With fall well underway here in Calgary, it’s time to pull out those cozy knits and head out on those beautiful fall adventures.
Let’s be honest, you never really know how long this season is going to last, so it’s best to take advantage of every moment that the sun is shining!
See also
- See over 400 artists at the Calgary Tattoo and Arts Festival next month
- Field of Screams returns with 4 haunted houses next week
- New Horizon Mall expects to have 18 stores open by end of next month
From fall markets to Thanksgiving festivals to toe-tapping concerts to ghoulish Halloween fun, this month is full of opportunities to get outdoors, spend time with your loved ones, and take in the uninterrupted fall views around the city!
Here is a list of 58 things to do in and around Calgary this October that will surely guarantee some lasting memories!
Get Outside
Get lost in a corn maze
Man walking through corn (Mario Dias/Shutterstock)
What: There is no better way to welcome fall then by heading out to one of Calgary’s many corn mazes and enjoying a fun-filled farm adventure. You can’t miss the “Outback Adventure” design at Cobbs Adventure park, along with the Kangaroo Petting Zoo, tractor rides, rope course, and more.
Where: Cobb’s Adventure Park and Calgary Corn Maze and Fun Farm
Go hiking in the Rockies
What: It’s officially larch season (it’s a type of tree). Grab your cameras and hiking gear and head up to the mountains to spend the day reconnecting with nature in the great outdoors and enjoy the picturesque fall views from the top.
Where: Here are some of the best hiking spots in and around Banff to check out this summer and fall.
Soak and sleep at Kananaskis Nordic Spa
What: Looking for a quick escape from the everyday grind? This brand new spa combines the tranquil rejuvenation of a traditional Nordic Spa and the Alpine stillness of the Canadian Rockies.
When: Open 7 days a week
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: 1 Centennial Drive, Kananaskis
Cost: $70
Go on a Clue Solving Adventure with Mystery Towns
What: Looking for a way to switch up date night or a new activity to keep the family busy? Check out Mystery Towns and enjoy an exciting mystery-filled adventure. Instantly accessible via clues to your smartphone, each Mystery Towns adventure combines the fun of a scavenger hunt, the puzzles of an escape room, and the challenge of an Amazing Race. This is the perfect way to discover a new city or hidden gems you never knew of in your own hometown. Good luck!
Where: Currently available in both Calgary, Canmore, and Edmonton and soon to be available in Banff.
Register: Online, $49 to $99
Get Active
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The 13 Annual Zombie Walk
What: In all of your zombie splendour (make-up artist will be on-site) shuffle (running is for the living) to the end of the course in Tomkin Park where all your zombie friends will wait.
When: October 14
Time: 12 pm
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8 Avenue SE
Cost: $5 and a $1 or a food donation to the Calgary Food Bank
The 28 Annual Alzheimer Walk and Run
What: Walk or run 5 km or 10 km to help raise money to transform the dementia story for those affected by this terrible disease.
When: Sunday, October 7
Time: 8 am
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW
Register: Online, $35
Alberta Diabetes Foundation: Halloween Howl Walk + Run
What: Dress up in your best Halloween Costume (that allows you to move) and come on down to the annual run and walk in support of life-diabetes research. Last year they raised over $100,000 – let’s make this year even better!
When: Saturday, October 20
Time: 8 am
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW
Register: Online, Fundraise a minimum of $100 to enter
Break Free 5K
What: This is not your average 5 km run! Celebrating a healthy and active lifestyle and play along the way. Throughout the route, there will be optional play stations to partake in and will emphasize the importance and fun of having a healthy lifestyle.
When: Saturday, October 20
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Bowness Park – 8900 48th Avenue NW
Register: Online, $25 to $50
Outrun the Stigma
What: Get outdoors and participate in this 5/10 km run or walk and help raise funds, raise awareness and end the stigma around mental health.
When: Sunday, October 21
Time: 8 am
Where: Unversity of Calgary – 2500 Unversity Drive NW
Register: Online, $20 to $25
October Markets
Local market in Rome. (Shutterstock)
Downtown Harvest Market
What: Shop for the ripest and most delicious produce from local growers, along with art, fashion and other unique gems made right here in Alberta.
When: Wednesday, October 17
Time: 10 am
Where: Gulf Canada Square – 401 9th Avenue SW
Admission: FREE
36 Annual Bearspaw Fall and Christmas Market
What: Shop over 90 handmade vendors and get a head start on your Christmas. Make it your mission to shop 100% local this holiday season.
