Fall has officially landed, folks, and we’re ready to make the most of it. Lucky for us, Edmonton is filled to the brim with things to do this October. From new art exhibitions to food and drink events to the return of hockey, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while the weather cools off. And, we’re here to find the best of it!
Here are the best things to do around Edmonton this October.
Outdoors
EDMONTON CORN MAZE
Young and old alike can appreciate the value of a good corn maze during the start of fall. And honestly, the Edmonton Corn Maze is amongst the best in the country. Massive, and featuring a new design every year, a trip here is going to be a breath of fresh air (literally) this month.
When: Open until October 17th
Where: 26171 Garden Valley Road, Spruce Grove
Cost: $13.50+
DARK: FORT EDMONTON PARK
This year, Fort Edmonton Park has gone with 3 different concepts, each of which is spooky in its own right. Check out ‘Under the Big Top’ to see Midway attractions (and employees) that have taken a decidedly wrong turn. Or, get a little industrial at ‘Core Industries’, as you try and retrieve a fungus sample that has ‘mutated’ the workers inside. Our top pick, though, is ‘Blood Harvest’, which is set on a farm and has some serious ‘Children of the Corn’ vibes going for it.
When: October 7th to October 31st
Where: 7000 143 Street NW
Cost: $45 for GA
SPOOK YOURSELF ON A GHOST TOUR
Feel more like dipping your toes into spooky season? A great option comes from Edmonton Ghost Tours, which offers a variety of tours showcasing the less-than-savoury history of the city. But hey, if you’re looking for a great mix of spooky and informative, this is it!
When: Tours throughout October
Where: 10322 83rd Avenue
Cost: $22.23
DRIVE OUT TO THE GARDEN
You’re running out of time to visit this stunning botanical garden just outside the city. And it’s well worth the effort, as you’ll be treated to some amazing fall colours and heartier plants at their best. For something a little different than a walk in the River Valley, this is a great option.
When: Open until October 11th
Where: Parkland County, Alberta
Cost: $18.75
COMMUNE WITH A COUPLE OF BISON
For the same reason, we love a late summer/early fall trip out to Elk Island. Of course, that weekend walk is made all the sweeter if you actually get to see some bison up close and personal, but either way, it’s a great time. After all, they’re just 1 of hundreds of species living in the park!
When: Open throughout October
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: $7.90 for admissions
GO FOR AN OUTDOOR WORKOUT
Got some excess energy to burn? Skip pushups in your kitchen and go explore some of Edmonton’s best places for an outdoor workout. From yoga in the park to running trails and more, we’ve got you covered from all angles. And with the weather cooling down, this is one of the best times of the year to get out there!
Where: Click the link above for more info
Live Events
EDMONTON OILERS
Hockey is back this month! What’s more, the Oilers are starting the season with 3 home games in a row, meaning you’ve got a few opportunities to watch a game live. After all, it’s been way too long since we’ve seen a ‘normal’ hockey game, and we can’t wait to return.
When: Starts October 13th
Where: 10220 104 Avenue NW
Cost: TBD
WATCH A FOOTBALL GAME
The Elks only have 3 home games left in the regular season! It’s unlikely they’ll make the playoffs this year, but do you know what will help their chances? Seeing a bunch of fans at their home games! Who knows, we could be at the start of a Cinderella story.
When: October 15th and October 29th
Where: 11000 Stadium Road
Cost: $35+
SCREAM
A massive Halloween concert is coming to Edmonton this month! Boodang is hosting ‘SCREAM’, featuring sets by Alison Wonderland, RL Grime and many more. With any luck, we’ll hear one of RL’s iconic Halloween mixes in-person, which is pretty sweet.
When: October 30th
Where: 7515 118 Avenue NW
Cost: Sold out, check verified resellers for options
EDMONTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
For those craving something a little more refined, the ESO has got you covered. The renowned orchestra will be covering Bach, Mozart, and other famous composers throughout the month. Great if paired with a treat yourself dinner before or after.
When: Concerts throughout October
Where: 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Varies
EDMONTON COMEDY FESTIVAL
If you’re looking to laugh it up instead, you have options for that as well! The Edmonton Comedy Fest returns this month, showcasing tons of local talent over 4 hilarious days.
When: October 13th to 16th
Where: Venues around Edmonton
Cost: Varies per event
Arts/Culture
CHECK OUT AN IN-PERSON PLAY
Live plays are back at the Citadel Theatre! The Garneau Block is showing for the next week or so, while the dark comedy Bears is set to land later in the month. Either way, this is a great way to get in a little culture while supporting a beloved local company!
