Gay bars in calgary canada
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But there’s a catch: you may miss out on all the fun if you don’t know the right spots.
As a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, it’s always a delight to visit welcoming and exciting fun places.
From boutique hotels that offer gay-friendly accommodations to lively bars where you can dance the night away, Calgary caters to anyone seeking a diverse 2LGBTQ+ culture.
So, if you seek a safe spot to have fun at night and party, try out these local spots.
Best Gay Bars In Calgary
Twisted Element
Located in Calgary’s Beltline district, Twisted Element stands out as one of the best gay bars in Calgary.
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.
It means everyone has a place to call home in this dynamic city, regardless of who they are or love. While it’s not exclusively a gay bar, Dickens Pub is an integral part of the gay scene in Calgary.
Hosting many events, from live music nights to themed parties, Dickens Pub encapsulates the spirit of acceptance and fun that defines gay Calgary.
Over to You
Calgary’s vibrant nightlife reflects its diverse populace and progressive outlook.
Want some taste of Calgary’s thrilling nightlife? Its cozy ambiance, with vintage decor and a completely plant-based menu, sets the perfect stage for the range of events hosted here.
Address:1413 9 Ave. S.E.
Best Drag Shows in Calgary
Calgary's drag scene includes performers of all identities and expressions.
Pop-up dance parties and international drag performers put on a fabulous show in Calgary's bars. uniquely blend architectural charm and contemporary offerings. The Backlot's themed events, weekly karaoke, and regular drag shows are a must-see!
Address: 209 10 Ave. S.W.
Dickens Pub
Dickens Pub is home to all things weird and wonderful.
Her rotating cast of special guest performers means you can always expect the unexpected. While Ship & Anchor doesn’t have the steam room of a boutique hotel’s fitness center, it makes up for this with its lively atmosphere, pool tables, and weekly events. The Beltline neighborhood on 17th Avenue Southwest (S.W.) is the place to see and be seen.
Make sure to try the pizza.
But as you descend to the lower level, the energy shifts to vibrant dance parties and enthusiastic karaoke nights.
It’s a space where the queer community and their allies feel at home while enjoying the very best of what gay Calgary has to offer.
Greta Bar
Greta Bar isn’t your typical gay bar. Try out any of these bars!
Gay bars and drag shows in Calgary
Back to Itineraries & Travel Inspiration
Get ready for a fun night out with Calgary's welcoming 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Elliot Rae Cormier
May 21, 2025
5 minute read
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Looking for a dazzling night (or afternoon) of fun in Calgary?
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. The queer nightlife promises even more intense fun! As the city continues to evolve, so does its gay scene. And that’s great! You’ll be sure to hear all kinds of hilarious half-truths about Karla Marx’s life in the glittery gutters of Hollywood and Vegas.
Where:The Attic Bar & Stage
When: The last Friday of the month
Starchild Sunday Brunch
At the Starchild Sunday Brunch, the food isn’t the only thing that’s hot.
Co-hosts Noble Oney and Osmo Cis put on a show fit for kings and queens. 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.
Their unique offering, from dance parties to arcade games, ensures something for everyone. Banff National Park (including Lake Louise) and Jasper National Park are the largest and most frequently visited parks in the Rockies. Calgary's LGBTQ+ community nightlife is as active as the rest of the city.