Thirsty for a little adventure – and a lot of incredible craft beer?
Well you’re in luck, as the self-proclaimed “world’s most beautiful beer festival” is heading back to Banff. For the second year in a row, Banff will host The Banff Craft Beer Festival (Nov. 25–26), and the event will feature over 30 different breweries from across the province.
Sponsored by ATB Financial and Alberta Beer Festivals (ABF), the festival will be hosted at the historic Cave and Basin, birthplace of Canada’s National Parks and will showcase Alberta’s magnificent breweries and Banff’s best pubs and restaurants.
“ABF is proud to showcase all that Alberta craft brewers and craft distillers have to offer,” said Mark Kondrat, director of operations at Alberta Beer Festivals. “People are very excited about the festival.”
Alberta craft breweries taking part in this year’s event include Alley Kat Brewing Co., Banff Ave. Brewing Co., Bench Creek Brewing Co., Big Rock Brewery, Blindman Brewing Co., Brewsters Brewing Co., Dandy Brewing Co., Eau Claire Distillery, Fat Unicorn Brewery, Grizzly Paw Brewing Co., Last Best Brewing & Distilling, Park Distillery, Ribstone Creek Brewery, Six Corners Brew Works, Something Brewing, Tool Shed Brewing Co., Troubled Monk Brewery, Two Sergeants Brewing Inc., Wild Rose Brewery, Village Brewery and Wood Buffalo Brewing Co.
Food will be provided by local eateries 1888 Chop House, High Rollers, Lake Louise Dining – Kuma Yama Sushi, Nourish Bistro and Rocky Mountain Flatbread.
Banff Lodging Company is also offering guest packages during the event for accommodations to attendees to ensure a safe stay in Banff National Park if partaking in some of the provinces best-crafted beers.
“They have some of their properties available for a package where you get a ticket to the event and a room,” said ABF director of communications Trevor Bacon. Packages at Banff properties including the brand-new Moose Hotel and Suites, Banff Caribou Lodge, Hidden Ridge Resort and Inns of Banff.
ABF prides itself on being able to deliver a great experience, but also on providing free transportation to the Cave & Basin for the festival, which will be available to attendees out front of Banff Ave. Brewing Co. during the entire festival duration. Check the Alberta Beer Festivals website for the latest information on the shuttle schedules and stops.
Advance tickets prices include: general admission tickets: $29, the Beer Geek VIP ticket: $49, Beer Geek VIP weekend pass: $79 (include Friday and choice of one Saturday session). Advanced tickets are available online at ww.albertabeerfestivals.com, at Banff Ave. Brewing Co. (110 Banff Ave.), Town House Liquor Store in Banff (226 Bear St.), Grizzly Paw Brewery in Canmore (310 Old Canmore Road) and as part of accommodation packages from Banff Lodging Co.
The Banff Craft Beer Festival takes place Friday, Nov. 25 from 5-10 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 26, with an afternoon session from noon-4 p.m. and an evening session from 5-9 p.m.
Tickets available at www.myshowpass.com/2016-banff-craft-beer-festival. Hotel and event ticket packages at www.bestofbanff.com/banff-beer-festival. More information is available at www.albertabeerfestivals.com/events-services/banff-beer-festival.
