We have to admit, the times are tough out there, economically speaking. We’re all struggling to get by. Cheese prices keep increasing, and winning the lottery hasn’t gotten easier.
When the going gets tough, the tough head down to their local karaoke bar and get singing. Belting out a throwback or two is sure to get those feel-good chemicals pumping in your brain, and while you’re at the bar, you might even make a new friend or two.
Karaoke is a great way to cut loose. It’s more about enthusiasm than talent – your voice could screech like a baby goat’s, but as long as you’re having a good time on stage, people will go wild for your performance. Unleash your inner diva onstage, leave with a Janis Joplin-level raspy voice, and rediscover your will to live at your neighbourhood pub.
With so many karaoke bar options, we decided to help guide your search. Here at TheRockies.Life we’ve compiled a list of ten of Alberta’s finest to get you started. We’ve also listed some song suggestions for those who need some inspiration.
Edmonton – Rosario’s Pizza and Pub
Location: 11715C 108th Ave.
This bar sports some real karaoke talent. It gets busy, so be prepared to wait before your turn to sing. The singing starts at 9 PM, seven days a week!
The pizza is also great – they make their dough fresh every day. They also have a whole section of pool tables, and you can play a game to help you work off your nerves before going onstage.
Karaoke recommendation: I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
Red Deer – Leah’s Bar and Grill
Location: 6315 Horn St.
Karaoke at Leah’s is at 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays. The bar also offers rock and roll bingo and occasionally has free pool nights.
According to several reviews, if you’re eating while there, you won’t want to miss the steak sandwich – the best in central Alberta.
Karaoke recommendation: Respect by Aretha Franklin
Lacombe – Ugly’s Pub and Grill
Location: 5010 50th St.
Ugly’s hosts karaoke every Friday or every second Friday – check out their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. They’re known for their great atmosphere, which is the case with karaoke nights. The vibes are friendly, and everyone is welcome to get on stage regardless of talent or previous singing experience.
If you’re hungry, check out their poutine. If you want to check out what they offer other nights of the week, Wings Wednesday is also a big hit among locals!
Karaoke recommendation: It’s Raining Men by The Weather Girls
Airdrie – Bogey’s Pub and Pizza
Location: 6-905 1 Ave SW
Bogey’s offers karaoke on Saturday nights starting at 9 PM. If you want a musical night but don’t like singing on stage, they also offer jukebox trivia on Fridays.
The food here is reasonably priced, and the portions are enormous. It’s a friendly neighbourhood pub with a relaxed vibe, so if you’re a karaoke newbie, it will be an ideal place to make your debut.
Karaoke recommendation: Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
Calgary – Stonegate Pub
Location: 7640 Fairmount Drive SE
Karaoke runs at the Stonegate Pub every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with Darcy. Come with friends or make some new ones at Stonegate!
For food, this pub is known for its outstanding chicken wings. And for any vegetarians in the audience, they even have a meat-free quesadilla. The service is friendly, and the atmosphere is excellent – it’s exactly the kind of dive-bar feel you expect from a karaoke joint.
Karaoke recommendation: I’m Every Woman by Chaka Khan & Whitney Houston
Lethbridge – Pop’s Taphouse & Grill South
Location: 1516 9th Ave S
Friday night is karaoke night at Pop’s Taphouse. From 8-11 PM, sing all your favourite throwbacks to the friendly Lethbridge crowd at this bar.
Supporting the Albertan community is important to Pop’s. They have a selection of beers from across Southern Alberta and get as many food ingredients from local farmers as possible.
Karaoke recommendation: Man, I Feel Like a Woman by Shania Twain
Medicine Hat – Mainliner Pub
Location: 505 N Railway St. SE
Mainliner Pub is having a double header! Karaoke runs on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 PM to 2 AM. We dare you to see if your lungs can handle both nights.
This bar apparently has the best wings and popcorn chicken in town, and the prices are great, so there’s no need to worry about cooking dinner before you head over to karaoke night!
Karaoke recommendation: Don’t Stop Believing by Journey
Lloydminster – The Sticks
Location: Unit 106-5704 44th St.
This bar in Lloydminster knows how to live it up. It advertises itself as a pool hall but has nightly karaoke with different hosts. If you need a break from all the excitement of singing, they’ve also got darts, ping pong, and TVs where you can watch the Oilers game. They also have live music from time to time.
Karaoke recommendation: Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
Grande Prairie – Crown & Anchor Pub
Location: 8022 100th St.
Karaoke at Crown and Anchor runs every Sunday night starting at 9 PM. The bar regularly has bands come in and play. Check out their website for dates, and then see some of Alberta’s hidden talent live on stage.
While you’re there, don’t forget to try their fish and chips – some of the best in GP. Their Thursday night $15 steak special is also worth writing home about.
Karaoke recommendation: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
Fort McMurray – Bailey’s Pub
Location: 9713 Hardin St.
Bailey’s pub hosts karaoke most Friday and Saturday nights. They regularly update their Facebook page to say whether it’s happening, so head there to confirm.
They’re currently working on creating an exciting new menu, so stay tuned for the yummy pub classics they will be bringing your way.
Karaoke recommendation: Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler
