Dave Chappelle to perform in St. Paul as way to "stand with" Twin Cities

Dave Chappelle is returning to the Twin Cities on February 16th to perform at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota. Organizers state the comedian’s appearance is intended to show solidarity with a community facing challenges, and to use comedy as a unifying force.

A Return to the Stage in Minnesota

The six-time Grammy Award winner and recipient of the NAACP President’s Award previously performed at the arena – then known as Xcel Energy Center – in September 2023, achieving the highest single-night comedy show attendance record for the venue. He will be joined by hip-hop duo Clipse as a special guest.

Did You Know? In 2020, Netflix released a special titled “8:46” featuring Chappelle discussing race in the context of George Floyd’s death.

Past Performances and Controversy

Chappelle’s return follows a previous scheduling change in July 2022. An initial performance at First Avenue in Minneapolis was moved to the Varsity Theater, reportedly in response to concerns regarding material from his Netflix specials.

Expert Insight: Chappelle’s decision to return to the Twin Cities, despite past controversy, suggests a continued commitment to engaging with communities during times of heightened social awareness, and discussion.

Organizers have announced a strict policy for the February 16th performance: phones, smart watches, and phone accessories will not be permitted inside the arena.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the show are scheduled to go on sale Tuesday at noon.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will Dave Chappelle perform?

Dave Chappelle is scheduled to perform on February 16th at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Who is the special guest for the performance?

Hip-hop duo Clipse will be appearing as a special guest.

What items are prohibited from the arena during the show?

Phones, smart watches, and phone accessories will not be allowed inside the arena.

How might the arena’s policy regarding electronic devices impact the audience experience at the February 16th performance?

Dave Chappelle to perform in St. Paul as way to “stand with” Twin Cities