Gay bars in calgary canada
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The wintertime brings fresh snow to the Rockies’ peaks, perfect for skiing and snowboarding... Make sure to try the pizza. So, if you want to relieve your stress after a long day, you can try out this bar.
Cowboys Dance Hall
In the heart of Calgary lies Cowboys Dance Hall, an establishment that has captured the essence of the city’s cowboy culture and its emerging cosmopolitan vibe.
While not exclusively one of the best gay bars in Calgary, its immense popularity and inclusiveness mean it’s frequented by a diverse crowd.
uniquely blend architectural charm and contemporary offerings. You might recognize their spectacular scenery from Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain, filmed in the Rockies and in Calgary itself—maybe you’ll find the Jack to your Ennis here! Co-hosts Noble Oney and Osmo Cis put on a show fit for kings and queens. It’s not just a place for drinks; it’s a hub for live performances, ranging from music to comedy shows.
The energetic ambiance of this venue resonates with the essence of Calgary – vibrant and inclusive.
You’ll see a mix of amateur and career drag (plus sometimes burlesque!) artists all in one evening. Whether you're a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community or an ally looking to have a great time in a safe space, these local spots and shows are for you.
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Top Gay Bars & Queer-Friendly Venues
From the energetic dance floor at Twisted Element to the cozy ambiance of The Attic Bar & Stage, Calgary has a gay bar or queer-friendly venue for all tastes and preferences.
Twisted Element
This queer hotspot, located in Calgary’s Beltline district, oozes with energy.
Calgary's natural features and welcoming attitude will bring out your best and warmest side, no matter the season.
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While the city boasts some of the best gay bars in Calgary, the inclusive spirit of these bars truly captures Calgary’s inclusiveness. The patio is the perfect dog-watching spot, and in the winter, the city’s best homemade eggnog lives here.Address: 534 17 Ave.
S.W.
The Attic Bar & Stage
Located in the historic Inglewood neighbourhood, The Attic Bar & Stage is a top-notch queer-friendly venue. This show usually sells out, so be sure to reserve your tickets in advance!
Where:The Attic Bar & Stage
When: Weekly on Saturday evenings
Twisted’s Got Talent
If Canada’s Got Talent and RuPaul’s Drag Race had a baby, you’d get Twisted’s Got Talent!
Banff National Park (including Lake Louise) and Jasper National Park are the largest and most frequently visited parks in the Rockies. Not only does it boast a vibrant ambiance, but it’s also famed for hosting some of the most electric dance parties in the city.
A hot mess of fun, enthusiasm, and inclusivity, this bar has become a staple in gay Calgary nightlife.
Hostess-with-the-mostess, Carly York Jones, and her Angels weave together audience interaction, dolled-up diva impersonation (think Cher, Reba McIntyre, Dolly Parton…) and gut-busting jokes. As the city continues to evolve, so does its gay scene.
So put on your best outfit and get ready for glamour, glitter, and an unforgettable show!
Carly’s Angels
Carly’s Angels is Calgary’s longest-running weekly drag show. Look forward to swimming, kayaking, hiking, and ATV riding—and, of course, horseback riding—in the warm, dry summer months. This treasured alternative space hosts live music, poetry slams, drag and burlesque shows, board game nights, trivia, dance parties and other surprises.
Her rotating cast of special guest performers means you can always expect the unexpected. If you need a spot to start out for dinner or pre-drinks, try out Bridgette Bar, one of Calgary's top rated gay bars.
Calgary Pride, running from late August to early September, draws a crowd eager to show off the LGBTQ+ community's diversity and inclusivity.