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Prince’s Minneapolis

Prince’s Minneapolis set to debut Purple Rain musical

Internationally beloved performer Prince brought fame to his hometown of Minneapolis when his album and film, “Purple Rain,” premiered 40 years ago. With the film and music still regarded as influential today, the pre-Broadway run of the first-ever “Purple Rain the Musical” will draw fans to Minneapolis’ State Theatre starting in October 2025 – it’s honestly the only city where the premiere could take place.

This stage adaptation will feature a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize-finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, based on the original screenplay by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn; music and lyrics by Prince; and direction by Tony Award-nominee Lileana Blain-Cruz. Longtime Prince collaborators Bobby Z and Morris Hayes join the award-winning creative team as Prince Music Advisors. Fans from across the globe are once again expected to come to Minneapolis to witness another piece of Prince history in his hometown.

Our native son was born, grew up, started his career and remained a Minneapolis resident till his death in 2016. Visitors can trace the steps of “the Purple One” throughout his life journey via self-tours, live tours and audio tours with stops at all the places Prince spent time and created his art. Several Prince murals provide perfect backdrops to it all.

People from around the world flock to his home and studios, Paisley Park, for tours, events and their annual Celebration events to remember and honor Prince’s legacy.

Celebration 2025 will be June 5-9, 2025, where “The Year of Purple Rain” will wrap up in spectacular fashion. This multi-day event happens at Paisley Park and in downtown Minneapolis with concerts, panel discussions, chances to see Prince artifacts and much more.

The Purple Rain House on Airbnb opened for applications for its Icons stay in October 2024 by Wendy & Lisa (members of Prince’s band The Revolution). It promptly sold out (expecting there will be future openings). Guests who are selected will stay in “The Kid’s” room, which provides yet another reason for Prince fans and admirers to visit this experiential spot.

Iconic concert venue First Avenue also celebrates 55 years of music and dancing in 2025, as one of the longest-running, independently owned and operated venues in the United States. First Avenue has served as the launching pad for countless artists and bands like Hüsker Dü, the Replacements, Semisonic, Hippo Campus, Soul Asylum, Lizzo, Prince, and many more.

Music fans are not limited to this spot, however, with numerous venues throughout Minneapolis to listen to live music.

Prince fans and fans of music will not want to miss the events coming in 2025, but there’s never a bad time to experience Prince’s Minneapolis. For more information, trip planning resources and event updates, visit https://www.minneapolis.org/.