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Performing arts and fun activities

A night out centered on performing arts brings a different kind of energy to a fun activity.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Performing arts theater

Intimate performing arts theater with excellent acoustics and great sight lines from every seat. Warm, small-town atmosphere enhances the personal feel of productions focused on local history. Lobby features a cafe bar offering wine and beer, adding to the relaxed vibe before shows.

Productions like I Am Betty offer joyful entertainment with fun characters. The theatre provides a fun venue to learn about history while enjoying the show.

Small theater offers well designed seating with no bad spots. Plays focus on Minnesota history, presenting stories with respect and education. Productions like Diesel Heart and "Glensheen" deliver strong, memorable performances.

People are saying

"The plays here are phenomenal and well written."

"The musicals here are a blast and great fun."

"The bathroom here was really clean."

Good to know

1

Parking in lot 7A is convenient but costs $18 for Sunday shows.

2

The theatre has limited elevator access, making it challenging for those with mobility issues.

3

The restroom is located half a floor down from the main area.

02
Park Square Theatre image 1
Performing arts theater

Small, intimate theater offers comfortable seating and A++ sound and lighting that enhance performances. Shows often feature local playwrights and actors, creating a strong community vibe. Nearby parking and dining add convenience, while accessibility challenges exist for some areas.

Camps offer engaging activities that keep things lively. The Park Square Theatre features a fun black box theater and great shows.

Cozy and comfortable theater offers locally produced plays with compelling performances and unexpected plot twists. Staff are welcoming and the venue includes a fun black box theater for a relaxed experience.

People are saying

"I found the plays here to be spectacular and phenomenal."

"The theater camps are fun and engaging for kids."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby, but it can be a long walk to the entrance.

2

The black box theater has an elevator, but accessibility may be limited.

3

Dining options are available adjacent to the theater for pre-show meals.

03
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts image 1

Performing arts theater offers an intimate setting with phenomenal acoustics and comfortable seating providing great views from all seats. The atmosphere feels elegant and classic, creating a special experience akin to attending an opera. The venue maintains a family-friendly and well-kept environment with a festive energy during events.

Shows deliver great singing and dancing with fun storylines and high energy. The foyer offers engaging activities that add to the overall fun experience.

Gorgeous design and excellent sound and views make the theater a great venue for live performances. Shows like The Addams Family and SIX the musical offer top-notch musical experiences in a space that feels just right in size.

People are saying

"The performing arts venue here is especially beautiful."

"The shows here are so fun and full of energy."

"Parking was easy to find nearby."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in nearby lots, but can fill up quickly during events.

2

Tickets for popular shows often sell out weeks in advance; buy early.

3

The theater offers a family-friendly environment with accessible seating options.

04
Fitzgerald Theater image 1
Performing arts theater

Historic theater offers an intimate setting with excellent acoustics and comfortable seating close to the stage. The atmosphere feels classic and charming, enhanced by a unique house dog presence during shows. The space suits smaller performances and creates a memorable, cozy experience.

Intimate shows happen in a fun venue with kind, professional staff and security. Comedy tours and events create a lively, enjoyable atmosphere.

A beautiful old theater with excellent sound and lighting creates a great setting for concerts, ballet, and special events. Every seat offers a comfortable view with no bad spots in the house.

People are saying

"This intimate theater makes you feel close to the performing arts."

"It's a wonderful historic venue with beautiful architecture."

"It's a fun venue for a memorable show."

Good to know

1

There is no elevator, so consider orchestra seating for accessibility.

2

Parking is available nearby, but can be challenging to find.

3

The theater has only one bathroom per gender, which can lead to long lines.

05
Como Lakeside Pavilion image 1
Performing arts theater

Outdoor pavilion on a lake offers covered seating with orchestra-quality live music and a cool breeze from the water. Visitors enjoy walking trails, paddle boats, and a relaxed, cozy atmosphere with space for sitting or dancing. The crowd is diverse and friendly, creating a welcoming community vibe.

Paddle boat swans light up at night for a unique ride. Summer concerts at the pavilion offer live music by the water and fun choir events with engaging setlists.

Inexpensive stage plays and free musical performances happen often at the pavilion. Theater shows by local groups and delightful musicals like Music Man create a relaxing spot for live arts.

People are saying

"It's a great outdoor space with a nice walking path around the lake."

"I found the live music here to be really fun."

"I heard great music at the pavilion."

Good to know

1

Free concerts are held regularly at Como Lakeside Pavilion during the summer.

2

Parking is free but can be difficult to find on weekends.

3

The pavilion hosts live music events, often at no cost to attendees.

06
Minnesota State Fair image 1

Fairgrounds transform into a post-apocalyptic wonderland with over 60 rides and games spread across a well-designed layout. Lively crowds create a celebratory atmosphere filled with diverse live entertainment including music, comedy, and animal shows. Food stands offer a wide variety of treats, making it a melting pot for all ages.

Events offer tons of things to do for all ages. The atmosphere stays super fun with plenty to see and eat.

Entertainment includes acrobats, fire dancers, and sideshow acts alongside immersive theater performances. An indoor theater offers bench car seats for dining while watching movies and live music shows.

People are saying

"The food options here are diverse and plentiful."

"I found the fun activities here to be great for all ages."

"The food here is amazing and pushes culinary boundaries."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $25, and availability can be limited during peak times.

2

The Minnesota State Fair runs from late August to shortly after Labor Day each year.

3

Restrooms are plentiful and well-maintained throughout the fairgrounds.

07
White Squirrel Bar image 1

Small bar with a cozy atmosphere and live music every night creates a chill vibe for socializing. Spacious, pet-friendly patio with a fire pit offers a relaxed outdoor space. Drinks include signature cocktails and sour beers, with occasional food pop-ups on the patio.

Bingo night on the 3rd Sunday offers a fun group activity. Live music adds a lively vibe to the chill, dive bar atmosphere.

Live music happens regularly with friends playing at the bar. The spot offers a casual setting for both watching and performing music.

People are saying

"I loved the live music; the band had a great punk-rockish vibe."

"You can catch live music here almost every night."

"The patio seating here is great for groups."

Good to know

1

Bingo night occurs on the 3rd Sunday of each month.

2

Live shows happen almost every day with no cover charge.

3

Early shows run from 6 to 8 PM, perfect for a quick visit.

08
Palace Theatre image 1
Live music venue

Historic theater with updated industrial design offers intimate, multi-level setting and great acoustics. Bars on every floor provide easy access to drinks without long waits. Sight lines are excellent from both general admission and balcony seating, creating a close, personal concert experience.

The atmosphere offers a fun vibe that keeps energy high. Activities here provide lots of enjoyment for everyone.

Exposed industrial design and the theater's old school Vaudeville style give it a unique character. Staff actively ensure comfort and safety during performances.

People are saying

"I thought the historic vibe and atmosphere here was really cool."

"The sound quality for performing arts here is surprisingly good."

"I had a really fun day with all the fun activities here."

Good to know

1

Nearby parking is available, making it convenient for visitors.

2

The venue has tiered seating for better sight lines during performances.

3

Expect crowded seating during popular events; arrive early for better options.

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Saint Paul, Minnesota

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