Gay Bars & Clubs ⭐ Featured Verified by GayOut

Twisted Element

Google (507) 3.9

Tripadvisor (16) 4.4

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What reviewers say

Visitors praise Twisted Element for its welcoming community and great drag shows, with some finding it a memorable part of their trip. However, some reviewers complain about censorship of performers and concerning behavior from staff and clientele.

/ 100

GayOut Score

G3.9 🦉4.4

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Address

1006 11 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0E7

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Phone

+1 403-802-0230

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Website

twistedelement.ca

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About this place Twisted Element

Twisted Element is Calgary's premier gay bar and nightclub, the anchor of the city's LGBTQ+ social scene and the venue that every visitor to Calgary's queer community eventually finds. Located on 11th Avenue SW in the Beltline, Twisted Element combines the function of a neighbourhood bar with that of a full nightclub: the earlier part of the evening is social and accessible, the later hours are high-energy dancing with resident DJs who know how to build and sustain a floor. The programming covers the full range of contemporary gay club formats — themed party nights, drag extravaganzas, bear nights, underwear events, and Pride-week special programming — but the core identity is that of Calgary's most important LGBTQ+ gathering place. The physical space is large enough for genuine nightclub scale on a busy Saturday while remaining manageable on quieter weeknights. Go-go dancers are a regular feature on peak nights. Twisted Element has been central to Calgary's gay scene for years and has built the kind of institutional loyalty that only comes with consistent quality and genuine community embeddedness. During Calgary Pride in September and during the Stampede in July, Twisted Element's programming expands to meet the city's elevated energy; the venue hosts some of the most attended LGBTQ+ parties in Alberta at both events. For visitors to Calgary, Twisted Element is the non-negotiable first stop.