24Jan
February 2027
- Tue2Feb
- Wed3Feb
- Thu4Feb
- Sat13Feb
- Fri26Feb
March 2027
- Wed10Mar
- Sat13Mar
Plan your visit to The Cedar Cultural Center
How many people does The Cedar Cultural Center hold?
The Cedar's hall holds 400 people for a seated concert and 645 for a standing show, so it sits between a club and a theater.
The Cedar says the hall can be set up either way and that no audience member is ever more than 30 feet from the stage. Whether a show is seated or standing is stated on its event page.
For scale: the Pantages Theatre on Hennepin Avenue seats 1,014, First Avenue's Main Room holds 1,550 and its 7th St Entry holds 250.
| Venue | Capacity | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The Cedar Cultural Center, seated concert | 400 | The Cedar (Mission & History) |
| The Cedar Cultural Center, standing concert | 645 | The Cedar (Mission & History) |
| 7th St Entry (First Avenue) | 250 | Wikipedia, First Avenue |
| Pantages Theatre (Hennepin Arts) | 1,014 seats | Hennepin Arts |
| First Avenue, Main Room | 1,550 | Wikipedia, First Avenue |
The Cedar seating chart: general admission, seated or standing
There is no assigned seating at The Cedar: seated shows are general admission, first come, first served, and some shows are standing.
The Cedar does not publish a seat map with rows and seat numbers. The seating charts that appear in search results come from ticket resellers; the venue's own advice is to buy only through Etix from thecedar.org.
Every event page is labeled Seated or Standing, together with the age rule, so check it before you go.
- Doors open 30 minutes to 1 hour before showtime. For a seated show with open seating, arriving when doors open is the way to choose where you sit.
- The hall is small: the Cedar states that nobody is more than 30 feet from the stage, so even a back seat at a 400-seat concert is close.
- Need an accessible seat? Request it in advance; for sold-out standing shows no more than 50 seats are available for accommodations.
- Seated shows: the Cedar can reserve specific seating for guests who need accommodations.
How a night at The Cedar works
From ticket to the last song at a typical Cedar-presented concert.
- Check the event page: it says Seated or Standing, the age rule, and the door and show times.
- Buy on thecedar.org through the blue Buy Tickets button, which sends you to Etix. Online sales end at 6:30 PM on the day; after that tickets may be sold at the door depending on availability.
- Arrive when doors open, usually at 7 PM. Doors are 30 minutes to 1 hour before the show.
- Grab a drink or snack at the concessions bar in the lobby; complimentary ear plugs are there too.
- Enjoy the show, usually starting at 7:30 or 8 PM. Flash photography is never allowed.
- Getting home: street meters on Cedar Avenue stop being enforced after 10 PM; the light rail stations are a short walk away.
The Cedar tickets: where to buy, door sales, discounts and refunds
Buy Cedar-presented shows through Etix from thecedar.org; online sales end at 6:30 PM on the day of the show.
After online sales close, tickets may be available at the door, at the discretion of event staff, and service may be unavailable if a show is busy. The box office answers the phone Monday to Friday at variable hours (612-338-2674); leave a message if no one picks up.
Shows with First Avenue presents in the title are ticketed through First Avenue, and other rental partners have their own ticketing. The Cedar discourages third-party resellers: it cannot validate a reseller ticket until you arrive.
| Who or what | Rule |
|---|---|
| Children 5-12 and seniors 65+ | About 20% off at the door for Cedar-presented shows, in person on the day of the show, subject to availability |
| Students with a current school ID | $10 tickets at the door for Cedar-presented shows, subject to availability |
| Children 4 and under | Free at most Cedar-presented shows, subject to availability |
| Children 5 and up | Need a ticket |
| Refunds and exchanges | Non-refundable and non-exchangeable, except canceled, postponed or rescheduled shows |
| Can't go | Donate the ticket value to The Cedar (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) for resale, or transfer it with Etix Account Manager |
Food and drink at The Cedar: the bar, snacks and the restaurant next door
The Cedar serves beer, wine, non-alcoholic and THC beverages, plus chips and cookies; vegan and gluten-free options are available.
- Concessions bar in the lobby for drinks and snacks.
- Nadar Persian Restaurant shares the building; The Cedar suggests coming early for a kabab next door.
- Cedar-Riverside has many other restaurants; the Cedar asks guests to support the neighborhood's local businesses.
