Apr
14
Calgary Beerfest – Know Before You Go
- April 14, 2026
- 0 Comment(s)
You’re headed to Canada’s Largest Beer Festival—nice choice 🍻
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time at the BMO Centre.
#1 Get To & From Beerfest Safely
- Book CHECKER CABS and get 10% off using promo code CIBF. Download their App at Play Store and App Store
- Hop on the Red Line, get off at Victoria Park/Stampede Station, and walk right to the BMO Centre – it’s only steps away from Beerfest!
Great nights always include a smart ride home – Do NOT Drive and Drive!
#2 Plan Your Experience
A little prep goes a long way.
Before you arrive, know the following to help plan your experience:
FRIDAY EVENING SESSION:
- 5:00 PM: VIP Doors Open & Sampling Begins
- 5:30 PM: GA Doors Open
- 9:00 PM: No Entry
- 9:30 PM: Sample Token Sales End
- 9:30 PM: After Party Begins
- 9:45 PM: Last Pour
- 10:00 PM: Beerfest/Consumption Ends
- 1:30 AM: After Party Ends
SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSION:
- 12:00 PM: VIP Doors Open & Sampling Begins
- 12:30 PM: GA Doors Open
- 3:30 PM: No Entry
- 4:00 PM: Sample Token Sales End
- 4:00 PM: After Party Begins
- 4:15 PM: Last Pour
- 4:30 PM: Beerfest/Consumption Ends
- 7:00 PM: After Party Ends
SATURDAY EVENING SESSION:
- 5:30 PM: VIP Doors Open & Sampling Begins
- 6:00 PM: GA Doors Open
- 9:00 PM: No Entry
- 9:30 PM: Sample Token Sales End
- 9:30 PM: After Party Begins
- 9:45 PM: Last Pour
- 10:00 PM: Event/Consumption Ends
- 1:30 AM: After Party Ends
Festival Map – Drinc! Interactive Event Map
Questions? – FAQs
Knowing what’s where helps you spend more time enjoying and less time searching.
#3 Get In Faster
Want to get inside quickly? Follow these tips:
- Enter through the Main BMO North West Entrance (next to Victoria Park LRT Station)
- LEFT <— GA | VIP —> RIGHT (double check your ticket type)
- Have your ID (this is an 18+ event) and QR Code ready before you reach the door
- Watch for signage separating Packages vs. Tickets Only
- Do your future self a favour—pre-purchase your sample tokens online and get straight to the good stuff.
A little preparation here means more time inside with a drink in hand.
#4 Make the Most of VIP
Premium Experience – Maximum Vibes
- Arrive Early – you get First Pour Access 30 minutes before anyone else
- Dedicated VIP entrance (skip the lines)
- NEW upgraded & interactive VIP lounge
- VIP only washrooms
- Exclusive access to Cooking with Beer & Crafted Sessions seminars
- Subject to Capacity – Arrive Early to Guarantee a Seat
It’s all designed to give you a more comfortable, elevated Beerfest experience.
#5 Don’t Miss the After Party
The night doesn’t end when the festival does – the official After-Party is better than ever!
- High-energy performances from White Light, Raise Your State, TKO, Night Vision, and SLØFISH b2b BAMBOOZU (Dos Leches).
- Expect top-tier drinks from Cold Garden Beverage Co. and ByHendo’s Cocktails & Shaft!
- Get After Party tickets with your discounted Beerfest Packages and keep the celebration going!
- You can also pre-purchase After Party tickets as an Add On Here
Take your time, try something new, and enjoy the atmosphere. Whether you’re discovering a new favourite or just soaking it all in with friends, it’s all part of the experience.
We’ll see you at #YYCBeerfest 🍻
Sincerely,
Bill Robinson
President – ABF
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