JUNE 7–10, 2026 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
NIVA ‘26 Conference
JUNE 7–10, 2026 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Join us for our fifth annual conference as we turn up the volume—landing in a city known for its grit, guitars, and iconic independent venues. Join us June 7–10, 2026, in Minneapolis for bold conversations, compelling programming, and performances you won’t forget. Presented by Eventbrite, NIVA ’26 will spotlight the twin cities’ rich music history and independent venue ecosystem with panel discussions led by industry experts, keynote conversations, networking opportunities, and special events.
✦ Interested in covering NIVA ‘26? Request Media Credentials
Explore NIVA ‘26
NIVA ‘26 Conference
JUNE 7–10, 2026 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Join us for our fifth annual conference as we turn up the volume—landing in a city known for its grit, guitars, and iconic independent venues. Join us June 7–10, 2026, in Minneapolis for bold conversations, compelling programming, and performances you won’t forget. Presented by Eventbrite, NIVA ’26 will spotlight the twin cities’ rich music history and independent venue ecosystem with panel discussions led by industry experts, keynote conversations, networking opportunities, and special events.
✦ Interested in covering NIVA ‘26? Request Media Credentials
Explore NIVA ‘26
Register for NIVA ‘26
Members get our best price! Join today
NIVA Members
$599
Affiliate Members
Bring your team! Save 20% with badge bundles
$699
$699
Artist / Agent / Manager
STudents
$299
Non-Members
$1099
Register for NIVA ‘26
Members get our best price! Join today
NIVA Members
$599
Affiliates unlock special pricing! Join today
Affiliate Members
$699
Artists / Agents / Managers $699 Students $299 Non-Members $1099
Livestream NIVA ‘26
Can't make it in person? We’ve got you! Join us from the comfort of your home or office and experience the conference via our exclusive livestream broadcasting on Volume.com.
*Livestream coverage only includes programming at Pantages Theatre and on the 2nd Floor of Dudley Riggs Theatre, with limited exceptions.
NIVA ‘26 in Your Pocket
Browse sessions and speakers, get real-time updates, and connect with fellow attendees–all from the official conference app. For the best experience, enable push notifications.
Questions or issues? Email us at conference@nivassoc.org.
Schedule
*Schedule & speakers subject to change
Get a head start on NIVA ‘26!
Pick up your badge early on Sunday, 6/7 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Dudley Riggs Theatre (Lobby). Stop by to check in, collect your conference materials, and get ready for the days ahead before opening night festivities begin.
Featured Programming
*Schedule and speakers subject to change.
Keynote Conversation with Jordan Klepper of The Daily Show
Keynote Conversation with Patrick Carney of The Black Keys
A Generational Sound: Jimmy Jam & Cornbread Harris
Featured Speakers
Loading featured NIVA '26 speakers
Salute To NIVA Venues
Choose your own Twin Cities adventure! During the Salute to NIVA Venues, member venues across the city are throwing open their doors for live music, comedy, venue tours, pop-ups, and dance parties. It’s your chance to explore the local independent scene, connect with fellow attendees, and keep the good vibes going well into the night. See a full list of local members on our MSP NIVA Members page.
Tuesday, June 9
The MPLS Showcase ft. Cornbread & Friends, Wild Horses, Humbird, Davina & The Vagabonds, The Shackletons DJ Shannon Blowtorch, and Lady Midnight
Hook and Ladder | 6:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders | More Info
New Band Night ft. Fishing, Tree, Lodge, Hu3s
Green Room | 7:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders | More Info
*Use discount code NIVA26NBN to RSVP for free
Room3
Dakota | 7:00 PM
$10 | More Info
*Use discount code NIVA2026 online or show your badge at the door
*Note: Purchasing tickets online is encouraged due to limited ticket availability. For walk-ups, seating is first-come, first-served.
Wednesday, June 10
In Partnership with MNIVA: UMV Happy Hour Variety Show ft. Minka, BZ3 Organ Trio, Linus, The Sandies
Underground Music Venue | 6:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders | More Info
That Prince Spark: Only in Minneapolis – A Night of Art, Film & Live Music ft. Barlow
The Capri | Film @ 6:00 PM | Music @ 8:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders | More Info
m.otherThing, Doll Chaser, Darkling I Listen, & CRYPT.ID
Zhora Darling | 6:30 PM
$12.70 | More Info
Wooden Ducks w/ Purity Olympics, White Dune, & Somewhere Nice Someday
PILLLAR Forum | 6:30 PM
$10 ADV / $12 DOS | More Info
Aaron Hedenstrom & Rhinoceros Dynasty
Berlin | 7:00 PM
$20 | More Info
Abinnet Berhanu's Ahndenet and Fanaka Nation
The Cedar Cultural Center | 7:30 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders | More Info
*The Cedar is open for venue tours during NIVA ‘26!
Benny Everett and the Best Intentions, Sallyforth & LASALLE
7th St Entry | 7:30 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders | More Info
Guys and Dolls!
