23 Minneapolis Event Venues Your Attendees Will Love
Searching for event venues in the Mini Apple? Look no further than this list of 23 next-level meeting spaces in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You’ll find microbreweries, caves, orchestra halls, and historic mansions among these Minneapolis spaces.
Minneapolis, the larger of the two Twin Cities, is a natural wonderland. With more than 13 lakes, wetlands, and direct access to the Mississippi River, this Minnesota city is home to various beautiful landscapes. Founded by the Dakota Sioux people, the city eventually blended its founders’ indigenous culture with the French, who showed up later. Today, Minneapolis is the proud host of many cultural and artistic landmarks. From contemporary art museums to a thriving indie music scene, there’s something for everyone in this Land of 10,000 Lakes.
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1. The Mill City Museum
Source: Mill City Museum on Flickr
Location: Mississippi Riverfront
Capacity: 1,500
More info: https://www.mnhs.org/millcity/visit/rental
The Mill City Museum is a former flour mill that has been converted into a museum and event space. The museum tells the story of Minneapolis’ milling industry and the city’s history. The venue has several spaces to use:
- The Flour Tower: This is the museum’s signature space, located in the former mill’s grain elevator. The Flour Tower offers stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. This space has capacity of up to 1,000 guests for seated events and 1,500 guests for cocktail receptions.
- The Ruin Courtyard: This Minneapolis outdoor venue is in the heart of the museum, surrounded by the ruins of the old mill. The Ruin Courtyard is a popular spot for weddings and receptions and has capacity of up to 500 guests for seated events and 1000 guests for cocktail receptions.
- The Engine House: This historic building was once used to power the mill. The Engine House can be used for meetings, workshops, and other events and has capacity of up to 150 guests for seated events and 200 guests for cocktail receptions.
- The Water Lab: This interactive exhibit explores the science of water. The Water Lab can be used for educational events and workshops and has capacity of up to 50 guests for seated events and 75 guests for cocktail receptions.
2. The Neu Neu
Source: Neu Neu
Location: North Loop
Capacity: 200
More info: www.neuneumpls.com
Formerly known as 514 Studios, The Neu Neu is a historic Minneapolis venue built for intimate wedding parties, large cocktail parties, and more across three unique spaces. All three areas in The Neu Neu feature lounge-worthy furniture, exploded brick walls, wood-rafter ceilings, and the ability to customize it to meet your event’s needs. Want a sit-down? The Neu Neu can meet your needs.
3. The Riverside at Minneapolis Event Centers
Source: Minneapolis Event Center
Location: Northeast
Capacity: 50-500
More info: The Riverside at Minneapolis Event Centers on The Vendry
One of the various spaces offered by Entourage Events Group, The Riverside at the Minneapolis Event Centers offers various activities and food options for any event. Multiple food stations and bars are located throughout the space itself. As a bonus, they have secured partnerships with local breweries, rotating the spotlight to give seasonal and special edition flavors their due. If that wasn’t enough, they also host Ghost Tours in the historic basement!
4. Urban Growler Brewing Company
Source: Urban Growler
Location: St. Anthony Park
Capacity: 225
More info: Urban Growler Brewing Company on The Vendry
This next venue holds the title of the first women-owned microbrewery in all of Minnesota. Urban Growler® Brewing Company has a taproom, kitchen, and Beer Garden. Plus, this event space is open six days a week, and you can rent one or more spaces simultaneously. Serving a wide selection of traditional flavors alongside original beers that reflect local eccentricities, this is one locale you shouldn’t miss.
5. Wabasha Street Caves
Source: Wabasha Street Caves
Location: West Side
Capacity: 200
More info: www.wabashacaves.com
This outside-the-box venue plays host to a variety of underground gatherings. The Wabasha Street Caves are a fascinating and mysterious event setting with more than 12,000 square feet available for your special occasion. The organizers behind this venue also offer winter light tours, Big Band dance nights, and private dinners. Inside, you’ll find a selection of lighting options, comfortable temperatures, and plenty of amenities for attendees.
6. Varsity Theater
Source: Varsity Theater
Location: University
Capacity: 30 to 750
More info: www.livenation.com
Searching for unique conference venues in Minneapolis? A performance and private entertainment venue, the Varsity Theatre has some serious art deco vibes. This multi-level venue has velvet booths, disco balls, and hidden lounge spaces. Organizers have hosted everything from big-name musical acts to galas to daytime conferences in this Minneapolis event venue.
The space is highly transformable for particularly inventive planners, so there’s plenty of room for creativity. Want to see Varsity Theater without actually visiting? Check out the virtual tour!
7. American Swedish Institute
Location: Phillips
Capacity: 20-500
More info: asimn.org/about-us/facility-rental
Looking for an outside-the-box meeting space in Minneapolis? The American Swedish Institute is a Harry Potter-esque castle come to life, with its historical Turnblad Mansion and contemporary, LEED-certified Nelson Cultural Center! With seasonal exhibits, workshops, and special collections on display, this venue is perfect for corporate gatherings, private events, and anything else you can dream up. Bring your vision to live in the courtyard, mansion, cultural center, Paulson Hall, Larson Hall, or one of their spacious board and meeting rooms.
