Best live music venues in Calgary

Live music fans rejoice! Calgary is known as the Country Music Capital of Canada but has also become a hot spot for virtually every genre of music. The city’s Music Mile  is at the heart of the music scene, with over 20 live music venues stretching from Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, in the East Village, to The Attic in historic Inglewood. Or you can rock out to local talent at The Palomino Smokehouse with a tall can in hand, score tickets to chart toppers at the Scotiabank Saddledome, and be the first to know about intimate concert experiences at Knox United Church. From small music venues and bars with live music to headlining stadium shows and live music downtown, these are the best places to see live music in Calgary.

The Palomino Smokehouse

It’s punk, rock, old school hip-hop, folk, metal, and country at The Palomino Smokehouse . With two floors of live music, and one of the best summer patios around, this live music venue has all the character and charm of a hidden gem in the heart of downtown Calgary. You can usually find a tall can of Pabst Blue Ribbon and a plate of house made barbeque brisket too.

Location: 109 7 Ave SW

Commonwealth Bar & Stage

Take an old warehouse and convert it into one of Calgary’s best live music venues. That’s what makes Commonwealth Bar & Stage  a late night destination for live music, with two floors of entertainment to explore. The main floor hosts weekly shows while some of the city’s best hip hop DJs bring the energy in the basement level for hip hop nights. You might even catch a performance by club founders and local favourites Smalltown DJs  on any given night.

Location: 731 10 Ave SW

Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar

Hosting live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar  transforms itself into an intimate venue that is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and discover local performers. Grab a glass of wine, a pint of beer, or a late night shot of espresso and check out singer songwriters in Inglewood.

Location: 909 10 St SE

Ironwood Stage & Grill

Count on this popular all-ages venue for live music seven days a week. Showcasing local and international artists in an intimate setting, fans of jazz, blues, folk, and alternative country are always ready to pull up a seat at Ironwood Stage & Grill . Hosting more than 400 shows each year, add a burger and a pint to your night of live music at this Inglewood classic.

Location: 1229 9 Ave SE

King Eddy

Historic, legendary, and full of stories, King Eddy  has an unmatched legacy in the city of Calgary. With over 100 years of local history, the popular music venue was a legendary blues club before being restored by the National Music Centre . Today, “The Eddy” hosts the best in Canadian talent in the main performance space and on the open air rooftop patio . A trip to the King Eddy isn’t complete without peering into the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio , housed just next door on the ground floor of Studio Bell.

Location: 438 9 Ave SE

Mikey's Juke Joint & Eatery

It’s always a good vibe at Mikey's Juke Joint & Eatery , the popular Beltline restaurant and live music venue. Known for hosting a full calendar of blues, rock, jazz, tribute shows, open mic nights, karaoke, and drag performances, Mikey’s serves up a full menu of classic pub fare and tacos too. Located along the downtown cycle track, it’s easy to bike to the next concert at Mikey’s.

Location: 109 6404 Bowness Road NW

Prairie Dog Brewing

Prairie Dog Brewing brings a fresh mix of craft beer, smoked meats, and live local music. Known for its laid-back vibe, this brewery offers house-made BBQ favourites like smoked ribs and brisket, alongside award-winning beers brewed onsite. Enjoy live tunes on select nights and dig into their signature BBQ platters with friends in a warm, casual setting.

Location: 105D 58 Ave SE

Ranchman’s Cookhouse & Dancehall

Ranchman’s has been a local favourite for over 50 years as one of the best places to put on your boots and jeans for a night of dancing and live music. Check out the events calendar for a full lineup of live music taking the stage or take part in a series of free two step and line dancing lessons on the classic wood dance floor. You can even book a free limo service with no line and no cover.

Location: 9615 Macleod Trail SE

Whiskey Rose

Cold beer, great food, and live music make Whiskey Rose  a welcome addition to the music scene along 17th Ave SW. Some of the biggest names in Canadian country music take the stage along with drag brunches and the popular concert series during the Calgary Stampede. Order a sarsaparilla sour, pink Cadillac, namesake whiskey rose or solo cup cocktail before you hit the dance floor.

