14 awesome things to do this weekend in Edmonton: Oct. 3 to 5
We’ve made it to the first weekend of October in Edmonton, and with that chill in the air settling in, we’re getting excited for all the fun (and frightening) fall events happening around the city.
From a day at the rodeo to the return of all our favourite Halloween events, here are 14 awesome things to do around the city this weekend.
Canadian Finals Rodeo 2025
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What: The Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR), powered by ATB Financial, is stampeding into town. CFR 51 brings together top rodeo athletes vying for $1.65 million in prize money. Witness electrifying showdowns as elite athletes battle for glory. Immerse yourself in the heart-pounding action and vibrant Western vibes. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or craving a wild adventure, CFR delivers unforgettable thrills and a taste of Alberta’s rich heritage. Don’t miss it!
When: Wednesday, Oct. 1 to 4, 2025
Where: Rogers Place — 10220 104th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices start at $54.23; find them online
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
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: the House of Madame Tortura, Danse Macabre, and Biogen Organics: The Human Experiment.
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 to all shows is $43.99 to $48.99; reserve tickets online
Edmonton International Film Festival
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What: Enjoy the best in short and feature-length cinema at the Edmonton International Film Festival this weekend!
Where: Various theatres in Edmonton
When: Thursday, Sept. 25 to Saturday, Oct. 4
Cost: Varies
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
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: Until Monday, Oct. 27, 2025
Where: 26171 Garden Valley Rd., Spruce Grove
Cost: Prices vary, and tickets can be found online
Life of Pi
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What: Follow the story of Pi Patel, a young boy who survives a shipwreck and ends up stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with nothing but his wits, his faith — and a Royal Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. What unfolds is a breathtaking tale of survival, resilience, and the human spirit’s remarkable strength.
When: Saturday, Sept. 13 to Oct. 5
Where: Citadel Theatre — 9828 101A Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary; find them online
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: Seven days a week throughout the summer
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 sunny afternoon.
Pumpkins After Dark
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What: Pumpkins After Dark will haunt Borden Park until 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
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
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
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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.
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
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: $17.50 for family/group admission