Calgary Nightlife
From Calgarypedia
Contents |
Overview
Calgary is home to a bustling after-hours scene that has something for everyone. Whether you enjoy a quiet patio, a rocking live band or a dance club, Calgary has your nighttime fun covered. Several popular nightlife areas in the city are 17th Avenue, Kensington and the downtown/Stephen Avenue strip.
17th Avenue
17th Avenue SW is home to some of Calgary’s most popular night spots. The most common venues in the area are pubs, bars and lounges; however, a few dance clubs and live music establishments exist as well. Pubs such as the Rose & Crown have expansive patios that are sought-after destinations come 5 o’clock and beyond. Most venues along 17th Avenue feature drink and food specials and live entertainment on weekends. To learn more about venues along 17th, visit Calgary – Uptown 17.
Kensington
The Kensington Village is home to many night spots that are popular with Calgarians. The neighborhood is easily accessible via the Sunnyside LRT station and is packed with restaurants, eateries and pubs. The relaxed atmosphere of this urban village community is reflected in the establishments that line the streets. Pubs and lounges are the popular choices for a night out here while coffee and tea shops and a multitude of ethnic restaurants make for plenty of variety. For more information on the shops and eateries of Kensington, visit Kensington Village Online.
Downtown/Stephen Avenue
Main Article: Stephen Avenue
The Downtown/Stephen Avenue area is home to the widest variety of clubs and night spots anywhere in the city. From high-end martini bars and restaurants to country haunts and basic watering holes, the downtown core has more than enough variety for the discerning patron. Popular destinations downtown include James Joyce Pub, Cowboys, Milestones, Broken City and the Ship and Anchor. For more information on downtown night spots, visit the Calgary Nightlife Guide.
Stampede Trail (Coming Soon)
In July of 2009, the City of Calgary announced that plans to develop a new entertainment district were underway. With many new and exciting venues set to open up along what is now Olympic Way, the new “Stampede Trail” is sure to be one of Calgary's hot spots for downtown nightlife. The avenue will feature a host of restaurants, patios, and entertainment venues, making Stampede Trail an ideal destination for some weekend or evening fun. Perhaps the most highly anticipated venue of the new development is Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. With this being the first Canadian location of the popular restaurant chain, it is sure to incite enthusiasm over the new area. For more information, read the City of Calgary News Blog on Stampede Trail
Specialized Venues
Calgary has many niche venues that cater to specific patrons or provide specialized entertainment. They include comedy clubs, live music venues and dance clubs.
Lounges
These types of venues are more popular with the over 25 and “after work” crowd. The city’s lounges have a host of different atmospheres, sure to cater to your preferences. Whether you would like to unwind after work with a glass of wine and some conversation, or whether you’d like to take in some music and dancing, there is sure to be a lounge to meet your needs. Click here for a detailed list of some of Calgary's lounges: Travel Guide to Lounges in Calgary
Comedy
Calgary has two major comedy clubs, The Laugh Stop and The Comedy Cave. For information on live comedy in Calgary, visit Calgary Comedy Clubs Online.
Rock and Live Music
Main Article: Live Music in Calgary
Calgary has a vibrant music scene which is reflected in the sheer number of venues that feature live artists on their stages. For a full list of live music venues in Calgary, visit Calgary Live Music Venues Online.
Dance Clubs
Main Article: Electronic Music in Calgary
Dance clubs feature a DJ as opposed to live music and are generally more popular with the under-25 crowd. The youthful population of Calgary keeps the party going to closing time at a number of popular clubs. For a full list of Calgary dance clubs, visit Calgary Nightclubs Online.
Drag Shows
Paradiso Nightclub has a drag show every week in Calgary.
Ethnic Dining
Main Article: Featured Ethnic Restaurants in Calgary
Calgary is known for its rich cultural diversity. Organizations like the Calgary Multicultural Center have helped to establish a tone of tolerance and respect in Calgary by celebrating the uniqueness of different cultural communities. Several festivals throughout the year (such as global fest, Expo Latino, etc.) give voice to these different communities, and allow Calgarians to experience different cultures. Calgary also boasts a wide variety of ethnic restaurants that allow for a celebration of culture through cuisine. Whether you have a taste for Indian food, Chinese, Mexican, or Japanese, there is sure to be a restaurant to satisfy your ethnic food preference
Patios
Main Article: Featured Calgary Patios
During the summer months, Calgarians are often looking for any way to take advantage of the nice weather. Bar and restaurant patios are a great way to take in the afternoon sun or enjoy a warm evening with some food and drinks. Calgary patios typically open in early May, just in time for the long weekend. They will often remain open until September, depending on the weather. Some venues have patio heaters, making an outdoor meal more comfortable on those chillier summer nights. Weather you’re looking to enjoy a lunchtime out of the office or an evening outdoors, patios are a great opportunity to celebrate both food and great weather. For more information on some of the patios that downtown Calgary has to offer, read Avenue Magazine's Article on Calgary Patios
Cafes, Coffee and Teahouses
In addition to the clubs and lounges within Calgary, there are also a number of options for those looking to have more of a quiet night. Cafes such as Higher Ground and Oolong Teahouse offer a quieter atmosphere for guests to sit and chat and enjoy a specialty tea or coffee beverage. Many of these venues are also host to local artist who add to the atmosphere with their acoustic music. Some Cafes will even have open mic nights, giving aspiring artists a chance to showcase their talents.
Seasonal Nightlife
Aside from the everyday attractions that are available for after hours enjoyment, there are also an assortment of seasonal night time activities to experience in Calgary.
Summer:
Winter
External Links / Sources
Club Vibes – Calgary Nightclubs
