October is a busy month and from elaborate costumes to turkey dinners, it’s also a pretty expensive one. Luckily, there are plenty of free and cheap things to do in Calgary over the next few weeks – and we’ve listed them all below! From outdoor events, indoor romps, and even a few ways to keep yourself entertained at home – here are 12 activities that will cost you less than $20.
WANDER THE MILLARVILLE FARMER’S MARKET
Is it even fall if you don’t check out a farmer’s market? This month bundle up and take a drive over to Millarville for this wholesome event which features vendors, food trucks and more! The best part? Entry is whatever you can afford to donate. Don’t miss it!
When: Saturday, October 9th
Where: Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society, 192 Street, Millarville
Time: 9 am – 2 pm
Cost: By donation
SCREAM Y0UR WAY THROUGH HAUNTED CALGARY
This October, get a cheap thrill! For the second year in a row, Calgarians looking to get haunt for less can visit a terrifying-(ly safe) event held at the Horizon Mall in Balzac. This time around, walk through an ominous parking garage and jump shiver and scream at what may lie in the dark – 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+
STROLL THROUGH A PUMPKIN PATCH
What’s more quintessentially fall than a pumpkin patch?! This month, save a few bucks and toss on your autumn best and wander the fields of orange under the sun. Grab a hot chocolate, pick the perfect gourd and go home and make a pie or something. It doesn’t get any cuter than that! Check the link above for our favourite spots in and around the city limits!
HAVE A SIP AT THE INTERNATIONAL BEERFEST
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Beer, food and friends? Is there a better way to spend an evening? Well, among everything else on this list, this might just be as good as it gets. This October, mask up and head over to the BMO for Canada’s largest beer festival for a night of fun and incredible sips for only $19.99!
When: Friday, October 15th – 16th
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
Time: 4 pm
Cost:: $19.99 +
OR JUST SPLIT A BOTTLE OF WINE ON A HEATED PATIO
It won’t be long until there’s snow on the ground again, so it’s important we make the most of what we’ve got! This October, hit one of Calgary’s many heated patios, grab a bite to eat and split a bottle of wine under the stars with someone special. After all, what’s better than a great meal and good conversation?
PARTICIPATE IN PASTA LA FEASTA
With comfort food season in full swing, the thought of penne is never far from our minds. For those like us, forever thinking about sauce-covered goodness, consider yourselves seen, heard and taken care of because this month Pasta La Feasta returns, celebrating the very best in Calgary’s growing carb scene. Showcasing 19 different restaurants city-wide, Pasta La Feasta will run through the entirety of October – check out the link above to see who’s participating!
When: Friday, October 1st – October 31st
Cost: Prices vary
CHECK OUT ‘HARVEST LIGHTS AT THE CALGARY FARMYARD
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Every weekend between now and until October 31st, experience an autumn brand of whimsy and illumination at the Calgary Farmyard. This month, 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 +
WATCH A FALL FLICK
It’s spooky movie season – so who are we to say you should spend all of your time out and about. This month, give your wallet a rest and instead curl up for a fall-type movie and pop some corn. Not sure what to watch? We’ve actually put together a list of the very best films to watch – all of which will really get you into the mood of things. Check it out above and enjoy!
HIT THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE
Free?! We love free! This month, thanks to the folks at Calgary’s National Music Centre and ATB – a weekend visit to the National Music Centre won’t cost you a dime. That’s right folks! Every Saturday and Sunday, in celebration of Studio Bell’s 5th anniversary you can wander one of the city’s best museums without having to whip out a credit card.
Where: 850 4 St SE, Calgary, AB
Cost: FREE
VISIT ONE OF ALBERTA’S MOST HAUNTED HOUSES
Alberta is rich with horrible histories and tragic accidents. This October, visit – or just pay your respects – at one of the province’s most haunted houses, hospitals and hotels. You never know what you’ll hear, feel or even see. Check out the link above for our top 10 list.
LOSE SLEEP DURING THE GLOBE’S ICONIC 12 HOUR HORROR MOVIE MARATHON
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Who says that it’ has to cost you big time to have fun? This month, catch a scary flick … or several, over the course of 12 whole hours for only $20! As per tradition, don’t miss the Globe’s annual horror movie marathon, a spooky tradition that will forever be one of our favourites.
When: Saturday, October 30th
Where: 617 8 Ave SW, Calgary
Time: 7 pm
Cost: $20
CREEP IT REAL IN ONE OF ALBERTA’S GHOST TOWNS
Are you an avid explorer looking for a thrill? This month get a FREE spook by checking out one of Alberta’s chilling ghost towns and wander through abandoned barns, homes and mines. Not sure where to start your journey? Check out our list above!
Well, there you have it, friends. 12 free and cheap things to do this month in Calgary! Enjoy yourselves out there!
