It’s a pride party every day at the best LGBTQIA+ bars in Edmonton!
It’s getting more and more important that we celebrate the existence of the LGBTQIA+ community in our very own city. Fortunately, Edmonton has LGBTQIA+ bars that let us do just that.
True, there aren’t that many such bars in the city, but the ones we do have are amazing. From out and proud queer musicians performing their music to exciting drag shows that rival RuPaul’s Drag Race, these bars have something for everyone!
If you’re looking to party and celebrate with your community, check out these LGBTQIA+ bars in Edmonton.
Evolution Wonderlounge
– From: evowonderlounge
Address: 10220 103 St NW
Operating Hours: Friday and Saturday—10 pm to 2:30 am
Contact Number: +17804240077
Evolution Wonderlounge is the LGBTQIA+ bar in Edmonton. If you can only visit one bar in the city, let it be this one!
There’s never a dull night in this bar. They have a solid rotation of seven talented DJs, so you can dance your stresses away all night long. And the fun doesn’t just end there; they also host drag or burlesque shows that will get you screaming in glee!
This club is popular enough that it has attracted well-renowned queer public figures as hosts. Examples include Chi Chi La Rue, Leslie Jordan, Lady Bunny, Alyssa Edwards, Brent Corrigan, and Rocco Steele.
Tired of dancing all night long? Refill your energy with bar snacks. I’m usually content with treats like mozzarella sticks and truffle parmesan fries, but they also have heartier meals like burgers, pizza, and pasta dishes.
| Pro Tips: Every Wednesday night (starting at 7 pm), they host karaoke nights. On Mondays, you can enjoy a 50% discount on wings, while on Tuesdays, you can get C$5 off all pizzas! |
Spotlight Cabaret
– From: spotlightcabaret
Address: 8217 104 Street NW
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—4 pm to 1 am
- Friday—12 pm to 2 am
- Saturday—11 am to 2 am
- Sunday—12 pm to 1 am
Contact Number: +17807600202
Spotlight Cabaret refuses to be categorized in just one box. Not only is it a bar that oozes roaring 20s vibes, but it’s also a restaurant, rooftop patio, and live venue!
I admit that this isn’t exclusively an LGBTQIA+ spot, but they do host burlesque and drag shows often. You can also find live music and comedy shows performed by queer artists and comedians here, so there’s something for everyone.
While watching the shows and performances, treat yourself to their fantastic food. I recommend the rigatoni alla vodka, which balances the spicy and tangy flavours well. It also has a hint of smokiness that I like.
| Pro Tip: If you want to sit on their patio, you need to book a reservation ahead of time. |
Campio Brewing Co.
– From: iscwr_yeg
Address: 10257 105 St NW
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Friday—11:30 am to 1 am
- Saturday—10 am to 1 am
- Sunday—10 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +15876351952
Campio Brewing Co. is another spot that isn’t actually a bar that caters exclusively to the LGBTQIA+ community, but they do offer fun events and specials that celebrate queerness.
One such event that I love is their Drag Brunch. As the name of the event suggests, you’ll be eating brunch while drag queens entertain everyone.
Proceeds will go to support local LGBTQIA+ initiatives, which is another reason I love it when Campio hosts this event.
| Pro Tip: You can book your very own special event here. Event packages are already available, so you don’t have to plan from scratch. |
The Starlite Room
– From: colossalcreates
Address: 10030 102 St NW
Contact Number: +17804281099
Technically, The Starlite Room is a live entertainment venue and not a bar, but this spot does welcome performers of all genres and walks of life, and they’ve attracted both queer musicians and audiences.
I’ve attended a few shows here, and they’re always so much fun. My favourite has to be the concert by RATAS, a queer punk band from Puerto Rico. Their set was just high-energy all throughout, and their song lyrics featured a brutal take-down on societal issues, so rocking out during their performance was super cathartic.
| Pro Tip: You can’t bring in outside food and drinks, but you can find food at River City Revival House, which is located in The Starlite Room’s underbelly. You don’t need a reservation, but I recommend it because this spot gets fully booked fast. You can do this by sending an email to [email protected]. |
Fruit Loop Events
– From: fruitloopyeg
If Evolution Wonderlounge is the most prominent LGBTQIA+ bar in Edmonton, Fruit Loop Events is the most prominent LGBTQIA+ event organizer. They’ve hosted many inclusive and dynamic social events in various locations throughout the city!
One of my favourite events of theirs is the Fall Fling, which is an annual event celebrating fall. This event is jam-packed with so many activities, including a full night of drag, burlesque, and, of course, dancing to catchy tunes.
Sometimes, Fruit Loop partners with other organizers. For example, they’ve worked with SkirtsAfire Festival, which supports women and non-binary artists in Edmonton.
| Pro Tip: Fruit Loop has its own products as well. For example, they have Prairie Fairy, which is a craft beer with a striking pink hue and a flavour profile that’s reminiscent of blackberries and raspberries. Another one of their products is Pride Pack, which is a cannabis pre-rolled joint. It’s vibrant pink and has a fragrant, sharp lemon scent and hints of berry. |