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Top picks in Minneapolis

Cheap fun activities

You want to stay busy without spending a fortune on every outing.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Riverview Theater image 1
Riverview Theater image 2
Riverview Theater image 3
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Movie theater

Vintage movie theater with art deco decor and a mid-century modern lobby offers a retro vibe and a community-focused atmosphere where audiences cheer and clap for films. Comfortable seating and a state-of-the-art sound system enhance the experience. Popcorn with real butter is a standout feature.

Unbeatably cheap tickets make for easy access to classic movie showings. The venue hosts fun community events that suit family day or night outings.

Movies come with cheap tickets and the popcorn is both cheap and delicious. The overall experience offers good visuals and audio at a low cost.

People are saying

"The movies here are so affordable, especially on $5 Tuesdays."

"It's a joy to behold and super fun."

"I found the movie tickets and popcorn to be cheap."

Good to know

1

The theater accepts cash only for ticket purchases.

2

Street parking is the only option available near the theater.

3

Special events like the LOTR trilogy marathon occur periodically.

02
The Trylon Cinema image 1
Movie theater

Small theater with an intimate, cozy atmosphere and comfortable seating featuring cupholders. Shows classic and offbeat films on 35mm, creating a unique experience with a creative film slate. Volunteers run the concession stand offering affordable buttery popcorn and snacks, adding to the welcoming vibe.

Curated themed months bring fresh, engaging experiences. The small venue offers weird, fun movie selections that stand out.

Popcorn and drinks come at a cheap price here. Snacks are buttery and tasty without costing much.

People are saying

"I discovered so many movies here I hadn't seen elsewhere."

"The popcorn and drinks here are cheap and tasty."

"I love the weird, fun movie selections they curate."

Good to know

1

The cinema charges $8 for general admission.

2

They offer a $5 rate for members who purchase a membership card.

3

The concessions are cash only.

03
Up-Down Minneapolis image 1

Retro arcade cabinets and pinball machines fill the space, creating a fun atmosphere with loud music and energetic vibes. A rooftop bar and spacious patio offer quieter spots for conversation and outdoor seating year-round. The venue blends a dive bar feel with vintage gaming, attracting those who enjoy classic games and casual socializing.

Lots of classic video games and pinball machines fill the space. The N64 is free to play, adding to the fun atmosphere.

Tokens cost only 25 cents and each game requires just one token to play. The arcade offers a huge selection of well-maintained games with cheap drinks available too.

People are saying

"I had fun playing the entertaining and nostalgic arcade games."

"The arcade games here are so fun and only cost a quarter."

"The arcade games are cheap, costing only a quarter per play."

Good to know

1

Parking is only available on the street, and there is barely any parking in front.

2

On Saturday from 12-9, they offer 2-for-1 tokens.

3

They have a Valentine's week deal with 80 tokens, 6 tallboys, a huge pizza, and a fanny pack for $40.

04
Dusty's Bar image 1
Live music bar

Classic dive bar with live music and a lively dance floor creates a casual, energetic atmosphere. Low lighting and holiday lights add to the cozy, unpretentious vibe. Regulars and open conversations fill the space, while a patio offers a quieter spot outside.

Classic dive bar vibe with low lighting and holiday lights sets a fun mood. Small dance floor offers an insanely fun spot to move, while friendly bar staff keep drinks flowing.

Cheap drinks and food define the vibe here. Expect a loud jukebox, simple bar snacks like peanuts or pretzels, and dive bar prices on beer and meals.

People are saying

"This bar feels like coming home, a perfect middle ground."

"You'll find fun activities like pull tabs and meat raffles here."

"The food and drinks here are so cheap."

Good to know

1

Dusty's Bar hosts meat raffles every Friday night, a popular local event.

2

Trivia night takes place every Monday, offering affordable fun.

3

Live music is featured on Saturday nights, attracting a lively crowd.

05
Otter's Saloon image 1

Small dive bar with an old-school feel offers karaoke nights, pool tables, and a jukebox. Atmosphere shifts from chill and down-to-earth to lively and crowded on weekend nights. Crowd tends to be younger and active during busy times, with affordable prices and no food service.

A lively, fun karaoke atmosphere fills the place with a welcoming vibe. The crowd gets younger and more active on weekends, and the show runs with a non-pretentious, fun-loving spirit.

Happy hour offers cheap drinks that stand out for their affordability. The overall drink prices stay consistently low throughout the visit.

People are saying

"The karaoke here was a blast and didn't disappoint."

"I found this dive bar to be a super fun place to hang out."

