Live Music Venues in Saint Paul
Minnesota’s vibrant music scene always surprises visitors, but you won’t be so shocked after you visit these awesome local music venues.
Minnesota Music Month
In a 2019 proclamation, Governor Tim Walz named April as Minnesota Music Month. Minnesota Music Month recognizes the deep influence of its artists and their contributions to foster understanding of one another through music. The month is a chance to honor the creativity, energy, and rich history of Minnesota’s music scene.
MN Music Month Programming
While the Xcel Energy Center is the largest and best-known space for concerts in the city, these smaller spaces are great for grabbing a bite, a drink and a show.
Amsterdam Bar and Hall
Grab some Dutch frites and settle in for an act at Amsterdam Bar and Hall. If you like the 331Club in Northeast Minneapolis, you’ll fit in just fine here. Amsterdam regularly hosts live music, album releases, podcast tapings, drinking spelling bees and more.
Blues Saloon
Formerly Wilebski's Blues Saloon, the legendary Blues Saloon is the place to be on Tuesday nights with weekly "Greatest Jam on Earth" session from 7-11 p.m.
Ginkgo Coffeehouse
If you love quirky coffeehouses and live music, then check into who’s playing at Gingko Coffeehouse, located off of University and Snelling. In addition to concerts, there’s often family storytelling, art hours and other creative events.
MetroNOME Brewery
MetroNOME was founded on the belief that education, and music education in particular, is the gateway to a better, more fulfilling life. Stop in this hopping brew spot in Lowertown is host to a collection of weekly live performances from local musicians spanning a variety of genres.
Minnesota Music Cafe
If you’re near Payne Avenue, stop by the Minnesota Music Cafe. It’s known for some of the best live music in town, but don’t expect anything glamorous—it’s all about the stage, the sound, and the dance floor. If the mismatched tables are going to bother you, then you aren’t here for the right reasons.
Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre is the mack daddy of iconic Saint Paul concert venues. Reopened in 2017 after sitting idle for 40 years, the freshly renovated theatre has quickly become a favorite spot for national artists and music fans alike.
Papa Legba Lounge
Head to Cesar Chavez Street to sit back, relax and unwind at this cozy, yet elegant musical lounge. Inspired by music's greats such as Minneapolis' own Prince, as well as others like Arthea Franklin, James Brown and Etta James; this venue is the place for anything from smooth jazz to soul.
The Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium
Built in 1932, this iconic 5,000-plus capacity venue—named after prominent civil rights activist—has seen the likes of The Grateful Dead, David Bowie, Bob Dylan to name a few. Its comfortable and retro vibe invites entertainment lovers to jam out to anything from rock and hip-hop to country and jazz.
Turf Club
One of the most intimate music clubs in Saint Paul is the Turf Club, a staple to the music scene on University Avenue. This club is known for pulling in talent before they hit it big, but that doesn't stop big names from stopping in every once and awhile.
White Squirrel Bar
A cozy neighborhood bar on West 7th Street that features a handful of booths, a long bar serving up seven signature cocktails, and a collection of tables that face the intimate stage for weekly live music performances from Saint Paul musicians.
Discover More Capital City Music
Your Guide to the Twin Cities Jazz Festival
Start Listening Up: Urban Lights Music
Record Stores in Saint Paul
Outdoor Summer Music
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