BURNSVILLE
COMMUNITY GUIDE | 2025-26
Ames Center hosts eclectic shows
The Burnsville area is home to several attractions that make it a regional destination. One of the most well-known venues around is the Ames Center, which is owned by the city of Burnsville and managed by VenuWorks. It opened near the Heart of the City in January 2009.
Presentations at the Ames Center include classical music, comedy, jazz, country music and rock and roll. There are dramas, comedies, local arts organizations and national touring artists.
The Ames Center has both a 1,014-seat Proscenium stage – named Masquerade Dance Theater – and an intimate 150- seat Black Box theater. Its two-story lobby also houses a 2,000-square-foot art gallery where approximately eight exhibits are on display every calendar year.
For conventions or other events, a VIP lounge is available on the north side of the second floor, and the upper floor can accommodate banquet-style events for more than 300 people.
An 1,800-square-foot rehearsal room, several meeting rooms and a Green Room are also available for use.
The Ames Center has been used extensively by community organizations, such as Dakota Valley Symphony and Chorus, and Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota. The groups typically hold multiple events at the Ames Center each year.
Upcoming performances include: Takin’ It To The Limit Sept. 12; Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience Sept. 18; All-Star Vegas starring Piff the Magic Dragon Sept. 20;
Photo from Twin Cities Ballet
Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through‘ The Change’ Sept. 25; Toad The Wet Sprocket- Good Intentions Tour with KT Tunstall & Vertical Horizon Sept. 27; American Theater Orchestra Season Sampler Oct. 12-13; A Magical Evening with Illusionist Rick Thomas Oct. 18; Parrothead Paradise Oct. 25; Shaun Cassidy- The Road To Us Nov. 9; I Am, He Said Nov. 14; Under The Streetlamp Nov. 16; Christmas With C. S. Lewis Nov. 28; Rocky Mountain High Experience- A John Denver Christmas Dec. 4 and 5; Christmas with Lorie Line Dec. 6; Christmas with Elvis Dec. 17.
The Ames Center’ s main office is open 9 a. m.-5 p. m. Monday-Friday, and the art gallery is typically open 11 a. m.-4 p. m. Wednesday and Friday; 10 a. m.-2 p. m. Saturday.
Tickets for Ames Center shows can be purchased:
• Through Ticketmaster( 800-982-2787 or online at Ticketmaster. com)
• The John and Betty Adamich Box Office is open Wednesdays and Fridays 11 a. m. to 4 p. m., and 90 minutes prior to every ticketed performance. For more information call 952- 895-4685.
The Heart of the City Parking Ramp is located on the north side of the Ames Center. Additional free parking is available at the Heart of the City Park & Ride at 126th Street and Pillsbury Avenue. All parking is free, and permits are not required.
Ames Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. 952-895-4685 • www. ames-center. com
BURNSVILLE | Community Guide | 2025-26 | 13