First Avenue

The legendary downtown club where Prince filmed Purple Rain — still an independently run, working music venue with the silver star wall outside. A friend would absolutely send you to a show here; the Mainroom sound and sightlines hold up. Caveat: it's only open for events, so check the calendar — there's no daytime tour.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the Mainroom and 7th St Entry?

The Mainroom holds over 1,500 and gets the big touring acts; the Entry is a gloriously grimy 250-cap room around the corner where you catch bands on the way up. Same building, very different nights.

Is First Avenue standing room only?

Mostly yes — the vast majority of shows are general admission standing, with very limited seating. If you need a seat, contact the venue ahead about accessibility accommodations.

Whose stars are on the First Avenue wall?

Hundreds of silver stars honor artists who've played the club, from local heroes like The Replacements and Hüsker Dü to international acts. Prince's is the lone gold one — finding your favorites is a rite of passage.

Can I visit First Avenue during the day?

Not really — it's a working venue, not a museum, and it's only open for shows and events. You can always see the famous star wall from the sidewalk any time, which is honestly the main photo op anyway.

Is First Avenue the club from Purple Rain?

Yes — the performance scenes in Purple Rain were filmed in the Mainroom, and Prince played here many times. His star on the exterior wall is painted gold, the only one that is.

How much are First Avenue tickets?

Depends entirely on the act — smaller shows in the 7th St Entry can run $15-25, Mainroom shows are commonly $25-60. Buy through first-avenue.com or AXS to dodge resale markups.

How do I get to First Avenue?

It's in the heart of downtown at 7th St and 1st Ave N, two blocks from the Warehouse District light rail station. Through August 19, 2026, Blue Line trains are replaced by buses, so allow extra time or just ride-share.

Is there an age limit at First Avenue?

Many shows are 18+ or all-ages with wristbands for drinkers — it varies by event, so check the listing before buying. The box office is straightforward about it.

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