15 amazing things to do this weekend in Edmonton: Oct. 17 to 19
It’s hard to believe that we’re already halfway through October, but even as the daylight hours shrink, our weekend calendars are still jam-packed with all kinds of wicked events in Edmonton.
From festivals celebrating film and literature to all of our favourite spooky local haunts, here are 15 awesome things to do around the city this weekend.
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
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
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
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
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. 18 to 19, 2025
Where: Landmark Cinemas 9 Edmonton City Centre — 10200 102nd Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary; find them 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
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: Open on 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 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
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