Dave Chappelle Announces Surprise February Show In Minnesota

Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota officially began in December 2025, with a major expansion and deployment of 2,000 agents announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on January 6, 2026.

It has put the Twin Cities in headlines around the world due to significant arrests, along with well-publicized controversy, tension, protests, and violent confrontations, including the deaths of two protestors.

Recently, Bruce Springsteen released the song 'Streets of Minneapolis' in support of the city, and he also made a surprise appearance at First Ave during a show organized by Tom Morello from Rage Against The Machine to support residents.

Now, another high-profile celebrity has announced a surprise show in St. Paul, which is set to take place in February.

Dave Chappelle Announces Show At Grand Casino Arena In St. Paul

A surprise announcement arrived at the beginning of February that comedian Dave Chappelle would be doing a show on Monday, February 16, at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. Opening the show will be Clipse, a Grammy Award-winning American hip-hop duo from Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Organizers say Chappelle is coming to Minnesota to "stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans in defense of civil rights, human dignity, and the principles we claim to hold sacred."

They add that his decision to perform in Minnesota exemplifies his decades-long commitment to showing up for communities in crisis and using comedy as a force for connection and solidarity, and it's a statement of unwavering support for the region's residents.

Tickets will be on sale to the general public at 12 pm CST on Tuesday, February 3. It's important to note that this event will be a phone-free experience. Use of phones, smart watches, and accessories will not be permitted in the performance space.

Upon arrival at the venue, all phones, smart watches, and accessories will be secured in individual Yondr pouches that will be opened at the end of the event. Guests maintain possession of their devices at all times and can access them throughout the event only in designated Phone Use Areas within the venue. All devices will be re-secured in Yondr pouches before returning to the performance space.

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Bag Policy Will Be Enforced

For safety and speed of entry, Grand Casino Arena strongly discourages guests from bringing bags of any kind to events at the venue. Purses no larger than 12” x 12” x 6” are allowed at designated X-ray entry points. This applies to all purses, including clear bags. Backpacks, coolers, or large totes are prohibited. Medical and parenting bags are permitted and subject to X-ray screening. Wristlets, or wallets 4” x 6” x 1.5” or smaller, are allowed at all entrances and subject to inspection.