"The karaoke here is super fun and well run."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every night at Otter's Saloon, starting at 4PM on Saturdays.

2

Happy hour drinks are available at discounted prices during karaoke nights.

3

Parking can be challenging due to ongoing construction around the area.

06
The Main Cinema image 1
Movie theater

Old-fashioned movie theater offers cozy seating with convertible armrests and a classic marquee. Atmosphere feels warm and intimate despite some worn seats and occasional stuffiness. Popcorn stands out as exceptionally tasty, enhancing the indie film experience.

Midnight Mayhem offers a lively, fun experience. Watching a movie in an older style theater with a beer adds to the relaxed vibe, and walking around afterward keeps the energy going.

Independent theater offers cheap tickets and affordable concessions. Prices stay lower than typical suburb theaters.

People are saying

"I loved watching the great mix of indie and mainstream movies here."

"I found the tickets here to be cheap and very affordable."

"It's got a great mix of blockbuster and arty films for fun activities."

Good to know

1

Midnight Mayhem events are popular and occur regularly at the cinema.

2

The cinema hosts various film festivals featuring independent and international films.

3

Filmmakers often attend screenings for Q&A sessions with the audience.

07
Jackson's Hole Bar & Grill image 1

Small club with plenty of TVs and sports memorabilia creates a rowdy club vibe that suits fight nights and game days. Dark interior and moderate music volume support a dive bar atmosphere where people gather to relax and connect. Games like darts and golden tee run constantly, adding to the lively entertainment.

A fun atmosphere defines this spot, mixing a cheap dive bar vibe with a little venue feel that keeps things lively.

Cheap drinks and happy hour beer stand out here. The spot offers affordable drinks, pull tabs, and food in a dive bar setting downtown.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and came out quickly."

"I found the drinks to be cheap and affordable."

"It's a fun, cheap dive bar with a great atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on Saturday and Sunday with discounted drinks.

2

The bar gets packed on fight nights, so arrive early.

3

They offer a bring-your-own burger deal on select days.

08
U.S. Bank Stadium image 1

Glass windows and a modern design create a bright, open stadium with comfortable seating and excellent sightlines from every level. The atmosphere is electric and friendly, especially during football games with the SKOL chant and horn energizing the crowd. Spacious outdoor areas support lively tailgating and social gatherings before events.

Events offer raw energy and fun atmosphere with performances by artists like Abel and AC/DC. Sports games bring excitement, including extra innings wins and engaging crowds, plus freebies and discounts on apparel.

Higher seats offer a cheap option for watching the game. Stadium food prices stay relatively cheap compared to other venues.

People are saying

"The atmosphere at live sports games here is electric and exciting."

"It's a loud, proud, and fun environment with an electric atmosphere."

"The stadium food was surprisingly cheap for a stadium."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult; arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Food and drink prices are high, so budget accordingly.

3

Bag checks and metal detectors are in place for security.

09
Frenchman's Pub-Richfield image 1

Neighborhood dive bar with a dark interior and classic Midwest vibe feels like a garage or basement. Music plays loudly, and pull tabs add to the retro atmosphere. Regulars gather around pitcher beers and multiple TVs showing sports.

A fun neighborhood dive-bar vibe makes this spot lively. It offers a pull-tab selection that adds to the entertainment.

Strong drinks come cheap here. The place offers cheap beers and refillable drinks that pair well with good food.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were the best I've had in a long time."

"It's a fun neighborhood dive-bar with great food."

"I enjoyed good food and cheap drinks here."

Good to know

1

Payment is cash only at Frenchman's Pub-Richfield.

2

Seating is first come, first serve at the pub.

3

Prices at Frenchman's Pub-Richfield are very affordable.

10
Stub and Herbs image 1
Bar & grill

Small town, grungy sports bar with loud music and plenty of TVs for game days. Atmosphere shifts from laid-back to crowded and lively during college events, attracting friendly, fun crowds. Features include a pool table and dart boards, with a rough, dive bar interior.

Fun game atmosphere creates a lively vibe. It works well as a pre-game spot or a place to hang out after events with friends.

Thursday nights feature cheap beer and drinks until the kegs run dry, attracting a mix of local artists. Alcohol prices stay low, and the bar keeps things accessible and affordable.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great."

"The drinks here are cheap and delicious."

"It's a really fun spot to go to, especially before a game."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available every day except on game days.

2

Killing the keg on Thursdays offers cheap beer and local artists.

3

The bar can get crowded during the school year and game days.

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Minneapolis, Minnesota

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