The three b’s, Banff, beer and local business. Alberta Beer Festivals (ABF) is introducing the first ever Banff Craft Beer Festival (BCBF) at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site on Nov. 27-28, offering attendees a chance to talk shop with 20 Alberta breweries and distilleries.
Local business will definitely hold its own at the event, with Banff Ave. Brewing Co., Park Distillery and Grizzly Paw Brewing Co. all set to be in attendance to offer visitors a sample. Local food will also be available, with local fare being offered by Nourish Bistro, The Eddie Burger and Bar, Lake Louise Whitehorn Bistro, Toque and 1888 Chop House.
The new venture is the brainchild of Banff Lake Louise Tourism, Banff Lodging Co. and ABF as a fun event to show park visitors what the Bow Valley and Alberta have to offer towards food and beverage during the shoulder season. The extra bonus enhancing the event is being able to showcase the rich historical value behind the venue choice of the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.
“We really want to offer a chance for people to see what’s being offered by local businesses, and offer them the chance to talk with the brewmasters and people in the culture and businesses,” said ABF director of communications Trevor Bacon.
Upon entry, each guest will receive a sample cup to use throughout the event and take home with them afterwards. The first 500 visitors through the door each day get a BCBF 5-ounce glass sampling mug (others will receive an acrylic sampling mug). All beer and food can be sampled by first purchasing tokens for $1 or in sheets of 10. Each sample is a minimum of two tokens and a sample of beer is legally 4oz, which is 1/3 of a bottle of beer.
Along with the local food and beverage businesses attending the event, well-known, musical fan favourite Brad Brewer will perform, with Hoodooo Lounge taking the honour of being declared the official after-party site.
Fun and responsibility will go hand-in-hand with the event, with all guests being expected to drink responsibly and ensure they have a safe, responsible means of transportation before leaving the facility. There will be Banff Airporter shuttle buses going to and from the Cave and Basin site and downtown Banff. Check ABF’s website, www.albertabeerfestivals.com for the latest information on the shuttle schedules and stops.
ABF has also partnered with Banff Lodging Co. to offer event ticket and accommodation packages at their properties, including Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa, Banff Ptarmigan Inn and the Inns of Banff. For more information, visit www.bestofbanff.com/banff-beer-festival for hotel/festival ticket packages.
Tickets to the Banff Craft Beer Festivals are available online, at Banff Ave Brewing Co. (110 Banff Ave, 2nd Floor Clocktower Village Mall) or as part of accommodation packages.
Tickets available online at www.albertabeerfestivals.com, with a complete listing of all Alberta breweries and distilleries in attendance.
General admission tickets, $29; weekend passes, $49; Beer Geek VIP Friday or Saturday, $49 and Beer Geek VIP Weekend Passes, $79.
