Happy Thursday, friends! It may have been a short week, but we’re just as excited for this Friday as always – especially because there are so many exciting events this time around. Not sure what’s happening? From grand openings to fall-friendly events, here are the best things to do in Calgary this weekend!

ATTEND THE GRAND OPENING OF LAUNCHPAD GOLF

Don’t put away those clubs just yet! After months of anticipation, the time has finally come. This weekend Canada’s very first LaunchPad Golf will officially open the doors to its Mickelson National location ushering in a new era of adult entertainment!

When: Friday, October 15th
Where: Mickelson National Golf Club – 34122 East Harmony Trail

TAKE A SIP AT CALGARY’S INTERNATIONAL BEERFEST 

It’s back, Calgary! After 18 months, the International Beer Festival is back – and with food, friends and drinks, it really won’t get better than this! This Friday, mask up and head over to the BMO for Canada’s largest beer festival for a night of fun and incredible sips from all over the globe. Enjoy!

When: Friday, October 15th – 16th
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
Time: 4 pm
Cost:: $19.99 +

GET COZY UNDER THE ‘HARVEST LIGHTS’ AT THE CALGARY FARMYARD

Every weekend between now and until October 31st, experience an autumn brand of whimsy and illumination at the Calgary Farmyard. This weekend, instead of closing at their regular times, all attractions will stay open past 9 pm, giving you and your loved one more time to snuggle with their animals, get lost in their giant corn maze or challenge each other to a game of mini-golf in the colourful lights set up around the park.

When: Fridays-Sundays until October 31st
Where: 284022 Township Rd 224, Rocky Mountain County
Time: until 9:30 pm
Cost:: $19.95 +

BRAVE HAUNTED CALGARY 

Is there anything scarier than a parking garage after dark? The answer is no, so with that, we encourage you to check out Haunted Calgary – a terrifying-(ly safe) event held at the Horizon Mall in Balzac. This weekend walk through an ominous space full of surprises, but beware! You never know what might be lurking around the corner! 

When: All October long
Where: 260300 Writing Creek Cres, Balzac
Time: 6 pm – 10 pm
Cost: $10+

PARTICIPATE IN THE SQUID GAME … SORT’VE

Big fan of Netflix’s hit show? From October 15th until the 31st, fans looking to try their hands (and feet) at the quick-steppin’ schoolyard game red light green light can do so with a twist at the NE Laser Tag Centre in Calgary. Book now, folks – it’s going to be wild!

When: Friday, October 15th-17th, 22nd-24th, 29th-31st
Where: Bay 3 1305 33St NE Calgary
Cost: $22+

TAKE ON SCREAMFEST

Have you already checked out Haunted Calgary? Don’t miss Screamest – the city’s largest event powered by spooks, frights, freaks and fun! Wander through haunted houses, play games, check out their many vendors and grab a bite at one of the many food trucks. It’s going to be chilling!

When: October 15th-16th, 22nd-23rd, 28th-31st
Where: Grandstand, Stampede Park, 3rd St SE, Calgary
Time: 7 pm – 12 pm
Cost: $25+

OR CHECK OUT PUMPKINS AFTER DARK

If you’re totally spooked out, you could also hit something a little more wholesome. This weekend why not wander Calgary’s newest October event, Pumpkins After Dark – a one-of-a-kind shindig featuring more gourds that you could bake, carve or bash in an entire lifetime., It’s going to be magical!

When: Until Sunday, October 31st
Where:  88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary
Time: See times above
Cost: $20 / per adult

RUN THROUGH A FIELD OF SCREAMS

Celebrating another season of ‘spine-tingling’ fun, Cobb’s has also teamed up with the folks behind Screamfest to totally transform their 20 acres of land from family-friendly to fantastically freaky. Field of Screams is back. folks and from macabre-clad actors to gory decor, Calgarians who are looking to get into the spirit of things are encouraged to check out their 6 haunted houses, activities and petting zoo every weekend this month.

When: Friday, October 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th, & 30th
Where: 1500 84th Street NE, Calgary
Time: 6 pm – 10 pm
Cost: $26

GO HIKING 

There’s not a whole lot of fall left, folks, so it’s best you get out and soak up the sun! From peaks and valleys, waterfalls and wildlife, there’s no day but today – or tomorrow, to get an autumn jaunt in. Not sure where to go? Check out the link above for 15 fall hikes in Alberta that you should take before the season is over.

SEE WHAT’S NEW AT THE TATTOO AND ARTS FESTIVAL

Whether you’re jonesing for some new ink or just appreciate the craft, the Tattoo and Arts Festival is definitely one you won’t want to miss! This weekend hit the BMO Centre for a two-day event celebrating the latest and greatest body art – it’s going to be something else, folks!

When: Friday, October 15th – 17th
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
Time: 12 pm
Cost: $25+

Well, there you have it, YYC. 10 things to do in Calgary this weekend, Which ones are you excited to check out? Let us know in the comments!