Getting ready fora Relaxed Family Concert with the Minnesota Orchestra.
One-hour Relaxed Family Concerts at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, designed for all ages, including people with autism or sensory sensitivities: house lights kept on low, a quiet space, noise-canceling headphones and earplugs, lobby activities before the music, and free Hall Pass tickets for kids 15 and under with an adult ticket.
Relaxed Family Concerts and Sensory-Friendly Concerts on the dates below. Doors open 1 hour 30 minutes before Relaxed Family Concerts and 1 hour before Sensory-Friendly Concerts. Ticket Services, 612-371-5656: Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, and from two hours before a ticketed concert until it starts.
“This one-hour relaxed concert format is designed for audiences of all ages, including individuals with autism or sensory sensitivities.”
“The auditorium house lights will remain on at a low level during the performance, and you will have the flexibility to enter, exit or find a new seat as needed throughout the concert.” the Orchestra's tip sheet
“A designated quiet space is available throughout the activities and concert. In this space, you’ll find items such as noise-cancelling headphones, books and coloring supplies.” the Orchestra's tip sheet
“Request noise-cancelling headphones, in advance or at the concert, at Guest Services or with an usher. Child and adult sizes are available.”
At the fall 2026 relaxed concert, earplugs were at the Audience Services Desk, fidgets came with the lobby maps, and there were several pairs of noise reduction headphones, first come, first served. Each Relaxed Family Concert's tip sheet comes out a month before it, with that day's quiet spaces and headphones. The Orchestra encourages you to bring your own headphones because of limited quantities. During the concert, ask an usher in the auditorium.
Bring your own weighted lap pad, neck roll or vest if your kid uses one; the Orchestra encourages it, to cut down on shared materials.
Each Relaxed Family Concert's pre-visit story comes out a month before it; the Target Atrium Sensory-Friendly Concert pages already have theirs. The fall 2026 story walked through the lobby activities, the quiet area, the conductor and the orchestra, and said a child can dance in their seat, clap or conduct along. Clapping is never required: it is one way kids can join in.
House lights stay on low, and everyone is welcome to move, vocalize or respond to the music, and to go in and out or change seats.
A quiet space with noise-canceling headphones, books and coloring is open during the activities and the concert.
Kids 15 and under get free Hall Pass tickets at these concerts, up to 4 per paid adult ticket, subject to availability. Pick the “Hall Pass” price type online, or call 612-371-5656 and ask to add free child tickets.
For a full-size copy your child can use, open this page at squaredsteps.com, tap Make it yours, then print.
More about Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall
Louder, in the Orchestra's words
The lobby close to the start time (attendance increases as the start time nears; arrive early for a quieter, less crowded activity time)not stated
The concert itself (a mix of soft and loud music)not stated
Quieter, in the Orchestra's words
Quiet Space (in the Kathy and Charlie Cunningham Green Room on the fall 2026 lobby map; each Relaxed Family Concert gets its own map a month ahead), with bean bags, weighted lap pads and neck rolls, noise-canceling headphones, books and coloring materialsquiet zone
A space with a video monitor during the concert, if your kid wants to move while listeningquiet zone
Kids under 6 are welcome at Relaxed Family and Sensory-Friendly Concerts with an adult ticket. Every child needs a ticket next to an adult to enter the hall, and all children must be with an adult.
Buffer seating is available on request by phone at no extra cost, along with a flexible refund policy, at all Relaxed Family Concerts. Request buffer seating by phone, 612-371-5656. Other questions: tickets@mnorch.org.
Drop-off and pick-up is at the main entrance on 11th Street next to Peavey Plaza. Accessible parking is in the 11th and Marquette Municipal and Hilton Municipal ramps, both connected to Orchestra Hall by skyway. There is no valet parking for Relaxed Family Concerts.
Refreshments, including gluten-, nut- and casein-free options, are sold at the lobby bars.
Universal, ADA-accessible restrooms that lock are on Balcony A near the Green Room and on Balcony B. The family restroom on Balcony B has a changing table.
The Orchestra discourages large bags, and backpack-size and larger items are subject to search. It also asks guests to skip strong perfumes and colognes.
If you need help at the hall, go to the Audience Services Station near the Marquette Avenue entrance, or find an usher or volunteer.
