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- Banff This Week: Where to Eat, Drink & Play March 2nd
Banff This Week: Where to Eat, Drink & Play March 2nd
📍 Everything happening in Banff, all in one place! 🎶🍽️🏕️
Kevin J
March 02, 2025
In partnership with
Cheers to a Week of Amazing Eats & Entertainment!
The countdown is on for Made With Love Banff, the festival that’s bringing top-notch cocktails, creative food pairings, and high-energy competitions to the Rockies. 🍷 But that’s just the beginning—Banff’s nightlife is packed with incredible live music, DJ sets, and open mic nights, plus some of the best food and drink specials around. Looking for something unique? Join a literary showcase at the Banff Centre, test your knowledge at trivia night, or dive into a community scavenger hunt. Whatever you’re into, we’ve got you covered—keep reading to discover what’s happening this week!
What to expect from What’s On Banff
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🍽️ Made With Love: Banff’s Food & Cocktail Festival Returns
Banff’s culinary scene is gearing up for a major springtime celebration! The Made With Love Banff Food and Cocktail Festival is officially set for April 22 – May 4, 2025. Now in its third year, this 13-day event highlights the best of Banff’s food and drink scene, featuring creative pairings at top bars and restaurants.
Festival highlights include:
An outdoor street festival on Bear Street 🎉
Live entertainment & music 🎶
A cocktail competition where Banff’s best chefs and bartenders will compete 🍸
A theme of “Changing Perspectives”, spotlighting local craft distilleries
Over 16 participating venues, including new spots like Banff Social, The Fat Ox, and Sudden Sally
With tasting stations, exclusive menus, and even travel packages available, this is a must-attend event for foodies! 🍷
👉 More info: Savour Calgary
🍛 Zyka Temporarily Closes for Renovations
Popular Indian restaurant Zyka has temporarily closed its doors as of Feb. 18 for renovations. The team announced they’ll be closed for about two months, aiming for a grand reopening in mid-April with an upgraded space. Stay tuned for updates!
👉 More info: Zyka Banff
⚠️ Hospitality Industry Faces Staffing Challenges
Banff’s hospitality industry is raising concerns over recent changes to Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program. The Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association warns that new rules could lead to hundreds of lost workers over the next two years. This could impact restaurants, bars, and shops, possibly leading to reduced hours or closures. Businesses are now seeking alternative staffing solutions to keep up with demand.
👉 Full story: Global News
🎶 Live Music & Events on the Horizon
Banff’s live music scene is heating up! The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity has a fantastic lineup, including a performance by acclaimed Indigenous singer-songwriter Jeremy Dutcher at the Jenny Belzberg Theatre on May 3.
From intimate bar gigs to big-stage performances, Banff has something for every music lover! 🎤✨
👉 Full lineup: Bandsintown
📅 Monday, March 3
07:30 🚶♂️ BanffLIFE Ice Climbing Weekend 📍 Banff, AB
Learn the basics of ice climbing in a two-day overnight course with an ACMG certified guide. Includes technical climbing equipment, accommodation, and group transportation. Supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation. More info
18:00 🏛️ Caribou Street Redevelopment Open House 📍 Banff Town Hall, 110 Bear Street
Learn about the upcoming reconstruction of Caribou Street between Lynx Street and Banff Avenue, scheduled for 2025. More info
19:00 🎭 Reel Time: All We Imagine as Light 📍 Lux Cinema Banff
Screening of an award-winning film from TIFF, exploring the lives and relationships of working-class women in Mumbai. Hosted by Banff Centre. More info
📅 Tuesday, March 4
16:30 🗣️ Workplace Communication - Active Listening, Speaking and Talking 📍 203-111 Banff Avenue, Banff
A facilitated class designed to help learners improve workplace communication skills, including active listening, confidence in conversation, and public speaking. Includes peer discussions and role-playing exercises. More info
19:00 ✍️ Literary Showcase: Literary Journalism - Environmental Writing 📍 Bentley Chamber Music Studio, Banff Centre
An evening of nonfiction and long-form journalism, featuring writers from the Literary Journalism Environmental Writers Residency. Hosted by Denise Balkissoon, this free event explores environmental storytelling. More info
📅 Wednesday, March 5
13:00 🏛️ Fenlands Future Open House 📍 Banff Town Hall, 110 Bear Street