Chanhassen Dinner Theater | 7:30 PM
$30 | More Info
*Use discount code NIVA for advanced tickets
Ronda Civic (NE), Mystery Meat, & Busey
Zhora Darling | 7:30 PM
$12.70 | More Info
Therapy Gecko Live
The Parkway Theater | 7:30 PM
$30 ADV / $35 DOS | More Info
*Use discount code NIVA26 for all shows at The Parkway during the conference
Gustavo Cortinas “The Drum Also Sings”
ft. Dave King & Isaiah Spencer
Icehouse | 8:00 PM
$18 ADV / $26 DOS | More Info
HEYARLO
Berlin | 8:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders | More Info
Yot Club
Fine Line | 8:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders* | More Info
*Limited to the first 100 attendees
Another Heaven & Extraterrestrials
Cloudland Theater | 7:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders | More Info
*Cloudland is open for venue tours during NIVA ‘26!
Inara George (of The Bird and the Bee)
Dakota | 7:00 PM
Prices Vary | More Info
Guys and Dolls! A Classic Musical Comedy
Chanhassen Dinner Theater | 7:30 PM
$30 | More Info
*Use discount code NIVA for advanced tickets
Josiah and the Bonnevilles
First Avenue | 7:45 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders* | More Info
*Limited to the first 150 attendees
Starlight Vinyl Night: MAKR Spins the Classic
Icehouse | 8:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders | More Info
NIVA IDEA Committee Closing Night Party presented by VenuePilot ft. A Little Too Short To Be Storm Troopers and DJ VERA
Green Room | 8:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders | More Info
*Use discount code NIVA26IDEA to RSVP for free
Tommy Stinson, Karla Rose, Al Church Band
Turf Club | 8:00 PM
$26.31 | More Info
Zinadelphia w/ Mike Kota presented by The Live List & Tito’s
Fine Line | 8:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders | More Info
*Open bar until the tab runs out
The Cherry Pit Open Jam
Berlin | 10:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders | More Info
Salute To NIVA Venues
Choose your own Twin Cities adventure! During the Salute to NIVA Venues, member venues across the city are throwing open their doors for live music, comedy, venue tours, pop-ups, and dance parties. See a full list of local members on our MSP NIVA Members page.
-
The MPLS Showcase ft. Cornbread & Friends, Wild Horses, Humbird, Davina & The Vagabonds, The Shackletons DJ Shannon Blowtorch, and Lady Midnight
Hook and Ladder | 6:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders
More Info »New Band Night ft. Fishing, Tree, Lodge, Hu3s
Green Room | 7:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders
More Info »
*Use discount code NIVA26NBN to RSVP for freeRoom3
Dakota | 7:00 PM
$10
More Info »
*Use discount code NIVA2026 online or show your badge at the door
*Note: Purchasing tickets online is encouraged due to limited ticket availability. For walk-ups, seating is first-come, first-served.Abinnet Berhanu's Ahndenet and Fanaka Nation
The Cedar Cultural Center | 7:30 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders
More Info »
*The Cedar is open for venue tours during NIVA ‘26!Benny Everett and the Best Intentions, Sallyforth & LASALLE
7th St Entry | 7:30 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders
More Info »Guys and Dolls! A Classic Musical Comedy
Chanhassen Dinner Theater | 7:30 PM
$30
More Info »
*Use discount code NIVA for advanced ticketsRonda Civic (NE), Mystery Meat, & Busey
Zhora Darling | 7:30 PM
$12.70
More Info »Therapy Gecko Live
The Parkway Theater | 7:30 PM
$30 ADV / $35 DOS
More Info »
*Use discount code NIVA26 for all shows at The Parkway during the conferenceGustavo Cortinas “The Drum Also Sings” ft. Dave King & Isaiah Spencer
Icehouse | 8:00 PM
$18 ADV / $26 DOS
More Info »HEYARLO
Berlin | 8:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders
More Info »Yot Club
Fine Line | 8:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders*
More Info »
*Limited to the first 100 attendees
-
In Partnership with MNIVA: UMV Happy Hour Variety Show ft. Minka, BZ3 Organ Trio, Linus, The Sandies
Underground Music Venue | 6:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders
More Info »That Prince Spark: Only in Minneapolis – A Night of Art, Film & Live Music ft. Barlow
The Capri | Film @ 6:00 PM | Music @ 8:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders
More Info »m.otherThing, Doll Chaser, Darkling I Listen, & CRYPT.ID
Zhora Darling | 6:30 PM
$12.70
More Info »Wooden Ducks w/ Purity Olympics, White Dune, & Somewhere Nice Someday
PILLLAR Forum | 6:30 PM
$10 ADV / $12 DOS
More Info »Aaron Hedenstrom & Rhinoceros Dynasty
Berlin | 7:00 PM
$20
More Info »Another Heaven & Extraterrestrials
Cloudland Theater | 7:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders
More Info »
*Cloudland is open for venue tours during NIVA ‘26!Inara George (of The Bird and the Bee)
Dakota | 7:00 PM
Prices Vary
More Info »Guys and Dolls! A Classic Musical Comedy
Chanhassen Dinner Theater | 7:30 PM
$30
More Info »
*Use discount code NIVA for advanced ticketsJosiah and the Bonnevilles
First Avenue | 7:45 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders*
More Info »
*Limited to the first 150 attendeesStarlight Vinyl Night: MAKR Spins the Classic
Icehouse | 8:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders
More Info »NIVA IDEA Committee Closing Night Party presented by VenuePilot ft. A Little Too Short To Be Storm Troopers and DJ VERA
Green Room | 8:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders
More Info »
*Use discount code NIVA26IDEA to RSVP for freeTommy Stinson, Karla Rose, Al Church Band
Turf Club | 8:00 PM
$26.31
More Info »Zinadelphia w/ Mike Kota presented by The Live List & Tito’s
Fine Line | 8:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders
More Info »
*Open bar until the tab runs outThe Cherry Pit Open Jam
Berlin | 10:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘26 Badgeholders
More Info »
Meet our MSP Members
Minneapolis and Saint Paul come together to form one of the country’s most vibrant and influential live entertainment communities. As we gather for NIVA ’26, we’re proud to spotlight our local members who help shape the Twin Cities' independent spirit. From iconic clubs and historic theaters to beloved neighborhood spaces, be sure to experience them for yourself while you’re in town.
