Every year is a great year for live music, and 2025 was no different.  

There were big rosters like Minnesota Yacht Club and Farm Aid 40, which took over whole neighborhoods. On a balmy July day, music lovers marched like ants on the High Bridge just to catch Alabama Shakes at Yacht Club. Then in September, on Farm Aid Eve, the line at Al’s Breakfast in Dinkytown spilled onto 14th Avenue, noisy with theories as to what kind of setlist Bob Dylan might play.   

There were signature moments, like Wet Leg’s strobe-lit First Avenue finale of “mangetout” and “Chaise Longue,” which might still be echoing down to the bank of the Mississippi. In April, a few thousand people probably called in sick to work after Kendrick Lamar and SZA wowed U.S. Bank Stadium, if only because they fried their voices yelling “mustarddddddddd!”  

And who could forget the special guests? Atmosphere brought out Brother Ali at the State Fair. Lucy Dacus surprised fans with Samia and Flock of Dimes at Palace Theatre in May. And just a few weeks ago, local legend Justin Vernon played as part of Dijon’s backing band at Fillmore.  

But we sifted through all the best shows this year, and these were the best of the best, sorted alphabetically. 

– Gannon Hanevold

Alabama Shakes at Minnesota Yacht Club Festival - July 18

Alan Sparhawk with Trampled By Turtles at The Fitzgerald Theater - December 11

Annie DiRusso, Anderson East, Medium Build, and Black Widows at The Current's Winter Dig Out - February 22

Atmosphere & Friends at The Current's Music on a Stick  Minnesota State Fair Grandstand - August 23

Bob Mould at Turf Club - October 11

David Byrne at Orpheum Theatre - November 3 & 4

Dijon at The Fillmore Minneapolis - December 12

Devo at Palace Theatre - November 15

Frank Black & Beach Bunny for The Current's 20th Anniversary Party - January 24 & 25

Geese at The Amsterdam Bar & Grill in St. Paul - October 18

Jack White at The Palace Theatre in St. Paul - April 7 & 8

Kendrick Lamar and SZA at U.S. Bank Stadium - April 19

Lana Del Rey at Hinterland Festival - August 3

Laufey at Target Center - October 11

Lucy Dacus, Katie Gavin, and Jasmine.4.T at The Palace Theatre - May 5, 6, 7

Margo Price at Blue Ox Music Festival - June 28

Munson Fest at The Fitzgerald in St. Paul - May 1

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds at The Armory - May 4

Rilo Kiley at The Palace Theatre - September 16

Samia at First Avenue - June 6

she's green with Mother Soki at Fine Line - August 15

Turnstile at The Armory - September 27

Wet Leg at First Avenue - September 9

Willie Nelson & Friends - Farm Aid - September 20

Your Smith at First Avenue - December 11

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