Events at Skyway Theatre, Minneapolis

About Skyway Theatre

Skyway Theatre is a large multi-level concert and event venue in downtown Minneapolis’s historic Hennepin Avenue theatre district. Opened in 1972 as the Skyway 2 movie theatre, it was the first new city cinema in decades (cinematreasures.org). In its movie-theater days it grew into a six-plex and even hosted stunts like an outdoor skating rink on Hennepin during a movie premiere (cinematreasures.org). By the 1990s the old cineplex had declined and finally closed in 1999. After sitting unused for years, it was reborn around 2013 under local owners Crissy and David Kabanuk (with help from Live Nation) as a live music hub (www.startribune.com). Today’s Skyway Theatre complex preserves the retro cineplex vibe (even old popcorn-area bars remain) while acting as a state-of-the-art music venue. The main hall spans two stories with dramatic 50-foot ceilings and a 30×20-foot stage screen (barflyminneapolis.com). It has modern sound and lighting systems throughout, plus multiple bars and VIP lounge suites. Its balcony is built in stadium style so nearly every seat has a clear view of the stage (skywaytheatre.com) (barflyminneapolis.com). The main floor is general admission (standing room), and a large balcony above holds seated viewing. In total the complex can accommodate roughly 200 to 2,500 guests across all areas (skywayone.wordpress.com) (www.startribune.com). (The main theatre alone with seats removed holds about 1,956 people (www.startribune.com).)

Skyway’s history makes it unique. It stands on the site of the 1968 Lyric Theatre, and as the Skyway cinema it was part of a golden age of downtown Minneapolis movie premieres (cinematreasures.org). The building still echoes that past; faded carpet and original cinema fixtures hint at its origins (www.startribune.com). Its rebirth as a concert venue gives downtown nightlife a large new stage. Local fans note that its “retro cineplex feel” combined with big sound and lights makes it a favorite spot, especially for younger concertgoers (www.startribune.com). As one patron put it, “Many young dance fans talked about the Skyway like it was their second home” (www.startribune.com). With its capacity between a club and an arena, Skyway Theatre has filled a niche by hosting everything from underground metal shows and indie bands to nationally touring artists and big EDM/DJ events. It shares the block with smaller sister rooms (Bar Fly, Studio B, The Loft) but is notable as downtown’s largest GA music club (www.startribune.com). In short, Skyway Theatre matters as both a link to Minneapolis entertainment history and a key part of the city’s contemporary live-music scene.

Events and Programming

Skyway Theatre hosts a wide range of live events. Concerts of all genres are held here – rock, indie, jam bands, country, metal and especially electronic dance music (EDM). Its official description notes that it “provides every aspect of the music industry” from country to dance to live comedy (skywaytheatre.com). Many famous touring acts have stopped in. For example, the venue’s reopening lineup included shows by Franz Ferdinand, Janelle Monáe, Matt Nathanson, Third Eye Blind and ZZ Ward (www.startribune.com). In recent years national touring bands such as Keys N Krates, Transviolet, Faster Pussycat and Extreme have played Skyway, as well as Chicago Heights, Slipknot and local favorites (www.concertarchives.org) (www.concertarchives.org). Studio B (the smaller performance space upstairs) hosts more intimate and often edgier shows – genres like heavy metal (Watain, Weedeater), hip-hop (MC Lars, Melodime), punk (Ceremony) and indie acts (Young Dubliners, Poliça) (www.concertarchives.org). The Loft on the 4th floor serves as an exclusive music room (often 100–800 capacity) with rooftop patio views, hosting EDM artists and DJ nights (see below) as well as special album-release or acoustic shows.

One of Skyway’s signatures is multi-stage dance and club events. The resident Bar Fly nightclub throws themed EDM and DJ parties almost every weekend (especially Thursday through Saturday) with local and name-brand DJs (skywaytheatre.com). Studio B also features DJs and dance music on certain nights. On New Year’s Eve, for example, Skyway hosted a multi-stage EDM party headlined by Ray Volpe and friends at both the main room and Studio B (skywaytheatre.com). Beyond music, Skyway occasionally seats comedy acts, burlesque shows or thematic events. (Because the Loft and Studio B are more intimate, they are popular for stand-up shows and private events.) The variety is broad, from big dance-festivals to small acoustic concerts or stand-up comedy, making it an all-purpose urban venue.

