Varsity Theater

This place is amazing I am a Vet and I was given ticket to see Colony House here and it was and exceptional experience. The staff was amazing, bathrooms meticulous and unique. You need to bring a debit card or credit card they do not take cash. If you have cash they do have a free debit card they give you to trade your cash in for that debit card you can make purchases with. You can use that debit card anywhere outside of the venue as well.

Went to see Gloryhammer & Alestorm on Tuesday. Had a blast! The security was super nice and handled people crowd surfing really well (I would have been so annoyed). The acoustics were really good as well.

My absolute favorite concert venue in the cities! Sound and sight lines are excellent, parking is free (if you know your way around Dinkytown), and an overall relaxed atmosphere makes for a stress-free night out. The prices are right as well; many shows are around $30. It's a great spot to see some of your favorite smaller acts, as well as to check out some artists you may be less familiar with.

There was a time when being the designated driver meant you could have a soft drink for free or cheap. Now The Varsity is charging $8 for a plastic “commemorative cup” that I didn’t ask for nor wanted with my Coke and the offer of “free refills.” Right. Because I want to fight through the crowd to run between the bar and the bathroom all night instead of seeing the show I paid for. And I didn’t even get to keep the cup because some pushy kids knocked it out of my hand and kicked it through the packed crowd. Never making the mistake of ordering a drink of any kind here again…if I ever go to a show here again. I have a hard time believing you’re hurting for cash so bad you have to resort to this level of amusement park rip-off, Varsity. Beyond that, staff lets concert goers stand on the stairs and block the only way to get to or from the bathrooms. And are clearly overselling shows if people feel that’s the only place left to stand. If you want to sell more tickets, Varsity, you could consider blending us all into a fine slurry to fill the venue. Clean up could be a real hassle though. The screening process to get in is worse than the TSA. I have pre-check and global entry status, Varsity. Does that transfer, so I don’t have to strip down to my underwear just to get into the venue?

my FIRST concert ever and Corbin broke the scale 💫 bobby raps and psymun opening was phenomenal. setting was really vibey, not doing too much , just right. I really can't decide for this rating. Idk whos at fault but.. TECH ISSUES. when bobby raps was performing his mic was cutting out making fuzzy sounds for about 5 min or more at one point mic cut out completely couldn't even hear him (toon maybe like 7 min total to resolve the issue), the girl playing guitar for corbin had to keep signaling sum1 to raise the volume on her speaker lookin flustered. Overall very memorable performance ✨️ really cute how staff kept the crowd hydrated in the very front they'd offer water from time to time 💙 thanks for bringing dope artist to the stage

Was there for a wedding. The place is a vibe! The ligting, set up, and bars are perfect! The bathrooms are super cool.

It's rare you go out and don't have 1 BS part of the night, but seeing Alestorm here was just that. The venue is super cool, it feels like a pirate ship with its stone arches and ornate columns. The bathroom is super unique. Staff were all attentive and friendly, one in particular, noticed my wifes cane and showed her to ADA seating (un-prompted, just a solid host/human move). Security weren't snobby or aggressive at any point (they all seemed happy) . The drinks were way cheaper than other venues. There are places to sit, even if you don't pay for VIP. Sound was great and there are different volume levels depending on where you stand, which was great for chatting to new friends. I'm Not from the area, but I'd drive to come back. Loved everything about my night. Thank you all.

I love the Varsity Theater, The band are amazinf and the beer and drinks are not that expensive. For food right across the street is Frankie and Andreas. 2 slices for 10 bucks and a free soda. The sound is excellent and the site lines are perfect.

One of the best venues in the Twin Cities. The bathrooms, as everyone always says, are great. The sound quality at shows is good. The bar staff is kind and helpful. A fun place to see a more intimate show.

First time coming here and as a solo women I felt comfortable! The interior is gorgeous even though you can't really see it during the show. The bathrooms threw me off a bit but I don't mind sharing the sink with the males. There's parking about two blocks away so not too far! Would love to visit back for another concert or event.

