Two men play guitars and sing into microphones while a drummer plays in a dimly lit bar.

Where to Find Live Music in Canmore

24/07/2025

There’s a lot more to Canmore than just the stunning mountain scenery and world-class opportunities for outdoor adventure. Live music in Canmore is another major reason why guests flock to the Canadian Rocky Mountains town. Whether you’re looking for local singer-songwriters or touring bands making a stop as they criss-cross the country, there are plenty of amazing venues serving up live music in Canmore.

With its central location just a few short blocks from downtown, the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre makes it easy for guests to get out and enjoy all the live music in Canmore. Here are a few of the best venues we think you won’t want to miss.

Best Live Music Venues in Canmore

Canmore Brewing Company

The Canmore Brewing Company is worth visiting just for their amazing beer. There was a reason we had them ranked as one of Canmore’s must-visit breweries. If you’re looking to check out some live music in Canmore, though, the Canmore Brewing Company should be right at the top of your list. 

It’s not just that they host live concerts when touring musicians come through town. They also have regular Background Beats & Patio Pints events that showcase local talent. The weekly shows are every Saturday afternoon throughout the summer, offering you a great opportunity to unwind with a pint while getting serenaded by undiscovered artists you wouldn’t get to see anywhere else.

The Drake Pub

The Drake Pub is a staple of Canmore’s nightlife scene and has hosted countless bands, DJs and MCs over the years. There’s weekly karaoke on Mondays, a great trivia night on Thursday and live music every Friday and Saturday.

The Drake is a favourite for live music in Canmore for locals and out-of-town visitors alike, but if you’re looking for a high-energy, fun vibe that goes late into the night on the weekends, it’s the place for you. The best part is that it’s only a few blocks away from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, so you can easily walk home after taking in the tunes.

The Rose & Crown

Located right across the street from the Drake Pub is the Rose & Crown, and you won’t feel right about leaving Canmore without dropping in. It’s a true local’s favourite, boasting a beautiful patio with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, and it also features a fantastic lineup of weekly live music.

Every Wednesday is Jam Night, where locals bring their instruments and play together. There’s some real talent in the Bow Valley, and this is a truly unique chance to see live music in Canmore that you won’t see anywhere else. There are also concerts on Fridays and Saturdays and even some Sundays, so if you’re visiting Canmore on a weekend and looking for live music, it’s a great option.

A band takes a song request at an outdoor patio in Canmore.

Communitea Cafe

The Communitea Cafe has a distinct vibe compared to the other venues we’ve highlighted so far, where you can enjoy live music in Canmore. A cafe and restaurant during the day, it serves up delicious, healthy breakfasts and lunches, and feels like a true hub for the community in downtown Canmore.

Throughout the year, though, the Communitea Cafe will sometimes transform into one of the coolest live music venues in Canmore and beyond. Many of Canada’s top indie acts will make it a point to play small, intimate shows at the venue as they take a break from the big cities. If you’re wanting live music in Canmore, it’s definitely worth checking their live music listings to see who’s dropping through, especially in the fall and winter.

artsPlace

Now, for something completely different. artsPlace is Canmore’s community arts centre, playing an essential role in fostering the creative community. It also happens to be an exceptional venue for seeing live music in Canmore, and they bring in an eclectic range of artists you likely wouldn’t expect to see in a small Rocky Mountain town.

artsPlace goes out of its way to ensure visitors feel welcome at their shows, and whatever your taste, it’s one of the coolest venues for catching live music in Canmore.

Canmore Folk Festival

It only runs for one weekend of the year, but the Canmore Folk Festival is one of the coolest, most spectacular opportunities to see live music anywhere in Canada. This year, the annual festival runs from August 2-4 and will see incredible acts like Corb Lund, Donovan Woods and Chad VanGaalen take to the stage with the breathtaking Rocky Mountains as their backdrop.

Tickets do sell out, so it’s important to buy them in advance, but if you’re considering a trip to the Canadian Rockies and seeing live music in Canmore is a priority, the folk festival should be on your bucket list.

The Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre Gets You Close to the Action

A couple enjoying the balcony at a Canmore hotel close to Main Street and mountains behind.

There’s so much live music in Canmore that you could easily spend a whole weekend just taking in the tunes. The Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is conveniently located in the heart of the action, just a few short blocks away from downtown and easily accessible on foot from any of the aforementioned venues. 

Our hotel is pet-friendly, has an indoor pool, hot tub and modern fitness facilities, and has one of Canmore’s best restaurants, TABLE Food + Drink, located right inside.

If you’re planning to check out all the live music in Canmore on your next trip, book online today or call us at (800)716-6199.

FAQ

Does Canmore have a nightlife?

Absolutely. Canmore’s nightlife has something for everybody, from high-end dining and breweries to bars with live music, DJs and dancefloors. Live music in Canmore is incredibly popular, and whether you’re looking for a quiet cocktail with your partner or to let loose, you’ll find you have lots of options.

Are there festivals in Canmore?

There sure are. In addition to the Canmore Folk Festival, the Canmore Highland Games bring in visitors from across the country, and the town goes all out for Canada Day every year. There are also lots of smaller festivals throughout the summer.