Edmonton’s best live music venues
If you're not one of the lucky few who has tickets to Folk Fest 2016, get your fill of live music at these local venues. Folk Fest, which runs August 4 to 7, 2016, is a reminder of how fun it can be to see your favourite bands (or new bands!) in person. Whether you can't make it to Gallagher Park or simply weren't able to get tickets, you can still get your fill of great music in Edmonton almost any night of the week.
ATB Financial Arts Barns
10330 84 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T6E 2G9This small, versatile venue is used as a theatre, gallery and music hall, and holds anywhere from 60 to 350 people. The sound carries well here, so you’re in for good acoustics, even while attending a crowded concert. The location itself is bright and nearby other restaurants and bars, so you can get a quick meal in before or after the performance.
DV8 Tavern
8130 Gateway Blvd NW, Edmonton AB T6E 4B1Featuring concerts, karaoke and art shows, DV8 always makes for an entertaining night out. As their name suggests, you’re not going to find mainstream acts here, but you will be treated to their $5 menu of chicken wings, corn dogs, onion rings and more. They’ve got an extensive drink menu and, for beer-lovers, $4 domestic and $5 premium beers are on hand.
Prive Ultra Lounge
10304 111 St NW, Edmonton AB T5K 1L2This luxury lounge offers a more personal experience for Edmonton music fans. With a smaller audience and a guest list, you’ll get the VIP treatment at Privé. You can make reservations to catch DJs cranking out their remixed hits and skip the fuss of an amphitheatre-style concert. Enjoy the music and dancing, but feel more like you’re attending a celebrity after-party and less like a typical concert.
Mercury Room
10575 114th Street NW, Edmonton AB T5H 3J6Come to catch a local band here or host your own event; The Mercury Room is flexible like that. They’ve also got story slams that are worth checking out on non-concert nights. Feeling hungry? You’re in luck! You can get some great vegan food to eat while you rock along to Edmonton’s music scene. The acoustics are phenomenal for the setting, reinforcing the intimate feel of this charming venue.
Jubilee Auditorium Northern Alberta
11455 87 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T6G 2T2The Jubilee is an awesome stage for the performing arts, including musicals, live theatre and, of course, live music by local and international artists. Because it’s not an arena, you get a more intimate setting in this theatre, which is great for artists who want to connect with their fans and put on a show to remember. Rather than an impersonal stadium experience, fans here will feel like Vance Joy, Blue Rodeo or Johnny Reid are performing just for them.
Rexall Place
7424 118 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T5B 4M9This huge venue attracts both local acts and well-known artists, such as Motley Crue, Madonna and Bob Dylan. There’s a lot that goes on at Rexall Place, including the Oilers on home ice and family shows that the kids will love. A multi-purpose centre, Rexall Place is a go-to when you’re looking for entertainment and concerts on a big scale.
The Union Hall
6240 99 St NW, Edmonton AB T6E 6C7Unless you plan for it, you probably won’t see the same act here twice. This is the type of club where you can discover great bands you’ve never heard of, alongside well-known names like K-OS and Alessia Cara. Because it’s a smaller venue, the acoustics are phenomenal and there’s not a bad seat in the house.
Brittany's Lounge
10225 97 Street NW, Edmonton AB T5J 0L5This is a small, intimate setting where you can enjoy a grab-bag of live acts. In addition to musicians, the stage is open to anyone who wants to perform: visual artists, storytellers, dancers and more. Each musical guest is warmly welcomed by the gracious host, Brittany, and that sets a wonderful tone for the night. If you’re looking for a new place to hit after work, they’ve got killer drinks and entertainment experiences you’ll remember.