Very funky venue with great sound and atmosphere. I saw an amazing DJ performance by DJ B-Rock for a Daft Punk night and it was fantastic! Will be back again. Also- very beautiful bathrooms (random, but true!)

Really nice music venue. The acoustics here are amazing! You get a real intimate performance with artist you're seeing. It's a definitely a hidden gem in the booming Twin Cities live music scene.

I've come to many concerts here and it is great for a smaller venue and lots of restaurants/bars in the surrounding area. It gets pretty packed in here on a sold out show. I was able to upgrade to the balcony chairs at a show last minute and if you have the opportunity you should do it. Great view!!!

Saw Chris Fleming here and while they were amazing, I did not like this venue. My pet peeve is when people don't believe that I'm 25 and refuse to give me proper identification that will allow me have alcoholic beverages. Bartender refused to look at me after he realized I didn't have a wristband and when I asked where to get said wristbands, literally no one knew. After feeling like a brat and bugging a woman at the entrance i got my wristband (i couldn't back down at this point, it's the principal) BUT not before she looked me up and down and doubted the legitimacy of my ID. And then my 2 drinks were $30 which is wiiiiild. The place itself is really cool architecturally and i'm sure all these people are nice it was probably just an off night, but that disorganization was messy asf

A nice mid sized venue that's really easy to navigate. Right in the middle of Dinkytown. Seen many shows here and will always be pleased when another is here!

Venue staff was a letdown for me. Had us outside in hail and downpour for over 40minutes.

What a little gem. Intimate venue. First time at this spot seeing Wild Rivers. Huge fan of absolutely everything. Get there.

I have been to this venue twice. The first time I went was about 2 years ago. It's was really good staff was amazing but the second the show ended they immediately kicked everybody out. After the shows they don't let you use the bathroom so you have to go across the street to "Frank & Andrea's restaurant". The second time I was there was last night. Now I'm on a knee scooter because I broke my ankle. They told me, the person I was with and another man in a wheel chair that we will be moved to the front of the line and we will be brought to the "Ada section". There was no Ada section. It was right next to the barricade. We were placed against the barricade and we had to be in a single file line. They did give us chairs but we couldn't see due to the pit being directly to the right of us. I was in the front and had to lean forward to see. I don't know if the man behind me could see or not but the venue is not good for people with mobility problems. This is the view I got from leaning forward.

Beautiful music watching Citizen Cope. But I am reviewing the venue and NOT the music or artists that preform there. We were waiting for our Uber to arrive at the entrance inside the venue as it was snowing heavily, and the venue staff began to get aggressive and demand that unless we were in line to purchase merch we had to wait outside. Half our group didn't have coats and I started to converse with Heidi Harren (general manager at varsity theatre) who was talking to me and I asked for a business card, which she gave me and was reasonable and nice to me. But Minneapolis police interrupted the exchange and put their hands on my chest and began to force me out of the door whilst personally insulting me. Maybe that is how it is done here, but I completely disagree with it.

Not to be confused with Mental Sparsity, which is when you're dumb AF and believe Fox News crap. One of those beautiful old theatres that dominates the area and is spectacular on the outside and spectacular on the inside. I only wish that I could play my Minneapolis concerts here instead of some of the Suburban crappy places that I have performed. But I don't have enough fans in Minneapolis to warrant that I guess. Nevertheless this is one of those gorgeous theatres and could not be more perfect. It's been well preserved and yet they kept it looking old which I guess isn't really a choice considering how howling and severe the cold weather is around here. You could jazz up the outside and after two winters it would look 27 years old again or something.

solid little place, any artist you can get fairly close to while on stage. Good ventilation, bathrooms are black. city curfew was kind of a let down, I thought the show should have went later

Saw x ambassadors and it was awesome! Staff was great and polite bartender was awesome and they had a table of water for everyone at the end of the show. Pick one up on your way out. We had Balcony seats which were just bar stools in the upstairs area. It was gated off and they checked tickets there for your seat. It was too tightly compacted in my opinion but breathable. The bar is upstairs. The bathrooms are also upstairs, only one set. One entrance for both male and female and shared washing area. It has a seated area by the sinks that you can also order at the bar from. The bathrooms were fine, cool aesthetics but nothing mind blowing. Felt like a jungle. Overall would definitely recommend this venue. The show felt really intimate

