Edmonton’s Beloved LGBTQ2S+ Bar Closes, New Era Begins

Edmonton’s iconic LGBTQ2S+ venue, Evolution Wonderlounge, is set to close its doors at its 103 Street location on Saturday night, marking the end of an era for many in the community. The bar, which has been a staple since its opening in 2013, will not disappear entirely; its owners are shifting focus to their newer establishment, Evo, located on Jasper Avenue, which opened in April 2023.

Co-owner Rob Browatzke expressed the emotional weight of this transition, stating, “It’s emotional. It’s the end of an era. But every era, when it ends, it’s just the beginning of a new one.” Browatzke acknowledged the significant role the original location played in the lives of many individuals, particularly those who found acceptance and community within its walls. “For a lot of people, this is their first gay bar. This is the first space where they came and they felt accepted and not a minority,” he added, reflecting on the nostalgia tied to the venue.

As the final night approaches, the owners anticipate a large turnout to celebrate the bar’s legacy, with Browatzke hoping to hear from patrons about their experiences. “My goal is to just let myself believe it when people come up to me and tell me what the space and staff have meant to them over the last 12 years,” he remarked.

Transition to Evo

The new Evo location at 11580 Jasper Ave. aims to continue the spirit of Evolution Wonderlounge while providing a different atmosphere. Open seven days a week from 16:00, Evo has transformed into a vibrant spot for food and drinks in the evenings, featuring a full kitchen and a TouchTunes jukebox, allowing patrons to select their own music during the week.

The weekends at Evo will bring back the energetic dance and nightclub elements that made the original venue a local favorite. This shift not only reflects the owners’ commitment to the LGBTQ2S+ community but also their adaptability in a changing urban landscape.

As Edmonton prepares to bid farewell to a cherished institution, the legacy of Evolution Wonderlounge will remain alive in the memories of those who frequented its welcoming space. The community looks forward to embracing the new chapter that Evo promises to unfold, blending the past with the future.

With contributions from CTV News Edmonton reporter Connor Hogg, the story of Evolution Wonderlounge serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusive spaces and the connections formed within them.