That Old Celtic Soul: The Best Live Music in Charlottetown, PEI
From yearning ballads to bawdy sea shanties and thundering step dances set to fiddles, the Canadian Maritimes are famous for their rich tradition of Gaelic and Celtic folk music. And there’s no better place to experience this rich folk tradition than in the middle of a packed public house, pint in hand.
Charlottetown, PEI is home to a number of bars that feature live music, ranging from traditional Irish pubs, to microbreweries, to waterfront bistros. If you’re looking for great food, great bands, and beer on tap, here are some of the best bars for live music in Charlottetown, PEI.
The Old Triangle in Charlottetown
“Food for the Body, Drink for the Spirit and Music for the Soul,” these are the guiding principles of The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse in Charlottetown, right down to its construction. Divided into three sections, you can enjoy a meal in The Snug, a drink in The Pourhouse, and a song in the Tigh an Cheoil, or “house of music.”
One of the best bars to experience traditional Celtic live music in Charlottetown, The Old Triangle frequently hosts Irish music sessions featuring traditional dances and instruments.
Peakes Quay Concert Series
Located right on the Charlottetown waterfront by Confederation Landing, Peakes Quay features some of the freshest, locally sourced food in the city. In addition to hosting live music in Charlottetown throughout the year, Peakes Quay is famous for its free outdoor summer concert series. An annual tradition, Charlottetownians flock to the Peakes Quay Concert Series to see acts from across the Maritimes and beyond every day of the week in the warmer months.
Gahan House Brewery
Named for the historical building its housed in, you can enjoy live music alongside a pint of artisanal ale at Gahan House Brewery. One of Charlottetown’s most beloved microbreweries. Gahan House has won a number of awards for their premium brews, including Gold at the 2012 Canadian Brewing Awards.
Of course, Gahan House is also one of the most popular places for live music in Charlottetown, hosting acoustic acts from local artists every Wednesday.
Olde Dublin Pub in Charlottetown
Billing itself as Charlottetown’s original Irish pub, the Olde Dublin features an uproarious atmosphere with live music every night of the week in the summer, and every weekend throughout the year. The Olde Dublin hosts acts that perform in a variety of musical styles, but is renowned for its Celtic music.
In addition to finger food and draughts on tap, the Olde Dublin Pub of Charlottetown features $1 Happy Hour oysters, fresh from the ocean.
The Factory Downtown
For more contemporary live music in Charlottetown, The Factory is one of PEI’s most beloved country bars, featuring bluegrass and classic rock bands heating up the dance floor. One of the kitschiest bars in Charlottetown, PEI, The Factory in Charlottetown prides itself as “retro pizza joint,” offering up artisan pies, as well as Halifax-style donairs and oven baked subs.
Special thanks to the staff at the Comfort Inn in Charlottetown, PEI for their suggestions.
Header Image: The Old Triangle in Charlottetown, PEI.