We all know about the Air Canada Centre, Massey Hall, Rogers Arena and Bell Centre. But what about the small music venues that don't get as much attention? We've compiled a list of the 50 best small music venues in Canada that offer live performances. From Baba's Lounge in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island to The Bovine Sex Club in Toronto, Ontario, these venues provide a variety of genres and experiences for music lovers. At Baba's Lounge in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, you can enjoy live music seven nights a week and a policy of remaining open 365 days a year.
This bar attracts a wealth of local and international talent, from renowned Canadian bands like Alvvays or Yukon Blonde to psychedelic rock from Japan. You can also find jazz bands composed mostly of students from the University of Windsor and an open microphone every Monday. The House of Targ in Ottawa has its roots in punk and metal. The owner recorded these genres in a warehouse studio before starting to put together monthly programs and collect arcade games.
In addition to the games, which can be played for free every Sunday night, the venue has live music every night of the week. Punk, metal, alternative and hardcore grab attention, but they also reserve performances from a variety of genres. There are also regular theme nights, such as Ottawa's oldest vinyl DJ night. The Pyramid Cabaret in Winnipeg has attracted an enormous amount of talent since its opening in 1987. With a capacity of 380 people and a vintage aesthetic, good sight lines, and stellar sound system, it's no wonder why.
Notable local artists include Winnipeg punk legends Personality Crisis and Bob Wiseman, winner of several Juno Awards. Renowned artists such as Queens of the Stone Age, Steve Aoki, Juliette Lewis, and Hank Williams III have also appeared at The Pyramid Cabaret. The Mocambo is a live music venue in Toronto that specializes in hosting live music performances. From Neil Young to The Weeknd, it's a great place to go to see bands and musical acts of all genres.
People can enjoy an intimate atmosphere and a great sound system while listening to their favorite music. The Danforth Music Hall is another great live music venue in Toronto that specializes in hosting concerts by popular bands and singers. But it's not just a music venue - Cedar's Eatery downstairs serves Lebanese-Canadian home-cooked food since 1979. The Mod Club is another live music venue in Toronto that specializes in organizing concerts and other events with a variety of musical and artistic performances. Their first show was the beloved Toronto punk band PUP. But they also reserve performances from a variety of genres. This Ain't Hollywood is a rock n roll bar located in Hamilton, Ontario that you can't miss if you're looking for great music venues.
Manhattans Pizza Bistro & Music Club hosts live music most nights in Guelph, Ontario. The Music Gallery was founded in 1976 by Peter Anson and Al Mattes in Toronto, Ontario. It's a very intimate place with the front bar open 7 days a week and live music and events in the back bar. L'Anti Bar Spectacles is located in Quebec City and offers live music most nights. It's run by the same people as nearby Casa Del Popolo and La Vitrola, and all three venues host Suoni Per Il Popolo - a three-week music festival that pays homage to the place's experimental roots with “out and out of place” music. Finally, The Bovine Sex Club is not only one of the best bars in Toronto but it's also one of the best small music venues in Canada. It's a great place to go to see bands and musical acts of all genres.
