Top Twin Cities music residencies for winter 2025-26
December 26, 2025
As the weather gets colder in Minnesota, fewer touring acts visit the Midwest. But for local music fans, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Twin Cities music venues tend to open up their concert calendars for weekly residencies curated by top Minnesota musicians.
These residencies are an opportunity to workshop new material, showcase up-and-coming talent, and play some gigs with friends. We went through the upcoming concert calendar and selected some music residencies to inspire you to leave the warmth of your home and venture out to the club.
Lissie’s Midwinter Residency at the Parkway
Every Saturday in January, Lissie will perform solo, duo, trio, and full band sets at the Parkway. The residency will feature an incredible ensemble of frequent collaborators as openers, including Airlands (Jan. 3), Misty Boyce (Jan. 10), Chris Koza (Jan. 17), and Sounding Arrow featuring Gary Jules (Jan. 31). Doors at 6:30 p.m. with music at 7:30 p.m.
Music Under Glass at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
On select Sundays and Wednesdays in January and February, the Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul will open its doors to a variety of musical genres, including Americana, soul, blues, bluegrass, and more. These free shows also offer beer and wine for purchase, and music starts at 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 4: Jaspar Lepak with Ben Cook-Feltz
Jan. 11: Curt Obeda with Brian Z – The Butanes
Jan. 14: Jack Knife & The Sharps
Jan. 18: Siama’s Congo Roots
Jan. 21: Switchgrass
Jan. 28: Katy Tessman & Sweet Lou
Feb. 1: Annie Mack
Feb. 4: Jeff Ray with Mikkel Beckmen
Charlie Parr Sunday Residency at Turf Club
Minnesota’s favorite folk troubadour is taking over the Turf Club every Sunday in January. Each Sunday will feature artists paving their own way within folk, singer-songwriter music: Eli Winter (Jan. 4), The Daily Norm and Ced Ba’etch’ (Jan. 11), Kelley Smith (Jan. 18), and Tony Polecastro (Jan. 25). Doors at 7 p.m. with music at 7:30 p.m.
The Cactus Blossoms Turf Club Residency
The Cactus Blossoms, a staple of these winter residencies roundups, are back every Monday night in January at the Turf Club. Catch them performing with support from local and regional acts like Pop Wagner (Jan. 5), Betty Won’t (Jan. 12), Jack Klatt (Jan. 19), and Angela Autumn (Jan. 26). Doors at 6:30 p.m. with music at 7:30 p.m.
Embahn’s Tuesday Night Residency at White Squirrel
Embahn, the psychedelic-folk project of Minneapolis artist Emily Steuer, is bringing a Tuesday night residency to White Squirrel Bar in St. Paul. These free shows will start at 9 p.m. and feature splashes of country, rock, pop, and more from the openers.
Molly Dean Winter Residency at Icehouse
Catch Molly Dean every Thursday in January at Icehouse, starting Jan. 8. These intimate performances will feature new setlists, songs from her new record Interwoven, special guests, and previews of new material each night. Doors at 5 p.m., music at 7 p.m. with a full food & beverage menu available during the show.
Obi Original & The Black Atlantics Residency
On the last two Sundays in January, Obi Original & The Black Atlantics will bring their immersive residency, AFRODISIA, to Icehouse. Described as a cultural celebration, these Sunday nights are “rooted in the power, pulse, and spirit of Afrocentric music.” Expect special guests, dynamic storytelling, dancing, and more. 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show with a full food & beverage menu available during the show.
Practice As A Show: Poliça Residency
Fresh off their album Dreams Go, Poliça will be making another record live in front of an audience on select Wednesdays in February at Icehouse. According to Poliça, each set will start and end with a collection from their catalog to warm up, before they write for and in front of the audience. 6 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. showtime with full food and beverage available for this show.
Turn Turn Turn Album Release Residency
Americana trio Turn Turn Turn will be taking over Icehouse on the first two Thursdays of February in celebration of their upcoming album release. 5 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. showtime with full food and beverage available for this show.