Attend this public open house to learn how community feedback from 2021-22 has influenced the next phase of renovations for the Fenlands Recreation Centre. Two drop-in sessions are available. More info
15:00 🔍 BanffLIFE Community Scavenger Hunt 📍 Banff Town Hall, Banff
Explore Banff in this exciting self-guided scavenger hunt! Complete challenges, connect with community resources, and win prizes. All participants receive a swag bag, with a grand prize for the most resourceful resident. More info
15:05 🎒 After School Program 📍 325 Squirrel St, Banff
For SWIS students in grades 1-4 at Banff Elementary. Play games, meet new friends, and build confidence in English skills while learning about the community. Free snacks provided. More info
📅 Thursday, March 6
19:00 ✍️ Literary Showcase: Literary Journalism - Environmental Writing 📍 Bentley Chamber Music Studio, Banff Centre
An evening of nonfiction and long-form journalism, featuring writers from the Literary Journalism Environmental Writers Residency. Hosted by Steph Kwetásel’wet Wood, this free event explores environmental storytelling. More info
📅 Monday, March 3
20:00 🎶 Live Music 📍 Three Bears Brewery, Banff
Enjoy a variety of local musicians in a relaxed and family-friendly setting with craft beers and great food. More info
21:00 🎤 Melissa’s Missteak Presents: The Free Label 📍 Melissa’s Missteak, Banff
Toronto’s The Free Label brings their blend of ‘70s disco, ‘90s R&B, and funk to Banff. Known for their electrifying performances and festival appearances. Tickets CA$14.02. More info
21:00 🎤 Open Mic Night 📍 Beaver Bar, Banff
Step up to the mic or enjoy live acoustic performances in a welcoming, friendly setting. A perfect event for music lovers and aspiring artists. More info
22:00 🎸 Brent Lee 📍 Rose & Crown, Banff
Brent Lee returns for a second night of country rock music at the Rose & Crown. No cover charge. More info
22:00 🎧 DJ 86EGO & DJ Corn 📍 High Rollers, Banff
Monday night comes alive with DJ 86EGO and DJ Corn spinning energetic beats at High Rollers. Arrive before 11 PM to skip the line! More info
📅 Tuesday, March 4
21:00 🎤 Karaoke Night 📍 Melissa’s Missteak, Banff
Banff’s biggest weekly party! Sing your heart out while enjoying $4.50 highballs and a fun, high-energy crowd. More info
22:00 🎸 The Blue Mules 📍 Rose & Crown, Banff
Experience a night of blues rock with The Blue Mules as they bring their signature energy to the stage. No cover charge. More info
22:00 🎧 DJ STYLER NAZO 📍 High Rollers, Banff
Keep the week going strong with DJ Styler Nazo spinning an epic set at High Rollers. Arrive before 11 PM for priority entry. More info
22:00 🎶 Emo Night Banff 📍 The Pump & Tap Tavern, Banff
A special Emo Night takeover of Punk Night! DJs spinning your favorite Emo and Pop-Punk tracks, from sing-alongs to danceable remixes. Prizes for best dressed! No cover charge. More info
📅 Wednesday, March 5
20:30 🎶 Live Music 📍 Three Bears Brewery, Banff
Enjoy live acoustic performances from local musicians in a relaxed, family-friendly setting with craft beer and great food. More info
22:00 🎸 The Blue Mules 📍 Rose & Crown, Banff
A second night of blues rock from The Blue Mules at the Rose & Crown. No cover charge. More info
22:00 🎧 DJ HOPS 📍 High Rollers, Banff
Dance the night away every Wednesday with DJ Hops spinning an energetic midweek set. Arrive before 11 PM to skip the line! More info
22:00 🎤 Tommy's Open Mic 📍 Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub, Banff
Hosted by Garry from The Ramblin’ Hey Ho Ha’s! Instruments provided—come jam or enjoy live performances. More info
20:00 🎸 Brent Lee 📍 St. James’s Gate Irish Pub, Banff
Enjoy a night of live country rock with Brent Lee, great music, fresh pints of Guinness, and a lively crowd. More info
📅 Thursday, March 6
21:00 🎧 Melissa’s Missteak Presents: RUMPUS & BURCHILL 📍 Melissa’s Missteak, Banff
An electrifying night with award-winning DJ and producer RUMPUS, known for his high-energy performances and live drumming, alongside BURCHILL. Expect groovy bass house and global influences. More info
21:00 🎶 Acoustic Arn & Mike Webb 📍 High Rollers, Banff
Enjoy an intimate acoustic session with Arn & Mike Webb while taking advantage of half-price pizza and $10 fishbowls. Arrive before 11 PM to skip the line! More info
21:00 🎧 Local’s Night - $3 Everything 📍 Dancing Sasquatch, Banff
Local DJs spinning weekly, plus $3 drinks all night! Free entry—arrive before 11 PM. More info
22:00 🎶 Mo' Marley 📍 Rose & Crown, Banff
Experience roots rock reggae with Mo' Marley, bringing their signature sound to the stage. No cover charge. More info
🍺 The Eddie Burger + Bar (137 Banff Ave)
🕒 Happy Hour (10PM-Close) More info
🍔 $12 Signature Trash Cans (3oz), hiballs $6, draft pints $7.
