Photo Via Habanero Pixel/Shutterstock
The first weekend of fall is officially here, and Calgary is lighting up, quite literally. Between Pumpkins After Dark, Lanternfest and Night Light, there are plenty of glowing displays and nighttime events to check out around the city. And if you’re looking for something to do during the day, the Calgary International Film Festival is hosting an afternoon full of outdoor movies and family-friendly activities, and the Calgary Fall Home Show is bringing more than 200 exhibitors to the city.
Here are 10 of the best things happening in and around the city this weekend.
Pumpkins After Dark is back in Calgary this weekend with a walk-through display featuring thousands of hand-carved pumpkins. Along the trail, you can check out themed pumpkin scenes, play carnival games, watch live carving demonstrations and tackle a spooky maze. It’s family-friendly with no jump scares, so even the little ones can join in!
When: Friday, Sept. 25 to Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
Time: 6:30 to 11 p.m.
Where: WinSport – 88 Canada Olympic Rd. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $17.19
Thinking about changing up your space? The Calgary Fall Home Show is back at the BMO Centre this weekend, with over 200 exhibitors to browse, plus DIY demonstrations, and HGTV’s Sarah Baeumler will make an appearance.
When: Friday, Sept. 25 to Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
Time: Friday: Noon to 8 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: BMO Centre — 1912 Flores Ladue Parade SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $10 per person
Head to Stampede Park on Saturday for the Summer Sendoff, a free festival happening at the SAM Centre and Enbridge Plaza. There will be a 2,400-square-foot roller rink, live music and DJs, waterfront yoga and Pilates, rug-tufting workshops, and face painting.
You’ll also find pop-up hair, nail and tattoo stations, food and drinks and a $1,000 piñata smash contest.
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
Time: 4 to 9 p.m.
Where: Sam Centre and Enbridge Plaza on the Calgary Stampede Campus – 1302 6 St. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free
Alberta Ballet is celebrating 60 years on stage with Giselle, one of the most iconic ballets in the classical repertoire. The production follows a young woman whose relationship falls apart after a devastating secret comes to light.
When: Friday, Sept. 25 to Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
Time: Showtimes at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Ave. NW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $73 per person
Night Light is transforming Victoria Park into a glowing outdoor art experience. You can wander among more than 40 light installations, interactive artworks, and projection-mapped buildings, with live performances in the evening.
When: Friday, Sept. 25 to Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
Time: 6 to 11 p.m.
Where: Central Memorial Park — 1221 2nd St. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free
Calgary has plenty of buildings you’ve probably walked past without ever seeing the inside. Doors Open YYC is your chance to change that, with 10 locations opening their doors for free tours, demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes looks throughout the weekend.
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 to Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
Time: Times vary based on location
Where: Various locations across Calgary
Cost: Free (registration is required for certain events)
Village Brewery is celebrating Oktoberfest with $10 stein fills all day, an oompah band playing from noon to 2 p.m. and an Oktoberfest food menu from All Beef Catering. Then at 5 p.m., you can check out the Alberta Potters Association’s Stein Show.
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Village Brewery – 5000 12a St. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free to attend
Grab a blanket and head to Eau Claire Plaza for a free afternoon and evening of movies, food, games and other activities. You can expect to see films like Space Jam, Best in Show and Scream, plus face painting, food trucks, trivia, and basketball with the Calgary Surge.
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
Time: 2 to 11 p.m.
Where: Eau Claire Plaza — 101 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free
Calgary’s International Avenue is lighting up this weekend with LanternFest, a free evening celebrating lantern traditions and cultures from around the world. You can make your own lantern, check out illuminated lanterns, watch live cultural performances, and even hit the ice rink.
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Where: International Avenue – 32nd Street SE, Calgary, Alta. (between 17th Avenue and 19th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alta.)
Cost: Free (registration is required)
Does your kiddo have a stuffie that needs a check-up? The Calgary Zoo is transforming its Asia Lawn into a mini clinic where plushies can get checked out by the zoo’s Animal Health team, complete with health checks, custom prescriptions and stitching stations.
When: Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Calgary Zoo – 210 St. George’s Dr. NE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Child: $26.95, Adult: $37.45 ($5 donation per stuffed toy)
Have a great weekend, Calgary!
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