18 things to do in Calgary this weekend: October 1 to 3

Oct 1 2021, 4:59 pm

Alberta has declared a state of public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As recommended by health officials, if you choose to participate in events outside of your home, please adhere to COVID-19 health and safety measures, including proper physical distancing, mask-wearing, and frequent handwashing. Additionally, be aware that many businesses and events may be participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program and will require proof of vaccine or a negative, privately paid COVID-19 test. If you are sick, please stay home.

October is here, and there are plenty of fun things to do in Calgary this weekend to celebrate the start of the new month.

The weather forecast is even looking pretty nice, with sunshine and temperatures in the high teens expected for much of the weekend, so whether you want to be outside or indoors, you’re in luck.

From dinner theatre to an Indigenous art exhibit, a drag brunch to a nighttime display of over 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins, there’s sure to be something for everyone to do in YYC right now.

Here are 18 of the best things to do in and around Calgary this weekend.

Abstract’d Art Walk & Pop-Up Exhibition

What: Six Southern Alberta artists are hosting a group exhibition and Art Walk this weekend at Two Rivers Distillery, Uncommon Cider, City & Country Winery, Cabin Brewing, and Born Colorado Brewing, featuring more than 200 abstract contemporary works. There will also be several food trucks along the route between these walkable locations, in case you get hungry on your journey!

When: October 3
Time: Noon to 5 pm
Where: City & Country Winery, Two Rivers Distillery, Uncommon Cider, Cabin Brewing, and Born Colorado Brewing
Cost: Free

Rise Up weekend pop-up performance

What: RISE UP is a series of weekend pop-up performances to celebrate the safe relaunch of live arts events in Calgary. This Saturday, catch Transit22, Tandem Yam, and I Am The Mountain playing some tunes in Bridgeland.

When: October 2
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Bridgeland Community Centre (917 Centre Avenue NE)
Cost: Free

Stage West Theatre Restaurant’s Feelin’ Groovy

What: Feelin’ Groovy – The Best of Folk Rock features tributes to some of the most influential singer/songwriters, including Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and many more. Plus, enjoy some amazing eats from Stage West’s huge buffet with your entertainment.

When: August 27 to November 14
Time: Varies by date
Where: Stage West Theatre Restaurant (727 42nd Avenue SE)
Cost: $86.10 for regularly priced tickets, with special rates available on select dates

Calgary Stampeders Family Day Game

What: Bring the family to watch the Calgary Stampeders take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders this Saturday at the Family Day game. Kickoff is at 5 pm, and there will be plenty of family-friendly activities going on to keep everyone entertained.

When: October 2
Time: 5 pm
Where: McMahon Stadium (1817 Crowchild Trail NW)
Cost: Tickets from $47.50

After Hours at the Zoo: Bears

 

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What: If you love bears, you’re not going to want to miss the Calgary Zoo’s latest adults-only event. Start your evening with a visit to the zoo’s bear habitats and then head to the Safari Lodge for a three-course “Canadian” and “bear” themed dinner. During dinner, there will be presentations by members of the zoo’s Animal Care, Health and Welfare team, discussing their work caring for both grizzly and black bears.

When: October 2
Time: 3 to 8:30 pm
Where: Canadian Wilds and Safari Lodge, Calgary Zoo (210 St. George’s Drive NE)
Cost: $115

Halloweekends at Calaway Park

What: Get in the spooky spirit at Calaway Park’s Halloweekends, between now and October 11. The amusement park has set up “Hallotown” in one section of the venue, which is home to spooky scenes, magical meet and greets, photo ops, and even a parade. Guests are encouraged to dress in costumes and enjoy a day of fall fun.

When: Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Monday from September 11 to October 11
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Calaway Park (245033 Range Road 33, Calgary)
Cost: Included with admission ($47.95 for those age 3 to 49)

Watch a live drag show while you brunch at Eggs, Henny!

What: Eggs, Henny! is back this October with a morning of food, drag, and live tunes. The event features drag queens Mona Moore, Nearah Nuff, and rapper Tea Fannie, along with cocktails and delicious brunch options including eggs bennys, breakfast sandwiches, and more.

When: October 3
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: The Prairie Emporium (300 – 334 53rd Avenue SE)
Cost: $20 (food and drinks aren’t included in price)

Harvest Lights at the Calgary Farmyard

 

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What: Celebrate fall at the corn maze! Calgary Farmyard has all of its activities open for Harvest Lights, and the entire farm will be lit up in a fantastic display, with the exception of the corn maze. The maze will be kept dark as an added challenge for guests to find their way through using flashlights. You can also snap photos with pumpkins, or purchase some to bring home.

When: Fridays and Saturdays from September 17 to October 31
Time: 5:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: Calgary Farmyard (284022 Township Road 224)
Cost: $19.95 if purchased online in advance, $22.95 at the gate

Calgary International Film Festival

What: The Calgary International Film Festival is back with 11 days of programming, featuring over 175 multi-genre feature and short films from Canada and around the world. The CIFF also hosts an Industry Week series that brings unique and exciting ways for filmmakers and fans to interact.

