16 fantastic things to do in Edmonton this week: Oct. 12 to 16
We’ve reached the halfway point of October, and with the final weeks of above-freezing weather likely numbered, there’s still plenty to see and do around Edmonton.
From football to hockey to a Symphony Under the Stars, check out these 16 fantastic things to do in Edmonton this week.
Edmonton Elks vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
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What: The final home game of the CFL regular season is taking place this Friday. Don’t miss your chance to see the Elks in action as they take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
When: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Commonwealth Stadium — 11000 Stadium Rd. NW
Cost: Ticket prices start at $24; find them online
Symphony Under the Stars
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What: This October, Symphony Under the Stars invites guests to an exceptional weekend where the celebrated sounds of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra unfold under the night sky during Jasper’s annual Dark Sky Festival. Set along the shores of Lac Beauvert, this limited-capacity experience blends world-class performance, elevated culinary moments, and the rare luxury of experiencing one of Canada’s most breathtaking natural landscapes after dark.
When: Friday, Oct. 16 to 18, 2026
Time: 5 to 10 p.m.
Where: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge — #1 Old Lodge Road, Jasper, Alta.
Cost: Tickets start at $135 and can be found online
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. 14 to 18, 2026
Where: Various venues in Edmonton
Cost: Find tickets online
Edmonton Oilers vs. Utah Mammoth
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What: The NHL season is back in action this month, and you can cheer on the Oilers this Thursday as they face off against the Utah Mammoth.
When: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Rogers Place — 10220 104th Ave. NW
Cost: Varies; find tickets online
Dark
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What: Edmonton’s Halloween Festival returns for its ninth year as Fort Edmonton Park transforms into the city’s largest haunted experience, featuring more haunts than anywhere else in Edmonton.
When: Friday, Oct. 2 to Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
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 features three new themes to frighten you, including Cursed, The Rejects, and The Asylum.
When: Friday, Sept. 26 to Saturday, Nov. 8; the Lights Out event is Nov. 7 to 8
Where: 9300 47th St. NW, Edmonton
Cost: Regular admission starts at $49.99; reserve tickets online
Pumpkins After Dark
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What: Pumpkins After Dark will haunt Borden Park from Sept. 25 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: Until Friday, Oct. 31, 2026
Where: 7727 Borden Park Rd. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary by date; find them online
Try an ice cream workshop
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What: Create your own custom ice cream at one of three hands-on workshops. Ice Cream 101 teaches the basics of making and churning ice cream, Date Night offers a workshop designed for pairs, and Sundae School gives children ages five to 12 the chance to make a batch with an accompanying adult.
When: Various dates and times throughout October
Where: Made by Marcus Mill Creek — 9853 89th Ave. NW
Cost: Starts at $65; prices vary by workshop. Find 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: Wednesday, Aug. 5 to Oct. 25, 2026
Where: 26171 Garden Valley Rd., Spruce Grove
Cost: Prices vary, and tickets can be found 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.
The AGA offers free admission on the last Thursday of each month (Sept. 24) from 4 to 7 p.m.
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 Square, Edmonton
Cost: $13.33 adult admission
Muttart Conservatory
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What: Be amazed at the stunning Muttart Conservatory, with each glass pyramid showcasing a different environment for plants from around the globe. It’s a relaxing, insightful, and beautiful experience and a lovely thing to do in Edmonton.
When: Hours vary
Where: Muttart Conservatory — 9626 96A St. NW
Admission: $14.95 adult admission
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, no matter the season. The park has partially reopened following its total closure due to storm damage. Before you head out, be sure to check the Park’s bulletins for a list of current trail closures and conditions.
When: Hours vary
Where: Improvement District No. 13, Alta.
Cost: $10 adult admission
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
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
Hit up the WEM World Waterpark
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What: It’ll feel like a bit of a tropical getaway when you visit the World Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall. Shoot down some massive slides or relax in the wave pool. Whatever you choose, it’s a prime way to spend the day.
When: Hours vary throughout the week
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th St. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be found online
Galaxyland
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What: You can never go wrong with a trip to the amusement park, and Galaxyland is North America’s largest indoor amusement park. It features 27 Hasbro-themed rides and more for all ages.
When: Hours vary
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th St. NW
Cost: $64 general admission; get tickets online