On Saturday (9/23/23) I went to the Daft Punk Dance Night here at Varsity. I was extremely excited to go and dance to music of one of my favorite bands ever!! And it meant so much more as the band is now broken up. To my (and the rest of the crowds) dismay, the DJ did less than a subpar job. I have the understanding that the set list was to include music from other artists and bands. There was one song I heard by Daft Punk, and it was maybe 1.5 minutes of the song. The other beats were okay, but between each song transition was reminiscent of feedback noise/something like blenders and vacuum noises/far from tasteful music. During the transitions, crowdmembers stopped dancing (which the dancing was low energy to start due to the nature of the music and atmosphere set by the DJ) and stared at each other. It was painful. Myself and I'm sure many, many others are disappointed to say the least. I saw people leaving by groups of 2-6 individuals. I've been to shows at Varsity before and I'm not sure I will be returning

Varsity Theater is located in the heart of Dinkytown on the University of Minnesota campus. At night, it's lit up in lights and you can't help but want to come to a show here when you pass by. I have been to several different shows here and I have had a spectacular time no matter what artist or band I've seen here. The venue is small and intimate, but that is all a part of its charm. If you get close enough to the stage, it honestly feels like you're a part of the performance. The lights, the acoustics, the energy...everything creates such a magical atmosphere. Even their bathroom upstairs feels like a unicorn could come prancing through at any moment! This place comes alive with music and it's such a local treat. Tickets to shows here are never unreasonable, the drinks at the bar are great, and it's certainly the perfect spot to sing your heart out and dance the night away. Parking may be a little difficult, but if you make a few loops, you can find free parking in the nearby neighborhoods! Come jam out at this delightful venue!

Saw my all time favorite band here The Olivia Tremor Control! It was one of my favorite nights/shows ever! They invited me up on stage to sing with them! It was so amazing! The venue is quite amazing as well! Really good sound, great sight lines, and some of the coolest, most unique restrooms I have ever seen not only in a rock n roll club but anywhere! They host everything from weddings, to corporate events, to concerts! I have only ever been here for a concerts but can imagine this awesome space being really beautiful for a wedding or other shindig! The Twin Cities are pretty lucky they have so many amazing music venues, and this one ranks up with the best of the best in the country!

Have been here for a couple of venues... most recently for a boss' retirement party which was really well done...and another for a concert for Marie Digby a few years ago...remember her? I really enjoy this venue...and such an awesome one to boot near the U of M!

Cool venue! We came here for a private party! Nice bar area, several nice local beer selections, including several from local craft brewer - Surly Brewing Co. The restrooms in this place are pretty rad - be sure to check them out!

Beautiful venue in Dinkytown. Came for the music, NoW, stayed for the bathrooms. Acoustics were great and friendly bartenders. I would definitely come back if another act I liked came thru here. Highly recommended to check out the this place at least once

I think that the Varsity Theater is a very cool venue for some types of events. It is really unique and funky looking, and I could see how it would be an awesome place to host a wedding reception or private party. It could also be a cool place to see a comedy show or a play or even some kind of acoustic music. But my No. 1 complaint was that the particular event we were attending (a very electric guitar driven event) seemed to be a bit too much for the acoustics system. That said, that was just my perception, and we were seated up in the upstairs mezzanine area and not down on the floor. We had friends who were down on the floor that said they thought the sound was fine, so I guess take it for what it is. Beverage-wise, the selection was good and prices are pretty par for the course. Since we were upstairs, there were fewer people, and we even had a friendly bar host named Todd who brought our first few rounds to us before things got too busy. I will say that if you're going to offer table service, that's awesome, but if the person upstairs is working solo and becomes too busy to continue table service as the show progresses, I'm not sure it's a great idea. Or you should at least warn people that they will probably have to come to the bar for their later rounds. Whatever. I was very pleased with the entrance staff. Unlike so many venues, people were actually using their brains. As doors open time approached, a gentleman came down the line carding folks and handing out wristbands to speed up the entry process. He was very helpful answering questions and exercised a lot more patience than I would have facing some of our more unruly and indecisive fellow concert-goers. They were very vigilant about making sure you had a mezzanine pass to gain entrance upstairs as well. And of course the bathroom -- what a crazy bathroom! It was kind of like stepping into Alice and Wonderland. I almost expected a talking caterpillar. As many have said, the boys and girls rooms are together in the same place, though once you enter, it's boys on one side and girls on the other, so it's not like you are "going" in a true co-ed environment. Even if you don't have to go, you should go check out the bathroom anyway. It's that cool. Parking in Dinkytown was a nightmare and it was a Tuesday! Be sure to leave yourself extra time.