Events happen nearly every week during the music season. Ticket prices typically range from about $15–30 in advance for most shows, with major headliner concerts or special events sometimes $40–50 or more. Summer concerts are common and winter shows too. Skyway often books tours months in advance; keep an eye on its calendar to see everything from rock shows to EDM nights. Annual or recurring parties (like themed 80s night, industry mixers or holiday shows) may also appear. In short, if it’s live entertainment in Minneapolis and it fits a club or mid-sized hall, Skyway Theatre will likely host it.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for Skyway Theatre events are sold through the venue’s box office and authorized ticket outlets. Ticket sales typically open a couple of months before a big show and sell out quickly if it’s a popular act. Prices are posted on event announcements, but a general range is in the high teens or low twenties for up-and-coming artists, escalating for big-name concerts. For example, a New Year’s Eve EDM show listed $25 advance tickets (skywaytheatre.com). Be sure to check whether seats (often free balcony seats) or general admission standing tickets are on sale. Advance purchase is recommended for popular dates.

The venue itself has a box office window on the ground floor. Box office hours are weekdays, usually 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM (skywaytheatre.com). You can buy in person or call early to secure tickets (organizational box office info is not listed here per policy, but these hours apply). Online sales (via official sites or presale links) are common too, though this answer will not link to any specific ticket websites by name. Walk-up tickets may be available at the door if a show hasn’t sold out; typically the venue accepts cash-only door sales unless otherwise noted (skywaytheatre.com). (skywaytheatre.com)

When planning, watch for presale announcements (sometimes given to fan clubs or local radio), and mark your calendar so you can jump on the day tickets drop. For especially big events, people often queue outside or online early. If tickets do sell out, some shows may have very limited standby availability at the last minute. Resale markets exist, but always buy from a trusted source. The venue enforces a strict no-refund policy, so double-check your date and total before final purchase (skywaytheatre.com). (Refunds or exchanges happen only if the show itself is cancelled or rescheduled.) Overall, the best strategy is to buy early when the show is announced, and to plan to arrive at least a half-hour before doors to avoid long lines, especially for sold-out performances.

Seating and Layout

The Skyway Theatre complex has several performance spaces with different layouts. Its main concert hall (often simply called “Skyway Theatre” or the “Main Room”) spans the first two floors. The ground level is a large open floor for standing general admission, where fans can gather right at the barricade in front of the stage. Along the side walls of the main floor there are padded bench seats for resting or leaning (reviewers particularly appreciated these open wall seats) (wanderlog.com). A single broad staircase leads up to a balcony level, which runs along the back and sides of the room. This balcony has fixed theater-style seating and provides excellent elevated sightlines to the stage (skywaytheatre.com). In practice, floor tickets are GA, while balcony tickets (if sold) usually correspond to numbered seats at the rear. The venue’s dramatic 50-foot ceiling (barflyminneapolis.com) and open sightline design mean that even the furthest person in the balcony sees the stage clearly.

Studio B and the Loft are smaller stages in the Skyway building. Studio B (below the lobby level) is an intimate 8,000-square-foot room with its own stage and sound system. Its floor is usually open space for standing or scattered tables, and it has a bar in the back. Loft is on the 4th floor and is quite exclusive – it holds perhaps a few dozen to a few hundred people. Loft shows are very close to the performer (often with a few steps of elevation between stage and audience), and there are lounge booths and a rooftop patio around the edges. In Loft events one can see both up close at the stage or relax on couches. Bar Fly (basement level) is a nightclub area with a dance floor and lounge seating, mostly used for EDM/dance nights – its layout is club-style with little traditional “seating” beyond couches and bar stools.