Location: 1012 17 Ave SW

The Blues Can

After years of filling Inglewood with the sound of blues, The Blues Can has found a new home in northwest Calgary. Now located on 16th Avenue NW, this beloved music venue continues to host nightly live shows with local and touring talent. The new space preserves the original's cozy charm while offering upgraded sound and a spacious layout. Pair the music with a cold pint and Southern-style comfort food for a night you won’t forget.

Location: 2002 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB

The Palace Theatre

There isn’t a bad spot in the house at The Palace Theatre , with three levels to view the stage and take in the sound. Hosting everything from punk, rock, and electronic to hip hop, pop, and drag, this Stephen Avenue venue is a great chance to see up and coming acts before they head to the stadium circuit. Arrive early and check your coat for general admission shows for the best chance to be front row for your favourite band.

Location: 219 8 Ave SW

Bella Concert Hall

State-of-the-art acoustics put the Bella Concert Hall  on the map for live music in Calgary. Cozy and luxurious balcony seating makes each performance feel like a special occasion on the beautiful campus of Mount Royal University . Inspired by the prairie barns of Alberta, don’t forget to look up to the ceiling, designed to look like a prairie rose.

Location: 18 Mt Royal Cir SW

Grey Eagle Event Centre

Located on the beautiful Tsuut’ina Nation , Grey Eagle Event Centre  hosts headlining Canadian and international musicians at their event centre. With 2,500 seats, you get that big concert sound with a comfortable atmosphere to see your favourite artist live on stage. Make your concert experience a true getaway and book a guest room at the hotel, play slots and table games at the casino, and enjoy a meal at one of five dining venues before or after the big show.

Location: 3775 Grey Eagle Dr.

Jack Singer Concert Hall

Home to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra , the famed Jack Singer Concert Hall  is one of the most popular venues in the city. Located in Arts Commons , it’s a great idea to pair a night of live music at the Jack Singer with shopping and dinner along Stephen Avenue, a trip up the Calgary Tower, or a picnic at Olympic Plaza.

Location: 225 8 Ave SE

MacEwan Hall

This University of Calgary venue packs a punch, with contemporary hit makers, classic acts, and all ages concerts throughout the year. MacEwan Hall is a general admission venue with a big sound.

Location: 2500 University Dr NW

Scotiabank Saddledome

Music superstars take the stage at the Scotiabank Saddledome , the biggest live music venue in Calgary. The roar of 17,000 fans makes this a special live music experience with all the bright lights and big sound you can handle. Take Calgary Transit  to the Victoria Park/Stampede station for an easy way to get to and from the show.

Location: 555 Saddledome Rise SE

Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium

For more than 60 years, the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium  has hosted everything from intimate acoustic shows to classical performances. Home to the Calgary Opera , Alberta Ballet , and Broadway Across Canada , the 2,500 seat theatre can easily switch between casual performance space and extravagant night on the town. That’s what makes it one of the top places to see live music in Calgary.

Location: 1415 14 Ave NW

Studio Bell

The hub of Calgary’s Music Mile , Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre  tells the story of music in Canada with five floors of memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and Canadian Music Halls of Fame . King Eddy next door hosts a more regular lineup of shows but look for special events and exclusive interviews in the main Performance Hall  at Studio Bell. One-of-a-kind performances and interviews with Tegan and Sara, Ron Sexsmith, Jann Arden, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Raine Maida, are the hottest tickets in the city as soon as events are announced.

Location: 850 4 St SE

Festival Hall

Home to the Folk Festival Society of Calgary, Festival Hall  is an intimate performance space that brings the passion and energy of the Calgary Folk Music Festival  to town all year. Film, food, theatre, and poetry workshops bring this intimate space to life for special performances in the historic neighbourhood of Inglewood .

Location: 1215 10 Ave SE

Knox United Church

Sled Island  and the Calgary Folk Music Festival have made Knox United Church  a favourite concert venue in Calgary in downtown Calgary. Live music transforms the main sanctuary space into an intimate and memorable concert experience that is welcoming and accessible to everyone. Check out their events calendar  for all the latest updates.

Location: 506 4 St SW

Lantern Community Church

Another local church with a tradition of hosting live music in Calgary, the Lantern Community Church  hosts select classical performances, candlelight concert experiences, and special events each year.

Location: 1401 10 Ave SE