Along the cobbled streets of Gastown, you'll find an underground lounge where live music and cocktails mingle; making for an ideal night out. With something going on every night of the week, there's never a dull moment. Grab a seat and enjoy an eclectic mix of musicians, or get up off of your feet and enjoy a dance to live music. The space itself is very intimate so don't expect a large dance floor. In fact, it's a rather charming spot right in front of the stage where you can let yourself move to the rhythm. Guilt & Co. is easy to miss if you don't know what you're looking for so keep your eyes peeled for the sandwich board and a set of steps on the side of the building this space shares with The Local.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Guilt & Co. is a super intimate environment and great for those who don't love huge clubs, but want to dance.
Natasha's expert tip: Check their website for an online schedule for the evening musicians.
Since 2007, The Biltmore Cabaret has been a big part of Vancouver's music and nightlife scene. This intimate venue with a 350-person capacity attracts some of the best up and coming bands and DJs from around the world. They host all sorts of live music, but if you're looking to dance, go there on a Friday. Expect to hear indie, rock, alternative, 80s, 90s,00s, mainstream hits, and other fun stuff. Do check their website though as on occasion, other acts may be found on a Friday. The location is just outside of the downtown core, but public transportation and cabs make it easy to get to.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: It's all about variety; some nights you can catch a band and on others there's a non-stop dance party at The Biltmore.
Natasha's expert tip: Sign up to get on their guest list on their website.
The Yale Saloon is where you'll come for the BBQ, stay for the line dancing. When you walk into the Yale, you're almost immediately greeted by a bar and an electric bull. If that isn't an indication for a good time, what is? Open Wednesday through Saturday, the Yale brings live country and rockabilly music throughout the week, making way for the weekend party. If you're looking to get your one-two-step on, it's the weekend that's calling. The music's loud and the line dancing's non-stop. Never line danced before? Don't worry about it-there are plenty of people to teach you the lay of the land. When you need a break from the dance floor, get in line to ride the bull. You only live once!
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: The Yale Saloon is a fun spot to go for dinner and stay late into the night to get your line dancing on.
Natasha's expert tip: They're open until 2am through the week and 3am on weekends.
This Yaletown bar occupies a restored warehouse and has been around for over 20 years., so the place has some history. In fact, both Prince and Drake have performed here, and there have been DJ sets by Premier, Ty Dolla$. Friday nights are their "9ine Lives" event that features hip hop. There's currently no theme for Saturdays, which leaves it open for local and international talent to bring the hype. Frequented by a younger crowd, Bar None can be a lively spot on weekends. They offer table service and it's best to get in touch ahead of time to reserve your spot. Line-ups can get quite long after 10:00pm, so if you don't want to wait, it's best to get on the guest list or arrive early to avoid the line.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Bar None's interior aesthetic features exposed brick and beams, making for a chill spot.
Natasha's expert tip: On Fridays there's complimentary cover before 11PM. VIP rate after with guest list status.
Venue Nightclub is both concert hall and nightclub where you can catch a live show and then stay into the evening to dance the night away. They host different themed nights and you'll find all types of music light up the dance floor: Brazilian, Latin, Hip-Hop, EDM, Pop, Reggaeton, Dance Hall, Pop, K-Pop, Top 40, and R&B. International talent like Major Lazer, Hank Williams III and David Guetta have played here in the past. The space itself can fit up to 500 and is spread over two levels, making it ideal for a night out on the town with your crew. Located along Granville Street's Entertainment District, Venue is easy to get to and from with many buses a stone's throw away.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: If it's variety you want, the Venue Nightclub is the place to find it.
Natasha's expert tip: Venue offers table service which comes with a number of perks.
Locals know that if you've made it to The Roxy, it's been an eventful night that you'll probably laugh about the morning after. This longtime local hangout finds particular favor with university students and hockey players. It's a pretty casual spot where the drinks flow, the music's loud, and the good times roll. In addition to local talents (including house bands), you'll also enjoy known performers from all over playing pop/rock and country tunes you can dance to. Open seven nights a week until 3am, having a good time isn't limited to the weekend. The Roxy has a guest list you can apply to be on and is a good idea if you're going for a special event like a birthday or bachelorette party.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: The Roxy has been a staple on Granville Street amongst party-goers who like to dance to live music in a casual atmosphere.
Natasha's expert tip: Try to get your name on the guest list if you can and arrive before 10. The line builds quickly!
Open 7 days a week, The Junction is a popular spot throughout the week. From queer improv to trivia nights to comedy shows to drag and dancing, there really is something for everyone at The Junction. Saturday nights start with Legends Cabaret, a fun drag show that brings old school glam. After that's wrapped up around 10pm, the dance party soon starts with one of their in-house DJs. For a packed dance floor and plenty of Top 40 hits, Saturday nights are the best time to go. Located in the heart of Davie Village, The Junction provides an inclusive space for all to have a good time.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: The Junction is an inclusive place where the dance floor's packed and the drinks are flowing.
Natasha's expert tip: If you go there for the drag show earlier in the evening, you can avoid waiting in line later.
For those who like to move to electronic and Latin music, Red Room Ultra Bar is calling. The PK Sound system and intelligent lighting set the stage for a night of dancing. The space itself is large and can accommodate 450 people. Friday night's Cancun Nite is one of their most popular, and it's the longest running Latin night in the city. The other most popular night is SUBculture Saturdays. This night brings in local and international DJs that bring bass music to the dance floor. While these two nights are mainstays on the calendar, they also host a variety of other nights that feature DJs and live music. If you want to get on the guest list for their Cancun Nite, sign up by 9pm on the Thursday before. If you make it on the list, your cover will be free before 9:30pm.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Red Room Ultra Bar has hosted Vancouver's longest running Latin night.
Natasha's expert tip: Visit their website to get on the guest list.
Celebrities has been a go-to dance club for Vancouver's nightlife scene since the 1980s. Located on Davie Street in Vancouver's LGBT community, Celebrities is close to the Granville Street entertainment district and Davie Village's pubs and clubs. The large space boasts a centralized dance floor, which is surrounded by seating and a couple of well-equipped bars. Upstairs, you can hang out and take in all the fun and and watch the dancing below. If you're a fan of EDM, you'll be happy with the tunes here. There are weekly themed nights that happen, along with ticketed events. To see what's happening, visit their site or their Facebook page.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Celebrities has been around since the 1980s, making it a longtime local favorite.
Natasha's expert tip: On a Tuesday night, don't be surprised to see a line-up down the block, it's a popular night.
Fortune Sound Club attracts well known DJs from all over, making it a favorite place for lively and young locals to go and dance. There are always different events happening so it's a good idea to check out their website regularly to see who's playing when. As far as clubs go, it's a pretty intimate space so you're never far from the action. You won't find any Top 40 music or VIP rooms here, but you can reserve tables if you plan ahead. This unique location in Vancouver's Chinatown makes Fortune Sound Club a bit of an off-the-beaten-path gem. Before hitting up Fortune, head to one of the many restaurants in the area for cocktails.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Fortune Sound Club attracts DJs from around the globe and is a fun place for younger crowds.
Natasha's expert tip: Grab a bite and drink before dancing at one of Chinatown's trendy restaurants.