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Prince fans: "7" is the magic number at Celebration 2023

Outfits Prince wore line a stage exhibit inside Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minn, on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
Outfits Prince wore line a stage exhibit inside Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minn, on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.Ben Hovland | MPR News

by Sofia Haan

June 06, 2023

We lost Prince seven years ago, but his legacy can still be felt. To honor the Purple One’s enduring spirit on his birthday, Prince’s home and recording studio Paisley Park is once again inviting fans to Celebration 2023. This year, the annual gathering is bringing together the “Prince fam” to honor Prince’s life, creativity, and the impact on the world of music. 

The seventh anniversary of this gathering marks a special milestone for Celebration, as the number 7 was somewhat of a lucky number for the musician. He was born June 7, 1958, and the song “7” from the 1992 album [Love Symbol] endures as a classic. For Celebration 2023, fans will explore the significance of 7 to Prince, as well as the many ways it appears in the artist’s history.

This year’s festivities run between Thursday, June 8, and Sunday, June 11. Find the official schedule, split up into Diamond and Pearl tracks, right here. Throughout the weekend guests can experience a full slate of activities, panels, and concerts highlighting the history of hip-hop and funk, as well as showcasing the rising stars of the genre. 

Thursday night kicks off with the hottest Prince party in town. Head downtown in the evening for an all guest Celebration Launch Party at downtown Minneapolis’ W Hotel. Meet Prince fans from all over the world, enjoy specialty drinks, and dance the night away to your favorite funk tunes. VIP ticket holders can end the evening in conversation with Andy Beech, the instrument designer behind 31 of Prince’s iconic guitars including the ‘Cloud’ and ‘Symbol’ guitars. 

On Friday, highlights include a showing of exclusive Prince concert footage, a new artist showcase and concert featuring Shelby J, as well as conversations with celebrity hip-hop stars Doug E. Fresh and Chuck D, funk powerhouse Chaka Khan, and members of the Prince Fam. 

Saturday’s slate includes more concert footage from the Purple One, a performance featuring Sounds of Blackness and Stokely of Mint Condition, and a special tribute to member of Prince backing band New Power Generation Rosie Gaines.

End your Friday and Saturday nights in typical Prince fashion—a late night dance party! Renowned for his all-night dance parties, now’s your chance to boogie the night away at Paisley Park, courtesy of DJs D-Nice and DJ Rashida. Shuttle service will be provided at 2 am to ensure safe rides for all attendees.

Prince Symbol floating over Paisley Park in deep pastel colors
Celebration 2023
Image provided by promoter.

Guest Experiences 

Celebration 2023 tickets are available at both VIP and General Admission levels, divided into Pearl and Diamond tickets. Beginning on Friday, June 8, all tiers will be able to experience the history of Paisley Park. Time slots are specifically designated for each tier, but these tours offer guests an in-depth and personal look at the facilities that Prince used not only as his personal studio, but as a space to collaborate with artists like Madonna, REM, and Lizzo. Don’t forget to check out exciting exhibits such as “The Beautiful Collection,” an assemblage of Prince’s astounding custom shoes. Guests of all tiers are also invited to outdoor social and testimonial experiences on the Paisley Park lawn to celebrate and mingle with fellow fans. 

The VIP ticket tier offers guests up close access to all things Prince throughout Celebration weekend, offering private in-studio recording sessions at Paisley Park and exclusive listening sessions of music from Prince’s legendary vault. The VIP weekend experience closes out with a special gospel brunch at Paisley Park on Sunday, June 11.

 Prince Celebration 2023. June 8-11 at Paisley Park, 7801 Audubon Road, Chanhassen. Tickets and info

Illustration with colorful cartoon stage performers
Minneapolis-based artist/illustrator Jose Dominguez created three original works for The Current's 89 Days of Summer.
Jose Dominguez for MPR

This feature is part of The Current’s 89 Days series, helping you enjoy the best of the season with weekly guides to events, entertainment, and recreation in the Twin Cities.

Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment
This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.