👀 Banff Events, Food Deals & Local Stories - Don’t Miss This Week

Hello from Banff! It’s shaping up to be another fun and full week in the Rockies. 🎤 Live shows are lighting up the calendar - from Dean Lonsdale and Corn Starr to Calling All Captains and DJ Hops. Want something a little different? Try open mic at Tommy’s, Wednesday’s retro ski film screening, or the sensory magic of The Lost Things. And don’t miss the happy hour deals all over town - grab a pint, share some wings, and enjoy the vibe. The full list of events is just below - dive in and make your week count.

👻 Banff Springs Hotel: Haunted legends still walk the halls
From the tragic Ghost Bride to the helpful bellman Sam, Canada's "Castle in the Rockies" is packed with chilling tales and eerie encounters. More

📋 Banff's bold new community plan is out for review
Aiming to solve housing shortages, improve transit, and manage visitor growth, Banff's 10-year blueprint is open for public feedback. More

🌍 Banff drills deep to explore geothermal heating for housing
The town is testing ground-source heating for a future affordable housing development, part of its push for 100% renewable energy by 2050. More

⛷️ Here's when Alberta's ski resorts will close for the season
Get your final turns in - Sunshine and Lake Louise are both staying open through May 19, but others are winding down sooner. More

🌲 New adventure playground opens in Banff's Sundance Park
With zip lines, climbing towers, and nature-inspired play zones, this new park is designed to thrill kids while nurturing creative growth. More

🚌 Roam Transit raising visitor fares on Banff-Lake Louise route
Fares for tourists will rise this May, but monthly passes for locals will stay the same as ridership continues to grow. More

Spotlight on Banff Cave & Basin

Just a short walk from downtown, Banff Cave and Basin is where Canada’s national parks story began. In 1883, three railway workers found a warm, mineral-rich cave on Sulphur Mountain. That discovery led to the creation of Banff National Park - the first in the country.

But this place has a much older history. For thousands of years, Indigenous communities like the Îyârhe Nakoda, Siksika, Kainai, and others visited these thermal springs for healing, ceremony, and connection to the land.

Today, you can explore the original cave via a historic tunnel and stroll scenic boardwalks through wetlands. Look out for the tiny Banff Springs snail, found nowhere else on Earth. While you can’t soak in the water anymore, the natural setting and history are still on full display.

Inside, there are interactive exhibits, and depending on the season, you might catch a guided tour or Indigenous-led activity. In the fall, the site even hosts the Banff Craft Beer Festival.

It’s a great way to learn, wander, and enjoy one of Banff’s most unique spots. More

📅 Mon, 14th Apr

19:00 🧠 Trivia Night 📍 Melissa's, Banff
Test your knowledge and have some fun at Melissa's Trivia Night. More

20:00 🎶 Live Music 📍 Three Bears
Enjoy live music in a cozy mountain setting at Three Bears. More

21:00 🎤 Open Mic Hosted By Liam Cowan 📍 The Beaver Banff
Hosted by Liam Cowan, this open mic night invites musicians and performers to share their talents in a welcoming atmosphere. Free entry. More

22:00 🎧 Mondays - 2 DJs Live 📍 High Rollers, Banff
Two DJs spinning live from 10 PM till late. Enjoy POWER HOUR drink specials from 3-5 PM and again from 10 PM until close. More

22:00 🎸 Andrew Staygold LIVE at The Rose! 📍 Rose & Crown, Banff
Andrew Staygold delivers an acoustic mix of rock, country, and pop with a warm stage presence. A versatile live music experience. More

📅 Tue, 15th Apr

09:00 🎿 WIS Summit - Le ski au féminin 📍 Banff, Alberta
Join the 3rd Annual CSIA Women in Skiing Summit, a three-day event for female CSIA members. Includes on-snow sessions, workshops, networking, equipment demos, and a keynote by Kelly Vanderbeek. Discounted lift tickets and lodging available. More

19:00 📚 Literary Cabaret: Horror Writing - Chapter 2 📍 CLVB '33 at Banff Centre
Part of the Horror Writing Residency, this event features emerging and established writers sharing original works, with a headline reading by Shane Hawk. Doors open at 6:15 PM. More

19:00 🗳️ 2025 Federal Election Candidates Forum - Yellowhead 📍 Max Bell Auditorium, Banff Centre
The public forum is hosted by BLLHA, AMPPE, and Banff Centre. Meet federal election candidates, hear their priorities, and ask questions. Cash bar and networking to follow. Free entry. More

