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Top picks in Saint Paul

Performing arts venues

Made for those who prioritize live storytelling and seek out the cultural enrichment found only in a theater setting.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated April 2026
01
Performing arts theater

Intimate theater offers excellent acoustics and great sight lines from every seat. Shows focus on Minnesota history, delivering strong performances that educate and engage. Lobby cafe bar adds a relaxed vibe before each production.

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 A++ sound and comfortable seating that enhance locally produced plays with unexpected plot twists. Welcoming staff and a fun black box theater create a strong community vibe. Nearby parking and dining add convenience despite some accessibility challenges.

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
Art House North image 1
Art center

Repurposed old church offers small stage and pew seating with cozy touches like a fireplace. It hosts local theatrical and musical productions in an eclectic, welcoming space. A large kitchen and basement add versatility for community events.

Repurposed from an old church, the venue offers a welcoming and eclectic space for plays, concerts, and special events. Both the theater and basement are accessible by stairs only, hosting local theatrical and musical productions.

People are saying

"I found this converted church to be a lovely venue for plays and concerts."

"The Churches here are well-equipped and super clean."

"The bathrooms here were nice."

Good to know

1

Seating is assigned, ensuring everyone has a designated spot.

2

Parking is available on neighborhood streets nearby.

3

The venue is accessible via stairs; no elevator is available.

04
Gremlin Theatre image 1
Event venue

Intimate thrust setting offers engaging atmosphere with every seat close to the stage. Enjoy high quality local theater featuring plays like Stop Kiss and whodunits. Comfortable lobby provides a relaxing decompression space before and after shows.

Intimate setting draws you close to high quality local theater with plays like Stop Kiss and whodunits by Kiernon James. Performances from groups like Theater Mu and Dark and Stormy offer engaging and fun experiences.

People are saying

"It's an intimate theatre space, placing you close to the action."

"It's an intimate space for great performances."

Good to know

1

To enter, use the east building near the tower and walk through the hall to the back.

2

No seat is a bad seat at Gremlin Theatre, ensuring a good view of the stage.

3

Concessions are limited, so plan to eat before or after the show.

05
Fitzgerald Theater image 1
Performing arts theater

Historic theater offers an intimate setting with excellent acoustics and comfortable seating close to the stage. Classic charm blends with great lighting for concerts and ballet. Unique house dog adds a cozy, memorable touch.

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."

"Parking available nearby is convenient and reasonably priced."

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.

06
Penumbra Theatre image 1
Performing arts theater

Intimate setting with smaller stage creates a cozy vibe. Performances focus on African American experience with strong music and acting. Good acoustics and ample free parking make visits easy and enjoyable.

Plays feature primarily African American actors and crew with strong themes on Black identity and social issues. The theater offers good acoustics and showcases expert performances, including by notable jazz artists.

People are saying

"I found the theater to be a warm, intimate, and unique place for performing arts."

"The smaller stage makes the theatre feel really intimate."

"I found parking available and it was easy."

Good to know

1

Parking is free and ample at Penumbra Theatre.

2

The concession stand only accepts cash, so plan accordingly.

3

Black Nativity has been performed at Penumbra Theatre for over 30 years.

07
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts image 1

Intimate theater boasts phenomenal acoustics and comfortable seating with great views. Elegant, classic atmosphere feels like an opera night. Family-friendly, well-kept venue hosts top-notch musicals like The Addams Family and SIX the musical.

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.

08
Mounds Theatre image 1
Performing arts theater

Historic theater shines with avant-garde plays and heart-warming productions like The Tin Woman. Snack bar serves themed drinks, including Klingon blood wine during special shows. Easy access by public transit, but parking takes effort.

Avant-garde stage plays and unique events like Klingon Holiday performances fill the theater. The venue offers a snack bar with themed drinks and hosts emotional, heart-warming productions such as The Tin Woman.

People are saying

"It's a great little theater for unique performing arts like Klingon plays."

Good to know

1

Mounds Theatre is easily accessible from the orange line.

2

Parking at the Mounds Theatre takes a bit of work.

3

They offer drinks and snacks during shows.

09
Como Lakeside Pavilion image 1
Performing arts theater

Outdoor pavilion on a lake offers orchestra-quality live music and a cool breeze. Visitors enjoy inexpensive stage plays and free musical performances. Walking trails and paddle boats add to the relaxed, cozy atmosphere with a friendly, diverse crowd.

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 enjoyed the fun live music while sitting by the water."

"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.

10
The Oโ€™Shaughnessy image 1
Performing arts theater

Brutalist design shapes a spacious auditorium with tiered seating and excellent acoustics. Comfortable seats and unobstructed views make plays easy to enjoy. Energetic crowds fill the venue, set against a scenic campus backdrop.

Comfortable seats and unobstructed views make the theater great for watching plays. Getting in and out is easy, though the building can be hard to find from outside.

People are saying

"There was tons of parking available."

"The audio quality for live shows here is fantastic."

"You can see the stage perfectly from any seat for the performing arts."

Good to know

1

There is ample free parking available, but expect a 5-10 minute walk to the venue.

2

The seating is not very comfortable, lacking lumbar support and modern cushioning.

3

All seats offer a good view of the stage, ensuring no bad seats in the house.

11
Minnesota State Fair image 1

Fairgrounds become a post-apocalyptic wonderland with over 60 rides and games. Crowds enjoy diverse live entertainment like acrobats and fire dancers. Food stands offer a wide variety of treats, making it fun for all ages.

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.

12
White Squirrel Bar image 1

Small bar with live music every night creates a cozy atmosphere for socializing. Spacious, pet-friendly patio with a fire pit offers a relaxed outdoor space. Signature cocktails and sour beers add to the chill vibe.

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."

"The outdoor seating is spacious and cozy with a fire pit."

"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.

13
Palace Theatre image 1
Live music venue

Historic theater blends industrial design with old school Vaudeville style for a unique vibe. Intimate, multi-level space offers great acoustics and excellent sight lines from all seats. Bars on every floor keep drinks close, enhancing the personal concert experience.

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."

"The parking nearby was really convenient."

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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