Best clubs in Minneapolis: top rated picks for every vibe

TL;DR:

• Uptown and Downtown concentrate the most options near transit.
  
• First Avenue anchors live music, with late crowd energy.
  
• Ground Zero leads goth, fetish, and alt dance nights.
  
• Union Rooftop runs late nights and big drag brunch parties.
  
• Gay 90’s and The Saloon power LGBTQ+ dance floors all week.

This is a practical guide to Minneapolis clubs and dance friendly venues. We looked at current calendars, house rules, and consistent crowds. Details were verified on official sites on 6 October 2025.

Quick map of the scene

Most options sit along Hennepin Avenue and in Uptown. Jack London style waterfront does not apply here, but the river is close. Light rail and bus lines help early. After midnight, plan rideshares.

The top rated local clubs and why they stand out

First Avenue & 7th St Entry

First Avenue is the city’s live music epicenter. Shows fill the Mainroom and the Entry most nights. Post show, the floor often turns into a packed dance crowd. The October calendar lists dozens of concerts, from indie to electronic. Buy tickets early and arrive before doors. (Calendar on First Avenue’s site.)

Best for: Live shows that flow into a late dance crowd.
When to go: Nights with touring acts, 8 p.m. doors typical.
Pro tip: Check both the Mainroom and Entry for options.

Ground Zero Nightclub

Ground Zero is the alternative dance hub. Expect goth, industrial, EBM, and fetish themed shows. Friday and Saturday run late with cash only bars and 21 plus entry. Recurring nights include Bondage A Go Go and special costume parties. The schedule page lists dates and covers.

Best for: Goth, industrial, and themed kink friendly nights.
When to go: Fridays and Saturdays, doors at 10 p.m.
Pro tip: Bring cash for the bar and cover.

Union Rooftop Nightlife and Drag Brunch

Union Rooftop runs dinner, then flips to late night hours from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on select nights. Drag brunches headline many weekends with rotating themes and ticketed seating. If you want a view, a show, and a danceable playlist later, this is a strong one stop plan.

Best for: Drag brunch parties and late night rooftop energy.
When to go: Weekends, check ticket links for showtimes.
Pro tip: Reserve early, themed brunches sell out.

Gay 90’s

Gay 90’s is a multi room LGBTQ+ complex with drag, burlesque, karaoke, and dance floors. The monthly events page shows 18 plus nights and weekend burlesque followed by drag shows. Expect pop, hip hop, and remixes across rooms.

Best for: Drag shows plus multi room dancing.
When to go: Thursday through Sunday, later is livelier.
Pro tip: Check which room hosts your music before you line up.

The Saloon

The Saloon is a cornerstone LGBTQ+ dance club downtown. It runs daily hours, a long happy hour, and late closings on weekends. Expect go go dancers, theme parties, and strong DJ rotations.

Best for: High energy LGBTQ+ dance nights.
When to go: Weekends or any night with a posted theme.
Pro tip: Sunday through Thursday becomes 18 plus after 9 p.m.

The Loft at Skyway Theatre

The Loft is the Skyway Theatre’s intimate EDM room. Listings show touring bass and house acts, rave themes, and 18 plus shows. There are multiple bars, VIP tables, and a rooftop patio.

Best for: EDM, bass nights, and themed raves.
When to go: Show nights listed on the Skyway site.
Pro tip: Some events are 18 plus, so bring valid ID.

Granada Theater, Uptown Latin Nights

Granada Theater hosts rotating dance events and live shows. Its Latin Nights calendar features live orchestras and DJs with salsa, bachata, and reggaeton. The room is elegant, with seated nooks and a floor that opens once the band hits.

Best for: Latin live bands and DJ led socials.
When to go: Posted Latin Nights and special events.
Pro tip: Tickets can be cheaper in advance online.

Note on closures: The Pourhouse closed in 2024 after a long run, so it is not included. If you see old lists with it, check dates before planning.

Neighborhood cheat sheet

• Downtown, Hennepin corridor. First Avenue, The Saloon, Union Rooftop, Skyway Theatre.
  
• Northeast. Ground Zero Nightclub and nearby bars.
  
• Uptown. Granada Theater and smaller lounges.
  

Table: pick by mood, music, and logistics

Prices are typical ranges and can change with artists or holidays.

Sample 1 night plan

Start with a sunset seat at Union Rooftop, then a themed drag show. Walk to First Avenue for a headliner. If you want darker beats after, take a quick ride to Ground Zero. If the group wants Latin vibes, pivot to Granada’s Latin Night.

Money and time savers

• RSVP or buy tickets early. Many shows sell out.
  
• Arrive by 10 p.m. Lines build after 11 p.m.
  
• Check age rules. Some events are 18 plus.
  
• Bring cash for Ground Zero’s bar and cover.
  
• Use a rideshare home after the last bus or train.
  

Safety and etiquette

Stay with your group and watch your drinks. Tip bartenders, the lines move faster for friendly guests. Step off the floor when you need space. Respect staff and posted rules.

Why it matters

Minneapolis blends live music with club culture on the same blocks. With a short plan and current info, you skip dead lines, pick the right room, and spend more time dancing.

Sources:

• Meet Minneapolis, “Music & Nightlife,” https://www.minneapolis.org/things-to-do/music-nightlife/, accessed 2025-10-06. Meet Minneapolis
  
• First Avenue, “Shows calendar, October 2025,” https://first-avenue.com/shows/, accessed 2025-10-06. First Avenue+1
  
• Ground Zero Nightclub, “Schedule and About,” https://groundzeromn.com/schedule-events/ and https://groundzeromn.com/, accessed 2025-10-06. groundzeromn.com+1
  
• Union Rooftop, “Hours and late night info,” https://unionmpls.com/ and official ticket pages, accessed 2025-10-06. unionmpls.com+1
  
• Flip Phone Events, “Minneapolis Drag Brunch dates,” various October and November 2025 shows, accessed 2025-10-06. Flip Phone+1
  
• Gay 90’s, “Upcoming events and hours,” https://gay90s.com/ and events page, accessed 2025-10-06. gay90s.com+1
  
• The Saloon, “Hours and venue info,” https://www.saloonmn.com/, accessed 2025-10-06. THE SALOON MN
  
• Skyway Theatre, “The Loft venue page and events,” https://skywaytheatre.com/venue/the-loft/ and events pages, accessed 2025-10-06. Skyway Theatre+2Skyway Theatre+2
  
• Granada Theater, “Calendar and Latin Nights,” https://granadampls.com/calendar/, accessed 2025-10-06. Granada Theater
  

Axios Twin Cities, “The Pourhouse abruptly closes,” August 8, 2024, accessed 2025-10-06. Axios