5 Fun Things to Do in Minneapolis at Night

Everyone’s version of fun is different. For some, a great night out means going to a club. For others, this is nothing but pure torture. This is what’s so great about cosmopolitan areas like Minneapolis; there’s so much to do. Sure, it takes some getting used to, but it’s not like you’ve traveled to a different country across the globe.

Aside from amazing local cuisine and breweries, Minneapolis has a pretty vivid nightlife. Clubs, bars, and world-class lounges are around every corner; all you have to do is pick the right place for you.

However, if you want to spend a quiet night at a local theater or even partake in some games, Minneapolis also covers you on this front.

So, for all those unsure how to spend their night in Minneapolis, here’s our top five list.

1. Eat and drink

While local cuisine and beverages are something that any city could offer, the number and quality of options in Minneapolis are quite high.

First of all, there are so many breweries and distilleries in Minneapolis. You can tour the best distilleries and breweries in the Twin Cities. Now, if you’re up to try some local brews, Surly Furious IPA, Indeed’s Day Tripper Pale Ale, and Wonderstuff is just some of the options you can’t afford to miss out on.

Then, there’s the local cuisine. Due to the demographic structure, Minneapolis has predominantly Nordic and German cuisine. It also has some amazing variations on well-known meals. For instance, Juicy Lucy is a cheeseburger variation where cheese is mixed with the patty instead of just being laid on top. It originates from Minneapolis, the only place to try an authentic Juicy Lucy.

Now, keep in mind that Minneapolis is a metropolis. This means you can find restaurants representing any cuisine you can think of. Finding great Italian, Mexican, or Chinese food is fairly simple.

1. Listen and dance to some live music

Everyone loves music; however, our opinions on genres differ. This is why you need to look up their repertoire for bars with live music in Minneapolis.

If you can’t decide between craft cocktails, seafood, and a dance club, you should head to The Exchange and get everything. It’s a great place to blow off steam and enjoy great music and full professional service.

Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge is unique because it was made in a former firehouse (hence the name). Now, the place itself is not as big as some nightclubs in the city, which makes it great for a more intimate night out. In other words, perfect for smaller shows.

First Avenue is probably the most iconic club in the area. The place is amazing for standing concerts, and with a performer right up your alley, it might be an amazing opportunity to feel the place’s vibe. The experience is amazing, and the place’s layout was made with multiple bars in mind. In other words, you’re never far from one when you need it.

1. Visit a theatre

What about enjoying a bit of culture while in Minneapolis? It turns out that while many people go to Minneapolis for sports, food, and breweries, the city has many cultural venues. At some, you can watch plays, movies, and even musicals.

Riverview Theater seats 700 patrons, and it’s considerably cheaper than the majority of competing multiplexes. Now, in the pre-COVID era, the movie specializes in second-run films. Today, however, it also runs first-run films. It also offers midnight screenings, a unique opportunity to experience cinema in a new way.

Orpheum Theater was originally built in 1921, and as such, it plays a crucial role in the history of the city. At one point, the theater was in the ownership of Bob Dylan, which is already impressive in its own right. Several musicals (like The Lion King) premiered in this theater. Since its renovation in 1993, the place has been undergoing its renaissance.

If, on the other hand, you want to go to a real historic theater, State Theatre should be your first stop. The place has hosted numerous Broadway touring productions, which is an experience of its own.

1. Exercise and have fun at paintball or rock climbing

While in Minneapolis, you might want to blow off some steam. There are a lot of great ways to do so. For some people, dancing, clubbing, and drinking are ways to unwind. Others want something more physically challenging.

One of the things you want to try while in Minneapolis is its amazing paintball courts. Now, the biggest drawback of this is that you can’t do it alone. You’ll need a crew, but you can also look online to see if there are open groups to enlist.

Since Free Solo came out, everyone has gone crazy about rock climbing. Sure, this trend is quite old, but a recent boost in popularity gave birth to numerous climbing gyms worldwide. Minnesota wasn’t spared of this trend either.

Some of the best places to climb in Minneapolis are Vertical Endeavors, Minnesota Climbing Cooperative, and Recreation & Wellness Center Climbing Gym. Now, the instructors there are quite friendly and have their own equipment. Still, it might be worth your while to do some exploration beforehand.

1. Visit an escape room

Finally, if you’re in for a quiet night of mystery, socialization, and puzzles, you should consider giving an escape room a go.

This is fun for a small group of people and can drastically enhance team-building activities. It’s challenging and exciting, giving you the adrenaline boost you might want.

An escape room is great for team building, a third/fourth date, a family night out, or even a bachelor’s party. Overall, it’s hard to create scenarios where it would be an overwhelmingly bad idea.

All you need to do is go to the Breakout Games site and find events in Minneapolis.

Wrap up

It all comes down to your idea of a perfect night out. Minneapolis has many options, regardless if you want something wild and lavish or quiet and intellectually stimulating. Moreover, there’s no reason for you to choose at all; you can organize your night to fit as many different experiences as you want.