The Turf Club is a storied live music venue in Saint Paul, MN, housed in a historic nightclub with two distinct performance spaces: the upstairs main stage and the basement Clown Lounge. Owned by First Avenue, the Turf Club continues to host a wide range of national acts and local favorites in an intimate setting. With approximately 350 capacity, most shows are general admission, first-come, first-served, with ADA seating available by request. Whether you’re catching an indie set, a touring act, or a special club night, you’ll find a welcoming, no-fuss ticket experience here.

Below you’ll find venue details, parking and transit options, and nearby hotel and dining recommendations to help you plan a smooth visit to this iconic Minneapolis–St. Paul staple.

Venue details: Turf Club is a First Avenue-owned venue located at 1601 University Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55104. It features two performance spaces: the upstairs main stage and the basement Clown Lounge. Most seating is GA, with limited seating on a first-come, first-served basis; ADA seating is available by request. The venue has a rich history including notable moments like hosting the 1,000th Shonen Knife show (Sept 2014) and a remodel/reopening in Aug 2014. The Turf Club remains an active, renamed, and fully operational venue since being acquired by First Avenue in 2013.

Parking: There is a surface lot behind the venue on Sherburne Street (not Turf Club-owned). A community parking lot behind Turf Club is also noted near First Avenue. Plan ahead for parking nearby; rideshare and public transit are convenient options.

Transit: The Turf Club sits across from the Snelling Avenue Green Line light rail station and is close to multiple bus routes, making it easy to reach without a car.

Nearby hotels: For overnight stays, consider nearby options such as The Saint Paul Hotel, Holiday Inn St. Paul Downtown, Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis University Area, DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis University Area, and InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront. These properties are within short driving or rideshare distance and are well-situated for quick access to the venue. We’ve highlighted affiliate-friendly hotels where available to help you secure convenient stays during your visit.

Nearby dining: After or before shows, you’ll find a variety of dining options in the surrounding university and downtown Saint Paul area. Look for partner restaurant recommendations to maximize value and convenience for your night out.

Why choose Turf Club: If you value an intimate live music experience with a storied history, easy access via transit, and a straightforward ticket process, Turf Club offers a no-frills, reliable option for enjoying a broad range of performers in a classic venue setting.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Address: 1601 University Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55104.
Capacity: 350 (approximate).
Venue type: Historic nightclub/bar with two performance spaces (upstairs main stage and Clown Lounge in the basement).
Seating: Generally GA; limited seating on a first-come, first-served basis; ADA seating available by request.
Parking: One level surface lot behind the venue on Sherburne (parking is not Turf Club-owned); First Avenue also notes a community parking lot behind Turf Club.
Transit: Located across from the Snelling Avenue light rail station on the Green Line; near multiple bus routes.
Nearby hotels: The Saint Paul Hotel, Holiday Inn St. Paul Downtown, Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis University Area, DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis University Area, InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront (per hotel listings and guides).
Notable events hosted: 1,000th Shonen Knife show at the Turf Club (Sept 2014); remodel and re-opening in Aug 2014; COVID-19 closure with reopening in July 2021; sold to First Avenue in 2013.
Renaming/demolition: The Turf Club has not been demolished or renamed; it remains a First Avenue-owned venue (acquired in 2013).