We jammed in every live music venue in Calgary, and we loved all 10!
When I was younger, music was my companion in every kind of emotion I was in. Whether I’m sad, happy, stressed out, or confused, I would just turn the radio on and enjoy my space.
Now that I’m older, I still feel the same way. Except that, now, I’ve got the time (and money) to spare and hear my favorite artists live on stage
I can even catch upcoming artists, thanks to Calgary’s live music venues! So if you’re a music lover like me, make sure to continue reading to see what this city has in store for you!
1. Arts Commons
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Website: https://artscommons.ca/
Address: 205 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0K9
Contact Details: +1 403-294-7455
At Arts Commons, you can watch live music performances in the Jack Singer Concert Hall, which is considered the largest theater in Calgary. There are several music series that you can catch here such as TD Jazz, PCL Blues, and BD&P World Music.
Once you’re here, you’ll instantly notice the good acoustics and the intimate ambiance in the hall, making it a perfect romantic date venue for the lovers out there.
The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra often plays here so if you’re a fan, check out the calendar to catch them play.
If you love concerts, this venue is also home to both local and international acts, ensuring that all Calgary residents across all ages will be able to enjoy.
Meanwhile, if you love visual art, you’ll love that this theater is home to gallery exhibitions for the entire year.
Pro tip: Consider getting seats at the mezzanine or at the center orchestra for the best acoustics in the theater. |
2. Bella Concert Hall
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Website: http://www.mtroyal.ca/mrevents/Find-a-Venue/bella-concert-hall.htm
Address: 18 Mt Royal Cir SW, Calgary, AB T3E 7N5
Contact Details: +1 403-440-7770
If you want to watch classical concerts, folk, and jazz performances by local and international artists, Bella Concert Hall should be on your list.
You can also catch live performances by the Mount Royal University students in this music hall. Additionally, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra also performs classical acts here.
Here, you’ll see that a Rocky Mountain canyon inspires the hall’s design. You’ll also notice that the wood finishes inside the hall are inspired by an old piano, aligning with the whole music theme at the venue.
The live performance music hall is quite intimate, seating around 770 people. Wherever you’re seated, you’ll get a good view of the stage and good sound clarity, perfect for watching classical music performances, and even contemporary artists.
Pro tip: If you prefer an elevated view of the stage, opt for seats at the balcony area. |
3. The Blues Can
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Website: https://www.thebluescan.com/Events.php
Address: 1429 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0T4
Contact Details: +1 403-262-2666
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM; Thursday – Sunday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
If you’re a fan of blues music or maybe just want to watch some traditional folk music based on religion or culture then you should head to The Blues Can.
What’s great about this live music venue is that you can catch these acts any day of the week, making it a perfect venue to hear something soulful anytime you want.
Here, you can catch new artists on the block or even international artists that are visiting Calgary.
The Blues Can isn’t just famous for its rhythm and blues stage but is also home to some great comfort food in the city. You can order the crowd-favorite Cajun-inspired meals such as gumbo and jambalaya.
Meanwhile, if you want to try singing with the band, this is also a great venue to showcase your talent during open mic sessions.
And since it’s a more relaxed vibe compared to the other formal live music venues, you can come here wearing your casuals.
Pro tip: Since seats are on a first-come-first served basis, consider arriving ahead of time to be seated close to the stage. |
4. Ironwood Stage and Grill
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Website: http://ironwoodstage.ca/
Address: 1229 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0S9
Contact Details: +1 403-269-5581
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM; Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Another live music venue for traditional and folk music lovers out there is Ironwood Stage and Grill. What’s great about this intimate live music venue is that you can connect with the artists after their performances.
Aside from the known bands, you’ll be able to catch independent and new talents who are trying to enter the music scene.
If you have kids in tow, you’ll love that you can bring your kids here so you can let them appreciate good music while they’re still young.
This live music venue is also a great spot to grab your classic comfort food and craft beers. Here, you can order burgers, pizza, and the crowd-favorite chicken and back back ribs.
Pro tip: Consider arriving two hours before the show starts so you can catch the live band’s technical rehearsal. |
5. Commonwealth Bar and Stage
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Website: http://www.commonwealthbar.ca/
Address: 731 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0B3
Operating Hours: Friday – Saturday: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
If you’re looking for an edgy and urban atmosphere where you can catch some live music in Calgary, then Commonwealth Bar and Stage is your spot. This old warehouse features two kinds of shows—live performances and dance parties.
The types of genres that this live music venue offers are indie, hip-hop, and electronic. They also invite talented DJs who spin interesting tracks throughout the night.
What’s great about them is that they can even combine these two offerings, allowing clients to have another way to enjoy their nightlife with some live music.