When: Showtimes throughout October
Where: 9828 101 A Avenue
Cost: $34.65+
WATCH A MOVIE
The Edmonton International Film Fest returns this week! With dozens of films showing from Canada and around the world, we think you’ll find something no matter what kind of movies you’re into!
When: October 1st to October 10th
Where: 10200 102 Avenue
Cost: Varies per event
CURL UP ON THE COUCH
If you’re looking to just relax at home one weekend, then we’ve got just the idea. We’ve rounded up some of our absolute favourite movies and TV shows to watch during the fall. From family classics to horrors and dark comedies, this list has something for everyone.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE
There’s a lot of fun to be had this month at the Telus World of Science. The main exhibition? Exhibition: Dinosaur which is about, you guessed it, those crazy things that roamed the earth millions of years ago. Learn something new, watch a documentary, and leave a little smarter than you came in!
When: On until October 11th
Where: 11211 142 Street NW
Cost: $31.45 for GA
MUTTART CONSERVATORY
It’s nice to know that Edmonton has its own slice of summer, thanks to the Muttart Conservatory. This indoor botanical garden is the perfect place to unwind after a long day, or relax with a friend during the weekend. Either way, it’s sure to get more and more popular as temperatures drop.
When: Open throughout October
Where: 9626 96a Street NW
Tickets: $14.95 for GA
ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM
Speaking of the temperature dropping, the Royal Alberta Museum is another amazing option in Edmonton. Whether you’re rediscovering the permanent collections or seeing what’s new, the Royal Alberta Museum is a perfect way to spend a few hours inside.
When: Open throughout October
Where: 9810 103a Avenue NW
Cost: Varies
ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA
In addition to a group show that launched in September, two new exhibitions are coming to the AGA this October. One’s all about nostalgia and time, while the other showcases the more colourful parts of the gallery’s collections! Definitely worth a visit on those less than amazing days.
When: Open throughout October (New exhibitions arriving October 9th)
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $14
Food and Drink
EDMONTON CRAFT BEER FEST
After an extended hiatus, this amazing craft beer fest is back this October! Go taste some of the best beers from right here in Edmonton and around the world, with delicious food to go alongside it. Anyone who’s been will tell you- this is a great option.
When: October 22nd and 23rd
Where: 7515 118 Avenue NW
Cost: $19.99+
HIT UP THE FARMERS’ MARKETS
Thank goodness we can get amazing local produce year-round! Located throughout the city, these are a great way to support local growers and vendors. And, there’s no denying that somehow, meals made using local goods just taste that much better.
When: Open throughout October
Where: Locations around Edmonton
MISC.
CHECK OUT A GHOST TOWN
Alberta has got no shortage of spooky ghost towns to check out, and Edmonton is a great launching point! See some abandoned buildings, travel down some backroads, and maybe share a few creepy stories of your own with your friends!
Where: Click the link above for our picks
TOUR SOME ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS
Speaking of road trips, Edmonton seriously might be the best city in Canada for access to roadside attractions. There are over a dozen amazing, small-town sights to see, from a giant Easter Egg to the world’s first official UFO Landing Pad. And, unlike those poor folks in Calgary, we can get to them in a day trip or less.
Where: Click the link above for more info
PLAN A FALL GETAWAY
Feeling a little bit of cabin fever already? We can help, because we’ve found some of the most stunning Airbnbs to visit around Alberta this fall. Plan ahead, or see if something pops up from an impromptu weekend getaway!
Where: Click the link above for our picks
CHECK OUT A HAUNTED HOUSE
The super-popular Deadmonton Haunted House has returned, with not one but two super scary experiences. Warped is their main attraction, and offers a twisted look at Area 51, while Dusk is an outdoor experience inspired by a New Orleans cemetery haunt.
When: On throughout the week
Where: 7031 Gateway Boulevard
Cost: $29.99+
HEAD TO THE ZOO
Don’t care about the colder weather? Then it sounds like you could use a trip to the zoo. Thanks to both indoor and outdoor enclosures, you’ll have no problem enjoying some adorable (and amazing) animals throughout the fall!
When: Open throughout October
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $10.95
LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Worried about a little brain drain as the weather cools off? You’re in luck, because the U of A has a wealth of free-to-access courses, teaching you about everything from dinosaurs to Indigenous history. Reminder- it was that course that Dan Levy learned so much in last year!
Where: Click the link above for more info
That’s our roundup for Edmonton this October, folks! We hope that you enjoy yourselves out there and stay safe!
