If you live in Minneapolis, you’ve likely driven past it—the glowing vertical marquee and classic terracotta facade at 4814 Chicago Avenue. If you haven’t been inside yet, you’re missing out on one of the most vibrant and versatile entertainment venues in the Twin Cities.
Whether you're a film buff, a live music fan, a pizza lover, or just someone looking for a unique date night, the Parkway delivers. parkway theater minneapolis mn
Usually $8–$12 for movies, $15–$30 for live events. Parking: Free street parking is surprisingly available, plus a small lot behind the theater. Have you been to the Parkway recently? What’s the best thing you’ve seen there—a movie, a concert, or maybe just that perfect slice of pizza? Drop a comment below. If you live in Minneapolis, you’ve likely driven
By the early 2000s, the Parkway had fallen on hard times. It was dark, dilapidated, and facing the wrecking ball. For a while, it operated as a second-run dollar theater, but that couldn't last. It looked like the final credits were about to roll on a piece of Minneapolis history. The plot twist came in 2007 when a group of five neighborhood investors—dubbed the "Parkway Five"—bought the theater. They didn't have Hollywood budgets, but they had vision. Over the next several years, they painstakingly restored the art-deco charm, replaced the roof, rebuilt the stage, and upgraded the sound and projection. Usually $8–$12 for movies, $15–$30 for live events
Here’s the full story of why the Parkway should be on your must-visit list. The Parkway first opened its doors in 1931 as a single-screen movie palace. For decades, it served the then-thriving commercial hub of South Minneapolis, showing first-run films to packed houses. But like many historic theaters, it suffered through the suburban flight of the 1970s and the multiplex boom of the 80s and 90s.
4814 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417 Neighborhood: Tangletown (just a few blocks south of Lake Street)