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

Published

3 hours ago

9 November, 2025

Editorial

UPDATE: Edmonton’s iconic LGBTQ2S+ nightclub, Evolution Wonderlounge, is set to close its doors for the last time tonight, marking an emotional farewell for many in the community. The bar has been a cherished space for acceptance since its opening on 103 Street in 2013 and will host its final night of dancing starting at 9 PM local time.

Co-owner Rob Browatzke expressed deep sentiments about the bar’s closure, stating, “It is emotional. It’s the end of an era.” However, he emphasized that this marks not just an end, but the start of a new chapter as the focus shifts to their newer location, Evo, which opened on Jasper Avenue in April 2023. “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,” Browatzke added.

Tonight, the community is expected to rally together for a final celebration of the beloved venue, with Browatzke aiming to hear from patrons about the impact the bar has had over the past 12 years. “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,” he remarked.

Evo, located at 11580 Jasper Ave, will continue to offer a welcoming atmosphere seven days a week starting at 4 PM. This sunlit venue features a full kitchen and a TouchTunes jukebox, allowing patrons to curate their own music during weeknights. As weekends approach, Evo will embrace the lively nightclub vibe that patrons loved at Evolution Wonderlounge.

The emotional farewell tonight is not just about closing a bar but celebrating a safe haven that has fostered community and acceptance. As the clock ticks towards the final dance, many are preparing to share their memories and honor the legacy of a venue that has meant so much.

This isn’t just a goodbye; it’s a transition into a future that holds promise and new beginnings for Edmonton’s LGBTQ2S+ community. Don’t miss the chance to say farewell and celebrate the history of Evolution Wonderlounge tonight!