First Avenue's Best New Bands of 2025 First Avenue Minneapolis

First Avenue is a music nightclub located in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The nightclub is known for providing a unique and innovative cultural environment. It is celebrated for being one of the longest-running, independently owned and operated venues across the nation. First Avenue promotes artistic expression in diverse voices for the community. The venue enjoys ownership of the Turf Club, the Fine Line, The Depot Tavern, the 7th St Entry, The Fitzgerald Theater, and the First Avenue Mainroom. It also co-operates with the Palace Theatre.

First Avenue opened for the local public on April 3, 1970. It has a seating capacity of 1,550 and was formerly known as Greyhound Bus Depot (1937–1970), The Depot (1970–1972), Uncle Sam's (1972–1979), and Sam's (1979–1981). The venue's current name is derived from the building's location on the corner of First Avenue. According to David Carr (which he wrote in The New York Times), First Avenue's cultural weight and history are matched by only a few clubs in the entire nation: Maxwell's, Metro Chicago, CBGB, and 9:30 Club.

In 2020, First Avenue celebrated its 50th anniversary as a nightclub. The venue has been the starting point for many bands that have come out of the Twin Cities, such as Hüsker Dü, Soul Asylum, Semisonic, Prince, The Revolution, The Replacements, Atmosphere, Brother Ali, and Dosh.