Preparethe placeget us ready

Getting ready for a show at the Ordway.

Free noise-reducing headphones to borrow at the Ordway in downtown Saint Paul, first come, first served, with no reservation needed. Select Ordway performances and events are designated sensory friendly, but the Ordway doesn't list which upcoming ones.

Jump to the plan ↓

Sensory supports. Free headphones to borrow, no reservation.

Hours

Lobbies open 60 minutes before a performance. Ticket Office by phone Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, 651.224.4222; in person only one hour before performances.

345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102 (across from Rice Park)

Sensory help, in the Ordway's words

“Noise-reducing headphones are available for guests’ use. Headphones can benefit individuals with autism spectrum disorder and others with sensory sensitivities. No reservations needed.” “Headphones are distributed free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.”

“Materials to improve accessibility, such as alternative format materials and noise-cancelling headphones, are available at most performances upon request.”

“Sensory friendly designation involves adapting the house rules and audience environment, as well as pre-theater preparatory activities so the audience can understand and anticipate what might happen during a performing arts experience.”

  • Select Ordway performances and events are designated sensory friendly, for audiences with a wide range of sensory and communication differences, including people on the autism spectrum, young children, and people of all ages and abilities who would benefit from a relaxed experience.

In their own words: ordway.org. Checked Fri, Nov 6, 2026. Something wrong or out of date? Tell us · How we check

Three things to know

  1. Noise-reducing headphones are free to borrow, first come, first served, with no reservation needed.
  2. To check out headphones, you leave a state ID card, driver's license or other ID with an Ordway staff member until you return them after the show.
  3. Beverages may be bought and enjoyed inside the theaters, but food and snacks aren't allowed inside the theater.

Visual schedule

Theater Day

  • Drive to the theater
  • Park the car
  • Go in the front door
  • Show the ticket
  • Find our seats
  • Watch the play
  • Take a break
  • Bathroom
  • Walk to the car
  • All done
Make it yours →

For a full-size copy your child can use, open this page at squaredsteps.com, tap Make it yours, then print.

Ask before you go

  • where in the building to pick up the headphones
  • which upcoming performances are designated sensory friendly
Call 651.224.4222
More about Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
  • All ticket sales are final, with no refunds or price adjustments. In-person ticket sales are only at the Ticket Office one hour before performances; you can also buy online any time, or by phone during Ticket Office hours.
  • Parking: the closest ramps are Lawson Ramp, Kellogg Underground Ramp, RiverCentre Ramp, Landmark Towers, Lowry Ramp, Treasure Island Ramp and Victory Ramp. Accessible parking near the Ordway is limited. Parking meters in the area are free for up to 4 hours for vehicles with a visible validation.
  • There's no direct skyway connection, but coming through the RiverCentre gets you very close to the main entrance. The main entrance on Washington Street is wheelchair accessible, with a cut-out area for pickup and drop-off.
  • Accessible and family restrooms are next to coat check on the south side of the main lobby, and on the lower level of the Concert Hall.
  • Coat Check is available for most performances and takes coats, hats, umbrellas, backpacks, luggage and food items.
  • Cameras, recorders, phones, tablets and laser pointers are prohibited inside the theaters unless specified otherwise.
  • Masks aren't required, but are welcomed and encouraged.
Email
access@ordway.org Accessibility and accommodations

Source: ordway.org

Squared Steps: free visual schedules and stories for autistic kids, made by an autism parent. Free. No sign-up. No tracking, no ads. About us