Top 89 2025 - Best ConcertsPhoto: Laura Buhman | Graphic: Natalia Toledo
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
Alabama Shakes performed at the Minnesota Yacht Club Festival on Friday, July 18, 2025.
Alan Sparhawk with Trampled By Turtles at The Fitzgerald Theater - December 11
Alan Sparhawk and Trampled by Turtles performing at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. L to R: Erik Berry, Ryan Young, Dave Carroll, Alan Sparhawk, Dave Simonett, Tim Saxhaug, Eamonn McLain.
Annie DiRusso, Anderson East, Medium Build, and Black Widows at The Current's Winter Dig Out - February 22
Annie DiRusso performing at The Current’s Winter Dig Out 2025 at The Hook and Ladder in Minneapolis on Saturday, February 22, 2025, featuring Medium Build, Annie DiRusso, Anderson East, and Black Widows.
Atmosphere & Friends at The Current's Music on a Stick Minnesota State Fair Grandstand - August 23
Atmosphere performed at the The Current’s Music On-A-Stick featuring Cypress Hill, Lupe Fiasco, The Pharcyde and DJ Abilities at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Dijon has been nominated for two Grammy Awards, including honors for Producer of the Year, Non Classical, and Album of the Year for his contributions to Justin Bieber's "SWAG." In support of his acclaimed sophomore album, "Baby," Dijon embarked on a North American headlining tour, which included a stop in Minneapolis on December 12, 2025.
Kristina Loggia
Devo at Palace Theatre - November 15
Devo performing at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025.
Matt Wilson and his Orchestra performing at Munson Fest, a benefit concert in support of Minnesota musician John Munson, at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Wet Leg — left to right, Josh Mobaraki, Hester Chambers, Rhian Teasdale and Henry Holmes (not in frame: Ellis Durand) — performing at First Avenue in Minneapolis on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025.
An all-star group of musicians gathered at Farm Aid 40 on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Willie Nelson had many special guests during a finale at the end of the night.