Sight guide · Minneapolis · United States
Visiting First Avenue
Prince filmed and performed Purple Rain at this former bus depot, which remains one of the most important independent music venues in the country.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: BpA9543, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
First Avenue is an experience in Downtown, Minneapolis. Allow an evening; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Experience
- Area
- Downtown
- Time needed
- An evening
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- after dark and history
- Best months
- May and September–October
About First Avenue
Prince filmed and performed Purple Rain at this former bus depot, which remains one of the most important independent music venues in the country. The black exterior is covered in silver stars bearing the names of acts who have played there, and the smaller 7th St Entry stage is next door.
Tip: Look for Prince's gold star on the outside wall, and check the calendar for gigs at both the main room and 7th St Entry.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: An evening.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Downtown, office towers, theatres on Hennepin Avenue and the enclosed skyway network.
Best time to visit First Avenue
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- September: 22°C (72°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- October: 14°C (57°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- May: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Minneapolis has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Minneapolis itinerary visits First Avenue on day 1, together with Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Walker Art Center and Basilica of Saint Mary.
- No. 5 of the 17 sights in our Minneapolis things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Minneapolis.
Near First Avenue
Also in Downtown, so you can walk between them:
- Minneapolis Skyway System — as needed, free
If you like First Avenue
- Mall of America — Bloomington, Half a day
Staying near First Avenue
Stay in Downtown ($$$) to walk here: office towers, theatres on Hennepin Avenue and the enclosed skyway network. All areas to stay in Minneapolis.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at First Avenue?
Plan an evening. With Minneapolis Skyway System nearby, it fits a half-day in Downtown.
+Is First Avenue free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit First Avenue?
May and September–October, the quietest of the good months. Look for Prince's gold star on the outside wall, and check the calendar for gigs at both the main room and 7th St Entry.
+Do I need to book First Avenue in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.