Meet our MSP Members
Minneapolis and Saint Paul come together to form one of the country’s most vibrant and influential live entertainment communities. As we gather for NIVA ’26, we’re proud to spotlight our local members who help shape the independent spirit of the Twin Cities. From iconic clubs and historic theaters to beloved neighborhood spaces, be sure to experience them for yourself while you’re in town.
NIVA has partnered with local artist Michael Byzewski to create exclusive conference artwork featuring our Minneapolis and Saint Paul members. Stop by NIVA HQ on the 1st floor of Dudley Riggs to snag some merch!
Programming Preview
Programming Tracks
Topic-based pathways to tailor your conference experience
Advocacy & Policy
Booking & Talent Buying
Comedy & Alternative Programming
Marketing & Ticketing
Nonprofit, Theaters & University Presenters
Operations, Finance & Accessibility
Networking Sessions
Dedicated, structured opportunities to connect with peers
Bookers & Talent Buyers
Festivals
Marketing
Nonprofit Presenters & Performing Arts Centers
Operations
Small Venues (Under 500 Capacity)
Ticketing
Daily Activations
Spaces & Moments to Recharge & Connect Beyond Sessions
Working Lounge, presented by AXS: Quiet space for attendees to work, meet, and recharge
Exhibit Space: Dedicated space for sponsors and industry partners to connect directly with attendees
Alley Bar: Outdoor networking space with complimentary beverages
Recovery Unplugged: Wellness resources during the conference in support of individuals in recovery
Agent / Booker Hub
Dedicated space to strengthen relationships that power Touring
Agent/Booker Programming: Conversations exploring the evolving touring landscape and the partnerships driving successful live events
Networking Lunch: Structured time to foster meaningful connections between agents, bookers, promoters, and venue professionals
Booking Row:Meet directly with agents to discuss artists and routing
Salute to Booking Mixer: Celebrating the partnerships that bring live music to communities
Programming Preview
Tracks, sessions, and networking topics that you can look forward to at this year’s conference.
-
Dedicated space to strengthen relationships that power touring
Agent/Booker Programming: Conversations exploring the evolving touring landscape and the partnerships driving successful live events
Networking Lunch: Structured time to foster meaningful connections between agents, bookers, promoters, and venue professionals
Booking Row:Meet directly with agents to discuss artists and routing
Salute to Booking Mixer: Celebrating the partnerships that bring live music to communities
-
Dedicated, structured opportunities to connect with peers
Bookers & Talent Buyers
Festivals
Marketing
Nonprofit Presenters & Performing Arts Centers
Operations
Small Venues (Under 500 Capacity)
Ticketing
-
Topic-based pathways to tailor your conference experience
Marketing and Ticketing
Booking and Talent Buying
Operations, Finance, and Accessibility
Advocacy & Policy
Nonprofit, Theaters, and University Presenters
Comedy & Alternative Programming
-
Working Lounge, presented by AXS: Quiet space for attendees to work, meet, and recharge
Exhibit Space: Dedicated space for sponsors and industry partners to connect directly with attendees
Alley Bar: Outdoor networking space with complimentary beverages
Recovery Unplugged: Wellness resources during the conference in support of individuals in recovery
Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to partnerships@nivassoc.org.
Sponsors & Partners
NIVA ‘26 Sponsors
NIVA ‘26 Partners
Press Releases & Media
Come Join Us!
Become a NIVA member or affiliate member and join us in our mission to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent venues and promoters throughout the United States. NIVA membership is open to indepedent venues, promoters and festivals, while affiliate membership is available to all entities or individuals working within the live events and surrounding industries.