When it comes to night life, Calgary has a lot to offer and there is no shortage of activities to do. Whether you are into craft beer or dance club, art or food, Calgary is a city that never sleeps. The city has a rich choice of entertainment that is divided into different districts of the city.
Whether you want to enjoy your cocktail in a stylish bar, hear some live music in a local bar with an indie agenda, dance the night away in one of the city’s flashing clubs or go to the theater, or even bar crawl along the 17th Avenue, Calgary has a lot to offer for nightlife lovers. Keep reading to find out what Calgary really has to offer once the lights go out.
Top Bars in Calgary
If the reader is in search of a quieter night out, Calgary’s bars are a great place for conversation over quality beverages with friends.
Craft Beer Bars
It will be music to the ears of beer connoisseurs in Calgary as the city has many craft beer establishments such as the National Beer Hall in the Beltline neighborhood with 40 taps of beer. Taste Alberta beer at the Origin Beer Lab and Annex Ale Project in the Simcoe neighborhood.
Wine Bars
Wines by the glass, paired with cheese and charcuterie, can be found at Scarpino’s Olympic Room which is located on Stephen Avenue as well as at Sidewalk Citizen Bakery + Cafe in Inglewood. Living Room Wine Bar & Restaurant located in the downtown area serves a large collection of wines from all over the world in a stylish ambiance.
Cocktail Lounges
For cocktails with a twist try out speakeasy styled bars such as Milk Tiger Lounge or UNA Pizza + Wine. The Ship & Anchor pub downtown also has a great cocktail list and some good ol’ pub food.
Top Nightclubs in Calgary to Dance the Night Away
When you’re ready to kick it up a notch, Calgary has thumping nightclubs playing everything from EDM and hip hop to Latin beats well into the early morning hours. These lively hotspots attract world-class DJs and even the occasional celebrity sighting.
EDM Clubs
For pulsating EDM beats, Calgary hotspots like Ten X Nightclub, Commonwealth Bar & Stage, and The Back Alley pack huge crowds of revelers each weekend. With dazzling light shows, giant screens, and some of the city’s best sound systems, these venues host local and internationally renowned DJs spinning the latest electronic and house music. learn about the best Calgary DJ.
Hip-Hop and R&B Venues
To get your hip hop and R&B fix, venues like Habitat Living Sound, Knoxville’s Tavern, and The Palace Theatre frequently feature hip hop DJs, rappers, and R&B singers taking the stage. Expect booming bass, old school classics, and the hottest new tracks blasting all night long.
Latin Dance Clubs
Latin music lovers flock to Electric Avenue on 17th for its Havana Club Tropical Nights featuring salsa, bachata, merengue, and reggaeton dance parties. Nearby Ten X Nightclub also hosts Latin Village on Saturdays, while Ranchman’s Cookhouse & Dancehall offers line dancing lessons before the boot-stomping begins.
Live Music Venues in Calgary
Beyond just DJs and dancing, Calgary hosts live music performances across genres seven nights a week.
Jazz and Blues Clubs
For intimate evenings taking in smooth jazz or soulful blues, head to classic venues like Ironwood Stage & Grill, Blues Can restaurant downtown, or the Ironwood Stage & Grill jazz club.
Rock and Indie Music Venues
Rock music fans can get their fix at venues like the Gateway, hosting local and touring alternative, punk and rock acts. Catch local indie bands like Youngbloods, Chad VanGaalen and more at intimate venues like Tubby Dog, The Gateway and Palomino Smokehouse.
Classical Music and Opera
The Jack Singer Concert Hall downtown hosts the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and touring symphonies, while contemporary chamber music ensemble Land’s End Ensemble is a local favorite. For a night at the opera, the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium features productions from Calgary Opera company.
Cultural and Nighttime Activities
Beyond the bar and club scene, Calgary also offers plenty of cultural entertainment options for memorable evenings out.
Theater Performances
Catch a play, musical or ballet at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium or Arts Commons theater complex downtown. Smaller experimental and fringe theater productions happen at venues like The Grand theater, Pumphouse Theatres and Stage West.
Art Galleries with Night Exhibitions
Many of Calgary’s esteemed art galleries stay open late one evening per week, allowing visitors to explore featured exhibitions while sipping wine. Esker Foundation downtown offers extended hours on Wednesdays, while contemporary gallery The New Gallery stays open late on Fridays.
Night Markets and Festivals
During summertime, Calgary sees many outdoor night markets and cultural festivals extend their programming into the evening hours. The annual Calgary Stampede runs a nightly Nashville North music tent, while Chinatown hosts the Summer Night Market every weekend.
Essential Tips for a Safe and Fun Night Out in Calgary
To make the most of Calgary after dark, keep these need-to-know tips in mind:
Transportation Options
Avoid drinking and driving by taking advantage of late night transportation options like Calgary Transit’s Night Owl bus service, taxis, ride shares and even LA limo services. Know the closest CTrain stations and plan transit connections in advance.
Dress Codes and Entry Requirements
While many venues allow casual wear, some Calgary nightclubs and lounges enforce dress codes banning shorts, hats, baggy clothing and sneakers. Bring valid photo ID to ensure easy entry.
Local Laws and Regulations
Calgary bars and clubs must stop serving alcohol at 2 am, with most venues closing between 2-3 am on weekends. Note that public intoxication, disorderly conduct, underage drinking and similar offenses are taken seriously.
Conclusion
From the bars and taverns to the dance clubs and live shows, to the art and food, Calgary knows how to party when the sun goes down. With the right planning on the venue, transportation and the laws of the city of cowtown, you are in for the night of your life.
We believe that our article will help you to get an idea of what Calgary has to offer in terms of nightlife. Now, it is your time to follow the hotspots that you find interesting and maybe find new favorite places to go. Please feel free to leave your night time adventures in the comments section below or recommend other places that we should visit at night.
