You know it’s October when the trees across the city are beginning to flame up in brilliant colours of orange and red. Here are some of the top events to check out in Calgary this October.
For a complete list of events, check out our Calgary Buzz events calendar.
The Big Book Club
- What: An annual event that invites passionate readers, book lovers, and literacy supporters to enjoy an author reading and discussion from Emma Hopper with her book Otto and Russell and James.
- Where: 106 6 Avenue SW
- When: Friday, October 2, 2015, at 7 p.m.
- Cost: $50
The Last Outdoor Market at Eau Claire
- What: The last outdoor market hosts many different local vendors that sell jewelry, art, baked goods, kids accessories, clothing, leather and more. There will also be live music, performers and food trucks for your enjoyment.
- Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary
- When: Saturday, October 3 at 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Calgary Flames last preseason game
- What: The Calgary Flames will face the Winnipeg Jets.
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
- When: Saturday, October 3 at 7 p.m.
- Cost: Varies
Bella Concert Hall Opening Festival
- What: This festival will feature 4 concerts that will include opera, choir, ballet, piano and more.
- Where: Bell Concert Hall, Mount Royal University
- When: Now through to Saturday, October 3
- Cost: Varies
50 Days YYC
- What: Calgary’s newest and longest local music festival features a new artist at a new venue everyday for 50 days.
- Where: Various Locations
- When: Now through to Saturday, October 3
- Cost: Ticket prices vary
Calgary International Flamenco Festival
- What: A week of presenting international and local Flamenco.
- Where: University Theatre – 230 University Court NW and
University Way NW, Calgary - When: Now through to Saturday, October 3
Calgary International Film Festival
- What: A 12-day showcase of 200 multi-genre films from Canada and over 40 other countries.
- Where: 207, 214 11 Ave S, Calgary
- When: Now through to Sunday, October 4
- Cost: Varies
YYC Pizza Week
- What: Over 40 pizza restaurants in Calgary will be competing in a 10 day pizza battle, putting their pizzas in one of four categories: thin, thick, gluten free or unique.
- Where: Participating restaurants
- When: Now through to Monday, October 5
2015 Molson Canadian NHL Face-Off
- What: Season-opening outdoor hockey, music festival and viewing party.
- Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9th Ave SE
- When: Wednesday, October 7 at 3 p.m.; Flames vs. Canucks broadcast at 8 p.m.
Calgary Flames first game of the season
- What: The Calgary Flames will play the Vancouver Canucks.
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
- When: Wednesday, October 7 at 8 p.m.
- Cost: Varies
Arrival Festival
- What: Listen and party to ALESSO, Audien, and more for the Thanksgiving long weekend. Must be 18 years or older to attend.
- Where: BMO Centre, Stampede Park, 20 Roundup Way, Calgary
- When: Friday, October 9 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Cost: From $80
Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II
- What: Get a blast from the past and listen to the beloved original scores from Looney Tunes and its stars played live by your Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons – 205 8 Ave SE
- When: Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10
- Cost: Starting at $20
Stampeders
- What: The Calgary Stampeders face the Edmonton Eskimos.
- Where: McMahon Stadium – 817 Crowchild Trail NW
- When: Saturday, October 10 at 5 p.m.
- Cost: Varies
Thanksgiving at Heritage Park
- What: The park will be closing soon for the year so come and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with themed activities like pumpkin baking demonstrations, crafts, and more. If you come before 10:30 a.m. they will be serving pancakes to the first 500 guests at Gunn’s Dairy Barn.
- Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary
- When: Saturday, October 10 to Monday, October 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cost: $26 for adult general admission, $13 for child (3 to 6), $19 for youth (7 to 14) and $20 for senior
12th Annual Pumpkin Festival
- What: Enjoy free activities such as seeing giant pumpkins, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin carving and more. During the grand finale, a 500 plus pound pumpkin will be dropped from a 100 foot crane to smash a car.
- Where: Blue Grass Nursery Sod & Garden Centre – 260130B Writing Creek Crescent, Rocky View Country (Balzac)
- When: Saturday, October 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Cost: $5 suggested donation to the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Grizzly Bear Ultra Marathon (Ultra)
- What: Occurring at the Canmore Nordic Centre, this marathon is one of Canada’s largest Ultras. This race sells out at 1300 trail runners annually. The options for the race are 50K for an individual or a relay race of 2 to 5 people.
- Where: Canmore Nordic Centre – 100, 1988 Olympic Way
- When: Sunday, October 11 at 9 a.m.
- Cost: $450 for a 5 person team , $220 for a 2 person team, $160 for individual
Investors Group Alzheimer Walk & Run (5k, 10K, Fundraiser)
- What: Want to feel less guilty before eating your Sunday Thanksgiving Dinner? Run a 5k, 10k or walk 5k at this annual event while wearing red in support of the Alzhiemers Society of Calgary.
- Where: Eau Claire
- When: Sunday, October 11 at 9 a.m.