For the best views: In the main hall, the center of the first-floor floor is great if you want to be up close and don’t mind standing. If you prefer a chair and larger view, the front row of the balcony or mid-section balcony seats are ideal. The balcony generally has fixed chairs, whereas on the floor everyone stands. (Reviewers loved being able to get right up by the stage on the first floor (wanderlog.com).) In Studio B, standing near the front of the floor or just off to the side of the stage gives a similar vibe but in a smaller room. In Loft, front tables (if any) or the front edge of the room are closest. The walkways at the sides of the main floor and in Loft allow moving around easily, so some people stand near the back or sides if they prefer more space. Avoid the very far back of the main floor for tall crowds, and avoid standing right by the large speakers for hearing comfort, though acoustics are generally very good (in fact, the main theatre was noted for near-perfect acoustics (barflyminneapolis.com)).

Getting There and Parking

The Skyway Theatre is located at 711 Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis, just west of downtown’s Nicollet Mall. It sits in the middle of the Hennepin Theatre District, across the street from the historic State Theatre and near the Orpheum. If you’re driving, there are several parking options nearby. The quickest paid lot is the Skyway Parking at 1100 S. 7th St (across from the Sheraton) – it offers daily rates around $4–5 (www.alliedparkinginc.com). Other nearby garages include the Northstar Ramp (on 4th St and 1st Ave S, roughly $5–8/day) and the IDS Center ramp (655 South 5th Ave, fares often $10–12). Street parking along Hennepin and side streets is metered ($1–2/hr) on weekdays, but note that meters are free in the evening after 6 or 7 PM on weekdays and all day Sunday in Minneapolis. In short, budget plenty of time to find parking — many fans report parking a few blocks away and walking or taking a rideshare.

Public transit access is also convenient. The Metro Transit bus system has multiple routes stopping on Hennepin just a block from the club. Lines 3, 10, 14, 17, 22 (and others) run along Hennepin Ave near 7th Street (moovitapp.com). The METRO Green Line light rail stops a few blocks north at Target Field Station (connects to the Blue Line there), which is about a 5–10 minute walk up Hennepin. From there you head south on Hennepin to reach 7th Street. (There is no direct light rail stop exactly at Skyway’s corner, so the bus or that ten-minute walk from Target Field station is the simplest public-trans option.) Taxis and rideshares can drop off at the front door on 7th Street side as well. If you bike, several bike racks are on nearby blocks.

The venue itself is also connected by Minneapolis’s famous skyway pedestrian system. Several skyway bridges meet at the Marquette or IDS Center, just a block or two away, so you can walk indoors from climate-controlled parking or hotels. Overall, Skyway Theatre is in the heart of downtown Minneapolis – if you’re staying at a downtown hotel like the Hyatt, Marquette, Radisson, Westin or Loews, you can often walk or take the skyway cabinet directly to within a few minutes of the theatre. Arrive with time: whether driving or using transit, give yourself extra minutes to negotiate downtown traffic and parking quirks, especially on weekend event nights.

Inside the Venue

Plan to pass through ticket scanning and security at the entrance. Guests typically line up outside before doors and then have tickets scanned on phones or printed tickets. Security staff does quick bag checks – note that Skyway has a “no backpacks or camelbaks” policy (skywaytheatre.com), so bring only small bags or wallets (a small purse or pocket is fine). Once inside, you’ll find a spacious lobby/bar area with a huge 20-foot granite bar and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Hennepin Ave (barflyminneapolis.com). The lobby has lounge seating that’s often used before shows or during intermissions. Inside are multiple bars: at least two bars in the main theatre (one on the floor, one on the balcony level), bars in Studio B, and bars on the Loft level. Bar Fly itself has three distinct bar areas and a big dance floor on its level. All bars accept cash and cards, serving water, soda, beer, wine and cocktails (skywaytheatre.com). You cannot bring outside food or drink – no outside alcohol or snacks are allowed (skywaytheatre.com). (It’s highly recommended to eat a meal before you come, as the venue itself has no kitchen or full menu.)

Restrooms are located on each level (downstairs near Studio B, and multiple restrooms on the main floor and balcony). There is also a seasonal coat check available (call ahead on cold nights) in the lobby (skywaytheatre.com). If you need ADA accommodations, Skyway has elevators and accessible seating. Patrons who require wheelchair space or accessible seating should contact the venue in advance, as ADA-compliant sections can be arranged (skywaytheatre.com). The facility features several elevators connecting floors, making most areas reachable by elevator or ramp. Service animals (e.g. guide dogs) are permitted per standard ADA rules.

