The Minnesota Orchestra has many family-friendly concert offerings and children can get into select performances for free with their Hall Pass Program!
Did you know the Minnesota Orchestra has some amazing sensory-friendly and family concert options along with free tickets for children? I didn’t know this until recently so let’s dive into their offerings!
With a child on the Autism Spectrum, I’m always on the hunt for sensory-friendly events that I can bring my daughter to, and it’s even better when the whole family can attend! I was pleasantly surprised when I found the many performance options that the Minnesota Orchestra has including Relaxed Family and Sensory-Friendly Concerts.
Sensory-Friendly Concert
My daughter and I just attended a Sensory-Friendly Concert at the Minnesota Orchestra last weekend. Held in the Target Atrium, you can expect a smaller, more intimate venue with an up-close experience with the musicians.
Upon entering the space, you are offered a fidget and headphones to use during the performance, which was extremely helpful for my daughter and many other audience members. The space is set up with moveable, armless chairs and there was plenty of room for people to sit on the floor, move chairs for wheelchairs, etc. We were told almost anything goes— you can feel free to get up and move around, make noise, leave the space for a break. The only thing they ask you not to do is touch the Grand Piano. I can’t even imagine how much that would cost to fix!
During our Sensory-Friendly Concert experience, we had the opportunity to listen to flute and violin duets played by Roma Duncan and Rebecca Corruccini, Minnesota Orchestra musicians. In between the musical pieces, host Lyndie Walker shared interesting facts, allowed the audience to ask questions and more. We also got to hear from a few amazing guest musicians. The concert was around 50 minutes with no intermission. It was the perfect first Minnesota Orchestra experience for my daughter and I!
Sensory-Friendly Concerts are held seasonally with the next performance is coming up on Saturday, April 12th. They have many accessible options found on their website, including a Pre-Visit Story you can read with your child. Keep reading to hear how your child can attend these concerts for FREE!
Relaxed Family Concert
The Relaxed Family Concerts are inclusive performances held in Orchestra Hall. My son, daughter and I recently attended and we had a wonderful time!
These concerts are about an hour with no intermission. The Minnesota Orchestra states these performances are designed for all audiences in mind. The lights will remain on at a low level for the entire performance, you have the flexibility to move around as needed and/or visit the quiet or movement space throughout the entire performance.
There are many resources for families to check out before the show including the Tip Sheet. This has everything you need to know about the venue: parking, wayfinding, quiet space information, headphones, pre/post concert activities, restroom locations and more. I found the tip sheet extremely helpful and informative. I wish all venues created something like this!
You can also download a Lobby Map and the Pre-Visit Story for each Relaxed Family Concert. All of the resources can be found on their website within two weeks of each concert date.
We had the best time listening to the music and enjoying the pre-show and after-show activities. My kiddos enjoyed making their own mini instrument art, decorating musical notes, creating batons and trying out a violin and cello. These activities vary with each performance but they always take place before and after the concert itself. As a mom, I thought this was an incredible value, we enjoyed wonderful orchestral music and got to participate in multiple activities- it was a win win for all of us!
The next Relaxed Family Concert Musical Wonders of the World is Sunday, April 13th. Tickets are still available on their website.
Hall Pass Program Free Tickets for Kids at Minnesota Orchestra
Did you know the Minnesota Orchestra offers free tickets for kids through their Hall Pass Program?
Kids can attend Minnesota Orchestra performances for FREE. This includes the Sensory-Friendly Concerts, Relaxed Family Concerts, Classical Concerts and Symphony in 60. Up to 4 free kids tickets can be added to your order for each adult paid ticket.
Who is eligible and how does it work?
- Children under age 6
Welcome to attend Relaxed Family and Sensory-Friendly Concerts with the purchase of an adult ticket. - Children ages 6–15
Free Hall Pass tickets with the purchase of an adult ticket. - High school students aged 16-18
No adult ticket required; just show your ID when you pick up your tickets at the box office.
How lucky are we to have such a gem in Minnesota? The Minnesota Orchestra does a great job of allowing all children to experience and learn through music. With their sensory-friendly and family concert options, along with their Hall Pass Program, all children have access to get in the room with the music!
- About the Author
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Hannah is a married mom of 3 kiddos in the Twin Cities. Born and raised here in MN, she loves finding deals and special events to share with others.
Hannah enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading books, going on road trips up north, singing along with the radio and finding new thrift stores to shop! Hannah is also a fierce advocate for people with disabilities and is always on the lookout for more sensory friendly opportunities in the Twin Cities.
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