What a fun venue! My girlfriend and I attended a stand up show here. We were both awed by this venue. The outside has a retro look and the inside is unique and has a intimate atmosphere. While we were waiting in line, the doorman was promoting the bathroom for first time visitors. I never heard anyone hype up a bathroom... Needless to say, the hype is warranted. It was pretty cool. We had seats in row K. We had a good view of the stage and the performer. I think every seat would have a good view of the stage. Whether you sat in the back or up on the balcony. The drinks were $7. Small damage to the wallet. I would definitely come back here for future events!

J was here last friday for a concert and I'm in a wheelchair. There is a ramp in at the main doors which I thought was awesome. When the doors opened for the concert, I got my lanyard and a poster and couldn't hold everything. No one offered to help except someone who said I can roll it up and tuck it beside me. I was patted down and had the wand waved, no issues there. After that a very nice woman in a cool colored robe like cardigan (I didn't catch her name) asked if I needed any accommodations on the floor. She assisted me to a bathroom that was upstairs. My wheelchair fit fine on the elevator, but I don't think it would be big enough for a power chair. There are two "accessible" bathrooms upstairs but there was only one that I could fit into with my wheelchair; the door wouldn't close on the first "accessible" stall. Nonetheless, it was an amazing night and I would definitely come back.

I was here for Todrick Hall. The staff were all so kind and patient even when things weren't very organized they made sure to get things in order. Great show. Great staff.

I really liked this venue. I've lived in Mn for most of my life this was the first haven't had a chance to go here.

This is a true gem in our city to see music at! It updated so beautifully, but keeps the old school feel. An example is the outside Varsity sign, where the artist are still posted by hand with black lettering. Inside is a chill vibe with low lighting, couches, and It also gives way to a bit of fancy, with chandeliers and a world class bathroom. All I'm going to say is, you have to see it for yourself to understand! I have seen many shows here over the years and the cost is always reasonable. I just say a show last week for $15! Tickets are general admissions, so it's first come first serve. Honestly, no matter here you are in this venue, the view is great. Even if you are standing back by the bar, it's an awesome view. I prefer to go towards the front, but good luck trying to get a drink or go to the restroom and find your way back! I always imagine how this place would make an excellent venue for a wedding, anniversary or party of some kind for music lovers!

The Varsity is beautiful. I've gone to a number of events at the varsity and the staff has always been more than pleasant. Even the service at the bar was quick, which isn't always the case in this neighborhood. But to what everyone actually cares about: THE BATHROOM. The can, the loo, whatever you call it, who cares because the varsity has the best one. It is so beautiful. I love the individual stalls with real doors, the rocks surrounding them, its all just so whimsical. I can't even attempt to describe it further go see it for yourself. But, remember to push gently with your foot to turn the faucet on. You'll thank me.

I am no longer of a younger age, so I didn't know what to expect. Essentially the chairs to sit in are horrible and so tightly together there is no room to breathe at all. They aren't true theater chairs, nor are they folding chairs, but rather wicker type chairs with wood backing and a round bottom that people would carry around and place in rows. There are some comfortable couches on each side but those went fast. So essentially a stage, uncomfortable chairs, a bar and a weird upstairs restroom where Men go to the left and Women to the right with a community sink in between. We were squished together like sausages, and it was so hot in the place I felt like I was going to pass out. We had to leave early, and essentially a waste of money and an evening out.