22:00 🎧 Tuesday Night with DJ Styler Nazo 📍 High Rollers, Banff
Get ready for an electrifying Tuesday night with Styler VNAz. Enjoy 75-cent wings and great music all night long. More

22:00 🎤 Karaoke Every Tuesday 📍 Melissa's, Banff
Sing your heart out at the Bow Valley’s biggest karaoke night. Drink specials include $5.25 Mel’s Lager, $6 Tall Cans, $4.50 Highballs, and $5.25 Select Shots. More

22:00 🎸 Dean Lonsdale LIVE at The Rose! 📍 Rose & Crown, Banff
Canadian singer-songwriter Dean Lonsdale returns with his guitar-driven alt rock and captivating stage presence. More

📅 Wed, 16th Apr

15:00 🎶 Live Music 📍 Three Bears
Enjoy an afternoon of live music at Three Bears. More

19:00 🎥 The Man Who Skied Down Everest - 50th Anniversary Retro Screening 📍 Max Bell Auditorium, Banff Centre
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival and National Canadian Film Day with a special screening of this Oscar-winning documentary about Yuichiro Miura’s 1970 Everest ski descent. More

19:30 🪄 The Lost Things Preview: An All-New Magical Experience from Illusionist Scott Silven 📍 Jenny Belzberg Theatre, Banff Centre
Step into a world where reality bends and the unseen becomes tangible. Illusionist Scott Silven debuts The Lost Things before its world premiere in Sydney. An intimate, immersive theatrical experience. More

21:00 🤘 Calling All Captains w/ Gutter King, Idiofame + JRATS 📍 Melissa's Missteak
Punk, metal, and hardcore showcase featuring touring bands from Edmonton, Calgary, and Kelowna, plus Banff’s own JRATS. Tickets $15. More

21:00 🔊 Last Trax at Dancing Sasquatch 📍 Dancing Sasquatch
Celebrate the end of winter with Last Trax’s biggest show yet. High-energy electronic/dance vibes in a brand-new venue. Tickets from $11.98. More

22:00 🎤 Tommy's Open Mic 📍 Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub
Hosted by Garry from The Ramblin' Hey Ho Ha's. Instruments provided - come jam! More

22:00 🎧 DJ Hops - Wednesday Party Night 📍 High Rollers, Banff
Midweek dance party with DJ Hops and all-day POWER HOUR featuring $5 pints, $4 hiballs, and $4 shafts. More

22:00 🎶 Wing Wednesday with DJ Nazo 📍 Rose & Crown, Banff
Half-price wine and electronic grooves with DJ Nazo. No minors allowed. More

📅 Thu, 17th Apr

19:30 🪄 The Lost Things Preview: An All-New Magical Experience from Illusionist Scott Silven 📍 Jenny Belzberg Theatre, Banff Centre
Step into a world where reality bends and the unseen becomes tangible. Illusionist Scott Silven presents an intimate preview of The Lost Things before its world premiere in Sydney. A sensory journey blending illusion and storytelling. More

19:30 🇬🇷 Balkan Greek Night 📍 Balkan
FREE live dinner show featuring belly dancing, plate smashing, and traditional Greek dancing. Enjoy a full a la carte menu. All ages welcome. More

21:00 🎉 Thursdays $3 Everything 📍 Dancing Sasquatch
Local's Night with $3 drinks all night and free entry. Local DJs spinning. Must arrive before 11:00 PM. More

22:00 🎸 Corn Starr LIVE at The Rose! 📍 Rose & Crown, Banff
Revelstoke's Corn Starr brings rowdy energy and indie pop/rock vibes. A free night of nonstop dancing and high-energy covers. More

🍺 Banff Ave Brewing Co. (110 Banff Ave)
🕒 Late Night (9PM+) More info
🍻 Shafts $4, Highballs $5, Ninjas (3oz) $10!

🍺 Banff Legion (92 Banff Ave.)
🕒 Happy Hour (4:30-6 PM)
🎖️ Highballs, house wine, and & house beer for $4.75. Everyday Specials: $6 Margaritas & $5 Shafts! More Info

🍺 Beaver (433 Banff Ave)
🕒 Happy Hour (4-6 PM Nightly) More info
🍟 $4 select tap beers, $9 poutine, $6 waffle sticks!

🍺 Bluebird (218 Lynx St.)
🕒 Fondue Happy Hour (4-5 PM Daily) More info
🫕 Indulge in warm, melty goodness!

🍺 Chili’s (461 Banff Ave)
🕒 Morning Happy Hour (9-11 AM) / Afternoon Happy Hour (3-5 PM) More info
🌶️ Special drinks & grab-and-go items + après drink specials!