When: October 19 to 21
Time:
Friday: 10 am to 8 pm
Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
Tangled Tree Fall and Christmas Market
What: Get started on your Christmas shopping early. Shop some of Calgary’s best handmade vendors including pottery, jewellery, painting, crochet, photography, soaps, bath-bombs and so much more.
When: Sunday, October 21
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Bearspaw Lions Hall – 25240 Nagway Road NW
Admission: FREE
Festivals and Other Events
Check out the future at Telus Future
What: Get a glimpse of what the future of your home will look like in an immersive interactive experience at the Telus Future home.
When: September 29 to October 5
Time: 11 am to 7 pm daily
Where: Chinook Centre – 6455 Macleod Trail
Admission: FREE
Flashlight Nights: Corn Maze in the Dark
What: Think navigating a corn maze in the daylight is hard? Think again!
When: Fridays and Saturdays beginning on September 14
Where: Calgary Corn Maze and Fun Farm – 284022 Township Road 224
Admission: $15.95 per adult, $14.95 per child
Autumn Pumpkin Festival
Pumpkins
What: Celebrate fall in the most appropriate way possible! Every weekend in October you will have the opportunity to explore the patch and pick out the perfect pumpkin to bring home. You can also check out the petting zoo, corn maze, fun farm, and more. Don’t miss The Great Pumpkin Explosion, where a pumpkin filled with candy is exploded daily!
When: Every Saturday and Sunday in October (Including Thanksgiving Monday)
Where: Calgary Corn Maze and Fun Farm – 284022 Township Road 224
Admission: $16.95 (ages 3+)
Calgary Volunteer Fair
What: This one-day trade show will feature 60 local organizations and give you the opportunity to learn about the vast amount of volunteer opportunities that there are around our city!
When: Tuesday, October 2
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Kerby Centre – 1133 7th Avenue SW
Admission: FREE
23rd Annual Wordfest
What: Calling all writers, authors and those who appreciate a good book – Calgary’s number 1 reader’s festival is back for 7 days you won’t want to miss out on! Celebrate the written word by experiencing live presentations, panels, industry workshops, art installations, and more by 80+ international bestselling authors and up-and-comers.
When: October 8 to 14
Where: Various locations around Calgary
Festival Pass: Online, $195 to $225
Calgary’s Celebration of Sport
What: Come to honour the people and organizations that make Calgary a world-class sports city!
When: Thursday, October 11
Time: 3 to 5 pm
Where: WinSport, Markin MacPhail Centre – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
Tickets: Online, $125
Loft Speaker Series: Work. Love. Balance.
What: Join couple’s panellists, Reuben Bullock and Kaelen Ohm (Reuben and the Dark), Karen Kho and Dave Sturies (Empire Provisions), Wray and Jereme Bokitch (Hedkandi) for an evening discussing the careful balance between work, love, and relationships.
When: Thursday, October 11
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Where: The Loft by Amanda Hamilton – 405 11th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $10 to $20
Dinner + A Movie at Heritage Park
What: Dinner and a classic flick — date night just got brought up a notch!
Where: Gasoline Alley – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
When:
October 16 – Hocus Pocus
October 30 – Dracula (1931)
November 13 – Mamma Mia
November 27 – Moulin Rouge
December 11 – The Muppet Christmas Carol
December 18 – Miracle on 34 Street
Admission: $44.95 per person
Bo0byball Presents: Wild West
What: The most bodacious bash of the year is back and is going western! You’re in for a wild ride as you take a ride through southern-inspired swills set against a dessert chic backdrop. Show some southern hospitality as you celebrate a healthy active lifestyle for women to help reduce the development of breast cancer.
When: Saturday, October 20
Time: 8 pm to 1 am
Where: Hotel Arts – 119 12th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $85 to $200
CollectorFest
What: Geeks unite! In the third annual show, expect anything and everything pop culture, from toys, movies, video games, collectables, and more! There will also be a variety of specialty workshops and a retro video game tournament that you won’t want to miss.
When: Saturday, October 20
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Chinese Cultural Centre – 197 1st Street SW
Admission: $5 with 20% of the proceeds will go to support Woods Homes
Ghouls’ Night Out
What: Celebrate Halloween a little differently this year! Don’t miss out on the many ghostly encounters and freaky family fun to be had at Heritage Park this Halloween.
When: October 25 to 28
Time: Varies — see schedule here
Where: Heritage Park — 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Admission: Adults (13+) – $12.95, Kids (3-12) $7.95
Spark Halloween Party
What: Join DJ Joanna Magik for a silent disco party at the mad science lab of horror at Telus Spark. Come with your ghoulish gang and be prepared to enjoy delicious food and drinks, and dance the night away in your best Halloween costume. Be sure to catch the classic “Thriller” dance lesson and the many photo ops throughout the night!
