Plan Your Week in Banff: Made With Love, Upper Hot Springs & Mountain Tunes

Hey Banff! Here's What’s Happening This Week!

Ready for a flavour-packed week? The Made with Love Festival is here, serving up unforgettable food and cocktail pairings across Banff from April 22 to May 4. With Bear Street transforming into a creative culinary hub, it's a great time to explore the local food scene.

Need a midweek break? Our feature on Banff Upper Hot Springs will have you soaking in the views - and the mineral-rich warmth - of one of Banff's most beloved spots. It's a timeless experience, whether you’re a visitor or a longtime local.

There's also a full slate of events to dive into, from writer readings and trivia to DJ sets and live blues. The energy is high, and the options are endless.

Check out everything lined up below and make it a week to remember!

🚧 Banff closes part of Legacy Trail due to damaged bridge
A pedestrian bridge near Cascade Pond has been deemed unsafe, closing the eastern trail section until further notice. More

🏘️ Banff considers rare move to open National Parks Act for housing fix
A controversial clause in the new community plan could allow rezoning within the town boundary to support housing and infrastructure - if federal law changes. More

🔥 Banff wildfire near Vermilion Lakes likely sparked by careless smoker
Officials suspect a tossed cigarette caused the blaze, prompting urgent reminders about fire safety as dry spring conditions persist. More

🍸 Banff's Made with Love Festival stirs up bold flavours and fierce competition
From April 22 to May 4, chefs and bartenders reimagine pairings, with Bear Street transforming into a foodie showdown. More

Below is a full list of events. If you need more information or a direct link to the event/venue, visit our events page

Mon, 21st Apr

19:00 📚 Summer Writers Readings - CLVB '33, Banff Centre
Hosted by Douglas Kearney, this free literary cabaret features poetry and prose from emerging writers and faculty. Doors open at 18:15.

19:00 🧠 Trivia Night - Melissa's, Banff
Team up and test your trivia chops at Melissa’s.

20:00 🎶 Live Music - Three Bears, Banff
Relax with live tunes and mountain vibes.

21:00 🎤 Open Mic - The Beaver Banff
Hosted by Liam Cowan. Step up to the mic or just enjoy. Free entry.

22:00 🎧 Mondays: 2 DJs Live - High Rollers, Banff
Live DJ sets from 22:00. POWER HOUR drink specials from 15:00–17:00 and 22:00–close.

22:00 🎸 Brent Lee Live - Rose & Crown, Banff
Cozy evening of live music with Andrew Staygold. Great tunes and good vibes.

Tue, 22nd Apr

22:00 🎧 Styler VNAz - High Rollers, Banff
Electrifying Tuesday night set with Styler VNAz. 75-cent wings and high-energy beats all night.

22:00 🎤 Karaoke Night - Melissa's, Banff
Sing your heart out from 10 PM to 2 AM at Bow Valley's biggest karaoke night. Drink specials: $5.25 Mel's Lager, $6 Tall Cans, $4.50 Highballs, $5.25 Select Shots.

22:00 🎹 Jesse Peters Live - Rose & Crown, Banff
Experience the powerhouse vocals and piano magic of Jesse Peters. His music has featured in hit TV shows - don't miss this unforgettable night.

Wed, 23rd Apr

15:00 🎶 Live Music 📍 Three Bears
Kick back with live music and a chill mountain vibe at Three Bears. More

16:00 🌸 Making Paper Flowers 📍 Banff Seniors' Centre (101 Bear St)
Celebrate the season with this free Local Love crafting event. Create colourful paper flowers-perfect for Mother's Day. All materials provided. More

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

22:00 🎧 DJ Hops - Wednesday Party Night 📍 High Rollers, Banff
Dance the night away with DJ Hops and enjoy all-day POWER HOUR: $5 pints, $4 hiballs, and $4 shafts. More

22:00 🎛️ DJ Strength LIVE at The Rose! 📍 Rose & Crown, Banff
DJ Strength returns to The Rose for a high-energy night of music and dancing. More

Thu, 24th Apr

16:00 🌸 Spring Lifestyle Takeover 2025 - Banff
A weekend getaway for the open-minded and adventurous. Runs April 24-27 with surprises, social events, and vibrant community vibes.

18:00 🎨 Women's Circle: Painting and Planting - YWCA Banff, 102 Spray Ave
Paint and plant terracotta pots while connecting in a welcoming space. Free with registration. Snacks and childcare provided.

19:00 🌑 New Moon Event - 220 Bear St, Banff
Reiki, guided meditation, and personalized oracle reading. $50 per person. Max 8 guests. Call 403-985-2200 to reserve.

19:00 💎 Craft Night: Jewelry Workshop - Banff Canmore Foundation, 214 Banff Ave
Create pendant necklaces in a space for the 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies. All materials provided. All ages welcome.

19:30 Balkan Greek Night - Balkan
Free live dinner show with belly dancing, plate smashing, and Greek dancing. Full a la carte menu. All ages welcome.

21:00 🎉 Thursdays $3 Everything - Dancing Sasquatch
Local’s night with $3 drinks all night and free entry. DJs spinning until late. Arrive before 11 PM.

21:00 🤠 Country Night - High Rollers, Banff
Line dancing, cold drinks, and classic country vibes in the Rockies.

22:00 🎸 Mike MacKenzie Live - Rose & Crown, Banff
Progressive blues-rock with jazz and soul in a textured live set.