🍺 The Elk and Oarsman (119 Banff Ave)
🕒 Happy Hour (Mon- Fri, 3-5 PM)
🥩 Tues: $12 Steak Sandwich • Wed: ½ Price Wings • Thurs: $17 Half Rack / $22 Full Rack of Ribs More Info

🍺 Hello Sunshine (208 Wolf St.)
🕒 Happy Hour (4-5 PM Daily) / Hello Ramen (5-6 PM, Sun- Fri) More info
🎤 Draft beer $6.50, 2oz house cocktails $10, Japanese hot dogs $5 (till 10 PM). Ramen for $10! Plus, free private karaoke!

🍺 High Rollers (110 Banff Ave)
🕒 Happy Hour (3-5 PM & 10PM-Close) More info
🎳 $5.00 pints, food specials, half-price Shafts & bowling!

🍺 Magpie & Stump & El Patio (203 Caribou St.)
🕒 El Happy Hour (3-5 PM) / Late Night (10PM+) More info More info
🌮 Margaritas $6, tacos ½ price, Coronas $6, Bulldogs $12. Same great drink deals late night!

🍺 Melissa’s MisSteak (201 Banff Ave)
🕒 Happy Hour (3-6 PM daily) More info
🥩 $4.50 highballs, $5.25 Mel’s lager, $1/oz house wine. Late Night Happy Hour (Sun- Thurs, 10 PM-2 AM): Same drink specials + $6 Pilsner Tall Boys!

🍺 Park Distillery (219 Banff Ave)
🕒 Cocktail Happy Hour (3-5 PM Daily) More info
🍸 50% off Park cocktails & $7 footlong hotdogs!

🍺 St. James’ Gate (207 Wolf St.)
🕒 Happy Hour (Mon- Fri, 3-6 PM) More info
🍀 Pub classics from $13.50, beer from $7.50, plus whiskey flights at 25% off!

🍺 The Eddie Burger + Bar (137 Banff Ave)
🕒 Happy Hour (10PM-Close) More info
🍔 $12 Signature Trash Cans (3oz), hiballs $6, draft pints $7.

🍺 The Fat Ox (415 Banff Ave)
🕒 Aperitivo Happy Hour (2-6 PM daily) More info
🍷 Indulge in delicious food & drink specials from just $5!

🍺 The Old Spaghetti Factory (Cascade Shops, 2nd Floor)
🕒 Happy Hour (2-5 PM Daily) More info
🍝 Draft beer is $6, wine is from $6, and highballs are $5. Appetizers (BamBam shrimp, tenders, calamari) are just $8!

🍺 Three Bears Brewery (205 Bear St.)
🕒 Happy Hour (3-5 PM Daily) More info
🐻 $6.99 pints of 3 Bears Beer, Food and Cocktails Specials

🍺 Tommy’s (120 Banff Ave)
🕒 Happy Hour (3-6 PM & 10PM-Close) More info
⏰ Pil cans, Miller High Life & hiballs $4.25. Daily Steak Sandwich: $13.95! Daily Lunch Special (till 4 PM): $12.95!

Daily, 08:00 🥾 Lake Louise, Moraine, Emerald Lake & Johnston Canyon📍3 Banff Pick-Up Locations
This full-day tour explores some of the most iconic sites in Banff National Park, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, & Johnston Canyon. More

Daily, 08:30 🐏 Banff: Wildlife and Sightseeing Minibus Tour📍 Mount Royal Hotel Banff
This 3- to 3.5-hour minibus tour introduces Banff National Park's wildlife and landmarks. More

Daily, Various Time Slots 🚲 Electric Fat Biking Adventure in Banff📍 Banff Canoe Club
Unleash the thrills of electric fat biking on Banff's best trails with this experience. More

Daily, Multiple Time Slots 🚶 Banff Town Walking Tour with Snack📍 214 Bear St, Banff
Explore the rich history and culture of Banff on a guided walking tour. More

Fri, 9th May, 20:00 🎵 Dean Lewis 📍 Grey Eagle Resort & Casino, Calgary
Australian singer-songwriter Dean Lewis performs live in Calgary, sharing heartfelt hits such as Be Alright and Waves. More

Sat, 5th Jul, 19:30 🎤 Shania Twain📍 Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary
Canadian country-pop icon Shania Twain brings her legendary voice and hits to Calgary. A must-see for country music lovers. More

💡 Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this email are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission, which helps keep this newsletter free for readers like you!