You ever walk into a venue and just feel like the walls are sweating before the band even hits the stage? That’s basically the vibe whenever Amyl and the Sniffers roll into the Twin Cities.
If you’ve been paying attention to the local concert calendar, you know they aren’t just "another punk band" anymore. They’ve graduated from the sweaty, beer-slicked floors of the Fine Line and First Avenue to the wide-open chaos of the Surly Brewing Festival Field. Honestly, it’s a weird transition to think about. Seeing Amy Taylor under the sun instead of under a low-ceilinged club light feels like a different beast entirely, but it’s happening.
On June 20, 2026, the Aussies are coming back to Minneapolis, and if their last few runs are any indication, it’s going to be absolute carnage in the best way possible.
What’s different about the 2026 Minneapolis show?
In the past, we saw them at First Ave in 2022. That show was legendary. People were literally hanging off the rafters, and the "spit takes" Amy is famous for were basically a front-row baptism. But 2026 is different because they’re touring on the back of Cartoon Darkness.
This record changed things. They aren’t just playing 90-second thrashers anymore. They’ve got hooks now. They’ve got a Grammy nomination for "U Should Not Be Doing That." It’s kinda wild to see a band that started in a bedroom in Melbourne now being the face of modern rock ‘n’ roll.
The venue choice for 2026 is also a statement. Moving to Surly Brewing Festival Field means more space, which they’re going to need. Their show at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul in May 2025 was packed to the gills. It’s clear that Minneapolis (and the surrounding area) has developed a massive appetite for what Amy, Dec, Gus, and Bryce are selling.
The setlist: What you're actually going to hear
Don't expect a polite "greatest hits" set. That's not how they work. Based on their recent North American legs, the setlist is a relentless 20-song marathon.
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You’ll definitely get the staples:
- "Guided by Angels" (usually the one that breaks the seal on the mosh pit).
- "Hertz" (the one everyone tries to scream along to even though Amy’s Aussie accent is faster than most people can process).
- "Freaks to the Front" (the literal anthem for the outsiders).
But the new stuff from Cartoon Darkness is where the 2026 show gets interesting. Songs like "Chewing Gum" and "Big Dreams" show a side of the band that’s a bit more "mature"—if you can even use that word for a band that still prides itself on being "snarky and gritty."
Why the "Amyl" crowd is different
I’ve been to a lot of shows in Minneapolis. Usually, the crowd at a punk show is a certain type of person. But Amyl and the Sniffers attract everyone. You’ll see 50-year-old dudes who saw Nirvana at the Entry standing next to 19-year-olds in mullets who just discovered the band on TikTok last week.
It’s an inclusive pit. Amy Taylor makes a point of it every single night. She’ll stop the show if someone’s being a dick. She literally orders the audience to look out for each other.
"Look after each other. If someone falls, pick 'em up. Don't touch people who don't want to be touched."
It sounds simple, but it creates this weirdly safe environment for total chaos. You can mosh your brains out knowing that if you lose a shoe, someone’s going to hold it up in the air until you find it. That’s the Twin Cities spirit anyway, but the Sniffers lean into it hard.
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Surviving the Surly Festival Field
If you’re heading to the Malcolm Avenue SE spot for the June show, there are a few things you gotta know. First, it’s an 18+ show. Sorry, kids. Second, it’s rain or shine.
Honestly, seeing this band in a downpour would be incredible. Can you imagine Amy Taylor stomping through mud while "Some Mutts (Can't Be Muzzled)" is blasting?
The support act for this run is Party Dozen. If you haven’t heard them, they’re another Australian export—a duo that does industrial-noise-sax-punk. It’s loud. It’s abrasive. It’s the perfect appetizer for the Sniffers.
A quick reality check on tickets
Don't wait. I'm serious. The 2025 Palace Theatre show sold out way faster than people expected. For the 2026 Surly show, Radio K and The Current are presenting, which means the local hype machine is in full swing.
There’s a strict ticket limit for a reason. Scalpers love this band because the resale value usually triples the week of the show. If you see tickets for $50 plus fees, grab them. That’s basically the floor for a band this size now.
Is it worth the hype?
Look, some people think the "pub rock" thing is a gimmick. They see the mullets and the tiny shorts and think it's just a retro act.
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They’re wrong.
When you see Dec Martens shredding a solo while Amy is doing literal laps around the stage, you realize they are one of the tightest units in music right now. There’s no backing tracks. No fake energy. Just four people playing as hard as they possibly can for 75 minutes.
It’s exhausting just to watch, but you leave feeling like you’ve actually experienced something, which is rare in 2026.
Your pre-show checklist
- Hydrate: It’s June in Minnesota. It’s either going to be 95 degrees or a literal swamp.
- Earplugs: Don't be a hero. This band is loud. Surly’s field is open, but the stage volume is massive.
- Transport: Parking near Surly is a nightmare. Take the Light Rail or a rideshare.
- Listen to Cartoon Darkness: Do it on repeat. The songs hit ten times harder when you know the lyrics Amy is shouting at you.
Get your tickets through the official AXS or venue links. Avoid the shady "broker" sites that pop up first on Google. See you in the pit.
Next Step: Check the official Surly Brewing website or AXS for the latest ticket availability for the June 20th date. If it’s sold out, keep an eye on the First Avenue "official resale" platform for verified fan-to-fan transfers.