Calgary’s nightlife can be a mixed bag, especially when it comes to dance clubs.
A few years back, I had a night out at one that I’d rather forget. The floors were sticky, and the blaring music felt more like a headache than a vibe.
The drinks were overpriced, the staff overwhelmed, and the whole experience left me feeling lowkey depressed.
Since that night, the rest of The Best Calgary team and I have danced our way through Calgary’s nightlife. After a few spins and a couple of smooth grooves, here are our favorite dance clubs in the city that guarantee a night you won’t regret (hopefully)!
How much does it cost to go to a dance club in Calgary?
It costs at least 10 CAD to go to a dance club in Calgary for the night. The total cost will vary depending on whether you’re going on a VIP night for a special event.
Table of Contents
1. Cowboys Dance Hall
Address: 421 12 Ave SE
Contact details: +1 800-282-1376
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – 10 PM to 2 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 8:30 PM to 2 AM
On Wednesdays at Cowboys Dance Hall, the dance floor comes alive with a mix of country and contemporary tunes.
One of the highlights of our visit was the Cow Hour, which runs from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM. During this time, they offer drinks for only $3.75.
Fortunately, we arrived just in time to take advantage of this deal.
The bar staff were friendly, and the drinks flowed quickly, so it was easy to grab a refreshing cocktail before hitting the dance floor.
Additionally, we couldn’t resist a late-night snack from the on-site Dogfather Hot Dog Cart. Yes, those bites were pretty damn good.
There are also two full-service restaurants on-site—Melrose Café and Centre Bar. For those looking to make a night of it, they can enjoy a meal before hitting the dance floor.
What’s more, we learned from other patrons that you can host parties at Cowboys Dance Hall too.
Plus, you can choose between a main-floor suite right in the action or an exclusive upper-level suite overlooking the dance floor. This setup not only offers a prime view but also includes VIP express entry and a dedicated server.
That said, there is a $5 coat check fee and limited underground parking.
She was always attentive to the table & ensured we had everything we needed
“My first experience in a Calgary club & it was amazing. The service from Sarah was unmatchable. She was always attentive to the table & ensured we had everything we needed. Thank you, Sarah & Jack!! You both delivery excellent service!”
– Justine Canotal, Google Reviews
Everyone was incredibly nice
“Came from BC and we had a blast. Everyone was incredibly nice and we really felt the hospitality. Way better than any Vancouver night club.”
– Alexander Griesbach, Google Review
2. Dreamers Nightclub & Lounge
Address: 1140 10 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403-455-1125
Operating hours : Friday & Saturday – 9 PM to 2 AM
Dreamers Night Club & Lounge is known for its eclectic mix of music, including Bollywood beats, EDM, and Hip Hop.
We had the chance to visit recently, heading straight there after work hours. Right away, we felt the electric ambiance.
Dazzling lights and an impressive sound system really brought the dance floor to life.
As we mingled with fellow clubgoers, we discovered that many were drawn to the themed events, particularly the Halloween bash.
Several patrons mentioned how the club transforms into a spooky paradise every year, complete with elaborate decorations and themed cocktails. Others loved the bottle service!
It’s clear that Dreamers goes above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences for its guests.
All the staff we encountered were incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed to enjoy our night. As an added bonus, our table was conveniently located right by the dance floor.
However, we did notice one downside: the air conditioning wasn’t quite up to par. As the night progressed and the dance floor became packed, it started to feel a bit stuffy.
The people at the club was such a vibe
“My friends and I went to dreamers to celebrate our friends visit from the UK and it was such a good time! The staff and security was super friendly, the people at the club was such a vibe! Huge shoutout to the staff especially the manager Nick, man was super cool and always checked in to make sure we were having a good time!”
– Dream Drip, Google Reviews
Went there for afrobeats night, great drinks and atmosphere
“Went there for afrobeats night, great drinks and atmosphere, DJ played really good music. Service was super friendly and helpful. Very good club experience.”
– Aneesh Bulusu, Google Reviews
3. Ranchman’s Cookhouse & Dancehall
Address: 9615 Macleod Trail S
Contact details : +1 403-978-8787
Operating hours :
- Wednesday to Friday – 5 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 3 PM to 2 AM
Ranchman’s Cookhouse & Dancehall is the go-to dance club for all rodeo lovers. They’ve got saddles hanging from the walls, and the music is a mix of classic modern hits and country tunes that are perfect for two-stepping and line dancing.
Speaking of dancing, they are renowned for their free dance lessons offered from Wednesday to Saturday. They teach the double shuffle, country swing, and West Coast swing, among many others.
We joined a line dancing class on a Thursday evening, and it was an absolute blast! Even when there’s no dance lesson, the place is packed with people, and there are good vibes.
They have a bottle service you can splurge on. It includes VIP line access, premium seating, and unlimited mixers.
