Unique beers, up-and-coming breweries and local favourites made their appearance at the Banff Craft Beer Festival last week. Hosted annually at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, here’s what you missed this past weekend—and why next year’s festival should already be on your calendar.

The event ran from Oct. 23 to 25, starting at 5 p.m. and finishing around 9–10 p.m. A ticket to the festival granted access to 40 tokens’ worth of beverage samples, popular food vendors and live music late into the night. With sold-out crowds on both Friday and Saturday, it’s easy to see why this event lives up to its title as The World’s Most Beautiful Beer Festival.

Approaching the venue, the bumping music and laughter could already be heard echoing across the Bow River and into the Canadian Rockies. Stepping through the bubble-tent doors, guests were handed two essential items: a small reusable beer-sampling cup and 40 tokens to taste their way across Alberta’s craft scene.

Inside, the setup was divided into five main hubs of activity. Yet the indoor–outdoor venue felt much larger, as if it was a never-ending maze of vendors and beer. The air buzzed with energy and excitement, mimicking the fun-filled vibe of a sports bar or pub. Looking around, it was part beer exposition, part dance floor and part watch party for Game 1 of the MLB World Series. And it goes without saying who every Canadian was cheering for… #GoBlueJays

Each vendor had its own dedicated setup, showcasing their range of craft beers, ciders, spirits, non-alcoholic drinks or food. Almost all vendors represented local Alberta companies, instilling a sense of provincial and national pride that radiated from every corner of the tent.

Some tables represented local watering holes, like Bottlescrew Bill’s (BSB) Pub, one of the oldest bars in downtown Calgary. Others were small-town legends, like Hard Knox Brewery from Alberta’s Diamond Valley, showcasing their award-winning, eye-catching, from-the-patch Carrot Cake Sour. ‘Unique’ is an understatement for the creativity on display throughout the festival.

A variety of non-alcoholic beers were available as well, and a standout vendor was On the Road Brewing, advertising for consumers to “do stupid shit sober.” With a steady decline in beer consumption across Alberta, brewers have begun tapping into a growing market for alcohol-free options.

“We came in about 8 years ago and the first beerfest we did people thought we were crazy…” said Graham Mattheos, co-founder of On the Road Brewing, in an interview with Rocky Mountain Live.

“This segment and this market have grown so much, and the acceptance of it as well.”

Similar sentiments were expressed by Karli Remika, co-founder of Clink Beverage Co., which creates both mocktails and champagne-inspired cocktails made in Calgary. The festival proved not only a gathering spot for beer enthusiasts but also a valuable networking opportunity for emerging brands. Breweries are increasingly looking to source locally and expand their mocktail menus. Remika emphasized that events like these support that kind of growth.

“I think that’s the big bonus of being here,” she said in an interview with Rocky Mountain Live.

“It’s great to meet the other breweries and be able to have an option for them to choose in their tap rooms.”

The bands and DJs kept the energy high all night, creating a perfect soundtrack to the Blue Jays’ game projected across the venue. It was a beautiful combination of all things Canadian: local music, a beloved sports team and, of course, Albertan craft beer.

And that’s precisely what the Banff Craft Beer Festival is: a love letter to Alberta, its breweries and its people. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just looking for a fun weekend event, this festival proves that Banff knows how to throw a party. Posted: Oct 28, 2025