- Complimentary ear plugs are by the concessions bar in the lobby.
Rules at The Cedar: ages, photos, bags and conduct
Everyone is welcome at all ages unless the event page says otherwise, flash photography is never allowed and everyone must follow the Code of Conduct.
- Ages: people of all ages are welcome unless noted on the event page; some adult-oriented events carry an age advisory such as 18+ encouraged.
- Photography: non-flash photography is permitted at most shows at the artist's discretion; phones and small point-and-shoot cameras are allowed at most shows; extensive filming is not allowed without permission.
- Code of Conduct: harassment, discrimination and aggressive behavior are not welcome, and staff can be recognized by their name tags.
- Bags, ID and coat check: The Cedar's FAQ lists no bag, ID or coat-check rule. Call 612-338-2674 or email [email protected] before bringing a large bag.
Accessibility at The Cedar: ADA seating, listening devices and entrances
The Cedar reserves accessible seating for every show on request, offers an assistive listening system and a companion ticket, and has an accessible all-gender restroom.
Contact the box office at 612-338-2674 or [email protected] to arrange anything in advance.
- ADA seating
- Request in advance. Standing shows keep a section of seats and spaces for accommodations, capped at 50 seats when sold out; seated shows can have specific seats reserved
- Assistive listening
- 20 wireless devices with headphones, earbuds or neck loops; request 24 hours ahead by phone or email, or ask a house manager on the night
- Companion ticket
- Buy one ticket and The Cedar provides a complimentary ticket for one aide, PCA or companion
- Restroom
- Single-unit, all-gender, ADA accessible restroom near the front entrance
- Drop-off
- Loading and drop-off zone directly in front of the doors; no curb cut there, the closest is at the crosswalk 200 feet south
- Service animals
- Allowed as defined by the ADA
- Ear protection
- Free ear plugs in the lobby; over-ear protection for children on request
- Metro Mobility
- Rides can be scheduled through Metro Mobility; 24/7 dispatch 651-602-1111
The Cedar Cultural Center address and how to get there by light rail, bus and car
The Cedar is at 416 Cedar Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55454 in the West Bank / Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, about a 5-minute walk from two light rail stations.
Light rail from downtown: the Blue Line runs from Target Field Station through Nicollet Mall, Government Plaza and U.S. Bank Stadium to Cedar-Riverside; the Green Line runs between Target Field and Union Depot and stops at West Bank after U.S. Bank Stadium. The Blue Line also serves both MSP airport terminals and Mall of America.
Fares: $2 ($1 for eligible riders) for 2.5 hours, including transfers. An All-Day Pass is valid until 2 a.m. the next day. The Metro Transit trip planner shows the last train home for your night.
By car: from the east take I-94 West to the Cedar Avenue exit (234C) and go three blocks north; from the north take I-35W South to the Washington Avenue exit; from the south take I-35W North to the University of Minnesota exits (17C) and follow the West Bank sign; from the west take I-94 East to 25th Ave/Riverside Ave (235A).
Parking at The Cedar: the 19th Avenue Ramp and street meters
The closest ramp is the University of Minnesota 19th Avenue Ramp, 1/3 block east of The Cedar on Riverside Avenue, where evening parking costs $1.00 per hour.
Meters are free on City holidays, but read the sign at each space because rates and hours differ by block.
| Option | Address or location | Walk | Rate or rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota 19th Avenue Ramp | 300 19th Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55455 | About 1 to 2 minutes | $3.00/hour on weekdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m., $1.00/hour all other times; no event rates; max vehicle height 8 ft 1 in |
| Metered street parking | Cedar Avenue and nearby streets | At the door | Fills up fast; Cedar Avenue meters enforced until 10 PM; read the posted rate and time limit at each meter |
| Drop-off zone | In front of The Cedar's front doors | 0 | Loading and drop-off only; no curb cut in front |
Contact The Cedar: phone, box office and email
Call 612-338-2674 for the box office and general questions.
- Phone
- 612-338-2674
- General email
- [email protected]
- Tickets and accessibility
- [email protected]
- Room rental and booking
- [email protected] (the Cedar Listening Room)
- Address
- 416 Cedar Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55454
- Box office
- By phone Monday-Friday at variable hours; in-person ticket appointments by calling or emailing
Official links
About The Cedar Cultural Center: global music in Cedar-Riverside since 1989
The Cedar is a nonprofit music and dance venue whose mission is intercultural appreciation through global music and dance.