When: September 23 to October 3
Time: Varies by film/program
Where: Various locations in Calgary, with select programming broadcast to view online
Cost: Regular screening tickets are $13.50, with ticket bundles available from $39

Pumpkins After Dark

Calgary halloween

Pumpkins After Dark (pumpkinsafterdark.com)

What: Pumpkins After Dark will feature over 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins in a walk-through nighttime experience that’s fun for all ages. Pumpkin sculptures and displays include everything from classic Halloween characters to dragons and dinosaurs to movie and pop culture icons, and there’ll also be food trucks, hot chocolate and coffee, pumpkin carving demonstrations, Monster Mini Golf, and pumpkins and merchandise up for sale to bring a part of the Halloween magic home with you.

When: Thursday through Sunday from September 23 to October 31
Time: 6 to 10:45 pm
Where: Husky Gardens at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park (88 Canada Olympic Road SW)
Tickets: Available online now for $19.95 for adults and $17.95 for children, with kids three and under free (must be purchased in advance, no on-site ticket sales)

Get immersed in art at Beyond Van Gogh

Beyond Van Gogh

Elle McLean/Daily Hive

What: The immersive Beyond Van Gogh experience is back after a brief hiatus, featuring over 300 iconic works by the painter and taking visitors into a three-dimensional world to explore art in a completely unique way.

Guests can also get their zen on with a yoga class right inside the exhibit, hosted by Mountain Home Yoga every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning.

When: September 18 to October 8
Time: Timed tickets available from 10 am to 9 pm daily, with yoga classes at 8:30 am every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Where: The BMO Centre on Stampede Park (20 Roundup Way SE)
Tickets: Starting at $33.99 for adults, available now

Kensington weekend pop-ups

What: Free pop-up art and music activations will run each weekend in Kensington Village until November, bringing Calgarians a chance to enjoy live music, performers, and much more throughout the neighbourhood. This Saturday, catch roots and rockabilly musicians The Sadlier-Brown Band outside Trapped Escape Room.

When: Every Saturday from June through November
Time: 12:30 to 2:30 pm
Where: In front of Trapped Escape Room (1139 Kensington Road NW)
Cost: Free

Banff Pride

What: Head out to the Rockies to celebrate Banff Pride this October! This year, Banff Pride has its biggest event schedule ever, with highlights including Canadian drag queen Brooke Lynn Hytes performing at the kickoff party and brunch at the Fairmont Banff Springs, a Rainbow Walk and Flag Raising, a Pride Run, Beers for Queers Open Mic Night, and much more.

Additionally, more than 15 Banff restaurants and bars have Pride-themed cocktails and desserts available in support of LGBTQ2+ organizations, so get out there and eat and drink for a good cause.

When: October 3 to 11
Where: Varies by event; see schedule for details
Cost: Varies by event

Check out the CIFRS Truth and Reconciliation Indigenous Art Exhibit at Southcentre Mall

things to do Calgary

Art by Donna Langhorne (Courtesy of Southcentre Mall)

What: Leading up to September 30, which the federal government has declared the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Southcentre Mall has partnered up with the Colouring It Forward Reconciliation Society to launch a special art exhibit. The display features work by 17 Indigenous artists from across western Canada and incorporates thoughtful recommendations about how people can take steps to foster reconciliation in their own communities.

When: September 1 to October 11
Time: The art exhibition is accessible during mall hours (10 am to 8 Monday through Saturday, and 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays and holidays
Where: Southcentre Mall (100 Anderson Road SE)
Cost: Free

Revv’d Up Revue

What: Revv’d Up Revue is a burlesque “awards show,” formatted like a joke pageant with talent from Cabaret Calgary and drag queen Karla Marx. Delicious drinks, light snacks, and motorcycles around out the evening in this cozy, garage-like event space.

When: October 2
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: The Prairie Emporium (300 – 334 53rd Avenue SE)
Cost: $20

Attend a free yoga class

What: Relax and get some fresh air with a free class through Calgary Outdoor Yoga. There are two sessions offered each Sunday at locations in Mahogany and Stanley Park. It’s important to note that pre-registration is required, and attendee numbers are limited.

When: Every Sunday through until October 2021
Time: 10 am and 1 pm
Where: Participants will receive an email the night before with the exact secret location of each class.
Cost: Free

Check out The Dark Arts pop-up at The GRAND Theatre

What: An interim exhibit, located inside The GRAND Theatre, mashes up refined cocktails, a shareable menu, and works by over 20 of YYC’s most accomplished artists. The Dark Arts is an Instagrammable lounge, providing the perfect backdrop for a seated atmosphere that offers much to explore.

When: Wednesday to Saturday
Time: 5 pm to late
Where: The GRAND Theatre (601 1st Street SW, Calgary)
Cost: No entry fee; prices vary by food and drink item

Get into Studio Bell for free

What: Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, is celebrating its five-year anniversary with free admission every weekend through the rest of the year. Check out new and updated exhibits, catch instrument show-and-tells, and delve into the history of iconic Canadian musicians. Reserve your tickets online now.

When: Weekends until the end of 2021
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Studio Bell (850 4th Street SE)
Cost: Free

Elle McLeanElle McLean

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