14 Calgary food events to check out this October

October is a fabulous month for food.

We’ve got Thanksgiving, Halloween, and all the pumpkin spice-flavoured goodies you can get your freshly-gloved hands on.

With so much going on, we almost forget that summer is behind us and the cold weather is here – but at least our bellies will be warm.

Here are 14 Calgary food events, in or around the city, worth checking out this October.

See also

• Yummmm. Eat at Model Milk to celebrate its 6th anniversary!
• Check out this epic 16-day food festival coming to Banff and Lake Louise
• Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival back in Calgary for 20th anniversary

YYC Pizza Week 2017

The fourth annual YYC Pizza Week is almost here! This year more than 40 local food vendors have signed to support local businesses and charities in Calgary. During this event the public is invited to visit various YYC Pizza Week Restaurants around town and get a Thick, Thin or Gluten Free pizza for $20, with $3 from every pizza going back to Calgary Meals on Wheels.

When: Friday, September 22 to Sunday, October 1
Where: Participating pizzerias in Calgary. Click here for details.

Savour 17 Ave SW: walking tour of RED mile (retail and entertainment district)

A tour guide will greet you at CIBO restaurant on 17th Avenue SW near the corner of 9th Street. From there head to Made by Marcus Micro Creamery, Ollia, Frenchie Wine Bar, Ox Bar de Tapas, and finally, finish at Anju Restaurant. Don’t worry about tabs, tax, and tips – just show up ready to walk and eat!

When: Saturday and Sundays from September 2 to November 26 from noon to 3 pm
Where: Multiple venues, begin a Cibo, 1012 17 Ave SW
Cost: $115; buy online

Sunday Brunch and a Calgary Farmers’ Market Tour

Meet J. Webb Wine Merchants at The Calgary Farmers’ Market where you’ll receive a Yum Bakery pastry, Mediterranean salad, assortment of fruit, Analog coffee, and wine tasting. From there, stroll over to the farmer’s market and hear stories and experience tastings at ten different market vendors offering fresh fruits, vegetables, fruit wines, juices, bison, beef, pork, and cheeses. You’ll be seated for brunch and need to stand for about an hour at the market. All guests receive recipes, a shopping list, and a market bag. Don’t worry about tabs, tax, and tips – just show up ready to walk, watch, and eat!

When: Sundays from September 3 to November 26 at 10:30 am to 1 pm
Where: Calgary Farmers’ Market, 510 77 Street SE
Cost: $45; buy online

BYOV Oktoberfest

B.Y.O.V is back to say PROST to Oktoberfest. This event will feature the exclusive Marzen Oktoberfest Lager from Beau’s Brewing for $5 a sleeve and a Black Forest Cake Eating Contest, which starts at 7 pm.

When: Wednesday, October 4 at 6 pm
Where: National on 17th – 550 17 Avenue SW

New Beer’s Eve at National 8th + Westhills

This New Beer’s Eve events invites you to cheers to Happy Hour pricing all day long. This event is to make room for all the seasonal fall beers, and we’re happy to help make room for those.

Clément Rhum Dinner at Ricardo’s Hideaway 

Ricardo’s Hideaway invites you to join us for a four-course dinner with rhum pairings from Rhum Clément. Enjoy tasters and mixed cocktails with each course, while learning more about Clément’s rich history, distillery and different rhums, all in the relaxing Ricardo’s atmosphere.

When: Thursday, October 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Where: Ricardo’s Hideaway – 1530 5th Street SW
Cost: $85; buy via Showpass

Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival

After 20 years filled with wine, spirits, craft beers, and cocktails, the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival is still going strong two decades after its inception. Coming back to Calgary’s Stampede Park BMO Centre, the festival will feature the best of local drinks and cuisine throughout the two day event.

When: Friday, October 13, and Saturday, October 14 from 5 to 10 pm (Friday noon to 4 pm and 6 to 10 pm on Saturday)
Where: Stampede Park BMO Centre – Halls D and E, 20 Roundup Way SW
Cost: $21-32 per person ($0.50 per sample coupon; buy online)

Cardinale WineMakers Dinner

Guests will experience a four-course dinner exclusively prepared by Chef Steven Dowdell, thoughtfully paired with exquisite Italian wine by a visiting winery representative. Cardinale cultivates an entertaining learning experience while guests swirl, sip and savour. This dinner has three instalments: Aldegheri (Oct 11), the Cavit Collection (Oct 12), and Umani Ronchi (Oct 17).

When: Sunday, October 11; Monday, October 12; Tuesday, October 17
Where: 401 12 Avenue SW
Cost: $100; call Cardinale to purchase: 403-264-6046

Restaurants for Change 2017

Make a dinner reservation at a participating restaurant on October 18, 2017, and the restaurant will donate from 50% to 100% of their total food sales from dinner service to support community food programs in low-income neighbourhoods. Restaurants in Calgary include Deane House, Alforno, and Foreign Concept to name a few.

When: Wednesday, October 18
Where: Participating restaurants in Calgary

Beau’s Tap Takeover at National 10th

Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. is bringing some of its most unique beers to National 17th all the way from Ottawa. You’ll be able to sip on classics such as LugTread Lagered Ale or more exotic bevies like the Tom Green Cherry Milk Stout.

When: Thursday, October 19
Where: National 10th – 341 10 Avenue SW

Taste for Adventure

What do drool-worthy menus created by award-winning chefs, appetizing special events, and one of a kind culinary experiences have in common? They will all be featured during an epic food fest called Taste for Adventure – and you’re definitely going to want to get in on the action. Taking place in the stunning scenic locations of Banff and Lake Louise, the culinary adventure spans over a whopping 16 days, from October 25 to November 9, so clear your schedule; it’s time to start planning your trip.

When: October 25 to November 9
Where: Multiple venues in Banff and Lake Louise
Cost: Prices vary

Halloween House Party at National 10th

Celebrate Halloween at National on 10th this year. It’s a Halloween House Party and it’s going down on October 28. Expect DJ’s, drinks, and a room full of costume-clad attendees.

When: Saturday, October 28
Where: National 10th – 341 10 Avenue SW

Pumpkin Carving Contest at National Westhills

Returning for its 3rd year at National Westhills is the family-friendly Pumpkin Carving Contest. Come in anytime from Sunday, Oct 29 to Tuesday, Oct 31 and carve your way to fame. $15 gets you a pumpkin and all the tools needed, but feel free to bring your own gear! Take a pic of your masterpiece and post on Instagram using the hashtag #ntnlpumpkins – photos will be judged on October 31st, and the winner will be notified.

When: Sunday, October 29 to Tuesday, October 31
Where: National Westhills – 180 Stewart Green SW