I LOVE this venue! We recently saw The Lone Bellow here and LOVED the concert - reasonably priced, great sound system (without blaring so you can actually hear people talk), and cool feel to the concert hall. Great seating up in the balcony and along with sides of the hall, so everyone gets a great view and overall experience. Cool ambiance with the funkiest bathrooms you'll ever see in your life. Good bar. Worth seeing shows here - two thumbs up! BOO on the massive mark up for buying your tickets on line, so minus one star for that for the surcharge. But overall, great place.

The Varsity definitely has plenty of character and charm. Admittedly, their usual bookings don't have me yearning to get here as often as I'd like, but it's still a pretty great venue. My visits here have always been for GA shows, but the Varsity books a pretty broad variety of private and public events, so your experiences may vary. That said, the GA events have always been a bit packed, but it's hard to fault them for trying to maximize a modestly-sized venue. Event staff have always been very friendly and the overall ambiance is great (and yes, so are the bathrooms, as others have noted). Definitely a unique venue and one worth returning to.

My brother and I took our friends here for The Donnas. The seats along the sides were cool and the sound was fantastic. It has a small feeling to it, but I think it could fit a thousand people in there. You can get a good dinner around there in Dinkytown and the area is really cool.

When you come to a show here, do not expect to find any free seating where you can see the stage. General admission standing room only means just that. There used to be sofas on elevated platforms lining both sides of the floor that were available first come first served, but all seating is now priced as an upgrade to your ticket. The theater is now owned by Live Nation, and it appears they are monetizing all amenities. This includes water, as I was unable to get a free glass of water as I can at every other bar/live music venue in town. They had water bottles for purchase only. You can get a barstool on the balcony for $20 or a seat on the elevated sofas on the main floor for $40. What's next? Pay toilets?

This place is so rad. Even the bathrooms are cool as hell. This place is the epitome of cool. The essence of "cool" means everything to me, and this place is the coolest. Some of the best concerts and shows in the Twin Cities area. This is truly a hidden oasis in a miasma of garbage venues. Go here if given the opportunity. PLEASE CHECK OUT MY BLOG AND OTHER REVIEWS.

Awesome venue that always gets great energy for live concerts. The Varsity does not have the best audio setup and if it gets busy there is a struggle to get around. But I always have a great time if its a live concert, a wedding or air guitar championships My best friend had his wedding reception here and it was the best ever. They set it up like an old movie theater and was very entertaining.

Love it here. Always good service and obviously the bathrooms are a huge bonus. They book really great acts and bands here. Good part of town.

Worst place I've ever seen a show. Pete was good. This place sucked dolla dolla bills y'all

This venue is cool! My wife and I saw Marc Roberge from OAR here. Not only did Marc put on a great show Varsity Theater is a great intimate spot to see a show. The bathroom is notable, trendy and fun. Drinks where reasonably priced, the seating was plentiful for a sold out show. We had a great time, and would happily go back again. Next time we would go earlier to secure a seat in balcony.

I've been going to shows in the TCs for 20 years. Whoa. Let's just reflect on that for a minute because I could have sworn I was still a kid. Huh. Anyways. All that time I had never been to the Varsity. It just never happened until 2015. And now I can say it's one of my favorite venues. It has a classic atmosphere without feeling out of date. All the staff I've encountered have been friendly. The sound is very satisfactory, loud and clear. Bar service is great and they have had a specialty drink deal the last few times. And of course those bathrooms. Only downside is parking can be challenging. If you have an early show, you'll be bound by the meters that are enforced to 10pm with a 2hr max. Skip that noise and hit up the underground pay lot next to Burrito Loco.

I was here two weeks ago to see Jessie Ware. She was so amazing amd got so much love from us! Lol. She was also very funny and took her time on stage. Her opener was a strange but soulful swedish band, but they were enjoyable. And Varsity? A totally cute venue in heart of dinkytown. I loved the hanging lights and am so glad we got balcony seats because entire place is standing room!