Future Events

Below is a selection of future events. A more detailed list can be found on our events page

Fri, 9th May, 20:00 🎤 Dean Lewis 📍 Grey Eagle Resort & Casino, Calgary
Heartfelt acoustic pop from the Australian singer-songwriter. More

Wed, 21st May, 10:00 (Weekly) 🛍️ Farmers Market 📍 Central Park, Banff
Local produce, crafts, and food every Wednesday until Oct 1. More

Sun, 15th Jun, 09:00 🏃 Banff Half Marathon and 10K 📍 Banff Avenue & Banff National Park, Banff
Scenic race through Banff National Park. More

Tue, 1st Jul 🍁 Canada Day in Banff 📍 Banff Avenue and surrounding areas, Banff
Bike parade, live music, and food vendors. More

Thu, 3rd Jul - Mon, 7th Jul 🧠 Renaissance Weekend 📍 Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Banff
Talks, workshops, and outdoor adventures. More

Sat, 5th Jul, 19:30 🎶 Shania Twain 📍 Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary
Country-pop legend live with all the hits. More

Fri, 18th Jul 🎭 Banff Centre Celebrates 📍 Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Banff
Live performances, art showcases, and culinary experiences. More

Sun, 24th Aug - Sun, 31st Aug 🎻 Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC) 📍 Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Banff
Prestigious chamber music competition and Viennese Waltz Night. More

Fri, 12th Sep, 18:30 🎸 Keith Urban 📍 Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary
Country star live with blazing guitar solos. More

Sat, 27th Sep 🏃 Melissa's Road Race 📍 Banff Avenue & Banff National Park, Banff
5K, 10K, and 21K races through scenic Banff. More

Sat, 1st Nov - Sun, 9th Nov 🎥 Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival 📍 Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Banff
Films, books, and stories celebrating mountain culture. More

Spotlight On: Banff Upper Hot Springs

Tucked on Sulphur Mountain, Banff Upper Hot Springs is one of those must-do experiences that never gets old - especially when there's steam rising from the water and snow dusting the peaks around you.

Sitting above Banff, the views alone are worth the trip. But then you slide into that mineral-rich water (kept at a balmy 37-40°C), and suddenly, life feels a lot simpler.

These springs have been cherished for centuries, first by Indigenous Peoples for their healing powers, and later by settlers who helped shape Banff into what it is today. A heritage site since 1931, the current bathhouse still holds its rustic charm. Bonus: You can even rent a vintage swimsuit if you're feeling retro!

Whether you're easing sore legs after a hike or just looking for a unique way to unwind, the Upper Hot Springs hit the spot. Hop on ROAM Transit Route 1 or try your luck with the parking - and don't forget to check the website for hours before heading up! Find Out More

🍻 Banff Ave Brewing Co. (110 Banff Ave) (21:00- close)
Shafts $4, Highballs $5, Ninjas (3oz) $10!

🎖️ Banff Legion (92 Banff Ave) (16:30-18:00)
Highballs, house wine & house beer for $4.75. Everyday Specials: $6 Margaritas & $5 Shafts!

🍟 Beaver (433 Banff Ave) (16:00-18:00, Nightly)
$4 select tap beers, $9 poutine, $6 waffle sticks!

🫕 Bluebird (218 Lynx St) (16:00-17:00, Daily)
Indulge in warm, melty goodness!

🌶️ Chilli’s (461 Banff Ave)
Morning Happy Hour (09:00-11:00) / Afternoon Happy Hour (15:00-17:00)
Special drinks & grab-and-go items + après drink specials!

🥩 The Elk and Oarsman (119 Banff Ave) (15:00-17:00, Mon-Fri)
Tues: $12 Steak Sandwich • Wed: 1/2 Price Wings • Thurs: $17 Half Rack / $22 Full Rack of Ribs

🎤 Hello Sunshine (208 Wolf St)
Happy Hour (16:00-17:00, Daily) / Hello Ramen (17:00-18:00, Sun-Fri)
Draft beer $6.50, 2oz house cocktails $10.

🎳 High Rollers (110 Banff Ave) (15:00-17:00 & 22:00-close)
$5.00 pints, food specials, half-price Shafts & bowling!

🌮 Magpie & Stump & El Patio (203 Caribou St)
El Happy Hour (15:00-17:00) / Late Night (22:00-close)
Margaritas $6, tacos 1/2 price, Coronas $6, Bulldogs $12.

🍺 Melissa's MisSteak (201 Banff Ave) (15:00-18:00, Daily)
$4.50 highballs, $5.25 Mel's lager, $1/oz house wine. Late Night Happy Hour (Sun-Thu, 22:00-02:00): Same drink specials + $6 Pilsner Tall Boys!

🍸 Park Distillery (219 Banff Ave) (15:00-17:00, Daily)
50% off Park cocktails & $7 footlong hotdogs!

🍀 St. James' Gate (207 Wolf St) (15:00-18:00, Mon-Fri)
Pub classics from $13.50, beer from $7.50, plus whiskey flights at 25% off!

🍔 The Eddie Burger + Bar (137 Banff Ave) (22:00- close)
$12 Signature Trash Cans (3oz), hiballs $6, draft pints $7

🍷 The Fat Ox (415 Banff Ave) (14:00-18:00, Daily)
Indulge in delicious food & drink specials from just $5!

🍝 The Old Spaghetti Factory (Cascade Shops, 2nd Floor) (14:00-17:00, Daily)
Draft beer $6, wine from $6, highballs $5. Appetizers (BamBam shrimp, tenders, calamari) just $8!

🐻 Three Bears Brewery (205 Bear St) (15:00-17:00, Daily)
$6.99 pints of 3 Bears Beer, food and cocktail specials

⏰ Tommy's (120 Banff Ave) (15:00-18:00 & 22:00-close)
Pil cans, Miller High Life & hiballs $4.25. Daily Steak Sandwich: $13.95! Daily Lunch Special (till 16:00): $12.95!

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