16 outstanding things to do in Edmonton this week: Oct. 13 to 17
The long weekend might be nearly over, but there’s still plenty to look forward to around Edmonton as October rolls on.
From LitFest and Where Science Meets Cocktails to spooky favourites like Dark and Deadmonton, here are 16 outstanding things to check out in Edmonton this week.
Pumpkins After Dark
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What: Pumpkins After Dark will haunt Borden Park from Sept. 26 to Oct. 31, with pumpkins carved to resemble classic Halloween characters, dinosaurs and dragons, and movie and pop culture icons. The event boasts more than 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins, and it’s certainly a must-do activity for Halloween in Edmonton.
When: Saturday, Sept. 27 to Friday, Oct. 31
Where: 7727 Borden Park Rd. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary by date; find them online
RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World
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What: The nominees are in, and the competition is fierce. This year, RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World is taking you behind the velvet ropes of the most exclusive awards show in herstory. Get ready to walk the red carpet hosted by Jimbo as Joan Rivers. Plus iconic performances by Derrick Barry as Britney Spears, Jaida Essence Hall as Beyoncé, Naomi Smalls as Mariah Carey, Marina Summers as Ariana Grande, Morphine as Shakira, and surprise guests, including finalists from Season 17, on the most important night of the year for the art of Drag.
When: Friday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m.
Where: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium — 11455 87th Ave. NW
Cost: Tickets start at $60
Paranormal Tours at Fort Edmonton Park
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What: Are you brave enough to learn the lore and trek through some of Fort Edmonton Park’s most haunted places? Learn the fundamentals of conducting paranormal investigations using a variety of tools and techniques while exploring Fort Edmonton Park after dark.
When: Various evenings from Sunday, Oct. 5, to Wednesday, Dec. 3
Where: Fort Edmonton Park — 7000 143rd St. NW
Cost: $67; find tickets online
Visit the Art Gallery of Alberta
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What: Right in the heart of downtown, the Art Gallery of Alberta has been Edmonton’s go-to for art and culture for 100 years. With rotating exhibitions, workshops, and events, it’s the perfect spot to get inspired, learn something new, or just soak up some creativity.
When: Open Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Fridays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. NW
Cost: $13.33 regular adult admission (free from 4 to 7 p.m. on the final Thursday of every month)
Litfest
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What: Calling all bookworms! Litfest is a celebration of nonfiction. Connect with writers through a series of live events, conversations, and gatherings throughout this fantastic festival!
When: Wednesday, Oct. 15 to 19
Where: Various venues in Edmonton
Cost: Find tickets online
Dark at Fort Edmonton Park
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What: Edmonton’s Halloween Festival returns for its eighth year as Fort Edmonton Park transforms into the city’s largest haunted experience, featuring more haunts than anywhere else in Edmonton.
When: Friday, Oct. 3 to Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025
Where: Fort Edmonton Park — 7000 143rd St. NW
Cost: $50; find tickets online
Deadmonton
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What: Ready to get scared? Edmonton’s iconic Deadmonton is back, and the spooky haunted houses at this event will send chills down your spine. This year, the terrifying event has three new themes to be frightened by, including the House of Madame Tortura, Danse Macabre, and Biogen Organics: The Human Experiment.
When: Now until Saturday, Nov. 8; the Lights Out event is Nov. 7 to 8
Where: 9300 47th St. NW, Edmonton
Cost: Regular admission to all shows is $43.99 to $48.99; reserve tickets online
Edmonton Corn Maze
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What: Grab your friends and family and get lost in a cornfield, because the Edmonton Corn Maze is open with a brand-new design for the season.
When: Open until Monday, Oct. 27, 2025
Where: 26171 Garden Valley Rd., Spruce Grove
Cost: Prices vary, and tickets can be found online
Bountiful Farmers Market
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What: Bountiful Farmers Market offers a wide variety of fresh goods, including local vegetables and meat, coffee roasters, and beer and wine. It also has an ethnic food hall, a children’s play area, live entertainment, and more.
When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round
Where: 3696 97th St. NW
Cost: Free
Cruise on the Edmonton Riverboat
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What: For three decades, Edmonton’s iconic riverboat has offered unparalleled views of the Edmonton city skyline and the stunning river valley. This incredible, 90-minute excursion lets you indulge in fantastic dining options, drinks, and some awesome live music, and you get to experience Edmonton from a whole new vantage point.
When: On Friday nights and weekends until the end of October
Where: 9734 98th Ave. NW
Cost: Starts at $75 for adults (buffet included); book online
Bike/hike in the River Valley
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What: Edmonton’s River Valley is vast, and boy, are we ever lucky to have the largest urban park in North America. With more than 160 km of maintained pathways and 20 major parks, the River Valley is a gem and a natural wonder for all to enjoy. It’s the perfect place to spend a bright summer afternoon.
Happy hour at Muttart Conservatory
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What: Each Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m., you can explore the stunning and ever-changing displays of the conservatory’s glass pyramids while sipping on a cocktail or two. It’s insightful, entertaining, and a lovely activity this week.
When: Wednesday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m.
Where: Muttart Conservatory — 9626 96A St. NW
Cost: $14.95 for adult admission
Royal Alberta Museum
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What: Marvel at the Royal Alberta Museum’s vast collections. From its archaeology, Indigenous studies, and work-life industry sections to Earth and Life Sciences that will wow you, it’s one of the most intriguing things to do in Edmonton.
When: Hours vary
Where: 9810 103A Ave. NW
Cost: $10 to $21; tickets can be found online
Streetcar Cask Series
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What: Hop aboard! One of Edmonton’s most exciting experiences combines all things beer and all things Edmonton on a scenic ride aboard one of the city’s historic streetcars. Every Thursday evening from May to October, The Common features a rotating lineup of Alberta breweries showcasing their beer. Each trip promises a unique brew available exclusively on the streetcar.
When: Every Thursday
Time: 6:45 and 8 p.m.
Location: 10910 100th Ave. NW, Edmonton
Cost: $63.10
Where Science Meets Cocktails
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What: Sip on scientifically crafted cocktails, enjoy delicious food pairings, and explore the entire Science Centre as it transforms into Edmonton’s largest food and cocktail laboratory for adults only!
When: Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Telus World of Science — 11211 142nd St. NW
Cost: Tickets start at $159; find them online
Elk Island National Park
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What: Located just 35 minutes east of Edmonton, Elk Island National Park offers rolling hills, glassy lakes, and some of the best stargazing around. Explore over 80 km of trails or paddle the lakes while spotting bison, elk, and hundreds of bird species.
When: Open 24 hours
Where: Improvement District No. 13, Alta.
Cost: Free admission until Sept. 2