Banff Beerfest - Know Before You Go - Alberta Beer Festivals

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Sep 29

Banff Beerfest – Know Before You Go

Every great mountain adventure starts with a little preparation and #BanffBeerfest is no exception!

With the Banff Craft Beer Festival returning October 22 – 24, 2026, we’ve put together everything you need to know to make your festival experience as smooth, memorable and downright delicious as possible.

🚌 Getting There

To ensure everyone’s safety, personal vehicles will not be permitted to park at the Cave & Basin during the festival. However, we have several convenient transportation options available to help you get to this year’s festival.

  • Accessibility Assistance – if you have accessibility issues please contact us at least one week in advance at beer.info@albertabeerfestivals.com and we will coordinate transportation to and from the event. *Please note, there is not a dedicated shuttle with accessibility capabilities so you must coordinate with us in advance.
  • Shuttles – The Lake Louise Pipestone Express Shuttle will be running continuously throughout the event. You can load at the Ski Louise Shuttle Tent in the Mount Royal Parking Lot (135 Beaver St., Banff, AB)
  • Drop-offs – Taxis and personal vehicles will be allowed to drop off and pick up attendees at the event.
  • Walk or Bike – Enjoy the beautiful Banff scenery! You can easily walk or ride out to the event – it’s about a 10-minute stroll from the Nancy Pauw pedestrian bridge in Central Park to the Cave & Basin (311 Cave Ave, Banff, AB)

⏰ Important Times

Thursday, October 22 & Friday, October 23

4:30 PM: Shuttle Service Begins
5:00 PM: Doors Open & Sampling Begins
9:00 PM: No Entry
9:15 PM: Sample Token Sales End
9:45 PM: Last Pour
10:00 PM: Event/Consumption Ends
11:00 PM: Shuttle Service Ends

Saturday, October 24 – Afternoon Session

11:30 AM: Shuttle Service Begins
12:00 PM: Doors Open & Sampling Begins
3:00 PM: No Entry
3:15 PM: Sample Token Sales End
3:45 PM: Last Pour
4:00 PM: Afternoon Session Ends

Saturday, October 24 – Evening Session
5:00 PM: Doors Open & Sampling Begins
8:00 PM: No Entry
8:15 PM: Sample Token Sales End
8:45 PM: Last Pour
9:00 PM: Event/Consumption Ends
10:00 PM: Shuttle Service Ends

🚻 Washrooms

There are 4 washroom areas conveniently located throughout the venue:

1) Outside in the front lounge (along the North side of the building)
2) Outside in the back smoking area
3) Just inside the front doors to the left (only 2 individual washrooms)
4) Inside the back building downstairs

🧥 Coat Check

The Banff Beerfest is primarily an indoor event, but there are outdoor areas you will want to explore, so we recommend dressing warmly. If you wish to check your coat, our charity partner, Rocky Mountain Adaptive, will once again be operating a coat check area with all proceeds supporting their amazing work of making adventure accessible!

🎟️ Sample Tokens

All purchased Banff Beerfest tickets include $40 worth of sample tokens that you will receive at the door. All beverages and food can be sampled using sample tokens.

  • Sample tokens are $1 each and sold in blocks of ten.
  • Each beverage sample is a minimum of 2 tokens, but food and more expensive beverages (like spirits) can be more.
  • A sample of beer is legally 4oz, spirits ½ ounce, and wine 2oz.
  • If you would like to purchase additional sample tokens beforehand, you can do so online here 
  • Sample tokens will also be available for purchase onsite at the event

🗺️ Event Map (Coming Soon!)

🪩 After Party

Think Beerfest ends when you leave the Cave & Basin? Not even close!

Keep the night going at the Rose & Crown – the Official After Party of the 2026 Banff Craft Beer Festival from 10pm until late – No Cover, No Line when you show your #BanffBeerfest ticket!

From October 22 – 24, when you get off the shuttle bus downtown, the Rose & Crown is only a few steps away to keep the good times rolling with live music from The Diggers in the main bar, a DJ in the back bar, and featured beverages from Shaft, Cold Garden and Tuesday Brewing.

And because every great night needs some great food, Banff Beerfest ticket holders receive 20% OFF regular-priced food at the Rose & Crown throughout the festival weekend! Simply show proof of your Beerfest ticket to receive the discount.

Come for Beerfest – Stay for the After Party!

👻 Brews & Boos

Banff Beerfest and Halloween are only ONE WEEK apart, and some of you have clearly decided that means costumes at Beerfest. We fully approve!

Remember to costume up AND bundle up cause Banff Beerfest is partially outdoors, and trust us – you’ll want to get outside. Sample from our outdoor vendors, hang out around the fire pits and take in those unreal mountain views!

📌 Good to Know

  • This is an 18+ sampling event, no minors are allowed, and all attendees must present a valid government-issued ID upon entry.
  • No outside food or beverages are permitted inside the festival grounds.
  • No re-entry is allowed once you have exited the festival.
  • Tickets are non-refundable but transferable. Can’t make the event? We have enabled Showpass’ Resale functionality, instructions on that feature available HERE
  • Visit our Online FAQ for common questions & answers 
  • Visit our Banff Craft Beer Festival website
  • Follow us @apresfestivals
  • Remember to be safe and have fun!

❤️ Most Important: Get Home Safe

Please Drink Responsibly and Do Not Drink & Drive.

For your safety and the safety of everyone on the road, please plan ahead and arrange a safe ride home. Check stops will be in place throughout the weekend, so take advantage of available shuttles, taxis or other safe transportation options and make sure everyone gets home safely.

See you at #BanffBeerfest 🍻

Sincerely,

Bill Robinson

President – ABF

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