CALGARY NIGHTLIFE GUIDE (2021) – OUR FAVOURITE SPOTS

As we enter the very social season of summertime, you may be looking for a Calgary Nightlife Guide – and we’ve got you covered. Whether you want to go dance the night away or relax for a candlelight dinner, we’ve compiled a variety of places to choose from. Our guide includes some of the city’s most popular nightlife areas and our favourite venues within them.

The regions of nightlife we’ll be covering include the Beltline District, 17th Avenue Street, and Downtown Calgary. Without further ado, let’s get started. 

Beltline District

Beltline is situated close to Calgary’s downtown core, a very popular spot for entertainment and nighttime fun. The area has many unique art galleries and furniture showrooms, giving it the “design district” title. In addition, Beltline has some of the best choices for nighttime eats, drinks, and dancing. Let’s cover some of the most notable bars and clubs in the Beltline District. 

Habitat Living Sound

Looking for a place to dance? Habitat Living Sound may be your next go-to nightlife destination. Offering a wide selection of electronic beats, there’s always something to groove to playing at Habitat Living Sound. The micro club is home to a few Calgary-based DJs who provide guests with music on the dance floor. Having been around for over a decade, the venue has been integral to developing Calgary’s house music scene. All things considered, Habitat Living Sound is one of the hottest places in Calgary for electronic music, socializing, and dancing.  

Habitat Living Sound Address: 1217 1 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0V3

Twisted Element 

Twisted Element is known for its inclusivity, as it happens to be one of the few gay bars in Calgary. It’s also considered by many to be amongst the best clubs in the city. Twisted Element puts on a variety of events and themed evenings. From hosting karaoke to burlesque nights, Twisted Element is often integral to a great night out in Calgary.

Twisted Element Address: 1006 11 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0G3

Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub

The last Beltline District nightlife destination on our list is Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub. This location is an ideal spot for nighttime drinks and dining. Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub is home to a massive range of beers – carrying over 300 varieties! For those looking for a reliable restaurant with a great menu and range of beverages, this is the place to check out. 

Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub Address: 140 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0A3

17th Avenue Street 

At the centre of Calgary’s nightlife scene is 17th Avenue Street. This area encompasses many bars and clubs located in the southwest quadrant of the city. 17th Avenue Street is where many of Calgary’s favourite nightlife options are situated. Fine dining, bustling lounges, and cool cafes are just some of the neat options in the area. Here are some of our favourite spots for nightlife in the 17th Avenue Street region. 

Pigeonhole

Pigeonhole is the next location on our Calgary nightlife guide. This restaurant has a wonderful patio that’s perfect to sit at for a late-night snack. Pigeonhole is known for its inviting atmosphere and great service. Delicious food, superb cocktails, and a pleasant ambience are a few of the best qualities of Pigeonhole. If you find yourself hungry while out on 17th Avenue Street, Pigeonhole is a great option to try.

Pigeonhole Address: 306 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0A8

Betty Lou’s Library 

Looking for a unique nightlife experience? Look no further than Betty Lou’s Library. With a 1920’s aesthetic, this speakeasy pub evokes prohibition-era vibes. As such, it’s a great choice for history fanatics or those simply looking for an immersive night out. Betty Lou’s Library provides an engaging space to step into a different era, which makes for a night to remember.

Betty Lou’s Library Address: 908 17 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB T2T 0A3

Model Milk

A rustic-chic restaurant on 17th Avenue Street, Model Milk is a notable nightlife destination, The building is a renovated dairy and offers a menu of locally sourced foods. Model Milk takes pride in its relationship with local producers and aims to provide a sustainable menu. In addition, the restaurant has an intimate patio which is great for warm summer nights.

Model Milk Address: 308 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0A8

Downtown Calgary 

Downtown Calgary is the final area on our Calgary nightlife guide. Although this part of the city is where a lot of business and retail takes place, it’s also home to some awesome nightlife. Scattered amongst the shopping centres and boutiques, there’s a multitude of clubs and restaurants to explore. So, let’s talk about some of our go-to nightlife spots in Downtown Calgary. 

Knoxville’s Tavern 

Formerly known as the Roadhouse, Knoxville’s Tavern is one of the best spots on our Calgary nightlife guide. This club is another great choice if you feel like dancing during your night out in the city. The music played at Knoxville’s Tavern tends to be a solid combination of country hits and Top 40s. Ultimately, Knoxville’s Tavern is an ideal place to get your party on in Downtown Calgary. 

Knoxville’s Tavern Address: 840 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0L9

Rio Bar & Grill

If you’re looking for a place to both dance and eat, you’ll likely love Rio Bar & Grill. What makes this venue stand out from the rest is the food they serve. Rio Bar & Grill offers globally-inspired fare, including Italian, Spanish, and other cultural foods. Salsa nights and live Latino bands are a few of the unique features of Rio Bar & Grill you just won’t find in many other places in the city. 

Rio’s Bar & Grill Address: 800 6 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3G3

The Ace Nightclub 

Lastly, we have the Ace Nightclub on our Calgary nightlife guide. This club is at the heart of Downtown Calgary. At the Ace Nightclub, there’s plenty of space to dance, as well as multiple bars to get drinks at. The venue also hosts themed music nights, like classic hip hop night, amongst others. The Ace Nightclub is awesome for those interested in dancing to a selection of diverse music choices. 

The Ace Nightclub Address: 111 7 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0W5

What do you think of our Calgary nightlife guide?

If you’re new to Calgary, you may feel bombarded with all the different nightlife options. It turns out that there are countless great nightlife choices beyond our list for you to check out. Although we covered a variety of locations, we couldn’t possibly mention every single bar and club in our list. Consequently, be sure to do further research and explore the different nightlife options of Calgary in person. 

At the end of the day, you’ll have to check out locations yourself to get a true sense of what you enjoy most. Whether you’re looking for amazing food, bumping dance floors, or anything in-between, Calgary has the nightlife for you.

Wondering what else Calgary has to offer? Check out our article on 5 great things about the city.