About The LOFT at Skyway Theatre
The Loft at Skyway Theatre is a chic, fourth-floor music club in downtown Minneapolis . Housed in the historic Skyway 6 movie theater building (which originally opened in 1972 ), the Loft was reborn in 2015 as part of a major renovation . Its capacity is just a few hundred people, making for an up-close, intimate concert experience. Signature features include multiple bars, VIP table seating, and even a rooftop patio with sweeping views of downtown . The room is a single-level lounge with open standing room for dancing, outfitted with a “state-of-the-art” sound system and plenty of space to dance . Patrons note that the Loft feels like an elite underground club, delivering heavy bass and high-energy shows that define the city’s nightlife scene. (After being dark when the old cinema closed, the venue’s reopening helped transform the once-”seedy” Hennepin Avenue block into a live-music hotspot .)
Events and Programming
The Loft is primarily a live-music and dance club venue, featuring a wide variety of performances. Each year the Skyway Theatre complex puts on well over 100 events , with The Loft hosting many of them. Concerts range from electronic dance music (EDM), hip-hop, and trap nights to alternative rock and indie shows. The venue is especially known for its bass-heavy club nights – for example, an Explore Minnesota guide highlights weekly “Thursday night” events showcasing new DJs with serious bass drops . Weekend shows often feature bigger touring acts. Recent performers have included up-and-coming EDM artists as well as national rock and pop bands, all in that intimate club setting. Ticket prices vary by event; smaller acts often start in the low $20s in advance, while headliners cost more. Doors typically open around 8–9 PM, and multiple acts or DJs may play each night. Most events are strictly 18+ (check the listing for age limits) and may list a cash bar. In short, expect an energetic club atmosphere with music into the late hours.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Loft shows can be purchased through Skyway Theatre’s official channels. The box office (at 711 Hennepin Ave., same building) is open weekdays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM , where you can buy tickets in person. Otherwise, buy tickets online via the venue’s website or authorized ticket sellers as soon as shows are announced. There are no refunds for tickets , so double-check your order before buying. If an event is sold out in advance, a few tickets may still be available at the door, but these are strictly cash-only sales . For popular acts, it’s wise to join any presales, and buy tickets early – Loft shows often sell out quickly.
Seating and Layout
The Loft is an all-standing (general admission) venue with room to dance. There are no fixed rows of seats – attendees stand and mingle on a single flat floor. Along the sides and rear several high-top tables and a few lounge booths provide seating (often sold as VIP tables). Because the room is small and flat, sightlines are good from nearly every spot: even near the back or side you can see the stage clearly. To be closest, try to position yourself near the stage – there’s often just a short rail or open space between the crowd and performers. For a different vantage, the rooftop deck (when open) offers an aerial perspective on the stage and city skyline, but most people stay on the main floor. In summary: the Loft’s layout is essentially one big dance floor with a few tables at the edges , so any spot on the floor gives you a view of the performance.
Getting There and Parking
Skyway Theatre (including The Loft) is located at 711 Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis . This area is well-served by transit and parking. If you’re driving, public parking ramps are nearby. For example, “Ramp A #1” at 101 North 9th St is one block away , and the 10th & Hennepin ramp (935 Hennepin Ave.) is a couple blocks up the street . Expect to pay about $10–$15 for an evening. Street parking is very limited, especially after 6 PM.
Several Metro Transit bus lines stop on Hennepin or nearby Nicollet, and the Government Plaza light rail station is about two blocks away, making public transit easy. Evening rideshares (Uber/Lyft) can drop off on Hennepin right in front of the building. If you prefer to navigate the skyway, the Loft is connected to the downtown skyway system, but note that most skyway bridges close around 6 PM on weekdays and are closed on weekends .
Inside the Venue
Security is typical for a concert club: all entrants will have a quick bag check and ticket scan. Large bags or backpacks are not allowed inside . Bring only small personal items. Photo or digital tickets are scanned at the door (no need to print – just show the barcode on your phone) . Most shows are very loud, so consider bringing earplugs if you have sensitive hearing. The venue has multiple bars serving water, soda, beer, wine and cocktails, and a staffed coat check is offered in winter . Restrooms are on the main floor (typically clean, but lines can form between sets). Tip: Traffic around Hennepin can get heavy before a show, so allow extra travel time.