When: Saturday, October 27
Time: 7 pm to 1 am
Where: Telus Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
Cost: Online, $26
Halloweekends at Calaway Park
What: Halloween is beginning early at Calaway Park. Will you take a stroll down Hallo-Street? We dare you.
When: September 8 to October 8
Time: Regular park hours
Where: Calaway Park – 24033 Range Road 33
Admission: Regular park admission
Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival
What: Experience the stories and tales of enthralling journeys, adventures, and ground-breaking expeditions first-hand from authors, photographers, adventurers, and filmmakers from around the world.
When: October 28 to November 5
Where: Various locations around Banff. View full schedule here
Cost: Price varies depending on how many performances you see
Food and Drink Festivities
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Uncorked: Wines of the World
What: Learn about wines from three notable wine regions of the world while you experience the elevated lifestyle and amenities firsthand at Sanderson Ridge, a premier living community for adults 40+.
When: Thursday, October 4
Time: 5 to 8 pm
Where: Sanderson Ridge – 2330 Fish Creek Boulevard
Tickets: FREE
Cocktail Classes
What: Interested in upping your cocktail game? Learn the ropes from the experts at Shelter. You’ll learn everything from the comprehensive history of cocktail culture, mixology origins dating back in the 1800s and the resurgence of a craft beverage in the early 2000s. The class includes three cocktails, complimentary bar snacks, muddling, stirring, shaking, and smoking techniques. You’ll also receive your very own cocktail survival guide.
Attendees must be 18+
When: October 2 reoccurring on the first Tuesday of each month
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: Shelter – 1210 1st Street SE
Tickets: Online, $65 per person
Teatro’s Alumni Dinner
What: Join alumni chefs and sommeliers of Teatro for a special night featuring signature experience, showcasing the best of Teatro then and now!
When: Thursday, October 4
Time: 6:30 to 11:30 pm
Where: Teatro Ristorante – 200 8th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $250
Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival
What: Swirl, smell, sip – you know the drill!
When: October 12 to 13
Time:
Friday: 5 to 10 pm
Saturday: Noon to 4 pm
Saturday: 6 to 10 pm
Where: BMO Centre – 20 Roundup Way SE
Tickets: Online, $29 to $32
Gluten Free Expo
What: Sample, shop, and save on hundreds of delicious gluten-free products that the whole family will love. From beer to pizza to perogies – you can try it all at Canada’s largest gluten-free event right here in Calgary!
When: October 20 to 21
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Big Four Building – 1801 Big Four Trail SE
Tickets: Online, $15
Walk the YYC’s Dine and Dash: Boos and Booze Edition
What: Begin your night at the Bank and Baron and enjoy a spooky drink and three-course meal at the Vault. After dinner, you’ll get a tour of the city from the dark side in an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt. Prepare to be spooked!
When: Friday, October 26
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: The Bank and Baron – 125 8th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $125
Art and Culture
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Free First Thursday
What: Explore the Glenbow at your leisure for FREE on the first Thursday of every month. They are launching some neat new exhibitions this month that you won’t want to miss out on.
When: Thursday, October 4
Time: 5 pm to close
Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE
Admission: Free
Disney in Concert: Beauty and the Beast
What: Get swept away with Belle and the cast of Beauty and the Beast, as the Philharmonic Orchestra brings this all-time classic to life. Be our guest!
When: October 5 to 6
Time:
Friday: 7:30 pm
Saturday: 2 pm
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $31 to $100
Tunes from the Trenches
What: Spend an evening reminiscing the good, the bad, and the ugly of the First World War. Enjoy popular tunes of the period, played by the Regiment band of The Kings Own Calgary Regiment accompanied by Joni Delauier and the Home Front Singers.
When: Tuesday, October 16
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: The Military Museums – 4520 Crowchild Trail SW
Admission: Regular Admission
Fluid Fest
What: Come celebrate the vast spectrum of what dance can truly be! With performances, workshops, artist talks and happenings, you will surely leave inspired to connect, be curious, and be fluid.
When: October 18 to November 3
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations around the city
Tickets: Online, $125 Festival Pass
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
What: Hamlet’s good friends are summoned to Denmark to comfort their grieving friend, but their journey is anything but boring! Their story of facing their fears seems as though it could be heading towards a tragic ending.
When: October 9 to 21
Time: 7:30 pm and 2 pm
Where: Martha Cohen Theatre – 215 8th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $30 to $76
Alberta Ballet Presents: Sleeping Beauty
What: Enjoy a special rendition of this timeless classic by Christopher Anderson, mixed in with a decidedly western Canadian sensibility.
