Tickets
About The Hook & Ladder

The Hook & Ladder

A fiercely independent venue where artists, audiences, and community come together.

Located in the historic Firehouse #21 in South Minneapolis' Longfellow neighborhood, The Hook & Ladder Event Center is a community-rooted, artist-driven venue built around three unique stages and a simple belief: live music brings people together.

Home to The Theater, The Zen Arcade Stage & Lounge, and Under The Canopy, The Hook offers a diverse range of experiences, from intimate listening-room performances and canna-forward lounge events to full-production concerts and outdoor summer festivals. Whether you're discovering a new favorite artist, celebrating a milestone, attending a fundraiser, or dancing under the stars, The Hook is a place where connection happens.

Operated by Nobool Presents, The Hook has been serving Minnesota's creative community since 2016 by providing performance opportunities, event space, and a platform for artists, organizers, nonprofits, and community leaders. As proud members of both NIVA (National Independent Venue Association) and MNIVA (Minnesota Independent Venue Association), we remain committed to supporting independent artists and preserving vibrant local culture.

The Hook presents a wide variety of programming, including live music, comedy, film, dance, visual arts, literary events, culinary experiences, educational workshops, community gatherings, and multidisciplinary performances. We are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive, welcoming, and accessible environment for artists and audiences of all backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities.

Beyond concerts, The Hook hosts nonprofit fundraisers, community celebrations, outdoor festivals, album and book releases, private parties, weddings, memorials, corporate events, and everything in between. Our flexible spaces, professional production capabilities, and experienced staff allow us to create memorable experiences for groups of all sizes.

As a venue rooted in community values, we also strive to reduce our environmental impact through solar power, sustainability initiatives, and low-waste event practices whenever possible.

More than a venue, The Hook & Ladder is a gathering place for music lovers, artists, neighbors, and changemakers. A place where creativity thrives, community grows, and live experiences still matter.

Independent. Inclusive. Community-rooted.

Our Community Partners

Building a stronger community through music, art, and collective action.

The Hook & Ladder Event Center believes that live music and the arts can be powerful tools for connection, healing, and positive change. That's why we're proud to partner with local nonprofits and community organizations working to make arts access, mental health resources, cultural programming, and community support available to everyone.

Throughout the year, we collaborate with organizations that share our values of creativity, inclusion, education, wellness, and social impact. Together, we're helping strengthen the communities we serve while creating opportunities for people to connect through meaningful experiences.

When purchasing tickets, guests have the option to make a donation at checkout to support our nonprofit partners and community initiatives. Every contribution helps expand access to the arts, support vital community programs, and ensure that creative spaces remain accessible for future generations.

Because a thriving music scene starts with a thriving community.

A stronger arts community creates a stronger Minneapolis.
Meet Our Partners

Merch

Grab a shirt, hat, or pint glass to support the venue and represent.

Shop Our Store

Venue Policies

Age Policy

Most shows are all-ages unless noted otherwise on the event page. Patrons under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian after 9pm.

ID

A valid photo ID is required for alcohol service. We accept government-issued IDs only.

Re-Entry

Re-entry is permitted with a wristband for most events. Re-entry may be restricted for sold-out shows — check with the box office.

Bags & Prohibited Items

Small bags are welcome. No outside food, drink, professional cameras, or weapons. All patrons are subject to a bag check at entry.

Refunds & Exchanges

All ticket sales are final. In the event of a cancellation, refunds are issued to the original method of payment.

Photography

Personal photography is welcome. Professional photographers (detachable lenses, flash, video) must be approved in advance.

Code of Conduct

Everyone deserves to feel safe, welcome, and respected at The Hook.

The Hook & Ladder Event Center is committed to fostering an environment where all people are treated with dignity and respect, free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or harm. Whether you're an artist, audience member, staff member, volunteer, vendor, or guest, we expect everyone to contribute to a culture of inclusion, kindness, and accountability.

We proudly partner with Squeerity to help support a safer and more welcoming environment. The Hook & Ladder reserves the right to refuse entry, remove individuals from the venue, or deny future attendance and performance opportunities to anyone who violates this Code of Conduct.

By purchasing a ticket and/or entering The Hook & Ladder Event Center, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Violations may result in immediate removal from the venue without refund.

The Following Behavior Is Not Welcome at The Hook

  • Sexual harassment, misconduct, or unwanted sexual attention of any kind, including verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct.
  • Unwanted physical contact, intimidation, or invasion of another person's personal boundaries.
  • Racist, sexist, ableist, transphobic, homophobic, xenophobic, or otherwise discriminatory language, actions, or behavior.
  • Aggressive, threatening, abusive, stalking, or harassing behavior toward any guest, artist, staff member, or volunteer.
  • Abuse of power, including behavior that exploits or intimidates others based on status, wealth, race, gender, sexuality, position, or influence.
  • Violence, threats of violence, or conduct that creates an unsafe environment for others.

While at The Hook, We Ask That You

  • Help create a community-oriented atmosphere where the safety and well-being of others is valued.
  • Respect the physical, emotional, and personal boundaries of fellow guests, artists, and staff.
  • Celebrate diversity and contribute to an inclusive environment for everyone.
  • Reject discriminatory, harassing, or violent behavior.
  • Take responsibility for your actions and understand their impact on others.
  • Look out for one another and notify venue staff if you witness behavior that makes someone feel unsafe.

If You Need Assistance

If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, please notify a staff member, manager, security team member, or Squeerity representative immediately. We take all reports seriously and will respond appropriately.

Together, we can create a space where music, creativity, community, and respect thrive.

Accessibility & Safe Spaces

Everyone is welcome. Everyone deserves access.

The Hook & Ladder Event Center is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible experience for all guests, artists, staff, and community members.

All venue spaces, including The Theater, The Zen Arcade, and Under The Canopy, are accessible via ramps and level-access entrances. Accessible restrooms are available on the main floor, and designated accessible viewing areas are available during performances.

We offer a variety of seating and standing options throughout the venue. If you need assistance upon arrival, please connect with a member of our staff and we'll be happy to help.

Accessibility Services

To request accommodations such as:

  • American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation
  • Voice Captioning Services
  • Hearing Assistance Devices
  • Accessible Seating Arrangements
  • Other Accessibility Accommodations

Please contact us as early as possible. We request a minimum of one week's notice for ASL interpretation and at least 72 hours' notice for most other accommodation requests.

At this time, we are unable to provide programs in Braille.

Service animals are always welcome. Emotional support animals that are not trained service animals are not permitted.

For accommodation requests or questions, please contact:
info@thehookmpls.com
(612) 345-7166

Commitment to Safe Spaces

The Hook & Ladder Event Center is committed to maintaining a space free from harassment, abuse, discrimination, intimidation, and violence. We believe live music and community events should be safe, welcoming experiences for everyone.

This commitment applies to all guests, artists, volunteers, vendors, contractors, and staff.

If you experience or witness behavior that makes you feel unsafe, unwelcome, threatened, or harassed, please notify a staff member immediately or contact us directly.

Reports can be made in person, by phone, or by email:
info@thehookmpls.com
(612) 345-7166

We take all concerns seriously and are committed to responding promptly and respectfully.

Our goal is simple:

To create a space where everyone can gather, celebrate, create, and experience live events with dignity, respect, and a sense of belonging.