The club atmosphere is dark and energetic once music begins. The main room has theatrical lighting rigs and a high-tech sound system. Concertgoers should be prepared for loud volume – it’s wise to bring earplugs if you are sensitive. According to one regular, sound quality can vary by show, but in general the acoustics are good (barflyminneapolis.com). In fact, the venue was designed with sound in mind, so most people enjoy clear audio even in the back. Side vantage spots (along the walls or in the lobby) let you converse or relax between songs. The Skyway roots show up in details: an original popcorn vending area is now a bar, and vintage neon may flicker above some doorways. The overall vibe mixes modern nightclub elements with hints of the old movie-palace style, creating a unique, somewhat “industrial retro” feel.

Connectivity: there is no public Wi-Fi, but cell-service is typically available inside (AT&T, Verizon, etc). It’s friendly to smartphone users – tickets can be scanned straight from your phone (skywaytheatre.com), and phone camera use is generally allowed if you want to snap photos (no professional cameras or video recording, please). Charging stations are not provided, so charge your phone beforehand. After the show, merchandise tables (if any) and food can still be bought on your way out, and many patrons move to the lobby or Bar Fly to socialize. One note: if you plan to smoke, Minnesota law forbids indoor smoking. However, Skyway has a notorious security-guarded smoking lounge on the 4th-floor Loft patio (wanderlog.com). Some fans actually love that rooftop area, as it offers a break and city views even in winter (wanderlog.com).

Nearby Amenities

The Skyway Theatre sits among numerous restaurants, bars and hotels. Along Hennepin Avenue and nearby blocks you'll find casual and fine-dining options. For example, within a short walk are Cha Cha’s Latin Grill, the News Room tavern, Fhima’s downtown steakhouse, Surly Coffee, and a variety of sandwich shops and snack spots. On 7th Street or in the Convention Hotel area, there are gastropubs (like Bad Weather brewery) and bars famous for craft beer. Pre-show dining suggestions include grabbing pizza at Bar La Grassa (a block away) or burgers at The Bulldog, or a quick bite at one of the many Hennepin Ave eateries. The venue itself does not serve food besides bar snacks, so most fans come with a meal or stop somewhere first.

If you’re coming from out of town, several hotels are right in the downtown core. Within about 3-4 blocks of Skyway you’ll find the Hyatt Regency (downtown Minneapolis), Loews Hotel, Radisson Blu, Renaissance (Marq9), and the JW Marriott. Many of these connect to the skyway, allowing indoor walking to the theatre in winter. For budget travelers, there are also nationally-branded hotels on 7th Ave (a short walk). As for nightlife options after a show, the entire downtown is alive: you can explore the music clubs nearby (First Avenue nightclubs are about 4 blocks to the east), or wind down with a late-night pizza or a downtown bar. Rideshares and buses run well past midnight in this area.

Arrival timing: doors typically open about one hour before showtime (varies by event – e.g. 7 PM doors for an 8 PM show as seen on the New Year’s listing (skywaytheatre.com)). It’s wise to arrive early if you want front-row access or to get wristbands (some all-ages shows mark those under 21). Many fans recommend arriving 30–60 minutes in advance to minimize ticketing lines and claim spots on the floor or balcony before the crowd swells. Also, downtown traffic can be heavy on event nights, so give yourself plenty of commute time whether driving or taking transit.

What Makes This Venue Special

Skyway Theatre has several unique qualities that set it apart. Architecturally, it retains the grandeur of a former multiplex with modern concert capabilities. Its high ceilings and near-perfect acoustics (barflyminneapolis.com) create an impressive hall that most other clubs don’t offer. The stadium-style balcony seating offers theatrical sightlines uncommon in standard clubs (skywaytheatre.com). Historically, it’s the continuation of Minneapolis’s downtown theater legacy: after Lyric, Ritz, Hennepin, and Orpheum, Skyway carries on the tradition of live entertainment on Hennepin Ave. It famously even premiered the movie Ice Castles with an ice rink outside in the 1970s, and in recent decades it’s seen everything from rock concerts to educational events. (One 2013 reviewer quipped “We’re not a strip club!”, highlighting how the building’s past tenants included a strip joint named Skyway Lounge (www.startribune.com).)

