Next weekend, Hennepin Avenue will shimmer with the spirit of creativity, community, and high-fashion nostalgia as Glam Jam takes over the theater district. The two-day celebration of fashion, music, and local artistry is more than just a stylish gathering—it’s a tribute to the bold, boundless energy of the Purple One. Glam Jam, alongside the world premiere of the stage adaptation of Purple Rain at the State Theatre (Oct. 16–Nov. 16), is helping bring the essence of Prince back to the heart of downtown, channeling his legacy through sound, style, and self-expression. Glam Jam also serves as a fundraiser for Hennepin Arts, supporting the preservation of the historic theaters that define the Hennepin Theatre District and continue to fuel the city’s cultural pulse.
Kicking off Friday, October 10, Glam Jam will open with a vintage fashion show that will bring drama, decadence, and pure ’80s excess. Styled by local fashion veteran Richard Anderson, the runway will channel the era’s unapologetic aesthetic—think sequins, shoulder pads, and statement pieces that refuse to blend in. Plus, a cocktail reception, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction featuring both historical artifacts from the Hennepin theaters and hand-selected vintage collections ready for a new life. Friday night attendees will also get early access to a private vintage shopping experience. All proceeds from the event support the continued preservation of our city’s theaters, ensuring they remain vibrant spaces for years to come.
On Saturday, October 11, Glam Jam shifts into an open-air vintage shopping market that stretches from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Curated by Molli Slade of Glam Diggers Vintage, the market brings together 11 vendors from across the country, each offering a unique blend of fashion, accessories, and collectibles that echo the style of the ’80s. As for the sound of the ’80s? Expect beats and a live broadcast by KMOJ. Early bird access from 10 to 11 a.m. is available for $15 for those who want to beat the crowds and claim the best vintage finds before opening to the public (free of cost).
“I have a particular fondness for the angular, avant-garde edge of ’80s fashion—that’s when those women with the big shoulder pads were coming into power. That sort of vibe in the ‘80s, you know, people were sort of fearless,” says Slade, owner of Glam Diggers Vintage. “I just want these events to represent the legacy, integrity, and genius of Prince.”
The event is being held at The Hennepin, on the corner of 9th Street and Hennepin Avenue, next door to the Orpheum. For more event details, ticketing, and early access passes, visit hennepinarts.org.
October 3, 2025
11:57 AM