First Avenue Stars Wall
Iconic Minneapolis music venue in an old depot, famous for its star-studded exterior and intimate live performances since 1970.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the legendary venue
First Avenue Stars Wall
Best Time
Experience the legendary venue
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Minneapolis music venue in an old depot, famous for its star-studded exterior and intimate live performances since 1970.
"A great venue with welcoming staff and amazing history, highly recommend seeing a show here!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Views
Get there ahead of time to secure a good spot on the main floor or rail.
👕 Dress Lightly
The venue can get warm, so wear comfortable, lighter clothing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Star Wall
Exterior of First Avenue
Walk among the stars! This iconic outdoor wall honors legendary musicians who've graced the First Avenue stage.
Prince's Purple Star
Balcony area
A special tribute to the Purple One, this star inside commemorates Prince's iconic 'Purple Rain' filming.
Intimate Main Floor
Main floor
Experience live music up close in this smaller venue, offering great sightlines and an energetic atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Prime Spots
Dress for Warmth
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Views
Get there ahead of time to secure a good spot on the main floor or rail.
👕 Dress Lightly
The venue can get warm, so wear comfortable, lighter clothing.
Questions about first avenue venue
💧 Stay Hydrated
Staff sometimes hand out water, but consider bringing your own or buying it to stay cool.
⭐ Snap Star Photos
Don't miss the exterior star wall and the Prince tribute inside! :camerawithflash:
Any First Avenue Tips?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Views
Get there ahead of time to secure a good spot on the main floor or rail.
👕 Dress Lightly
The venue can get warm, so wear comfortable, lighter clothing.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Staff sometimes hand out water, but consider bringing your own or buying it to stay cool.
⭐ Snap Star Photos
Don't miss the exterior star wall and the Prince tribute inside! :camerawithflash:
🎟️ AXS Ticketing
First Avenue uses AXS for ticketing, so have your tickets ready. :ticket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
First Avenue is celebrated for its intimate atmosphere, excellent sound quality, and rich musical history, making it a beloved venue for live music enthusiasts. Attendees appreciate the elevated stage for good sightlines and the thoughtful touches like water distribution during shows. However, some find the front rail uncomfortable and the venue can get quite warm.
"Overall, I had a great experience at this venue. It’s on the smaller side, which creates an intimate atmosphere and makes it easier to get a good view—especially with the stage being higher than average. That elevation really helped with visibility, even from further back in the crowd.
It did get very warm inside, but I appreciated that staff handed out bottled water to the front of the crowd—definitely a thoughtful touch. The sound quality was excellent throughout the night, and they did a great job switching stage setups quickly between bands. During the breaks, they lowered a screen that played a loop of upcoming shows—nice for planning future visits, though the loop did get a little repetitive after a while.
My only real complaint is the slanted edge at the front rail on the floor—it’s awkward to stand on and pretty uncomfortable after a while. If you’re heading for a spot on the rail, be prepared for some uneven footing."
Maegan
"Joshua Ray Walker was outstanding! The venue is small but I was glad to discover the sound wasn't out of control. I like that there are bleacher seats against the back wall if you didn't want to stand."
Kara Jacob
"What a great venue, and the staff were all very welcoming and helpful. I requested ADA accommodations and was surprised to see a seat with my name on it. That's such a huge deal for people who need accomodations and go to shows alone; that way if you need to go to the bathroom you don't lose your seat. Absolutely top notch!"
Heather S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
First Avenue is located in downtown Minneapolis. Many attendees find parking options nearby, and public transportation is also a viable option for reaching the venue.
Yes, there are plenty of parking options available within close proximity to First Avenue, making it convenient for those driving.
Public transportation is a good way to get to First Avenue, especially if you're coming from different parts of Minneapolis. Check local transit schedules for routes and times.
First Avenue offers ADA accommodations, including reserved seating, to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests.
Many concert-goers opt for ride-sharing services or public transport to avoid parking hassles and enjoy the show without worry.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
First Avenue primarily uses AXS for ticketing, so purchasing tickets through their platform is recommended.
Operating hours vary depending on the event schedule. It's best to check the specific showtime for your desired concert.
While some venues require printed tickets, many now accept digital tickets via mobile apps. Check your AXS ticket details for specific instructions. :iphone:
Depending on the show's popularity, tickets may be available at the door, but it's safer to purchase in advance to guarantee entry.
Typically, First Avenue has a no re-entry policy. Once you leave the venue, you won't be able to go back inside.
🎫 ⭐ Onsite Experience
The main floor offers an intimate concert experience with good sightlines, especially since the stage is elevated.
While primarily standing room, there are bleacher seats against the back wall and some railing spots on the balcony for leaning.
The sound quality at First Avenue is generally excellent, providing a great audio experience for concert-goers.
The star wall is on the exterior of the building and can be viewed before or after a show. Inside, there's a special Prince star in the balcony.
It's advisable to wear comfortable, lighter clothing as the venue tends to get warm during performances.
📸 📸 Photography
Professional cameras are usually not allowed, but personal cameras and phones for casual photos are often permitted. Check the venue's specific policy for your event. :iphone:
Absolutely! The exterior star wall and the interior Prince star offer unique photo ops. The stage and crowd can also make for dynamic shots.
Daytime offers the best light for clear photos of the star wall. Golden hour can also provide beautiful lighting. :camerawithflash:
While casual phone photography is common, flash photography is usually discouraged to avoid distracting performers and other attendees.
The balcony offers a good vantage point for overall venue shots, while the main floor gets you closer to the action. Don't forget the Prince star!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When attending with older children, consider the venue's tendency to get warm and the standing-room-only nature of the main floor. Opting for balcony seating or arriving early to secure a spot with a railing to lean on can improve comfort. Be sure to check the age restrictions for specific shows, as some concerts may have age minimums.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services instead of paying for parking. Bringing a reusable water bottle might be an option if allowed, or factor in the cost of drinks. Exploring the exterior star wall is a free and iconic activity that captures the venue's essence.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legendary First Avenue Experience
The venue's commitment to the live music experience is evident in its excellent sound quality and efficient stage changeovers. They even use a screen during breaks to showcase upcoming shows, a nice touch for planning future visits. While the main floor is standing room, the balcony offers additional standing areas and some railing spots for leaning, providing options for different preferences.
Beyond the performances, First Avenue is a cultural landmark. The exterior 'Star Wall' is a must-see for any music fan, featuring stars for artists who have performed there. Inside, the balcony holds a special purple star dedicated to Prince, commemorating his deep connection to the venue and his filming of 'Purple Rain' there. This blend of history, atmosphere, and great music makes First Avenue a truly special place.
Navigating First Avenue: Tips from Attendees
Comfort is key, as the venue can get quite warm during energetic shows. Many visitors suggest dressing in lighter layers to stay comfortable throughout the performance. While staff sometimes provide bottled water, especially to those at the front, staying hydrated is crucial.
For those interested in the venue's history, take time to explore the exterior 'Star Wall' and the interior Prince tribute. The venue utilizes AXS for ticketing, so ensure your tickets are ready on your mobile device. Despite the potential for crowds, the venue's layout and staff efforts contribute to a well-organized and enjoyable live music experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit