Bowling & licensed drinks
One stop for a social night
Choose from beer, cider, hard seltzers and other RTDs, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks. Current items come from the live menu.
See the current menuLocal evening guide · Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Yellowknife nightlife: bowling, drinks and things to do at night
Yellowknife evenings are not limited to conventional bars. You can bowl, eat, enjoy licensed drinks, catch a performance or plan an aurora experience. This guide separates year-round options from changing schedules so you can build a realistic night out.
Start at Kingpin
A Yellowknife night out with something to do
Kingpin Bowling Centre is a 10-lane, 5-pin bowling centre. It offers an activity for the whole group, a current food menu and licensed drinks in one place. Kingpin is not described as a traditional Yellowknife bar or nightclub; bowling is the main experience.
Aurora Glow
Music and glow lighting
Aurora Glow Bowling runs during selected sessions. Times are not fixed year-round, so check the current schedule or book ahead.
Check bowling availabilityStudent Night
Seasonal Student Night
Student Night pauses during the summer and returns each September. Exact times and offers vary, so confirm the current update before coming.
Call (867) 920-2695More Yellowknife nightlife options
Yellowknife bars, performances and aurora experiences
If your plan includes drinks in Yellowknife or another evening activity, start with the options below. Hours and events change, so confirm current details at the linked official venue or territorial tourism source.
NWT Brewing Company / The Woodyard Brewhouse & Eatery
A local brewery and brewpub-style dining option. Check its official site for the current tap list, service details and hours.
Check the official sourceTrapline Lounge at The Explorer Hotel
A hotel lounge serving drinks and pub-style food in a relaxed setting. Confirm current hours with the hotel before visiting.
Check the official sourceThe Underground
A bar, restaurant and community arts or entertainment venue. Events can change, so use the current venue channel before making plans.
Check the official sourceBlack Knight Pub
A downtown Scottish-style pub serving food and drinks. Confirm current hours and service details before visiting.
Check the official sourceThe Gold Range
A historic downtown bar and live-music venue. Entertainment schedules vary, so check the current listing before making plans.
Check the official sourceSam's Monkey Tree
An uptown pub with food, sports viewing and changing entertainment. Confirm current details before visiting.
Check the official sourceNorthern Arts and Cultural Centre
Ticketed concerts, performances and community arts events. Its official calendar is the best source for what is on during your visit.
Check the official sourceAurora Village
A booked aurora-viewing experience outside downtown. Availability depends on the season, weather and advance reservations.
Check the official sourcePlanning answers
Yellowknife nightlife FAQ
What can you do at night in Yellowknife?
Options include 5-pin bowling, licensed dining and lounge venues, brewery visits, scheduled concerts or performances, and booked aurora-viewing experiences. Hours and event schedules can change by season.
Does Kingpin Bowling Centre serve alcohol?
Yes. Kingpin is a licensed bowling centre with beer, cider, hard seltzers and other ready-to-drink beverages, wine and spirits, plus non-alcoholic choices. It is not presented as a conventional bar or nightclub.
When is last call at Kingpin?
Last call follows the posted closing time. Special hours can change the schedule, so check the current hours on the Kingpin homepage or call before a late visit.
When is Student Night at Kingpin?
Student Night pauses during the summer and returns each September. The exact schedule and offers can vary; check the latest Kingpin update or call before visiting.
What is Aurora Glow Bowling?
Aurora Glow is bowling with music and glow lighting during selected sessions. Session times vary, so advance booking or a current schedule check is recommended.