9 amazing things to do in Calgary this October for $20 or less

While Calgary is full of wonderful things to do and check out, sometimes it can get a bit on the pricey side.
If you’re looking to enjoy yourself without breaking the bank, there are still plenty of options to check out. Here are nine amazing things to do in Calgary this October for $20 or less.
Movie nights at The Grand

The GRAND/Facebook
What: The Grand is hosting three movie nights this month. Catch screenings of Hocus Pocus, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Army of Darkness.
When: Oct. 9, 10, and 30, 2026
Where: The Grand – 608 1st St. SW
Cost: $15 + fees
Wandering Souls Thanksgiving Night Market
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What: Wandering Souls Night Market is hosting a Thanksgiving market this month. Join them at the Bowness Community Association for over 80 vendors, food, flash tattoos, wellness services, entertainment, and more.
When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
Time: 3 to 9 p.m.
Where: Bowness Community Association — 7904 43rd Ave. NW
Cost: Free
Pumpkins After Dark

Pumpkins After Dark Calgary/Facebook
What: Pumpkins After Dark is back! Head on over to WinSport this fall to check out illuminated pumpkin displays, live entertainment, pumpkin carving demonstrations, seasonal treats, and incredible photo opportunities.
When: Until Oct. 31, 2026
Where: WinSport — 88 Canada Olympic Rd. SW
Cost: Starting at $17; ticket prices vary by date
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Classics & Crafts

Jeff Whyte/Shutterstock
What: Head on over to The Confluence for a night of crafting and a screening of the 1999 movie Sleepy Hollow. Whether you’re knitting, sketching, or scrapbooking, bring your supplies and enjoy this perfect laid-back evening.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland – 750 9th Ave. SE
Cost: $12 plus fees
Cozy Community Night

Esker Foundation/Facebook
What: The Esker Foundation is hosting a community night this October. “Drop in for an evening of family-focused exhibition tours, fun gallery activities for kids, youth, and adults, free, cozy refreshments, and a special one-night-only 15 per cent community discount at The Bookshop at Esker. ”
When: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026
Where: Esker Foundation — 1011 9th Ave. SE
Cost: Free with registration
Enjoy a fall walk

LisaBourgeault/Shutterstock
What: With the weather cooling off and the leaves starting to change, there is no better time to get out and explore the city. If you’re looking for a gorgeous walk to enjoy a fall stroll, we went ahead and rounded up eight of the best spots in Calgary to do just that.
Where: Various locations across Calgary
Cost: Free
Halloween on 17th Avenue
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What: Halloween is coming to 17th Avenue, and it looks like it’s going to be a great time. You can find an outdoor dance party, a Halloween-themed carnival, trick-or-treating, and more special performances.
When: Oct. 23 and 24, 2026
Where: Tomkins Park — 8th Street and 17th Avenue SW
Cost: Free
Wandering Souls Halloween Night Market
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What: Wandering Souls Night Market is also hosting a Halloween night market this month. This market has two sections: upstairs will feature a normal night market, and downstairs will be an 18+ market and party until midnight.
When: Friday, Oct. 30, 2026
Time: 5 p.m. to midnight
Where: Triwood Community Association — 2244 Chicoutimi Dr. NW
Cost: Free
The Barn Artisan Market

The Barn Artisan Market/Supplied
What: The Barn Artisan Market hosts over 30 vendors across two floors, where you’ll be able to shop and browse products from local artisans, creators, crafters and makers. This month, you’ll also find its annual Halloween Market.
When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The Shawnessy Barn – 224 Shawmeadows Rd. SW
Cost: Free