It opened on September 16, 1989 in a building constructed as a movie theater and calls itself the only all-ages venue of its kind in the Midwest. Programming spans global roots, folk, indie, experimental, bluegrass, Americana and blues, plus residencies, workshops, films, dance, comedy and spoken word.
The Cedar sits in Cedar-Riverside, which it describes as home to the largest Somali diaspora in the U.S. The venue is a registered 501(c)(3).
Photos
Photo credits
The Cedar Cultural Center on Cedar Avenue in Minneapolis by day: the tall CEDAR marquee over the former movie theater entrance, with the Cedar-Riverside towers behind: Fibonacci Blue · CC BY 2.0
A band performing under stage lights in front of a black curtain at The Cedar Cultural Center, monitors at the lip of the stage: Casaini · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cropped
The street entrance of The Cedar Cultural Center at 416 Cedar Avenue: the painted Cedar Cultural Center sign, the glass doors and the poster cases on both sides: edkohler · CC BY 2.0 · Cropped
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The Cedar Cultural Center FAQ
How many people does The Cedar Cultural Center hold?
The hall holds 400 for a seated concert and 645 for a standing show, and nobody is more than 30 feet from the stage.
Is The Cedar seated or standing?
Both. Each event page is labeled Seated or Standing. Seated shows are general admission, first come, first served.
What time do doors open and shows start at The Cedar?
At most Cedar-presented concerts doors open at 7 PM and the show starts at 7:30 or 8 PM CT; doors are 30 minutes to 1 hour before showtime. Event calendars usually list a 10:30 or 11 PM end. Early-evening and family shows differ, so confirm on the event page.
Where do I park for The Cedar?
Use the University of Minnesota 19th Avenue Ramp, 1/3 block east on Riverside Avenue (300 19th Avenue S). It charges $1.00 per hour outside weekday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and has no event rates. Cedar Avenue meters are enforced until 10 PM but fill up fast.
How do I get to The Cedar by light rail?
Take the METRO Blue Line to Cedar-Riverside Station, or the Green Line to West Bank Station. Each is about a 5-minute walk. Routes 7 and 22 stop at Cedar Ave and Washington Ave.
Where do I buy tickets for The Cedar?
Through the Buy Tickets button on thecedar.org, which leads to Etix for Cedar-presented shows. Online sales end at 6:30 PM on the day; door sales depend on availability. Tickets are non-refundable except for canceled or rescheduled shows.
Is The Cedar all ages?
Yes unless the event page says otherwise. Children 5 and up need a ticket; children 4 and under are free at most Cedar-presented shows.
What is The Cedar's bag policy?
The Cedar's FAQ lists no bag policy. Call 612-338-2674 or email [email protected] before bringing a large bag.
Does The Cedar serve alcohol?
The Cedar serves beer, wine, and non-alcoholic and THC beverages, plus chips and cookies, at the lobby concessions bar. It publishes no ID rule, so ask the box office.
Is The Cedar wheelchair accessible?
The Cedar offers ADA seating on request for seated and standing shows, a single-unit accessible restroom near the front entrance, a drop-off zone at the front doors, assistive listening devices and a free companion ticket. Request seating in advance; call 612-338-2674.
Can I get a refund if I cannot go?
Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable except for canceled, postponed or rescheduled shows. You can donate the ticket value to The Cedar for resale or transfer it through Etix Account Manager.
Are there student or senior discounts at The Cedar?
Students with a school ID may get $10 tickets at the door, and children 5-12 and seniors 65+ about 20% off at the door for Cedar-presented shows, subject to availability.
Can I take photos at The Cedar?
Non-flash photography is permitted at most shows at the artist's discretion. Flash photography is never permitted, and extensive filming needs prior permission.
Is there food near The Cedar?
The lobby bar sells chips and cookies. Nadar Persian Restaurant shares the building, and Cedar-Riverside has many other restaurants.
Sources: The Cedar: Mission & History (October 26, 2026) · The Cedar: Access Services (October 26, 2026) · The Cedar: FAQ (October 26, 2026) · The Cedar: FAQ, parking and University of Minnesota PTS (October 26, 2026) · The Cedar: Contact (October 26, 2026)
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