Our VIP host ensured we had everything we needed, from drinks to comfortable seating. This allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the night’s festivities without any interruptions.
It’s also worth mentioning Ranchman’s unique limo service. They offer a complimentary ride for guests, but it’s essential to book early because spots fill up fast.
Fortunately, we managed to snag a ride, but just be mindful that the service is strictly for pickup. That means no drop-offs are allowed, so plan accordingly!
They teach you step-by-step
“So much fun to go for the free (line, swing, two step) dance lessons. They teach you step-by-step. Staff are energetic, patient, and knowledgeable. Always a good time! Can’t wait to ride the mechanical bull🐂 and try some of their food! Nice outdoor area to cool off. Busy on the weekends.”
– Ashley M, Google Reviews
Gets the whole group moving
“Just in town for the weekend and I highly recommend the free dance lessons on Friday nights. The dance instructor, Sean, was amazing and welcoming to all! He glides across the dance floor and gets the whole group moving. Thanks for the great evening! Great atmosphere!”
– Caroline Shuh, Google Reviews
4. Fire N Ice Bar & Sheesha Lounge
Address: 854 16 Ave SW
Contact Details:+1 403-689-2565
Operating hours :
- Monday to Friday – 3 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday & Sunday – 1 PM to 2 AM
Fire N Ice Bar really shakes things up in the nightlife and sheesha scene. Whether it’s planning birthday parties or music videos, they’ve got it all covered.
When we arrived, the vibe was immediately welcoming. One standout feature was the expansive patio, where many guests enjoyed the warm night air while indulging in their favorite sheesha flavors.
Talking to some patrons, we discovered that the bar’s themed nights are a huge draw.
For example, Throwback Thursdays are a blast; the nostalgic tunes take everyone back to high school.
Fridays bring a lively Caribbean vibe, while Saturdays feature Afrobeat and Amapiano nights. During this time, the club turns the place into a vibrant celebration of African culture.
Sundays switch things up with Hip Hop Night, where the beats are so catchy you can’t help but groove along. We visited on a Sunday, and we couldn’t resist joining in on the fun.
The energy of the crowd was contagious! It’s pretty clear that Fire N Ice Bar knows how to keep the party going.
That said, we found the food to be somewhat mediocre.
The food is top-notch, and the drinks are generous
“Fire and Ice offers a fantastic atmosphere with its captivating music and lighting. The service is exceptional, and their menu boasts a wide variety of food and drinks. The food is top-notch, and the drinks are generous. Over the past few years, the establishment has expanded, now featuring three tiers dedicated to sheesha, drinks, and food. The server I had last night was outstanding, although I regret not asking for her name. She provided excellent recommendations for food. Weekends tend to be busy with long queues, so I suggest arriving early or making a reservation. It’s my preferred destination for dressing up and enjoying a night out with friends.”
– Tah if, Google Reviews
Drinks, music, and hookah are always good
“Been to Fire n Ice several times and Desiree has been the best. She basically read my mind when I wanted a drink. She wasn’t overbearing but made sure we had a good time. Really best server I’ve had there. Drinks, music, and hookah are always good.”
– Shaye Erskine, Google Reviews
5. Commonwealth Bar & Stage
Address: 731 10 Ave SW
Operating hours: Friday & Saturday- 9 PM to 2 AM
Commonwealth Bar & Stage hosts a mix of concerts and music events, making it a popular destination for those seeking live entertainment.
The venue offers table service, which includes express entry and complimentary admission, except for special events. You’ll also have a private table for you and your guests, along with a dedicated server to cater to your needs.
When we visited, we opted for express entry, which allowed us to skip the long lines and dive straight into the fun. We suggest doing the same!
As we enjoyed the evening, we noticed that the music vibe skews towards pop and electronic. There was also a sprinkle of Spanish tracks to keep things even more lively, which we loved.
Our server was attentive without being intrusive, ensuring our experience was pleasant. Meanwhile, the premium drink selection kept our spirits high throughout the night.
However, we did encounter some issues. The lack of clear signage had us wandering a bit before finally located our table.
Plus, the bathrooms could definitely use more frequent cleaning.
The atmosphere is so good
“It is my first time partying in Calgary and it was a blast. I really enjoyed that night, I went with my new found friends. The atmosphere is so good. People were so cool and the DJs really hype up the crowd. Thats a good first impression. I wish to come back again soon.”
– PJ Ryan Balladares, Google Reviews
Easy and quick to get drinks all night
“Great venu for shows. Sound quality was really good. There were enough bars to make it easy and quick to get drinks all night. They seemed to be doing a pretty good job checking vaccine status etc.. at the door. I saw USS here and they put on an amazing show. I will for sure be keeping an eye on any other bands that will be playing at Commonwealth”
– Andrew, Google Reviews