- Cost: $35 per person, $10 for seniors and students
Calgary Flames
- What: The Calgary Flames face the St. Louis Blues.
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- When: Tuesday, October 13 at 7 p.m.
- Cost: Varies
Fluid Festival
- What: The Fluid Festival is two weeks of live music, performances, workshops, talks, and installations — moving and activating the people of Calgary with art.
- Where: Various locations
- When: Wednesday, October 14 to Sunday, October 25
- Cost: Varies
Light the Night Walk
- What: Walk during the night to end cancer as the walk is in support of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.
- Where: Eau Claire, Calgary
- When: Friday, October 16 at 5 p.m.
- Cost: Donate
YYC Comedy Festival
- What: Laugh out loud at this festival full of comedians such as Mary Walsh, Mike Wilmot, Emo Philips and many more.
- Where: Various venues
- When: Monday, October 12 to Saturday, October 17
- Cost: Free to $50
New Craft Coalition
- What: New Craft Coalition aims to create a cultural event that provides a solid marketplace for quality makers featuring independent art, craft and design.
- Where: Festival Hall – 1215 10 Ave SE, Calgary
- When: Friday, October 16 from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Cost: $2
Calgary International Burlesque Festival
- What: This three day festival has something exciting to do every night. Friday night features Kitten N’ Lou, Saturday Night Cabaret features Judith Stein and Sunday brunch finishes with up coming stars from far and wide.
- Where: Various
- When: Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18
- Cost: Ticket prices vary
Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival
- What: Indulge yourself at the 18th annual Calgary Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival. There will be over 200 exhibitors featuring the latest adult beverage products and local menu items.
- Where: Stampede Park BMO Centre, Halls D & E – 20 Roundup Way SW, Calgary
- When: Friday, October 16 from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, October 17 , noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.
- Cost: $25 to $39
Calgary Flames
- What: The Calgary Flames face the Edmonton Oilers.
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
- When: Saturday, October 17 at 8 p.m.
- Cost: Varies
Wordfest
- What: Celebrate the written word at Wordfest with more than 70 events and over 70 artists and writers.
- Where: Location varies
- When: Sunday, October 13 to Sunday, October 18
- Cost: Varies
Calgary Flames
- What: The Calgary Flames face the Washington Capitals.
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- When: Tuesday, October 20 at 7 p.m.
- Cost: Varies
Restaurants For Change
- What: In one night, 13 cities and 50 restaurants will participate in Restaurants For Change with the goal to support the right to healthy food for all Canadians. Show your support by making a reservation at a participating restaurant.
- Where: Various participating restaurants
- When: Wednesday, October 21
¡Celebrate Argentina!
- What: Explore the tastes of Argentinian wines created by the master chefs at charbar. The net proceeds support Alberta Theater Projects.
- Where: Simmons Building – 618 Confluence Way SE
- when: Thursday, October 22 at 7 p.m.
- Cost: $75; $125 for VIP
Dress for Success Calgary
- What: An annual fundraiser whose aim is to make a difference in the confidence and financial independence of women getting back into the workforce. The evening includes cocktails, entertainment, a silent auction and more.
- Where: The Carriage House Inn – 9030 Macleod Trail South
- When: Thursday, October 22 from 6 to 9 p.m.
- Cost: $65
PEAK Performance Project Showcase Series
- What: The PEAK Performance Project is an annual program intended to launch the international music careers of some of Alberta and British Columbia’s best up-and-coming artists. Check out what artists are playing on the Friday night you want to go.
- Where: Nite Owl – 213 10 Ave SW, Calgary
- When: Fridays until Friday, October 23 at 8:30 p.m.; 9:30 p.m. music starts
- Cost: $15 at the door
Calgary Flames
- What: The Calgary Flames face the Detroit Red Wings.
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- When: Friday, October 23 at 7 p.m.
- Cost: Varies
Fall Calgary Women’s Show
- What: Get ready for a show that has lots of boutique shopping, seminars, information about the latest fashion and home décor trends.
- Where: BMO Centre, Stampede Park
- When: Saturday, October 24 to Sunday, October 25
- Cost: $14; $20 for a two-day pass; $12 for Seniors (65 and over) and Students; free for children under 12.
The Calgary Zombie Evasion (5K)
- What: Participate in this if running from Zombies or being a running or walking Zombie appeals to you. This is a chip-timed Calgary Zombie Evasion.
- Where: North Glenmore Park – 66 ave SW and 37 st SW
- When: Saturday, October 24 at 1 p.m.
- Cost: $65 until October 21
Dash of Doom (1K, 5K and 10K)
- What: This Halloween race is both family-friendly and pet-friendly. Once you have finished the race there will be a festival area for Halloween games and a photo booth. Awards will be given for the best costume.
- Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary
- When: Saturday, October 24 at 5 p.m.
- Cost: $15 to $45
Thrill The World Calgary
- What: If you have ever wanted to be in a ‘giant flash mob’ then this is your chance to shine. Thrill Calgary is a non-profit organization which promotes Calgarians to get up and active.
