Hourly chauffeur service
Dinner and a Show: Planning a Hennepin Avenue Theatre Night with an Hourly Car
Book about five hours, arrive at the theatre 30–45 minutes before curtain, and agree on a post-show pickup spot one block off Hennepin Avenue.
The Hennepin Theatre District in downtown Minneapolis runs along Hennepin Avenue between 5th and 10th streets. It is home to three historic theatres, the Orpheum, State and Pantages, operated by Hennepin Arts (formerly Hennepin Theatre Trust). On show nights, the blocks around the theatres fill with traffic before curtain and after the show. An hourly car service handles both rushes. This guide shows how to plan the evening.
The three theatres
| Theatre | Address | Opened |
|---|---|---|
| Orpheum Theatre | 910 Hennepin Avenue | 1921 |
| State Theatre | 805 Hennepin Avenue | 1921 |
| Pantages Theatre | 710 Hennepin Avenue | 1916 |
Check show times and venue details on Hennepin Arts' official venues page.
Sample evening
| Time | Stop |
|---|---|
| 5:15 p.m. | Pickup at home |
| 5:45 p.m. | Dinner in the North Loop or downtown |
| 7:00 p.m. | Depart for the theatre |
| 7:15 p.m. | Drop-off for a 7:30 p.m. curtain |
| ~10:00 p.m. | Post-show pickup |
| ~10:30 p.m. | Home |
This plan needs about five hours. Because the chauffeur waits during the show, the hourly booking covers every leg; see hourly vs. point-to-point for when that is the better value.
Arrival at the theatre
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before curtain. Touring Broadway productions draw large crowds, and lines at the doors and coat checks build in the last 20 minutes. Hennepin Avenue curb space is limited, so your chauffeur may drop you on a cross street such as 9th or 8th Street, a short walk from the entrance.
The post-show pickup
When a show ends, thousands of people leave at the same time and rideshare demand spikes. Agree on the pickup plan before you go in:
- Choose a specific corner one block off Hennepin Avenue.
- Text your chauffeur at intermission with the expected end time.
- Walk to the meeting point instead of waiting at the theatre doors.
Winter evenings
Downtown's skyway system connects many buildings near the theatres, but not every route. In cold weather, ask your chauffeur to meet you at the closest door to your restaurant or theatre exit, and leave coats in the car if your dinner and theatre are both short walks from the vehicle.
Choosing the vehicle
A sedan suits a couple. An SUV suits two couples. A stretch limo suits a birthday or anniversary group of six to eight.
See how billing works in hourly minimums, wait time and overtime explained. Book an hourly car for a Minneapolis theatre night, a chauffeured luxury car, or price your evening online.
Frequently asked questions
Which theatres are in the Hennepin Theatre District?
The Orpheum Theatre (910 Hennepin Avenue), State Theatre (805 Hennepin Avenue) and Pantages Theatre (710 Hennepin Avenue), operated by Hennepin Arts.
How early should I arrive for a show at the Orpheum?
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before curtain to allow for lines at the doors and coat check.
Where should I meet my car after a show?
Agree on a corner one block off Hennepin Avenue before the show, and text your chauffeur at intermission with the expected end time.
Ready to plan your ride?
Get an instant price for your date and route, then reserve with a 25% deposit. Prefer to talk it through? Call (612) 230-8329.