8. Elliot Park Hotel, Autograph Collection
Source: Marriott
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 288
More info: www.marriott.com
The Elliot Park Hotel, Autograph Collection is in the middle of one of Minneapolis’s oldest neighborhoods and features 3,005 square feet of space. The venue aims to bring boutique sophistication to a historic location — the wood-fired Italian restaurant and convenient parking are just a few perks for guests and event attendees. The Elliot Park Hotel also has three event rooms, three breakout rooms, and meeting rooms, plus WiFi and presentation equipment for events that need more privacy and focus.
9. Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center
Source: Heritage Center
Location: Brooklyn Center
Capacity: 1,000
More info: https://heritagecenter.mn/facilities-map/
The Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center embraces rustic beauty with its signature red barn. Organizers at this venue provide event services for gatherings as small as 15 people — think business lunches and meetings — or as large as 800 attendees for weddings and galas or 1,000 for trade shows. The center’s onsite staff members are highly trained and experienced in catering.
Check out the virtual tour of the Heritage Center now.
10. Minnesota Orchestra Hall
Source: Minnesota Orchestra Hall
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 2,000+
More info: www.minnesotaorchestra.org/event-rentals
The Minnesota Orchestra’s impressive residence hosts entertainment, food, and drinks in one place. Its thriving performance calendar has a classical focus but also includes themed evenings from family favorites — like Disney and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club. This Minneapolis conference venues features more than six customizable spaces to plan and orchestrate the event of your dreams.
11. Gale Mansion
Source: Eric Vest Photography
Location: Whittier
Capacity: 190
More info: https://galemansion.com/events
Hosting your next event at a mansion is impressive in its own right, but the Gale Mansion takes it up a notch with an onsite executive chef, boutique service, and full liquor license. Weddings and receptions are the mansion’s main attraction, but they also host corporate and social gatherings. You can rent the mansion and ballroom separately or together, making the Gale Mansion an elegant backdrop for any event.
12. US Bank Stadium
Source: US Bank Stadium
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 60-66,655
More info: usbankstadium.com/host-an-event
The US Bank Stadium has custom-built spaces for events of almost all sizes. With a total of 11 venues, each space has its distinct decor, but they all come with a variety of catering options and unique perks both inside and outside the stadium. With larger gatherings, keeping track of your event can be tough. Consider implementing an event management software that can help you track registrations, boost sponsorship opportunities, and create segmented tracks for your program.
13. FIVE Event Center
Source: FIVE Event Center
Location: Uptown
Capacity: 350
More info: www.fiveeventcenter.com
Looking for both indoor and outdoor venues in Minneapolis? Booking an event at the FIVE Event Center is an all-inclusive experience with onsite coordinators, wireless mic systems, projection equipment, two indoor bars, and a quaint outdoor patio — just to name a few features. As a benefit, FIVE’s alcohol packages are customizable, and if you’re looking for a transformational Minneapolis venue, FIVE is it.
14. Rogue Buddha Gallery
Source: Rogue Buddha
Location: Northeast
Capacity: 250
More info: www.roguebuddha.com/rentals
For your next event rentals in Minneapolis, the 2,000-square-foot Rogue Buddha Gallery has everything you need: storefront windows, distressed wood floors, and art from international and local artists. Its staff offers event planners help arranging catering, live music, and equipment rental. They even provide discounts for nonprofits who book private events with them.
15. Nord Social Hall at French Meadow
Source: Nord Social Hall
Location: Uptown
Capacity: 150
More info: www.nordsocialhall.com
Nord Social Hall at French Meadow is a modern event venue located in the heart of Minneapolis. It is the newest addition to the French Meadow family of welcoming event spaces. The hall can accommodate up to 150 guests and can be dressed to suit your event, from “Gatsby” style glamour to French Provencal elegance.
Nord Social Hall has a hardwood floor, a large wood-slatted wall, and eclectic clusters of chandeliers. It also has a private patio that can be opened up during the warmer months.
The hall is located at the French Meadow Bakery & Cafe flagship location on Lyndale Avenue. This gives guests easy access to delicious food and drinks from French Meadow Catering.
16. The Machine Shop
Source: Machine Shop
Location: St. Anthony/Northeast
Capacity: 300
More info: https://machineshopmpls.com
A concert lounge with both sitting and standing room options for events, The Machine Shop primarily caters to live musical acts. The eclectic vibe makes for an unparalleled addition to this list of Minneapolis event spaces, perfectly capturing the one-of-a-kind sounds of this city. This 19,000-square-foot venue is best for corporate events and fundraisers for brands with a slight edge.
17. Mintahoe at Solar Arts
Location: Northeast
Capacity: 350-450
More info: www.mintahoe.com/venues/solar-arts
The 100-year-old Mintahoe at Solar Arts building features natural lighting, hardwood floors, exposed brick, wooden beams in their design, and newly renovated restrooms with private dressing rooms as well. With amazing offerings — partnerships with top-notch caterers, antique furniture and decor rentals, and professionally coordinated experience courtesy of their event specialist team — this is one Minneapolis space that is hard to pass up.
