Junofest 2016: Where to go and what to watch for in late night fun
16 venues are allowed to serve alcohol until 3 a.m. during celebrations
If 2 a.m. is just too early to stop drinking, or listening to music, or both at the same time, then you're in luck for a brief shining moment in Calgary.
During Juno Fest — March 31 to April 1 — liquor rules have been relaxed for 16 venues in Calgary, including bars and host hotels.
So, if you're looking for some late night fun, here's a rundown of where to tipple and what to watch.
The Blues Can
This Inglewood venue fires up for the Junos over the weekend.
On April 1, you can catch Big Dave McLean, The Moanin' After, The 6L6's, Mitch Belot Band and Peripheral Vision.
You can enjoy David Gogo, Ralph Boyd Johnson, Harrison Kennedy, Blackburn and Jess Reimer April 2.
Broken City
If blues isn't your thing, perhaps you'd prefer to head down to Broken City in the Beltline for some more contemporary fare.
On April 1, catch The Revival, Library Voices, AM Static, Milk & Bone and Kalle Mattson.
Then get some sleep, because you were out really late, and head back on April 2 for Rich Aucoin, Transit, Snak the Ripper and Merkules.
Commonwealth
Over at Commonwealth, things get a bit contradictory. The late hours are there but the shows start early, so don't miss out on the music. (You can also catch the Road to WSSF with Skiitour on March 31 with late hours, even though it's not a Juno show).
On April 1, Young Empires and Rococode take to the stage, starting at 8 p.m., while on April 2, Rah Rah and The Ashley Hundred play, followed by a special edition of Modern Vintage, a weekly DJ night featuring Skratch Bastid, Ivan Rankic and DJ Heebz.
Flames Central
On the big stage at Flames Central, musicians will do what they do best on March 31, prior to almost assuredly getting their butts kicked in the Juno Cup hockey game against NHL greats the following day.
Catch Brett Kissel, Gord Bamford, Shawn Hook, Whitehorse and more.
The fun continues on April 1 with The Dead South, The Royal Foundry, Boreal Sons and the Hearts. If you've still got some life left in you, April 2 features The Dudes, The Noble Thiefs, Kieran Mercer and Sc Mira.
Hifi Club
This Beltline club is celebrating the Junos on one night only. Humans, k-os and Willa perform April 2.
Ironwood
Getting warmed up on March 31, Jens Lindemann hosts a pre-Juno jam at this Inglewood institution.
On April 1, the listing reads like a math lesson with The Dan Brubeck Quartet, the Ali Muirhead Quintet, the Robi Botos Quartet, Emilie-Claire Barlow, and the Chris Andrew Trio all playing.
Catch Spencer Jo alongside Old Man Luedecke, J.P. Cormier, Fortunate Ones and Northern Beauties April 2.
Lolita's
Just up the road from the Ironwood, Lolita's hosts Sykamore, Patrick Lehman, Liz Loughrey, Chloe Albert, Scott MacKay and Carter Felker on April 1.
Don't booze too hard though, because April 2 features Tara Kannangara, Alex Pangman, Jaclyn Guillou, The Juno Jazz All Stars and Chris Andrew/Jam Session.
Even better, it's hosted by CBC's own Tim Tamashiro.
Marquee Beer Market & Stage
On Macleod Trail, the flowing beer and loud tunes will beat out the sound of traffic with Dzeko & Torres, Sunseekerz, Sphen and "special guests" playing on April 1.
Nite Owl
Appropriately named, Nite Owl plays host to two nights of late Juno fun.
April 1 features The Heirlooms, Son of Ray, Shred Kelly and The Katherines. April 2 features Open Air, Lovecoast, The Sweets and The New Electic.
The Palomino
For a bit of BBQ with your booze and tunes, The Palomino is the place to be.
The Juno kick off party at this downtown bar starts on March 31 with Ron Hawkins, Sparkle Blood and The Lorrie Matheson Power Duo.
On April 1, Port Juvee, Elwins, 36? and The Provincial Archive take to the stage, while April 2 will feature Double Fuzz, The Wisers, Cowpuncher and The Ramblin' Ambassadors.
Ranchman's
If country music is your thang, Ranchman's is obviously the place to be — but you didn't need to be told that.
Hey Romeo, The Dungarees, Drew Gregory and Maddison Krebs perform on April 1.
Autumn Hill, Trinity Bradshaw, Jason Hastie and The Alibi and TwoShine County take to the stage April 2.
Wine-Ohs
In the (delightful) depths of Wine-Ohs downtown, you can find Derek Miller, Mike Edel, Slow Leaves, Raleigh, Carmanah and August Rigo playing April 1.
The following day, The Hi-Strung Downers play alongside SAVK, Hello Moth, Sarah MacDougall and Jonathan Roy.
Hotels
If you'd rather just hang out and drink without all that fun music (for some reason), there are four hotels that would be happy to not over-serve you until 3 a.m.
The downtown Delta, the Fairmont Palliser, the Hyatt Regency and the Westin Calgary will all be pouring until the wee hours.