After spending the day in the great outdoors in Banff National Park, you might choose to spend the evening listening to (live) music in one of the park’s bars or clubs. Or perhaps you’d want to check out a performance at the Banff Centre? or perform karaoke? Whatever your preference, in this post, you’ll find where to go.
While Banff is just a small town, there are many opportunities to enjoy the nightlife while listening to music. You have several options, depending on your preferences. Below, I’ve presented the different kinds of music and performances. Alright, let’s dive in.
Music in Banff
Canada boasts a vibrant live music scene, and Banff is no exception. Many bars routinely host music and artists. Rock and country are likely the two primary genres. But many bars and eateries transform into clubs later in the evening so you can dance to the latest dance music. Additionally, a few locations host karaoke nights.
Below you’ll find an overview of the bars and restaurants that host live music and DJs. I also included a table that lists the kind of music you can expect at what venue.
| VENUE | Live Music | DJ | Karaoke | Open Mic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balkan | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Beaver Bar, The | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bison Restaurant & Terrace, The | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Elk & Oarsman Restaurant & Bar, The | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Hello Sunshine | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| High Rollers | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Magpie & Stump & El Patio | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Melissa’s MisSteak | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Nourish Bistro, The | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Rundle Bar | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Rose & Crown, The | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| St James’s Gate Irish Pub | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Storm Cellar, The | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Three Beers Brewery | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Balkan
Also situated on Banff Avenue is this Greek restaurant aptly named Balkan. While they serve its customers sumptuous Greek dishes, they also serve excellent live music while you munch on some lovely Mediterranean dishes.
Also, a nice place to witness belly dancing and the infamous Greek tradition of plate smashing. Make sure you check this place out.
Balkan
Address: 120 Banff Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 762 3454
Website: banffbalkan.ca
E-mail: info@banffbalkan.ca
The Beaver Bar
This cozy hostel often stages low-profile live performances. There’s no actual stage, just a tiny space where musicians play their music. It’s small, it’s neat, and it’s fun. Fantastic place to enjoy a good night out while entertained by live music. On Mondays, it has open mic nights to make you show off your musical skills.
Like to perform a bit more low-profile and sing along to famous ditties? The Beaver Bar also holds karaoke evenings to make you shine.
The Beaver Bar
Address: 433 Banff Avenue
Phone: +1 403 -762 4499
Website: samesun.com
E-mail: beaverbarbanff@samesun.com
The Bison Restaurant & Terrace
Every Thursday, the Bison Restaurant & Terrace has live music on stage. It can be a small band or just a singer with a guitar.
This restaurant with a rooftop patio on Banff Avenue sure knows how to spice up your evenings. Eat, drink, listen, dance, enjoy. You can’t go wrong here.
The Bison Restaurant & Terrace
Address: 211 Bear Street
Phone: +1 403 – 762 5550
Website: thebison.ca
E-mail: info@thebison.ca
The Elk & Oarsman Restaurant & Bar
Situated right in the middle of Banff Avenue, The Elk & Oarsman Restaurant & Bar is yet another cozy yet spacious place with live music on its program.
It also holds open mic evenings, and they provide the instruments. So if you have the guts to show your inner talents, The Elk is the place to be!
And sure, the place also serves plenty of bites and drinks.
The Elk & Oarsman Restaurant & Bar
Address: 119 Banff Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 762 4616
Website: elkandoarsman.com
E-mail: elkandoarsman@shaw.ca
Hello Sunshine
Sushi is Japanese food, and the Japanese just love karaoke. That probably explains why this downtown sushi restaurant offers splendid karaoke nights.
They even have dedicated (free) rooms (8 – 14 people) to sing along to famous tracks of yesteryear. Eat, drink and sing the night away!
Hello Sunshine
Address: 208 Wolf Street
Phone: +1 403 – 985 7225
Website: hellosunsinebanff.com
E-mail: info@hellosunshinebanff.com
High Rollers
Do you like live music or a DJ, and enjoy a meal, drink and play a game of bowling? High Rollers offers just that. Six days a week(!), a DJ takes the stage to get you to bounce to the beat.
If you’re more into live music performed by a band, then Thursday evening is the one for you. High Rollers is a great venue to keep yourself entertained into the wee hours.
High Rollers
Address: 110 Banff Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 760 5300
Website: highrollersbanff.com
E-mail: info@highrollersbanff.com
Magpie & Stump & El Patio
In summer, the Magpie & Stump restaurant holds its EL Patio sessions. You can dance to the groove on the venue’s rooftop every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, where a DJ will have you twisting your body till the small hours. How’s that for a good night out?
Magpie & Stump & El Patio
Address: 203 Caribou Street
Phone: +1 403 – 762 4067
Website: magpieandstump.ca
E-mail: info@magpieandstump.ca
Melissa’s MisSteak
A household name in Banff for years, Melissa’s MisSteak took over the former Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon (and legendary it was) in 2021. This is one of the most prominent, most popular places in town.