🍺 Tommy’s (120 Banff Ave)
🕒 Happy Hour (3-6PM & 10PM-Close) More info
⏰ Pil cans, Miller High Life & hiballs $4.25. Daily Steak Sandwich: $13.95! Daily Lunch Special (till 4PM): $12.95!
🍺 Banff Ave Brewing Co. (110 Banff Ave)
🕒 Late Night (9PM+) More info
🍻 Shafts $4, Highballs $5, Ninjas (3oz) $10!
🍺 Magpie & Stump & El Patio (203 Caribou St.)
🕒 El Happy Hour (3-5PM) / Late Night (10PM+) More info More info
🌮 Margaritas $6, tacos ½ price, Coronas $6, Bulldogs $12. Same great drink deals late night!
🍺 The Fat Ox (415 Banff Ave)
🕒 Aperitivo Happy Hour (2-6 PM daily) More info
🍷 Indulge in delicious food & drink specials from just $5!
🍺 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!
🍺 Three Bears Brewery (205 Bear St.)
🕒 Happy Hour (3-5PM Daily) More info
🐻 $6.99 pints of 3 Bears Beer, Food and Cocktails Specials
🍺 Park Distillery (219 Banff Ave)
🕒 Cocktail Happy Hour (3-5PM Daily) More info
🍸 50% off Park cocktails & $7 footlong hotdogs!
🍺 Melissa’s MisSteak (201 Banff Ave)
🕒 Happy Hour (3-6PM daily) More info
🥩 $4.50 highballs, $5.25 Mel’s lager, $1/oz house wine. Late Night Happy Hour (Sun-Thurs, 10PM-2AM): Same drink specials + $6 Pilsner Tall Boys!
🍺 Bluebird (218 Lynx St.)
🕒 Fondue Happy Hour (4-5PM Daily) More info
🫕 Indulge in warm, melty goodness!
🍺 The Old Spaghetti Factory (Cascade Shops, 2nd Floor)
🕒 Happy Hour (2-5PM Daily) More info
🍝 Draft beer $6, wine from $6, highballs $5. Appetizers (BamBam shrimp, tenders, calamari) just $8!
🍺 Chili’s (461 Banff Ave)
🕒 Morning Happy Hour (9-11AM) / Afternoon Happy Hour (3-5PM) More info
🌶️ Special drinks & grab-and-go items + après drink specials!
🍺 Beaver (433 Banff Ave)
🕒 Happy Hour (4-6PM Nightly) More info
🍟 $4 select tap beers, $9 poutine, $6 waffle sticks!
🍺 High Rollers (110 Banff Ave)
🕒 Happy Hour (3-5PM & 10PM-Close) More info
🎳 $5.00 pints, food specials, half-price Shafts & bowling!
🍺 Hello Sunshine (208 Wolf St.)
🕒 Happy Hour (4-5PM Daily) / Hello Ramen (5-6PM, Sun-Fri) More info
🎤 Draft beer $6.50, 2oz house cocktails $10, Japanese hot dogs $5 (till 10PM). Ramen for $10! Plus, free private karaoke!
🍺 Banff Legion (92 Banff Ave.)
🕒 Happy Hour (4:30-6PM)
🎖️ Highballs, house wine & house beer for $4.75. Everyday Specials: $6 Margaritas & $5 Shafts!
🎉 Banff Pride Celebrations
📅 October 3-13
📍 Banff, AB
Celebrate diversity and inclusion in the heart of the Rockies at Banff Pride! This vibrant event features drag shows, live music, a bustling Pride Market, and more. As a top LGBTQ2S+ travel destination, Banff’s welcoming spirit shines bright during these celebrations. Join in and experience the joy of love, acceptance, and community. 🌈
🔗 More info: banffpride.ca
🎨 Art in Nature Trail
📅 July - September
📍 Bow River Trail, Banff
Immerse yourself in creativity along the Art in Nature Trail, a stunning outdoor exhibition showcasing over 65 artwork pieces integrated into the natural beauty of Banff National Park. From sculptures to paintings, this unique trail invites you to explore art in harmony with the landscape. A must-see for art and nature lovers alike!
🔗 More info: banfflakelouise.com
With so much happening in Banff, the fun never stops! We’ll be back soon with more events, live music, and activities to keep your social calendar packed. Have an amazing time, and we’ll see you at the next event! J & K |  |
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