17 things to do in Calgary this week: September 25 to October 1

And so ends September 2017. Summer goes with it, leaving nothing but the cold winter ahead.

But before we get to all those dark and dreary days, we still have an Autumn to celebrate!

Check out a few of these end-of-September events to get into a corn-mazing, pumpkin-patching kind of mood.

Monday, September 25

Words & Co. Pop Up at Greater Goods

• What: Pick yourself up a felt letter board during the Words and Co. Pop Up at Greater Goods during the month of September. These are great for lightening up a room with a hilarious pun or displaying the table settings at your wedding!
• When: Now until Saturday, September 30
• Time:  11 am to 5 pm
• Where: Greater Goods Boutique and Tea Bar – 606 Meredith Road NE

18th Annual Calgary International Film Festival

• What: As the sixth largest film festival in Canada, this 12-day showcase will feature up to 200 multi-genre feature and short films from over 45 countries including Canada. Come support and engage with local artists of the big screen and come together with the like minded community who share your love of film!
• When: Until Sunday, October 1
• Where: Various venues around Calgary
• Tickets: Calgaryfilm.com, $15-$300

Tuesday, September 26

The Sound of Music Touring

• What: To no one’s surprise, The Sound of Music continues to be the most successful and popular movie musical in history. Come see this heartwarming, beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family and singalong to iconic numbers, “My Favourite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi” and more!
• When: Tuesday, September 26 – October 1
• Time: Schedule can be found here
• Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Avenue NW
• Tickets: Broadway.com, $35-$135

Wednesday, September 27

High River International Balloon Festival

• What: Hot air balloons filling the sky for the annual Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival. You could even go up in one!
• When: Wednesday, September 27, to Sunday, October 1
• Time: A full schedule of the festival can be found here
• Where: Heritage Inn – 1104 11 Ave SE, High River
  • Launch site: 917 Macleod Trail SW
  • Balloon Night Glow: Spitzee Elementary School field – 409 Macleod Trail SW, High River
• Admission: Free for spectators, and passenger balloon flights are $250 per passenger

Thursday, September 28

Searching for Mary Schäffer

• What: Learn how Mary Schäffer’s art is reflective of her adventures in the Canadian Rockies back in the early-20th century, along with how it resonates with audiences today in the launch of this new book by Colleen Skidmore.
• When: Thursday, September 28
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Whyte Museum – 111 Bear Street, Banff
• Admission: FREE

Timeraiser 150

• What: “Bid time, do good, get art.” The concept of this art auction is easy, bid your time rather than your money and get a beautiful art piece in return!
• When: Thursday, September 28
• Time: 7:30 to 10 pm
• Where: Art Commons – 205 8 Avenue SW
• Tickets: Artscommons.ca, $22

The Harlem Globetrotters 

• What: Come cheer on The Harlem Globetrotters as they make a stop in Calgary on their 2017 World Tour!
• When: Thursday, September 28
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
• Tickets: Ticketmaster, $18-$105

Friday, September 29

Thanksgiving Bake Off

• What: Get Thanksgiving started early this year by sampling five delicious pies made from the market vendors and voting for your favourite in support of the Calgary Food Bank. The winning vendor will be given the opportunity to take home the trophy and bragging rights for the BEST pie in the market.
• When: Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30
• Time: 11 am to  2 pm
• Where: The Calgary Farmers Market – 510 77 Avenue SE
• Admission: FREE

Fitness Fridays with ROW17

• What: Take your fitness experience to the next level with ROW17 and revitalize your core with this new Power Row-ga workout every Friday until September 29.
• When: Every Friday between August 4 and September 29
• Time: 2:30 to 3:25 pm
• Where: Tomkins Park between 7 Street and 8 Street SW
• Admission: FREE

Saturday, September 30

Cheer on the Calgary Flames

• What: Two words – Red Mile! Let’s do this!
• When: Saturday, September 30 vs Winnipeg
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
• Tickets: Ticketmaster, $17 and up

Parkluxe 2017 presented by Bankers Hall

• What: Calling all fashionistas! Enjoy this luxury art and fashion show featuring some of Canada’s best high-end fashion designers and artists, such as Paul Hardy, Lauren Bagliore, House of Nonie and more. Come and celebrate the Canadian fashion industry at Calgary’s best, most exquisite fashion event of the year!
• When: Saturday, September 30
• Time: 7 to 11 pm
• Where: Spruce Meadows, Equi-plex – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
• Tickets: Ticketleap.com, $50-$350

Community Fall Fair

• What: Pumpkins, wagon rides, corn mazes, and anything else that you may need to get into the spirit of the season.
• When: Saturday, September 30
• Time: 10 am to 2 pm
• Where: ENMAX Park – 1410 Olympic Way SE
• Admission: FREE

Hempfest Cannabis Expo

• What: A consumer trade show that highlights the cannabis and hemp industries.
• When: Saturday, September 30 to Sunday, October 1
• Where: BMO Centre – 20 Roundup Way SW
• Tickets: Eventbrite, $15

Any day of the week

Go hiking in the Rockies

• What: It’s larch season! Grab your cameras and hiking gear and enjoy the picturesque fall views from the top of a mountain.
• Where: Here are some of the best hiking spots in and around Banff to check out this summer.

Experience the new and improved Brewster Banff Gondola

• What: Head to the summit for an unreal view above the treetops and a birds-eye view of six different mountain ranges, while sipping on a delicious Starbucks coffee or a refreshing glass of wine.
• Where: 100 Mountain Avenue, Banff
• Tickets: Brewster.ca, $62 for adults, $31 for children

Rent a bike and go on a river adventure

• What: Grab your squad, get yourself some wheels and see the city from a different perspective.
• Where: Rent bikes at these locations: The Livery, Rath Bicycle, Bike and Brew
• Rental: Varies per bike rental location

Get lost in a Corn Maze

• What: There is no better way to welcome fall than heading out to one of Calgary’s many corn mazes and enjoying a fun-filled farm adventure. Don’t forget to check out the Kangaroo Petting Zoo new to Cobb’s Adventure Park and Corn Maze!
• Where: Cobb’s Adventure Park and Calgary Corn Maze and Fun Farm
• Tickets: $14 and under