We’re signing off from our fifth annual conference in Minneapolis! Thanks for joining us—2026 highlights and NIVA '27 updates on the way.
That’s a wrap on NIVA ‘26 in The Twin Cities!
See You At NIVA ‘27 in Boulder
After bringing together more than 1,400 attendees in Minneapolis for NIVA '26, we're heading west to a city where independent music, creative culture, and the Rocky Mountains meet.
Join us in Boulder, Colorado, June 27–July 1, 2027, for bold conversations, compelling programming, meaningful connections, and unforgettable live entertainment.
From the Boulder Theater and Fox Theatre to eTown Hall, Roots Music Project, and more, NIVA '27 will showcase some of Colorado's most beloved independent venues before culminating with a final sendoff at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Registration is now open at First In Line pricing — lower than Early Bird. But act fast: our lowest price ends on July 10th.
Register for NIVA ‘27
Members get our best price! Join today
First In Line Pricing Ends 7/10
NIVA Members
Limited to active members of NIVA
$399
Early Bird: $499 | Regular: $599
Affiliates unlock special pricing! Join today
First In Line Pricing Ends 7/10
Affiliate Members
Limited to active affiliate members of NIVA
$499
Early Bird: $599 | Regular: $699
Artist / Agent / Manager
Artist / Agent / Manager
First In Line Ends 7/10
$499
Early Bird: $599
Regular: $699
Student
Reduced Rate
$299
NIVA welcomes students!
Non-Member
$1250
NIVA ‘26 Conference
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.
Registration for NIVA ‘27 in Boulder is now open!
JUNE 7–10, 2026 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Explore NIVA ‘26
Missed any sessions? Video recordings will be made available in early July. Keep an eye on your inboxes for more info.
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.
Registration for NIVA ‘27 in Boulder is now open!
Explore NIVA ‘26
Missed any sessions? Video recordings will be made available in early July. Keep an eye on your inboxes for more info.
Schedule
*Schedule & speakers subject to change
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 »
Keep The Party Going!
Staying late? You're in luck. Minneapolis will be buzzing with move live events and special happenings hosted by NIVA members throughout the Twin Cities. Check out a few ways to keep the spirit of NIVA ’26 alive, even after the conference is over.
*These events are not official NIVA ’26 programming. Direct any event-specific questions to the organizers.
Stygian Bough w/ 40 Watt Sun
Zhora Darling | 7:00 PM
More Info
DERYA YILDIRIM & GRUP ŞIMŞEK with DJ Shehrzad
Cedar Cultural Center | 7:30 PM
More Info
Paolo Angeli w/ Laura Harada & Tim O’Keefe
Berlin | 7:30 PM
More Info
DERYA YILDIRIM & GRUP ŞIMŞEK with DJ Shehrzad
Cedar Cultural Center | 7:30 PM
More Info
Thursday, June 11
Keep the Party Going!
Staying late? You're in luck. Minneapolis will be buzzing with move live events hosted by NIVA members throughout the Twin Cities. Check out a few ways to keep the spirit of NIVA ’26 alive, even after the conference is over.
-
Music: Linus
PILLLAR Forum | 6:30 PM
More InfoBruce A. Henry & The Dakota Present: Hands & Hearts for the Arts
Dakota | 7:00 PM
More InfoEmbahn, Good Doom and Rupert Angeleyes in the Courtyard
Icehouse | 7:00 PM
More InfoStygian Bough w/ 40 Watt Sun
Zhora Darling | 7:00 PM
More InfoDERYA YILDIRIM & GRUP ŞIMŞEK with DJ Shehrzad
Cedar Cultural Center | 7:30 PM
More InfoPaolo Angeli w/ Laura Harada & Tim O’Keefe
Berlin | 7:30 PM
More InfoDERYA YILDIRIM & GRUP ŞIMŞEK with DJ Shehrzad
Cedar Cultural Center | 7:30 PM
More InfoAaron Hibell with Kotiēr
Fine Line | 8:00 PM
More InfoChuee, Warpwistl, Lil Censei, SXNOROUS, & Skreigh
Underground Music Venue | 8:00 PM
More InfoLilith Max with clovers daughter
7th Street Entry | 7:30 PM
More InfoTitus Andronicus with Sparrowhawk
Turf Club | 8:00 PM
More Info
*These events are not official NIVA ’26 programming. Direct any event-specific questions to the organizers.
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!
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.