18 awesome things to do in Edmonton this October
October is our favourite time of year in Edmonton, and we can’t wait to explore all that the city has to offer this month.
From literature festivals to hockey to all sorts of spooky, creepy, and crawly Halloween events, here are 18 of the best things happening in Edmonton this October.
Edmonton International Film Festival
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What: Enjoy the best in short and feature-length cinema with the Edmonton International Film Festival this October.
Where: Various theatres in Edmonton
When: Thursday, Sept. 24 to Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
Cost: Varies
Rubaboo Arts Festival
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What: Discover Rubaboo, a multi-disciplinary Indigenous arts festival celebrating the depth and vibrancy of artistic expression, from theatre and music to dance, visual art, food, and hands-on workshops. Rubaboo is where new works come to life, offering audiences a rare chance to experience artistic creations as they take shape.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 30 to Oct. 11, 2026
Where: Various locations
Cost: Varies; find festival passes online
Downtown Farmers’ Market
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What: The Downtown Farmers’ Market is back outdoors on 104th Street this summer. From May 16 to Oct. 10, 2026, pick up single organic fruits, veggies, homemade meals, and artisanal goods from over 35 vendors. You can bring your dog, too.
When: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 104th St. between Jasper Avenue and 104th Avenue NW
Cost: Free
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: Friday, Sept. 25 to Friday, Oct. 31, 2026
Where: 7727 Borden Park Rd. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary by date; find them online
Canadian Finals Rodeo
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What: The championship is in town, bringing Edmonton’s biggest Western celebration to life. Whether you’re a lifelong rodeo fan or discovering it for the first time, CFR is more than just a competition; it’s a city-wide celebration of music, fashion, and elite athleticism.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 4 to 10, 2026
Where: Rogers Place — 10220 104th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online
Check out an Edmonton Elks game
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What: The CFL regular season is in full swing this October, and with the Elks finally clinching a playoff spot this season, we can’t wait to get out and enjoy that unreal atmosphere at Commonwealth Stadium.
When: Various dates in October
Where: Commonwealth Stadium — 11000 Stadium Rd. NW
Cost: Ticket prices start at $15; find them 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
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
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 Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026
Where: 26171 Garden Valley Rd., Spruce Grove
Cost: Prices vary, and tickets can be found online
Edmonton Short Film Festival
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What: The Edmonton Short Film Festival is where Alberta’s best storytellers shine on the big screen, one short film at a time. From heart-pounding thrillers to laugh-out-loud comedies, the gala spotlights homegrown films up to 15 minutes long, while the Long Shorts program takes you further with Alberta-made works over 15 minutes and captivating films up to an hour from around the globe. Expect a lively mix of trailers, music videos, web series, commercials, and every genre under the sun — whether they’re fresh new creations or beloved “dusted-off” gems.
When: Saturday, Oct. 17 to 18, 2026
Where: Landmark Cinemas 9 Edmonton City Centre — 10200 102nd Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary; find them 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 on board. Each trip promises a unique brew available exclusively on the streetcar.
When: Thursday evenings
Address: The Common — 10910 100th Ave. NW, Edmonton
Cost: $63.10
Check out an Oilers Game
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What: The NHL season is back in action this month, and there are plenty of home games to check out in October. Cheer on the Oilers as they kick off the season at Rogers Place!
When: Various dates through October
Where: Rogers Place — 10220 104th Ave. NW
Cost: Varies; find tickets 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
Admission: Free
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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 also offers free admission on the last Thursday of each month (Oct. 29) 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
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
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What: Edmonton’s first indoor farmers’ market has been a Saturday staple since 1983, and you can now visit on Sundays too. Located just off Whyte Avenue, the market is filled with vendors offering locally grown and produced goods. Some of our favourite finds include fresh produce, baked treats, and homemade kimchi.
When: Open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 10310 83rd Ave. NW, Edmonton
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 bulletin for a list of current trail closures and conditions.
When: Hours vary
Where: Improvement District No. 13, Alta.
Cost: $10 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
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