Nearby Amenities
The Loft’s downtown location means you’ll have plenty of pre- and post-show options. The building itself includes Bar Fly (an attached dance lounge), and just outside on Hennepin and 8th Street you’ll find restaurants and bars for every taste – from fast-casual joints to classic eateries. Popular nearby spots include Curran’s Steakhouse and Chipotle (at the City Center mall), as well as local favorites like Brit’s Pub and Hard Rock Cafe a few blocks away. Several downtown hotels are within easy walking distance – for example, the Radisson Blu (at 2nd & Hennepin) or Holiday Inn. If you arrive early, you could grab a bite in the skyway or send a friend on an errand in the mall. It’s wise to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before doors to account for parking and lining up.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Loft stands out because it turned a long-shuttered downtown theater into a unique club space. Unusually high ceilings and a rooftop patio give it a distinctive vibe that you won’t find in most music venues . In fact, a 2013 Star Tribune photo noted that “the old Skyway 6 movie marquee now advertises upcoming shows at... Bar Fly and The Loft” , highlighting its transformation. The current owners (promoters Crissy and David Kabanuk) intentionally positioned The Loft as an upscale, dance-focused concert room, distancing it from the old strip-club past of that block . Artists love playing the Loft because they can reach out and interact with the audience; fans love it for the energy of being just feet from the performers and enjoying the Minneapolis skyline. In short, the Loft’s blend of vintage theater architecture with modern club lights and sound makes it a one-of-a-kind venue in Minneapolis.
Visitor Tips and Information
Access and ID: The Loft typically holds 18+ shows, so bring a photo ID to every event . The building has an elevator and accessible seating if needed – call ahead to arrange ADA accommodations . The venue can get very loud, so earplugs can help if you’re sensitive to noise.
Bag Policy: No backpacks or large bags are allowed . Bring only what you need and keep it small to speed up entry. A staffed coat check is usually available in cold weather . Smartphone cameras are fine for snapshots, but professional cameras/video gear are usually not allowed unless arranged in advance.
Age/Guests: Children and minors are generally not permitted. Almost all Loft events are 18+ . If an event is all-ages, it will be explicitly advertised as such. Dress is casual/club-style – anything from jeans and a T-shirt to a fun club outfit is common. There is no strict dress code.
Arrive Early: Doors often open around one hour before the first listed showtime. Arriving 30–45 minutes early is best so you can find good parking, get through the line, and claim a spot on the dance floor. This is especially important on Friday/Saturday nights or for big-name acts. Being in line early can also get you into the nearby Bar Fly lounge to warm up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tickets to The Loft at Skyway Theatre typically cost?
Ticket prices vary widely by show and artist. Smaller local or up-and-coming acts often have advance tickets in the low $20s, while bigger national acts are higher. For example, a recent electronic music show had $25 advance tickets . Always check the event listing for the exact price when a show is announced.
Where can I buy tickets for shows at The Loft at Skyway Theatre?
You can buy tickets via the Skyway Theatre’s official box office or online. The box office (711 Hennepin Ave) is open Monday–Friday 11:00 AM–5:00 PM . Tickets also go on sale through the venue’s website and official outlets as soon as events are announced. Be sure to only use the official sources listed by the venue to avoid scams.
Can I purchase tickets at the door?
If a show isn’t completely sold out, a limited number of tickets may be available at the door before the event starts. These last-minute tickets are cash-only sales . If the event is sold out, tickets will not be sold at the door. Arriving early gives you the best chance for a door ticket, but it’s safest to buy in advance.
What is the full address of The Loft at Skyway Theatre?
The Loft is located at 711 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN . It occupies the upper floor of the Skyway Theatre building in Downtown Minneapolis, between 7th and 8th Streets on Hennepin Avenue.
What parking options are available near The Loft?
Paid parking ramps are the most convenient option. The “Ramp A #1” garage at 101 North 9th Street (one block east of the theatre) and the 10th & Hennepin ramp at 935 Hennepin Ave (about two blocks north) are both very close. Rates are typically around $10–$15 for an evening. Street parking in the area is extremely limited and metered, so a parking ramp is recommended.
How can I get to The Loft using public transit?
Downtown Minneapolis is well-connected by transit. Multiple Metro Transit bus routes (including the numbers 6, 9, 12, 53, etc.) stop along Hennepin Avenue or Nicollet Mall just a block away. The Government Plaza light rail station (Blue/Green lines) is only about a 2-block walk. You can plan your route using Metro Transit’s schedules for exact stops near 8th St. and Hennepin.
Is The Loft connected to the Minneapolis skyway system?
Yes – the Loft (Skyway Theatre) is attached to the downtown skyway pedestrian system via connected buildings. You can reach it through adjacent skyway corridors between office buildings. Keep in mind most skyway bridges close at 6 PM on weekdays and are closed on weekends , so plan ground-level walking if attending an evening show.
Is seating at The Loft general admission or reserved?
