Edmonton’s LGBTQ2S+ Bar Evolution Wonderlounge Closes After 12 Years

Edmonton’s LGBTQ2S+ community is bidding farewell to the iconic Evolution Wonderlounge as it holds its final night of operations on Saturday. Since its opening in 2013, the bar has served as a vital social hub for many, but the owners are shifting their focus to a newer venue, Evo, located on Jasper Avenue, which opened in April 2023.

Co-owner Rob Browatzke expressed the emotional weight of the closure, stating, “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 significance of the 103 Street location, noting that for many patrons, this was their first experience in a gay bar—a place where they felt accepted and included.

As the bar prepares for its final night, large crowds are expected to commemorate the twelve years of memories created within its walls. Browatzke aims to embrace the heartfelt stories patrons share about the impact of the space and its staff. “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.

Despite the closure, the spirit of Evolution Wonderlounge continues at Evo, located at 11580 Jasper Ave. This new venue operates seven days a week, opening at 16:00, and offers a bright, welcoming atmosphere for food and beverages. Evo features a full kitchen and a TouchTunes jukebox, providing patrons the opportunity to select their music during weeknights.

On weekends, Evo will embrace the lively nightclub elements that patrons cherished at the original location, ensuring that the essence of Evolution Wonderlounge lives on. The transition highlights a commitment to evolving with the community while maintaining a space where everyone can feel at home.

The closing of Evolution Wonderlounge underscores the importance of LGBTQ2S+ spaces in fostering acceptance and community. As Edmonton moves forward, the legacy of this beloved bar will continue to resonate in the hearts of many.