Like the Rose and Crown, it’s situated on the second floor on Banff Avenue (pretty much across the Rose & Crown).
The restaurant has a rather sizeable stage in the back whenever there’s live music, which is several times a week. Even in the off-season.
Known for programming an eclectic range of music styles, you should be able to attend some live music to your liking. Just check their site for the program.
Melissa’s MisSteak
Address: 201 Banff Avenue #2
Phone: +1 403 – 762 5511
Website: melissasmissteak.com
E-mail: email.melissa@melssteak.com
Nourish Bistro
The trendy Nourish Bistro programs DJs at the small stage in the back of the place to spice up your evenings. Situated downtown, it’s a perfect venue to enjoy a fun night out with food, drinks and dancing to riveting beats.
Nourish Bistro
Address: 211 Bear Street
Phone: +1 403 – 760 3933
Website: nourishbistro.com
E-mail: info@nourishbistro.com
Rundle Bar
Fancy a stunning setting and trendy club music? Look no further. The Rundle Bar in the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel has DJ turntables turning every Wednesday through Saturday.
Have fun and dance to the beat of the castle of Banff. Oh, and by the way, the Rundle Bar serves about every cocktail imaginable.
Rundle Bar
Address: 405 Spray Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 762 2211
Website: banff-springs-hotel.com
E-mail: banffsprings@fairmont.com
Rose & Crown
The Rose & Crown is arguably Banff’s most well-known venue for live music. The town’s oldest pub is conveniently situated in the shopping district on Banff Avenue.
On the second story of the building, The Rose & Crown is a sizable, pleasant pub with a terrific atmosphere. It provides lovely pub meals and has a pool table in the back.
It primarily features rock bands from the Bow Valley and Calgary.
Rose & Crown
Address: 202 Banff Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 762 2121
Website: roseandcrown.ca
E-mail: manager@roseandcrown.ca
St James’s Gate Irish Pub
No town can be complete without an Irish pub. And an Irish pub means live music. St James’s Gate is situated at 207 Wolf Street, just off Banff Avenue and is a cozy place with a great atmosphere, as you may expect from an Irish pub.
The place has live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from 8 pm. Check their website for the program.
St James’s Gate Irish Pub
Address: 207 Wolf Street
Phone: +1 403 – 762 9355
Website: stjamesgatebanff.com
E-mail: irishpub@shaw.ca
The Storm Cellar
The Storm Cellar is part of the Banff HI Hostel. It has live music on Thursdays and karaoke singing on Fridays. It’s a cool place with a great “loose” atmosphere that makes you feel at ease quickly.
The hostel is a bit farther away from downtown Banff but worth checking out. You won’t be disappointed.
The Storm Cellar
Address: 801 Hidden Ridge Way (HI Hostel)
Phone: +1 403 – 762 4123
Website: hihostels.ca
E-mail: info@hihostels.ca
Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant
The Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant is yet another establishment to check for live music on Bear Street. It has live music every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
You can have a drink and a bite as well. It’s a cozy place with a great and intimate atmosphere. Go check it out and have a wonderful evening!
Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant
Address: 205 Bear Street
Phone: +1 403 – 985 8038
Website: threebearsbanff.com
E-mail: N/A
Performances at the Banff Centre
The Banff Centre on Tunnel Mountain is a world-renowned art institution that hosts several art-related events throughout the year. A sizable portion of their program involves music.
Banff live music is available both inside and outside of the Banff Centre. The Club hosts several gigs year-round. Big concerts are scheduled at the Shaw Amphitheatre during the summer. Both locations are wonderful, but if you can, attend a show at the Amphitheatre. This unrivaled location in the Rockies is simply breathtaking. It feels like a privilege to be able to enjoy live music here.
The Banff Centre programs all kinds of music, from classical to jazz. Check the website of the Banff Centre for upcoming performances.
The Banff Centre
Address: 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
Phone: +1 403 – 762 6180
Website: banffcentre.ca
E-mail: arts_info@banffcentre.ca
Music Festivals in Banff
While there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy all kinds of (live) music in Banff, the town also hosts several music festivals each year.
In September, the Banff Centre is the scene of the annual Banff Centre International String Quartet Festival. It presents world-class chamber music and international artists.
Another exciting Banff Centra festival is the Canadian Rocky Mountain Festival. Besides performances of jazz bands, jazz choirs, concert/chamber choirs and concert bands, more than half of the festival involves clinics and workshops.
Unfortunately, it won’t be held in 2023 as The Banff Centre’s Greenham Theatre is being renovated.
In addition, you can attend the Sunset Festival at the Banff Gondola from June to early September. At the top of Sulphur Mountain, you can listen to relaxing (folk) music, take in the view over Banff and the Bow Valley and “celebrate Banff’s most special time of day”. Bring your camera, of course!