- Where: Southcentre Mall – 100 Anderson Road SE
- When: Saturday, October 24 at 2 p.m.
Kathy’s Run for Pancreatic Cancer Calgary (5K, 10K, Half-Marathon)
- What: Run or walk as the proceeds from this race benefit Pancreatic Cancer Canada.
- Where: Glenmore Landing Running Room, Glenmore Landing Shopping Centre – A126-1600 90 Ave SW
- When: Sunday, October 25 at 9 a.m.
- Cost: $35 to $125
Halloween Howl Calgary (5K, 10K)
- What: This family-friendly and pet-friendly run and/or walk encourages you to dress up in your favorite costume and have fun at the indoor pre- and post-party. Proceeds go to the Alberta Diabetes Foundation.
- Where: Eau Claire, Calgary
- When: Sunday, October 25 at 9 a.m.
Autumn Pumpkin Festival
- What: Hosting a wide variety of pumpkins and activities you won’t want to miss out on this fun pumpkin adventure.
- Where: Calgary Corn Maze – 284022 Township Road 224, Rockyview
- When: Now through to Sunday, October 25, every weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cost: $14 for adults, and free for children 2 and under
Monster Mash-Up 2015
- What: From Mad Science Hall to take-home treats, this Halloween event will serve up fun for the entire family.
- Where: TELUS Spark – 220 St George’s Dr NE, Calgary
- When: Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Cost: $20 for adult, $18 for senior (65 and up), $16 for youth (13 to 17), $13 for child (3 to 12) and free for children under 3
Halloween Candy Pairing: Grown Up Loot Bag Fun
- What: Spend an evening with the team at Willow Park Wines and Spirits having some fun pairing traditional Halloween candies with beers, wines and spirits.
- Where: Willow Park Wines and Spirits – 10801 Bonaventure Dr SE
- When: Wednesday, October 28 at 7 p.m.
- Cost: $25
Scream Fest
- What: ScreamFest is one of Canada’s largest and scariest Halloween events. Experience 8 haunted houses, carnival games and more.
- Where: The Grandstand Building, Stampede Park – 20 Roundup Way SE
- When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October and Thursday, October 29
- Cost: $25 for adult. Recommended for ages 13 and over.
Calgary Flames
- What: The Calgary Flames face the Montreal Canadiens.
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- When: Friday, October 30 at 7 p.m.
- Cost: Varies
Cobb’s Corn Maze: Freaky Fridays and Flashlight Nights
- What: Ever wanted to go to a corn maze when its dark outside? Well bring a flashlight and come to Freaky Fridays and Flashlight Nights and find your way through the various corn mazes.
- Where: Cobb’s Corn Maze and Family Fun Park – 1500 84 St NE
- When: Friday, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Cost: $13 for adults, $12 for children , and free for children 3 and under
Stampeders
- What: The Calgary Stampeders face the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
- Where: McMahon Stadium – 817 Crowchild Trail NW
- When: Saturday, October 31 at 5 p.m.
- Cost: Varies
Harvest Pumpkin Hunts at Butterfield Acres Farm
- What: Perfect for the 8 and under crowd as there will be a wagon ride, animals, and your child will get to decorate a kid-sized pumpkin that they can take home at the end of the day.
- Where: Butterfield Acres Farm; 254077 Rocky Ridge Road
- When: Saturday, October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Cost: $15 for adults, $13 for children
Grim Manor
- what: Grim Manor, Calgary’s newest Halloween attraction, is a haunted house with a backstory that will leave you with goose bumps.
- Where: Sunridge Mall – 2525 36 Ave NE
- When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in October from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Thursday, October 15 to Saturday, October 31
- Cost: $13
ILLUMINASIA garden and lantern festival
- What: Come see authentic Chinese lanterns that will light up the zoo. There will also be authentic Chinese, Japanese and Indian entertainment and programs.
- Where: Calgary Zoo – 1300 Zoo Road NE, Calgary
- When: Thursday, September 17 to Sunday, November 1; 7 to 10 p.m. (Thursday to Saturday) and 6 to 9 p.m. (Sunday)
- Cost: $24 for adults and $18 for children
Haunted Pumpkin Festival
- What: An autumn outing to this pumpkin patch is the perfect way to get into the fall season. There will be fun haunted houses, corn mazes, a petting farm, shootin’ Gallery and more.
- Where: Prairie Gardens – 56311 Lily Lake Road, Bon Accord
- When: Every weekend in October from October 3 to November 1 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Cost: Starting at $10
The Wedding Singer
- What: Watch this play at Stage West about a rock star wannabe in New Jersey, Robbie Hart. He is the life of the party until his wife decides to leave him at the alter, he then goes to make other peoples weddings as miserable as his own.
- Where: Stage West Calgary – 727 42 Ave SE, Calgary
- When: Now through to Sunday, November 8; 6 p.m. (Tuesdays to Saturdays) and 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Sundays)
- Cost: Varies
