Keep your fall budget in check this October with our checklist of 26 FREE events happening in Calgary this month. Check out CollectorFest, Sunday Night Special, and more.
For more things happening around town check out our events section.
Explore the city
Bingo at The Mustard Seed
What: Enjoy an hour of Bingo at The Mustard Seed for a chance to win prizes.
When: October 14, October 28, November 11, and November 25, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: The Mustard Seed Neighbour Centre – 6060 Memorial Drive, NE Calgary
Admission: Free
Who’s in the Hall Wednesdays
What: Enjoy a free night at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. For the first time, the hall will be opening their doors on the first Wednesday of every month featuring free admission, cash bar, fun interactives, and a speakers series.
When: The first Wednesday of every month – October 2, November 6, December 4, 2019
Times: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame – 169 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Print(ed) Word Salon Series
What: Print(ed) Word is a collection of 12 handmade artist books now on permanent display at Calgary’s Central Library. Each month, a different team of authors and artists present a talk on their process of collaboration.
When: October 8, November 12 and December 10, 2019
Time: 7 to 8 pm
Where: Central Library – Level 4 – Simons-Harvie Community Reading Room – 800 3 St SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Sunday Night Special at National on 10th
What: National on 10th is bringing back its Sunday Night Special, with free bowling, arcade games, giant Jenga, and drink specials during Thanksgiving long weekend. On October 13, patrons can head to this spot and enjoy games at no cost, and the following drink deals: $3 from 7 to 8 pm, $4 from 8 to 9 pm, and $5 from 9 pm to last call on all Alberta-brewed beers, hi-balls, and shafts on draft.
When: October 13, 2019
Time: All day
Where: National on 10th – 341 10 Ave SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Monthly Open House at AVRO Museum
What: Learn more about Avro Canada and its contributions to Canada’s aviation and aerospace legacy, plus see the latest progress on the Arrow II project. There will be a flight simulator on-site, used in AVRO’s design and testing, which will be open for the public to take for a spin.
When: The Second Sunday of every month – October 13, November 10, December 8, 2019
Time: 12 to 3 pm
Where: AVRO Museum – 229 Avro Lane, Calgary
Admission: Free. Small donation when using the flight simulator to help maintain its operation
Tangled Tree Fall and Christmas Market
What: The fifth annual Fall and Christmas market features, handmade artisans and fair trade goods, food truck, and more. Food donations will be accepted at the door.
When: October 19 and 20, 2019
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Bearspaw Lions Hall – 25240 Nagway Road NW, Calgary
Admission: Free
CollectorFest
Comics/Shutterstock
What: In the fourth annual show, expect anything and everything pop culture, from toys, movies, video games, collectables, and more. There will also be free comics given away and a charity silent auction.
When: October 26, 2019
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Lake Bonavista Promenade – 755 Lake Bonavista Dr SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Protospace Open House
What: Check out Protospace’s open house every Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm. Furniture, bikes, robots, electronics — no matter what your jam is, you can make it here.
When: Every Tuesday
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Protospace – Bays 110 & 108, 1530 27 Avenue NE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Esker Foundation
What: Esker Foundation connects the public to contemporary art through relevant, accessible, and educational exhibitions, programs, and publications. The gallery reflects on current developments in local, regional, and international culture; creates opportunities for public dialogue; and supports the production of groundbreaking new work, ideas, and research. Admission is free. The gallery is barrier-free.
When: Open Tuesdays to Sundays. Closed Mondays
Time: Various times
Where: Esker Foundation – 4th Floor – 1011 9th Ave SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Spotlight YYC – Salty Sea Dog Designs
Salty Sea Dog Designs
What: Alberta Craft Council presents a spotlight on Salty Sea Dog Designs, whimsy ceramic creations by Sarah and Blair Dawes. All work is available for sale. There will also be a reception on September 12 from 5 to 8 pm.
When: Wednesdays to Saturday until October 5, 2019
Time: 11 am to 5 pm (Wednesdays to Friday), 10 am to 5 pm (Saturdays)
Where: Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary – #280, 1721 – 29 Avenue SW, cSPACE King Edward, Calgary
Admission: Free
Roasterie Tour – Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters
What: This 20-minute tour gives attendees a look at Phil & Sebastian’s vintage retro-fitted roaster and operations, plus learn about their green coffee sourcing strategies.
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 12:15 to 12:35 pm
Where: Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters – 618 Confluence Way Southeast, Calgary
Tickets: Online, Free
Free Brewery Tours at Red Bison Brewery
What: The tour starts off with an explanation of Red Bison’s name and why founder Steve started the brewery. Attendees will then see the homebrew system Steve used to brew beer on the balcony of his downtown Calgary condo, and talk about malt and how each of the flavours impact the recipes. After this, it’s a walk through the processes for the brew day and the fermentation process. Once the tour is complete, guests will be able to buy flights to try out beer and the kitchen is also open.
When: Every Sunday
Time: 1 pm
Where: Red Bison Brewery – 111, 3016 10 Ave NE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, free
Eat fresh at farmers’ markets
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: October 15, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Gulf Canada Square – 401 9th Avenue SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market
Whole Grain Bread / Shutterstock
What: Enjoy local food, live entertainment, and shop for artisan-inspired products at Bridgeland Riverside Farmer’s Market this summer. From bread to beer, frommage to fresh cut flowers, the market hosts diverse and high-quality vendors to meet all of your local shopping needs.
