Live music
Exploring Edmonton's music bars, you’re bound to run into moody blues, rap contests, Latino-influenced jazz, and traditional folk - so whatever your style, you’ll find it here.
Just down from the Alberta Museum of Art you’ll find Bohemia, a multi-genre live music bar that changes style from night to night. You may wander in on Thursday and find an intimate, dimly-lit atmosphere cut through by soft jazz notes, and then on Friday you’ll plunge into a buzzing, energetic club night with thumping hip hop. There’s locally brewed beer on tap, and a stripped-back snack menu for lining the stomach.
10217 97 Street NW, Edmonton AB T5J.
Blues on Whyte
Located on Whyte Street - Edmonton’s hipster heartland - Blues on Whyte is a classically cool blues music venue, boasting live shows every night of the week. The spacious seating area with round tables and low chairs makes for an elegant atmosphere, capped off by swift table service.
10329 82 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T6E 1Z9.
Cinemas
Whether you want to catch a film before you hit the town, or just feel like a chilled-out night, Edmonton’s range of cinemas can cater, showing everything from the latest blockbusters to quirky indie flicks. For a mind-blowing experience, head to West Edmonton Mall and take in a show at the immense IMAX cinema. The Princess Theatre
Located in the historic Old Strathcona neighborhood, the Princess Theatre is Edmonton’s oldest cinema, surviving through a rough and rocky history since it opened in 1915. This refined building with its smooth wooden doors and intricately designed overhang has 2 screens where you can catch old classics, contemporary arthouse movies, and inspiring independent films. Don’t forget to grab some buttery popcorn from the retro confectionary stand.
10337 82 Avenue, Edmonton AB T6E 1Z9.
Theater
Edmonton benefits from an incredibly thriving theater scene, whether it’s world-class stage productions or an amateur community group performance. The Old Strathcona neighborhood is home to the city’s booming theater scene, but you’ll find other venues dotted throughout the city as well.
A favorite among Edmonton locals and visiting theater-lovers alike, the Varscona Theatre - based alongside the bright red-brick houses of Old Strathcona - puts on hundreds of shows a year, ranging from inspiring interpretive theater and graceful dance to classic plays and musicals. With affordable tickets and attentive audiences, it's a perfect night out.
10329 83 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T6E 5C3.
Dance
You don't have to be a seasoned aficionado to be wowed by contemporary dance productions. So why not have a dabble in Edmonton and see if you get hooked?
If you’re in the mood for a sophisticated night of entertainment, dress in your finest evening wear and go along to a performance put on by the Alberta Ballet Company. One of the largest ballet companies in Canada, it's known for its exquisite handling of both contemporary and classic productions, attracting skilled international dancers and flashy choreographers from across the globe. Their season runs from September to May, and serves plenty of shows in Edmonton, in venues such as The Jubilee Auditorium.
1415 14 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T6G 2L8.