When: October 24 to 27
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $42 to $145
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: I Know What You Did Last Halloween
What: Enjoy an interactive evening as you laugh along with the actors and figure out WHO DONE IT!
When: Wednesday, October 31
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $85
Family Slumber Party
What: Take flight in your PJ’s and blast off into space as you explore the solar system on a nighttime voyage throughout the entire museum. You’ll also get the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes tour and see where the Glenbow’s precious artifacts are stored.
When: Saturday, October 20
Time: 6 pm to 9 am
Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE
Admission: $85
Concerts and Performances
Lisa Brokop: Legendary Ladies of Country
When: Tuesday, October 2
Time: 7 pm
Where: Bert Church Live – 1000 East Lake Boulevard, Airdrie
Tickets: Online, $32
Shred Kelly
When: Friday, October 5
Time: 9 pm
Where: The Gateway (SAIT) – 1301 16th Avenue NW (Campus Centre)
Tickets: Ticketmaster, 50+
The Velveteins
When: Saturday, October 6
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Gateway (SAIT) – 1301 16th Avenue NW (Campus Centre)
Tickets: Ticketmaster, 50+
Getter
When: Saturday, October 6
Time: 9 pm
Where: The Palace Theatre – 219 8th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $43.30 to $49.10
In Dreams: Roy Orbison in Concert – The Hologram Tour
When: Wednesday, October 10
Time: 8 pm
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $52 to $204
Burt Cummings and Band
When: Friday, October 12
Time: 8 pm
Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre –3777 Grey Eagle Drive SW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $50+
Jenn Beaupre Bad Girl Release Concert
When: Saturday, October 13
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Festival Hall – 1215 10th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $20
Queen Extravaganza Performing Queen’s Greatest Hits
When: Thursday, October 18
Time: 8 pm
Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre –3777 Grey Eagle Drive SW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, 50+
Colter Wall
When: Friday, October 19
Time: 7 pm
Where: MacEwan Ballroom – 2500 University Drive SW
Tickets: Online, $30
Brothers Osborne with Guests
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When: Saturday, October 20
Time: 7 pm
Where: MacEwan Ballroom – 2500 University Drive SW
Tickets: Online, $42.50
Jeremy Fisher
When: Saturday, October 20
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Gateway (SAIT) – 1301 16th Avenue NW (Campus Centre)
Tickets: Ticketmaster, 50+
Foo Fighters: Concrete and Gold Tour’18
When: Tuesday, October 23
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $74 to $403
Cemetery of Sound with Illenium, Oliver Heldens and KSHMR
When: Friday, October 26
Time: 9 pm
Where: BMO Centre – 20 Roundup Way SE
Tickets: Ticketmaster, 50+
Classified: The Canadian Classic Tour
When: Saturday, October 27
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Palace Theatre – 219 8th Avenue SW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $50+
The Dudes
When: Saturday, October 27
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Gateway (SAIT) – 1301 16th Avenue NW (Campus Centre)
Tickets: Ticketmaster, 50+
Reuben and the Dark
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When: Tuesday, October 30
Time: 8 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $35 to $43
Sporting Events
Calgary Stampeders/Facebook
Cheer on the Calgary Stampeders
What: Grab your jersey and head down to McMahon Stadium for a tailgate and a chance to cheer on the Calgary Stampeders.
When:
Saturday, October 13 vs the BC Lions at 6 pm
Saturday, October 20 vs The Saskatchewan Roughriders at 5 pm
Where: McMahon Stadium — 1817 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Cheer on the Calgary Flames
What: The Flames are back with a vengeance for another season. Grab your jersey and come to cheer them on in a sea of red down at the Dome.
When:
Saturday, October 6 vs The Vancouver Canucks at 8 pm
Wednesday, October 17 vs The Boston Bruins at 7:30 pm
Friday, October 19 vs The Nashville Predators at 7 pm
Thursday, October 25 vs The Pittsburgh Penguins at 7 pm
Saturday, October 27 vs The Washington Capitals at 2 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Cheer on the Calgary Hitmen
What: The Hitmen are always known for raising the bar and putting their all into every game. Come cheer them on and wish them luck in the 2018/19 season!
When:
Friday, October 5 vs The Saskatoon Blades at 7 pm
Monday, October 8 vs The Prince Albert Raiders at 8 pm
Friday, October 12 vs The Lethbridge Hurricanes at 7 pm
Sunday, October 14 vs The Regina Pats at 2 pm
Friday, October 26 vs The Lethbridge Hurricanes at 7 pm
Sunday, October 28 vs The Saskatoon Blades at 4 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Tickets: Ticketmaster
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