18. Food Building
Source: Food Building
Location: Northeast
Capacity: 150
More info: www.foodbuilding.com/private-events-at-foodbuilding
Although the Food Building might not be the first place you think of event rentals in Minneapolis, The Food Building actually has three unique options:
- Tasting Room
- Bubble Hall
- The whole building!
Although each space has its unique offering, they all accommodate food and beverage services and audio-visual presentations. Food Building’s thoughtful and informative website gives all the nitty gritty details and tips for event success that planners could ever want.
19. Warehouse Winery
Source: The Vendry
Location: St. Louis Park
Capacity: 200
More info: Warehouse Winery on The Vendry
The electric Warehouse Winery is privately owned and fully functional. The space has three in-house catering options and — you guessed it — a variety of award-winning wines. Reviewers were more than satisfied with hosting their weddings at this venue and cemented this location as a hidden gem. Take a break from the Minneapolis beer scene with this off-the-beaten-path option.
20. Glass House
Source: Glass House
Location: North Loop
Capacity: 400
More info: https://glasshousemn.com/
The Glass House in Minneapolis is a distinct and versatile event venue known for its unique industrial design. It is situated in Downtown Minneapolis and offers a light-filled and airy environment, making it adaptable for various events. This modern industrial space is trendy for hosting weddings, receptions, and corporate events. Its open and flexible layout can accommodate different events, including corporate holiday parties, break-out meetings, happy hours, and product launches.
One of the critical features of Glass House is its ability to cater to contemporary events in a space that combines modern amenities with an expansive, open feel. The venue can host up to 250 people, making it suitable for large gatherings and more intimate events. The natural light that floods the space adds to its appeal, creating an inviting atmosphere for various occasions, from corporate dinners to cocktail parties.
21. Mosaic
Source: Mosaic
Location: Warehouse District
Capacity: 200
More info: www.mosaicmn.com
Mosaic is unique venue in that it uses an open-vendor model, which means that couples can choose their own caterer, photographer, and other vendors. This gives couples more flexibility and control over their wedding planning.
The venue has a modern and industrial design with exposed brick walls and high ceilings. It has a capacity of up to 200 guests and can be used for weddings, corporate meetings, and private parties.
Mosaic is located just steps from the Minneapolis Convention Center and the Warehouse District, making it a convenient and accessible location for events.
22. Minneapolis Institute of Art
Source: Minneapolis Institute of Art
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 1,000+
More info: https://new.artsmia.org/about/private-events
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is a great option for a conference venue. It is a large and impressive museum with a variety of event spaces to choose from.
Mia has a variety of indoor and outdoor event spaces, including (but not limited to) the following:
- Reception Hall: Gorgeous 4,250-square-foot maple-paneled room that is paired with the adjoining MacMillan Atrium. The hall’s capacity is 300 seated, 500 for a reception, 350 theater-style, and 200 in a classroom setting.
- Second Floor Corridor with Regis Fountain Court and Bruce B. Dayton Rotunda: This 4,400-square-foot stately marble hall has soaring ceilings and enchanting balconies. It can accommodate 300 seated and 1,000 for a reception.
- Wells Fargo Community Room: This 1,100-square-foot space is a versatile, light-filled room ideal for daytime meetings or private dinners. It can host 64 seated, 85 for a reception, 60 in a theater setup, and 40 as a classroom configuration.
- Pillsbury Auditorium: With space for 276 guests, this space is ideal for talks, presentations, and film screenings.
- General Mills Lobby: This 2,500-square-foot space is perfect for welcoming guests and looks out on Washburn-Fair Oaks Park. It can accommodate 150 seated, 250 for a reception, 100 in a theater setup, and 48 as a classroom.
Mia is a beautiful and historic venue that will impress your guests. It is also centrally located in downtown Minneapolis, making it easy for guests to get to.
23. The Depot
Source: The Depot
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 2,400
More info: https://thedepotminneapolis.com
The Depot is a historic train depot in Minneapolis that has been converted into an event venue. Boasting more than 71,124 square feet, The Depot offers versatile meeting spaces tailored to your needs. The majestic Great Hall exudes grandeur, while the Depot Pavilion suits both formal and casual events.
The venue’s adaptable meeting rooms accommodate various group sizes, backed by state-of-the-art technology and powerful fiber connection. From conferences to corporate dinners, this venue’s top-notch facilities, including high-speed internet, modern AV equipment, and The Depot’s dedicated team, ensure a seamless event experience. Check out the virtual tour of The Depot now!
Wrapping Up: Finding the Perfect Minneapolis Event Venue
Selecting the perfect Minneapolis event venue requires careful consideration of factors like location, capacity, ambiance, and cost. The city boasts a diverse array of venues, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Whether planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Minneapolis offers a backdrop for every occasion.
Remember to visit potential venues personally, consider your event’s needs, and consult reviews and recommendations. With thoughtful planning and a keen eye for details, you can ensure that your event in the “City of Lakes” will be an unforgettable experience for all.
