19 awesome things to do in Edmonton this weekend: Oct. 16 to 18
We’re halfway through October, and as we inch ever closer to Halloween, there are so many spooky and spectacular events happening around Edmonton this weekend.
From Dark to Deadmonton to Elks football and more, here are 19 awesome things to do in the city this weekend.
Edmonton Elks vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
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 Short Film Festival
View this post on Instagram
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
Old Strathcona Farmers Market
View this post on Instagram
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.
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
Dark
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
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
Try an ice cream workshop
View this post on Instagram
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 Fall Home Show
View this post on Instagram
What: Discover your home’s true potential at the Edmonton Fall Home Show! Whether your latest home purchase is a fixer-upper or a brand-new build, it’s where décor dreams, trusted advice and fresh inspiration unite.
When: Friday, Oct. 16 to 18, 2026
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre — 7515 118th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online
Pumpkins After Dark
View this post on Instagram
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
Try a Pilates class
View this post on Instagram
What: Strong Pilates officially opens its doors in the Brewery District this weekend after flooding in July forced it to close on its opening day. The studio combines reformer Pilates, strength training and cardio into one 45-minute workout using its own brand of Rowformer and Bikeformer machines.
When: Saturday, Oct. 17
Where: 11821 105th Ave. NW
Cost: Varies
Edmonton Corn Maze
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
What: Right in the heart of downtown, the Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) 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.
Time: 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
Elk Island National Park
View this post on Instagram
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. Parts of the park remain closed 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 adult admission
Bountiful Farmers Market
View this post on Instagram
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
Muttart Conservatory
View this post on Instagram
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
Royal Alberta Museum
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
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