The venue’s owners (the Kabanuks) are known locals who transformed the space with care, adding lounges and clubs around the main hall. For instance, their creation of Bar Fly (a chic lounge/club in the basement) and The Loft (a party room upstairs with a patio) gives Skyway a multi-level “nightclub within a theatre” feel. Many fans say they love that mix: you can catch a headlining band on the main stage and then hop an elevator to a buried nightclub vibe in Bar Fly all under one roof. Performers also appreciate Skyway; in 2013 after a show singer Greg Barsamian commented on Twitter how “great” the venue was. Star Tribune noted that Live Nation kept main-stage crowds deliberately under 1,800 for atmosphere (www.startribune.com). In practical terms, Skyway offers a mid-size capacity bigger than any club (hence acts that outgrow First Avenue come here) but smaller and cozier than a sports arena. That fills a niche: it gives Twin Cities fans a stadium-scale experience without losing the club intimacy.

On a cultural level, Skyway quickly became a hub for Minnesota’s music fans, especially among younger people who bonded on its dance nights. After the 2011 Skrillex show (when the building was still used occasionally for rave events) Skyway gained renown and helped spark the downtown dance scene (www.startribune.com). Today it remains a favorite for EDM, hip-hop and alternative shows. People like how welcoming it feels (one reviewer praised the friendly, “no-frills” vibe and easy access, even for under-21 fans (www.startribune.com)). Local tradition is to mark under-21 attendees with an “X” on the hand (as seen in photos from dance events (www.startribune.com)). Skyway has essentially become a storied part of Minneapolis’s current music lore – it was once a seedy old movie theatre, and now it’s one of the city’s liveliest concert venues. Even its nagging reputation for a slightly “gritty” feel is embraced by fans as part of the charm.

Visitor Tips and Information

Skyway Theatre is generally all-ages but most shows are restricted to 18+ (some events specifically say 21+ if alcohol is served heavily). Always bring a valid photo ID if you plan to drink. If you have mobility needs, notify the venue in advance for accessible seating. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, since it can get crowded and you may stand for a long time. If you smoke, remember that indoor smoking is only in the 4th-floor designated area (wanderlog.com); otherwise you’ll need to wait until intermission to step outside for a cigarette.

Common mistakes to avoid: don’t bring large bags or backpacks (there’s a strict no-backpack policy (skywaytheatre.com)). Also, leave any outside food or alcohol in your car – it will be confiscated. (They provide bottled water, soda and house beer/wine inside (skywaytheatre.com).) If you plan to take photos, point-and-shoot cameras or phone cameras are fine, but professional cameras with detachable lenses are usually not allowed. Since there is no on-site restaurant, it’s smart to eat nearby beforehand or grab food at Concourse (across the street). If you think you might get thirsty, use multiple bars – there are usually shorter lines in the balcony bar than at the ground-floor bar. Also, many shows do not allow re-entry if you leave, so use the restroom and get drinks before the music starts. (Coat check may be available in winter – photo helps if they offer it (skywaytheatre.com).)

In terms of security, Skyway tends to have a friendlier, less aggressive style than some city club venues. Guests often note that the staff is helpful and that security doesn’t overly bother the crowd (wanderlog.com). However, standard concert etiquette applies: be respectful, no moshing without consent, and watch out for people crowd-surfing. Since the room can get hot under stage lights, our tip is to hydrate early and be aware of exits (there are multiple, including back hallways). For families, keep in mind the music volume and crowd – this venue is mainly geared toward adults and not young children, even when minors are technically allowed. In summary: bring your ticket or e-ticket on your phone, plan your parking or transit in advance, arrive early for the best spots, and enjoy one of Minneapolis’s most distinctive live-music halls!

Frequently Asked Questions