Everything about this place is exemplary! I've grown used to seeing shows at the Varsity and know with confidence that there will be a good sight line somewhere in the house. There are plenty of vantage points and seeing options, and the place is never packed beyond capacity. Servers are excellent and friendly. As an event venue, it gets two thumbs up. I can say this especially after attending a wedding with 1) live music 2) an open bar and 3) some excellent catered food, presumably from the Varsity 4) some great desserts. Find a show you like and go there now!

What a fantastic venue! Super cool ambiance, nice bartenders & clean. Had dinner at Loring Pasta Bar next door (same owners) prior to our show. Great food/drinks, w/excellent service. Same kickin ambiance as theater. Only difficulty was lack of parking for area businesses. Did finally manage to locate a garage nearby. Don't use metered City parking. Cops ticket everyone-even meters w/time left.

Such a fun place to see a show! The decor is very original. Warm lighting and colors, lamps and cool furniture here and there, and the bathrooms are so much fun! Never thought I would say that about a public bathroom, but you literally feel like you've walked into a rainforest. Plus you can overlook the show while waiting in line for a stall or while washing your hands. Pretty stinkin' cool for a restroom. This place is as original as it gets and the staff was friendly.

This is an awesome little concert venue. We saw Sum 41 here from the balcony and loved it. No long wait for drinks and there was plenty of room to move around. Great spot for sure!

Nice place. Saw Steely Dane there and enjoyed the venue and band. Drinks spendy but we were in dinkytown... Parking garage nearby.

Said it before and I'll say it again.. Most beautiful concert venue. I want to get married here

This place is absolutely terrible. We were enjoying the show and my friend asked for water and someone gave her a drink of alcohol. The security guard then ripped my friends arm leaving a mark on her arm. We were getting metal detected with our vapes held out and so they obviously knew we had one. We then were holding a Vape NOT hitting it at all then a security guard grabbed it for no reason and threw it away. We then went out to our friend who was rudely escorted out for NO reason then for us to do a no re-entry to help our friend who was getting hurt I may seem like I'm overreacting but not at all. We then ask the police officer to get our vape back since we are above age he said he threw it away. Not exaggerating when I say there was more than 30 people getting kicked out for no reason. For example a person got kicked out for standing up for his girlfriend for having a guy hit her. I will never again step foot in this run down place. These people who said that this place is good have no idea what this place actually does. Do not go here, it is repulsive.

I was here for the Transmission 80's Prom event and have been here for other Transmission events. Very affordable, very friendly crowd, a fun place to dance the night away!

The Varsity is hands-down my favorite venue in the TC. It all starts in the bathroom. It is this beautiful pirate's grotto-esque space. It should be sought out, not avoided like at most venues. The chaises are particularly useful when waiting for a friend or taking a breather. That feeling continues in the rest of the updated venue. It's cozy and intimate everywhere you look, even the stage. I prefer going to shows where they've set up couches and seats along the perimeter of the room. I've gotten old and want to enjoy my music seated, okay? The sound is really lovely, at least for a know-nothing like me. Pro tip: the sound is always best behind the soundboard near the back of the room. If you're there for the music more than crowd interaction or are a misanthrope like me, you know where to stand. I like how they cater to all events - rock shows, weddings & receptions, dance nights. The Varsity has lived up to my expectations for each kind of experience I've had there. It's the only thing keeping me coming back to Dinkytown (unless Kitty Cat Klub is cover-free). My one complaint is the drink prices, but that's going to be an issue at any concert venue. Put that overpriced Strongbow in the air and say "Cheers!" to the best, most intimate venue in town!

We had seen at least a half-dozen shows here, with each one better than the last. Fantastic visuals, great sound and an excellent bar. The remodel in the last few years has taken a beautiful venue and made it a must-see for any music junkie. Even better, they do AMAZING wedding receptions - anyone who is thinking of working with them, do not hesitate. We had ours there years ago and it was truly the best night of my life: delicious food from Loring Pasta Bar and they cleared the stage for our live band for some dancing on the rug in front. I could not have asked for anything better.