When: Every Thursday until October 3, 2019
Time: 3:30 to 7:30 pm
Address: BRCA Hall – 917 Centre Ave, NE., Calgary
Admission: Free
Millarville Farmers’ Market
What: Meet and shop at growers, farmers, makers, bakers, and artists at Millarville Farmers’ Market. Children five to 12 years can also join the Market Buds program. Participants will learn where their food comes from, gain confidence in conversation with Alberta Produce farmers and BC Fruit farmers, make healthy food choices, and hold sole responsibility for maintaining their own punch card and tokens. Tokens for spending on vegetables and fruit are earned by completing a weekly activity in the Market Buds area located in the garden.
When: Every Saturday until October 12, 2019
Time: 9 am to 2 pm
Address: 306097 192 Street West, Millarville
Admission: $3, with proceeds going to support programming at the Millarville Racetrack.
Triwood Farmers’ Market
Shutterstock
What: Check out the weekly Triwood Farmers’ Market running from July 2 to October 15. Grab some food and explore the various vendors, including produce, bath and body, jewelry, and more.
When: Every Tuesday until October 15, 2019
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Address: Triwood Community Association – 2244 Chicoutimi Drive NW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Airdrie Farmers’ Market
What: Come out and find the finest local purveyors and producers of local goods. Everything from original quilts, handcrafted art, to natural soaps and lotions, food trucks and more – discover a unique gift, or a personal treasure.
When: Every Wednesday until October 9, 2019
Time: 3:30 to 7 pm
Address: Jensen Park – 320 Centre Avenue East, Airdrie
Admission: Free
Lions Club of Bearspaw Farmers’ Market
What: Check out over 120 vendors at Lions Club of Bearspaw Farmers’ Market. During the market, a caterer inside the Lions Hall provides breakfast and brunch/lunch from about 9 am to 2 pm. Several of the outside food vendors also sell food you can eat at the market.
When: Every Sunday until October 6, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Address: Lions Club of Bearspaw – 25240 Nagway Rd, Calgary
Admission: Free
Canmore Mountain Market
What: The Canmore Mountain Market is a summer tradition in Canmore for over twenty years operating every Thursday from May to October. Visitors and locals are treated to an excellent selection of locally and regionally produced items including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, jams, coffee and baked goods. The Market also offers unique crafts, clothing, jewellery, and other artisanal products. Patrons can experience the Market rain or shine, sip on a coffee, peruse the vendors, and enjoy the live local music – all with a beautiful mountain backdrop.
When: Every Thursday until October 3, 2019
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Address: Downtown Canmore next to the Canmore Civic Centre Plaza- 7th Avenue
Admission: Free
Farmers and Makers’ Market at cSPACE
What: Check out 60 local farms, food-makers, bakers, brewers, distillers, and artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, kids arts and cultural activities, and more every Saturday at the Farmers and Makers’ Market at cSPACE
When: Every Saturday, year-round
Time: 10 am to 3 pm (June to October 12, 2019), 10 am to 1 pm (October 19, 2019, to May 2020)
Where: cSPACE King Edward – 1721 29th Avenue SW
Admission: Free
Calgary Farmers’ Market
What: Explore over 80 vendors supplying customers with fresh local produce, meat, poultry, international food, organic goods, jewelry, art, and more. Whether it’s the arrival of fresh produce or fun events, there’s always something happening at the market.
When: Open year-round from Thursday to Sunday
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Address: 510 77 Avenue SE
Admission: Free
Granary Road Public Market
What: Granary Road Public Market is open year-round and offers fresh produce, artisan cheeses, pizza, tacos, handcrafted home goods, and more.
When: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Time: 9:30 am to 5 pm
Where: Granary Road Market — 226066 112 Street West, Foothills No. 31
Admission: Free
Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market
Maram/Shutterstock
What: Grab your weekly haul of delicious produce, eggs, baked goods, meats, preserves, florals, and more, all grown and produced on farms right here in Alberta. You can enjoy live entertainment and other fun activities happening at this quaint community farmers’ market. The market will go on rain or shine, so come prepared.
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Where: 1320 5th Avenue NW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Crossroads Market
What: Enjoy farm-fresh produce and tasty treats plus lost of unique finds from the large variety of vendors.
When: Fridays to Sundays
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Crossroads Market – 1235 26 Ave SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
The Mercantile at Symons Valley Ranch
What: The Mercantile at Symons Valley Ranch features over 35 vendors under one roof over one counter. Crafts, food vendors, and more.
When: Fridays to Sundays
Time: 10 am to 6 pm (Fridays), 10 am to 5 pm (Saturday to Sunday)
Where: Symons Valley Ranch – 14555 Symons Valley Road
Admission: Free
DJ Market
What: With three generations of produce experience, DJ Market is a family-owned and operated business that was established in 1991 and has been operating for over 20 years. We began as a small weekend fruit stand that consisted of three display tables, but have since grown to become an independent produce market that is open seven days a week in the spring, summer and fall months
When: Seven days a week in the Spring, Summer and Fall
Time: 9 am to 6 pm (Monday to Saturday), 10 am to 5 pm (Sundays and Holidays)
Where: DJ Market – 4645 12th Street S.E., Calgary
Admission: Free
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