A Night Out in Kelowna: Where to Drink, Dance & Eat Late
When you think of Kelowna, you probably picture sunny lake days, winery hopping, patios and long summer evenings. But there’s plenty to enjoy once the sun goes down, too. From cocktails and live music to dancing, games and late-night eats, the city has something for every kind of night out!
And while downtown is a popular spot to start, you’ll also find plenty happening around the Brewery District, Lower Mission and waterfront. Here are some of my favourite spots and ideas for enjoying Kelowna after dark.
Cocktails, Pints & Places to Start the Night
Sometimes the best nights start with a really good cocktail or a casual drink before deciding where the rest of the evening is going to take you.
Skinny Duke’s Glorious Emporium
One of my favourite fun spots downtown. Between the retro décor, creative cocktails and lively atmosphere, it’s such a good choice for a girls’ night or drinks before heading somewhere else. You can check out my Skinny Duke’s reel here.
Micro Bar & Bites
Small, cozy and 19+, Micro is a great option when you want cocktails and small plates somewhere that feels a little more intimate. I especially like this one for date night.
Bar Travelling Man Eatery & Bistro
Another downtown favourite for cocktails, with a cozy atmosphere and small plates. It’s a good place to settle in for a drink before heading elsewhere for the night. Check out my reel here.
BTS Cocktail Bar & Kitchen
Hidden inside Born to Shake in the North End, BTS is one to add to your list if you love a good cocktail. They serve creative cocktails alongside shareable plates in an intimate space, making it a fun option when you want drinks to be the main event. View my reel here.
King Taps Kelowna Lakeside
It’s hard to beat a drink with an Okanagan Lake view. The waterfront location and huge patio make King Taps especially fun on a warm summer evening.
CRAFT Beer Market
A good pick for groups, with tons of beer options, cocktails and lots of room to settle in. Their rooftop patio is another great option when the weather cooperates.
Shore Line Brewing
Head here for a local beer and keep an eye on their event calendar. They regularly have things happening throughout the week, so your casual beer can easily turn into a full night out.
Where to Catch Live Music
If I’d rather listen to a band than sit at a cocktail bar, Kelowna has quite a few options depending on the kind of night I’m looking for.
Revelry
A downtown food and music venue that brings in live bands, concerts and other performances. Their lineup changes, so it’s worth checking the calendar before you go.
Red Bird Brewing
Local beer, wood-fired pizza and live music is a pretty great combination. Red Bird has a relaxed atmosphere that works well for an easy night out with friends.
Barn Owl Brewing
Down in the Lower Mission, Barn Owl hosts live music and other events in a cozy heritage building. It’s a fun option when you don’t feel like heading downtown.
DunnEnzies Pizza Co.
Pizza, beer and live music make this an easy casual choice. Their locations also host different events throughout the year, from comedy to trivia.
O’Flannigan’s Pub
A classic downtown pub where there’s usually something going on, whether it’s a live band, karaoke, open mic or a DJ.
The Blue Gator
One of Kelowna’s longtime live music spots. With local and touring bands, DJs and a lively crowd, this is a good one when you want the music to be the focus of the night.
When You Feel Like Dancing
If sitting around isn’t the plan, there are a few places around Kelowna where you can actually get out on the dance floor.
Distrikt Nightclub
One of the main downtown options for a later night, with DJs, dancing and multiple levels to explore.
Hello Darlin’
Located inside BNA, Hello Darlin’ brings the honky-tonk vibes with country music and dancing. It’s a fun change from your typical nightclub.
OK Corral
Another one for the country crowd. Expect line dancing, live music and a night that feels a little different from your standard downtown bar.
O’Flannigan’s Pub
Depending on the night, O’Flannigan’s can easily go from casual pub to dance night with live bands and DJs.
Tonics Pub
A casual downtown spot for late-night food and drinks. They also have wing nights and DJs on select nights, making it a fun option when you’re not quite ready to call it a night.
Something Fun to Do After Dark
Going out doesn’t always have to mean sitting at a bar all night. If I’m with a group, I love having an activity involved too.
BNA Brewing
BNA makes it very easy to spend your entire night in one place. Start with dinner and drinks, then head upstairs for bowling, arcade games or bocce.
McCurdy Bowling Centre
You can’t really go wrong with a classic bowling night. Grab some friends, make it competitive and stop into Freddy’s Brew Pub for food and drinks while you’re there.
Shore Line Brewing
Trivia, open mic and music bingo nights are a fun excuse to get a group together, especially if you’re looking for something more casual.
Kelowna Beer Institute
Grab a craft beer and check out their events calendar. They’ve hosted things like chess nights, which is a fun alternative to the usual night out.
Rotary Centre for the Arts
For something completely different, check what’s happening at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. Their schedule includes concerts, comedy, theatre and other evening performances throughout the year.
Pins & Pints
A fun option for a more casual night out with friends. Grab a drink, play a few games and make a night of it. It’s a great pick when you want something a little more interactive than just heading to a bar.
Late-Night Eats
Possibly the most important part of any night out: deciding where to eat afterwards.
DunnEnzies Pizza Co.
A slice of pizza after a night downtown always hits the spot. Their downtown location is an easy stop when you’re already in the area.
BNA Burger
If you’re spending the night at BNA, ending it with one of their smash burgers just makes sense.
Leopold’s Tavern
Burgers, wings, fries and poutine — basically everything you want when it’s late and you’re hungry.
Tonics Pub
Another downtown option to keep in mind, especially if you want pub food later in the evening. They have a Wednesday wing night and are open late, plus you may catch a DJ depending on the night.
Quesada Burritos & Tacos – Landmark
This is one of my personal go-tos when I want something quick late at night. The Landmark location is open until 2 a.m. seven days a week, so it’s a great option for burritos, tacos or bowls when most other fast-food options are winding down.
Cactus Club Cafe
If you’d rather sit down somewhere a little more polished, Cactus Club is another option for later-night food and drinks. They have a late night happy hour as well!
Whether you’re in the mood for cocktails, live music, dancing, a fun activity with friends or a late-night bite, there are lots of ways to make the most of an evening in the city. So grab your friends, make a reservation and enjoy a night out in Kelowna!
Have a favourite Kelowna nightlife spot that I missed? Let me know!
-Jenna xoxo