Seating is primarily general admission (standing room only). There are no fixed seats – everyone stands on the floor. A handful of high-top VIP tables along the edges can be reserved if purchased (several shows sell those), but most tickets allow you to stand anywhere on the main floor. In short, pick your spot when you enter; there are no assigned seats.
Where are the best places to stand or sit for a good view?
For the best experience, stand near the front of the stage. This area lets you get close to the performers and feel the full impact of the sound. If you prefer to sit or need a break, the high-top tables and lounge seats along the side and back provide a good view of the stage. Since the room is relatively small, even spots toward the rear have clear sightlines. It’s hard to go wrong on the main floor.
Are outside food or drinks allowed at The Loft?
No. The Loft enforces a strict no-outside-food/drink policy . You may bring an empty water bottle to refill, but otherwise any beverages must be purchased from the venue’s bars. Snacks are not sold inside, so eat beforehand if you need.
What is the bag policy for The Loft?
Large bags and backpacks are not permitted . Guests are asked to bring only small personal items (clear bags or purses are fine). This rule helps speed up entry. If you have extra belongings, you can use the coat check (when available) or leave them locked in your car.
Are there age restrictions for attending events?
Almost all events at The Loft are 18+ . You must present valid identification at the door. If an event is all-ages, it will be specifically advertised (rare at this venue). In short: plan for your entire party to be 18 or older for entry.
Is there a coat check at The Loft?
Yes, during colder months The Loft offers a coat check . This runs like a typical coat room where you leave your coat and get a ticket stub. In warmer weather coat check is usually not available, so come dressed in layers or plan to hold any outerwear. (Tip: It’s wise to keep your coat check ticket safe in your phone photos, just in case.)
Are cameras allowed inside The Loft?
Standard camera phones or small point-and-shoot cameras are generally allowed for personal photos. However, professional cameras (large DSLRs, video cameras with large lenses) are not permitted without prior approval. If you plan to take professional-quality photos or video, you should contact the venue ahead of time to request media access.
Is smoking allowed inside The Loft?
No. The Loft is a smoke-free venue (in accordance with Minnesota law). If you need to smoke, you must step outside to street level. Please note that smoking on any roof or patio is also not allowed unless specifically designated.
Does The Loft have bars, and what do they accept?
Yes – there are multiple bars inside The Loft . They serve water, soda, beer, wine and cocktails. The bars accept both cash and credit cards. (A local review noted drink prices around $6–$12 each , which is typical for a concert club.)
Where are the restrooms, and are there lines?
Restrooms are located on the main floor of the Loft, near the rear. As with any popular club, there may be lines between sets or during intermission, especially on busy nights. Plan for wait times just like you would at any large concert venue. There are attendants to keep them clean between uses.
Does The Loft sell merchandise? For example, T-shirts or CDs?
While The Loft doesn’t have its own store, artists often set up a small merch table at the back of the venue for their shows. If a touring band or DJ is playing, they may sell T-shirts, posters or CDs on-site. Keep an eye for any artist merch as you enter or exit the floor area.
Does The Loft offer Wi-Fi or phone charging stations?
The Loft does not provide public Wi-Fi, and there are no charging stations. Cell phone coverage is generally available (few dead zones), but it can slow when crowds are large. It’s a good idea to fully charge your phone before attending. If you depend on data for navigation or ride-hailing, plan ahead since the venue itself won’t offer wifi.
What happens if a show is cancelled or postponed?
If an event is officially cancelled, ticket holders will be notified via email (check your inbox and spam). In most cases the venue will automatically issue refunds or credit vouchers. If a show is postponed, your tickets typically remain valid for the new date or you’ll be offered a refund. Always follow official announcements for these details.
What is the difference between The Loft and Bar Fly at Skyway Theatre?
The Loft and Bar Fly are two separate spaces in the same building. The Loft (4th floor) is the main intimate concert room for bands and dance shows. Bar Fly is a smaller lounge on a lower level (street side) focusing on DJs and club music, often with a dedicated dance floor. In short, The Loft is upstairs concert space, while Bar Fly is the attached nightclub lounge.
How early should I arrive for a show?
It’s best to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before the advertised start time. Doors typically open around one hour before the first act. Arriving early ensures you have enough time to park, get through security, and choose a good spot on the floor. For very popular events, consider arriving up to 60 minutes early to avoid lines.
Who owns The Loft at Skyway Theatre?
The Loft is operated by Minneapolis event promoters Crissy and David Kabanuk. They have owned the Skyway Theatre building for years and transformed it into today’s music venue. The Kabanuks have a long history in the local scene (for example, Crissy promoted the 1990s club Tropix ), and they use their experience to run the Loft and its sister venues.