Pro tip: If you’re curious about the most favored nightlife scene at the Commonwealth Bar and Stage, you may consider attending their Hip-Hop Saturdays. Make sure to check on their social media pages if you need to follow any theme during that night. |
6. Dickens Pub
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Website: http://www.dickensyyc.com/
Address: 1000 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2Y6
Contact Details: +1 403-233-7550
For those who are into punk, rock, and heavy metal, you should catch live music performances at Dickens Pub. This live music venue is perfect for those who love celebrating the underground and alternative culture.
Aside from the live performances that you can catch here, you can also enjoy singing your heart out through karaoke (karaoke calgary). Additionally, this place also hosts trivia nights, which is a perfect activity to connect with the community.
And if you love playing games, it’s a great time for a little throwback and play some retro video games here at Dickens Pub! There’s also an area dedicated for those who want to play darts or billiards.
Meanwhile, if you just traveled to Calgary and want to be sentimental, you can purchase the pub’s merchandise to remind you of their live music scene.
Pro tip: Consider staying after the main act’s performance. Dickens Pub usually opens the stage for spontaneous jam sessions, allowing you to perform in front of the community. |
7. Festival Hall
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Website: https://www.calgaryfolkfest.com/festival-hall
Address: 1215 10 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0W6
Contact Details: +1 403-233-0904
Festival Hall is one of the most intimate live music venues you’ll find in Calgary. This place can only hold 200 people, so no matter where you’re seated, you’re assured that you feel closer to the stage!
However, if you’re a bit short, you may still want to grab a seat at the front row to promise you an unobstructive view. Speaking of seats, you’ll love that the chairs are comfortable so you won’t mind sitting there for hours, listening to your favorite front acts.
Once you’re inside, you’ll appreciate that the rustic-modern space has been acoustically engineered which they mindfully did to level-up your listening experience.
Imagine hearing acoustic, folk, or indie music with exposed bricks and warm lights surrounding you! So if you want your concert experience to be as intimate as possible, better watch out for events happening at Festival Hall!
Pro tip: If you’re planning to host a corporate event or private parties, you can opt to have a musical night at Festival Hall. Just make sure that you’ll use the hall for at least 8 hours to get their basic rental package. |
8. Gallery House Concerts
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Website: http://www.galleryhouseconcerts.com/
Address: 119 Nottingham Rd NW, Calgary, AB T2K 5R2
Contact Details: +1 403-988-3106
If we’re really talking about intimate live music sessions in Calgary then you shouldn’t miss out on Gallery House Concerts. This venue is actually a private home owned by Jackie Bourgaize and Dale Sorensen.
This couple welcomes you to hear local talents and musicians right at their living room. So if you’re planning to attend this one-of-a-kind experience, make sure you’re open to build connections with the the rest of the music lovers here in Calgary.
Additionally, their doors normally open an hour or two before the live music starts so the audience can comfortably settle in. It’s also one way to break the ice and let the attendees meet each other.
Here, you won’t just hear the artists’ songs, you’ll also hear about their stories and insights about the music industry and their craft.
This is also a great venue if you want to hear touring artists or even those who haven’t tried the bigger stages, allowing you to hear new sounds right before they go viral.
Pro tip: Gallery House Concerts Society normally encourage an unplugged event. To enjoy the intimate live music setting, consider keeping the digital distractions to a minimum. |
9. MacEwan Hall Concerts
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Website: http://www.machallconcerts.com/
Address: 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
Contact Details: +1 403-220-7968
If you wish to catch big entertainment shows in Calgary then you should check out MacEwan Hall.
This live music hall is located inside University of Calgary and has hosted several local and international artists, making it a sound name to all the music lovers out there!
Some of the known artists have have performed here are Halsey, Alaska, Lights, and Dashboard Confessional.
This concert hall can accommodate up to 1,000 people, large enough to keep a highly energized crowd.
While watching, you’ll notice that the place really has nice acoustics—and they’ve got a pretty good lights system here too!
Since the venue is located in a university, weekdays are a little harder when it comes to securing parking. Make sure to arrive a few hours ahead or opt for a ride-sharing service to avoid any hassle.
Pro tip: Artists normally have merch booths during their concert at MacEwan Hall Concerts. While you can purchase after the concert, it’s usually more jampacked by then. Consider visiting the booth right before you settle in inside the live music hall. |
10. The Palace Theater
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Website: https://www.thepalacetheatre.ca/
Address: 219 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 7N2
Contact Details: +1 587-393-6993
Since 1921, The Palace Theater has been home to movies and Vaudeville acts, nightclubs, sports bar, and now—live music performances!
This music hall has been beautifully renovated, and can now seat 1,369 people who share the love of music. In 1996, this music hall was recognized as the most beautiful theater in Canada and has been declared as a national historic site.
If you want to catch big bands, whether local or international, then you’ll definitely see them here at The Palace Theater.
You’ll love that wherever you’re seated, you’ll get a great view of the stage. But of course, for die-hard fans, you’ll probably want to stay closer to the stage!
Pro tip: There are no dedicated parking spaces inside The Palace Theater. If you’re still bringing your own car, opt for street parking or secure slots at parking garages near the music hall. |