In Winnipeg, it doesn’t have to be your birthday for you to party like it is!
All (outdated) 50 Cent references aside, Winnipeg’s nightlife scene is always bumpin’ and we’re here to share with you five of the best places to dance yourself clean/go clubbing/get sweaty, all while hearing the occasional (only somewhat ironic) airhorn.
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441 MAIN
The enthusiastic staff, great music and artistic design at 441 Main are all proof as to why it was recently dubbed Nightclub of the Year at the Winnipeg Nightlife & Lifestyle Awards.
This two-storey nightclub is located exactly where you think it would be, 441 Main Street. When you step inside, you’re hit with a mixture of innovative, vibrant graphics and classic historic features from when the building used to be a bank in the 1900s. The contrast between the two makes it the perfect spot to grab an aesthetically-pleasing Instagram pic before heading out on the dance floor.
The big nights to visit 441 are Fridays and Saturdays, but it often opens up on various nights of the week for events featuring up-and-coming DJs and awesome drink specials.
UPSTAIRS IN THE VILLAGE
Although it might be slightly confusing when someone tells you they’re going “Upstairs”, as soon as you make it up that last step you’ll understand why it’s a hot spot in Osborne Village.
The space at 99 Osborne Street was recently renovated to add a second bar and a bigger dance floor, which is perfect because you won’t want to stop dancing to the sweet mix of popular hits and throwbacks. The DJs do a great job of reading the room and playing exactly what you want to hear next (Lil Nas X followed by Spice Girls? Yes please).
During the summer, the open concept vibe of the patio lets you get some fresh air before heading in to dance some more. If you’re feeling parched, you won’t have to worry too much about your wallet because there are always tons of drink specials that you can find out more about by checking out its Instagram Story Highlights.
Before it turns into a dance party, Upstairs also boasts some pretty delicious wings and bar food. Plus, A Little Pizza Heaven is right across the street to be your literal saviour when you’re craving some garlicy ‘za at 2:00 a.m.
LA ROCA
La Roca describes itself as “Winnipeg’s busiest Saturday night”, which is usually proven by the long line that can be seen outside of 155 Smith Street. If standing in line isn’t your favourite pastime, just make sure to plan ahead and get on the guest list (email rsvp@laroca.ca) so you can skip it and feel like a real VIP.
The chill lounge transforms from a great place to grab a bite to eat into an all-out party after 10:00 p.m. It offers authentic Mexican dishes that will help you prep for the extensive selection of tequila.
The expansive layout gives you the option to sit back and relax, dance to popular Winnipeg DJs or head out for some fresh air on the double-decker patio. La Roca is also a great place to head to if you’re looking for a little midweek party. They’re open late Wednesday nights with $3.50 tequila and hip hop and R&B all night!
COWBOYS
If you’re looking for some good ole fashioned country music, look no further than Cowboys! The laid-back, two-storey bar in Winnipeg’s south end (1034 Elizabeth Road) gives you all the western feels from the décor and lighting to the cowboy-hat wearing bartenders.
Cowboys’ sassy social media presence (viewer discretion is advised) and ridiculous drink specials have created a loyal group of fans that pack the place every Saturday night. If you need to escape the crowd for a minute or two, there’s plenty of seats that overlook the dancefloor so you keep yourself amused with some hilarious people-watching.
You can even convince that one friend that HATES country music to show up to Cowboys because it hosts specialty nights featuring top 40 hits, hip hop and throwbacks.
FAME
A night out at Fame promises mesmerizing performances, colourful lights and a whole lot of dancing to an eclectic mix of music. It’s no wonder why it’s one of the city’s hottest LGBTQ2 nightclubs.
Located at 279 Garry Street, the safe and welcoming atmosphere makes Fame a great spot to head to with a group of friends, or for a special occasion like a birthday or bachelorette party.
There’s always something new to see, with different themes on Saturday nights ranging from 80’s neon parties to pillow fights. It’s also one of the most entertaining nightclubs to visit with fabulous drag queens and kings, gogo dancers, hula-hoopers and more gracing the stage regularly with their impressive talents.