Nightlife

The best place to find out what's happening in the Twin Cities is the free newsweekly City Pages, which lists all events. Other good sources of information are the local papers (Star Tribune and St. Paul Pioneer Press), the calendar in Minneapolis-St. Paul magazine, and the monthly Twin Cities Directory. On the Web, check out www.minneapolis.org or www.stpaulcvb.org for the most up-to-date information.

The Performing Arts

There are more theater seats per capita in Minneapolis than anywhere outside New York City. The famous Guthrie Theater, 818 S. 2nd St. (tel. 877/44-STAGE or 612/377-2224; www.guthrietheater.org), is one of the nation's premier classical repertory companies and opened its new architecturally stunning venue on the Mississippi in 2006. Théâtre de la Jeune Lune, 105 N. 1st St. (tel. 612/333-6200; www.jeunelune.org), in the Warehouse District, is a strong and innovative acting company with a varied performance repertoire. Three historic, renovated theaters, State, 805 Hennepin (tel. 612/339-7007), Orpheum, 910 Hennepin (tel. 612/339-7007), and Pantages, 710 Hennepin (tel. 612/339-7007), feature a variety of entertainment, from pop music to comedy to adult and children's theater. Information for all three can be found at www.hennepintheatredistrict.org. The Children's Theater Company, 2400 3rd Ave. S. (tel. 612/874-0400; www.childrenstheatre.org), presents plays for all age groups in one of America's best regional theaters.

For more than 20 years, Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall (tel. 800/292-4141 or 612/371-5656; www.minnesotaorchestra.org), has been home to the internationally acclaimed Minnesota Orchestra.

In St. Paul, the Schubert Club, 302 Landmark Center (tel. 651/292-3268; www.schubert.org), brings celebrated artists to perform, provides music lessons, and commissions new works. The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra (tel. 651/291-1144; www.thespco.org) makes its home in the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington St. (tel. 651/224-4222; www.ordway.org). Opera, recitals, pop and classical concerts, and dance are also presented here. Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St. (tel. 651/290-1221; http://fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org), has been home to Garrison Keillor's wildly popular radio show, A Prairie Home Companion, for 25 years. Touring companies also perform in this lovely restored historic building.

The Club & Music Scene

The Warehouse District has always been considered the heart of Minneapolis nightlife, but Block E, bordered by 6th and 7th streets and by Hennepin and 1st avenues, has its fair share of dining and dancing. First Avenue, 701 1st Ave. N. (tel. 612/338-8388; www.first-avenue.com), is where Prince got his start (Purple Rain was filmed here). Connected to it is 7th Street Entry, a small, loud venue for local music. Empire, 319 1st Ave. N. (tel. 612/659-9192), is an upscale gay-friendly dance club, but straights won't feel out of place. The interior is Cuban-inspired, and offers a good mix of techno and pop.

For interesting music and great food to boot, try Martini Blu, 615 2nd Ave. S. (tel. 612/752-9595; www.martiniblu.com). The elegant nightclub is furnished with blue glass, brushed stainless steel, and lacquered black tables. Expect European dance music as well as dining -- sushi, pasta, steaks, hors d'oeuvres, and martinis. Babalú, 800 Washington Ave. N. (tel. 612/746-3158; www.babalu.us), serves up Latin American and Spanish music (think bossa nova, Afro-Cuban jazz, flamenco) and food along with a classy, pre-Castro Cuban decor. Cuban entrees are available, as are over 70 rums.

St. Paul has a big Irish neighborhood, and many Irish bars and clubs. Chang O'Hara's Bistro, 498 Selby Ave. (tel. 651/290-2338), is a bar/restaurant popular with the locals. There's live music almost every night, including jazz and blues. Great Waters Brewing Co., 426 St. Peter St., specializes in crafting the best English ales in the Twin Cities, and in the summer, its outdoor patio is the place to be.