It’s finally here, ghouls! The year’s spookiest month has arrived and so are the many haunted houses, movie marathons and pumpkin patch dates that we’ve come to know and enjoy in the fall. With so much happening there’s no time to waste – so let’s just jump into it! Here are 30 of the very best things to do in Calgary this October.
EVENTS, MARKETS AND FOOD FESTIVALS
ATTEND THE GREAT WHITE NORTH PUMPKIN FAIR
Known as the pumpkin capital of Alberta, Smoky Lake’s most unique festival is highly anticipated and attended by gourd enthusiasts from all over the province. This, of course, is not just because there’s a petting zoo and mini midway – but because they actually hold a huge pumpkin weigh-off year after year.
When: Saturday, October 1st, 2022
Where: Smoky Lake, Alberta
CHECK OUT THE FARMERS AND MAKERS MARKET
Last chance! Whether you’re a foodie, love shopping local, or are just looking to get some fresh air – this artisan market will be THE place! Support the community in a safe and fun environment and grab some grub at the food trucks!
When: Saturday, October 1st and 8th, 2022
Where: 1721 29 Avenue SW, Calgary
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Cost: FREE
CELEBRATE HALLOWEEKEND’S AT CALAWAY PARK
Looking to do something a little more fast-paced? Adrenaline junkies prepare yourselves because Calaway Park has announced the return of Halloweekend, a series of ‘terrifying’ events for you and the whole family. This month, head out for a full day of sun, fun, parades, witchy meet and greets and of course, cheap and delicious carnival food.
When: Weekends until October 10th, 2022
Where: 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary
Cost: $47.95+
GET SPOOKED IN AT FIELD OF SCREAMS
Friends who scream together, stay together. This October, in collaboration with the folks behind Screamfest, Cobb’s will totally transform their 20 acres of land from family-friendly to fantastically freaky.
When: Friday, October 14th-15th, 21s-22nd, and 28th-29th, 2022
Where: 1500 84 St NE, Calgary
Time: 6 pm – 11 pp
Cost: $26
SINK YOUR TEETH INTO PASTA LA FEASTA
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With comfort food season in full swing, the thought of penne is never far from our minds. This month Pasta La Feasta returns, celebrating the very best in Calgary’s growing carb scene. We can’t wait!
When: Friday, October 1st – October 31st, 2022
Where: Various locations
Cost: Prices vary
FACE YOUR FEARS AT HAUNTED CALGARY
Are you ready? This fall, check out Haunted Calgary – a terrifying event held at the Horizon Mall in Balzac. You never know what might be lurking around the corner…
When: Saturday, October 1st – November 4th, 2022
Where: 260300 Writing Creek Cres, Balzac
Time: 6 pm – 10 pm
Cost: $10+
SHAKE AND SHIVER ABOARD THE TRAIN OF TERROR
Halloween is nearly here and so is one of the year’s freakiest events Aspen Crossing Train Of Terror – a full contact, horror house on wheels just outside of Calgary.
When: Weekends Friday, October 7th – 30th, 2022
Where: AB-24, Mossleigh, AB
Cost: $85
GET A TASTE OF NIGERIA
From food and music, to dance and fashion the Calgary Taste Of Nigeria Festival returns to the Shepard Community Centre. Bring the family for a day of absolute fun, indulge in incredible eats and enjoy incredible performances. We can’t think of a better way to spend the day!
When: Saturday, October 15th, 2022
Where: 10800 84 St SE, Calgary
Time: 12 pm – 7 pm
Cost: $25
GO CONSIGNMENT SHOPPING
We strongly believe that your wardrobe should reflect how you feel on the inside, and some of you are old, creative souls. But where in the heck do you go to find something that screams ‘I’m an individual?’ A consignment store of course. For 17 of our favourites, check out the link above.
GET INKED AT THE TATTOO AND ARTS FESTIVAL
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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 October hit the BMO Centre for a two-day event celebrating the latest and greatest in body art – it’s going to be something else, folks!
When: Friday, October 14th – 16th, 2022
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
Time: 12 pm
Cost: $30+
SCARE YOURSELF SILLY AT SCREAMFEST
Got something to prove? This October hit Screamfest 2022 for a night of spooks, frights, freaks and fun! First-person to cover their eyes has to buy the drinks afterward. Good luck, folks!
When: Friday, October 7th-8th, 14th-15th, 21st- 22nd, 27th: (ADULT NIGHT) – 29th and 31st, 2022
Where: Grandstand, Stampede Park, 3rd St SE, Calgary
Time: 7 pm – 12 pm
Cost: $22.12+
LOSE YOURSELF IN THE TUNNEL OF TERROR
Get ready, because Calgary’s Tunnel of Terror will return later this month! Described as a haunted house/carwash hybrid – this wild event will raise hairs and scare the unsuspecting all in the name of good, clean fun.
When: Friday, October 28th, 2022
Where: 5421 Dufferin Blvd SE, Calgary
Time: 7 pm – 10 pm
Cost: $22.23
OUTDOORS AND IN THE MOUNTAINS
STROLL THROUGH A PUMPKIN PATCH
What’s more quintessentially fall than a pumpkin patch?! This month, toss on your autumn best, grab a hot chocolate, pick the perfect gourd and go home and make a pie or something. It doesn’t get any better (or cheaper) than that! Check the link above for our favourite spots in and around the city limits!
GO FALL HIKING
This October, explore the peaks, valleys and waterfalls of the Alberta Rockies! Not sure where to see the iconic larch trees in all their glory? Check out the link above for 15 hikes you should take this fall!
GO DOWNHILL GO-KARTING
A little competition never hurt anybody, right? This month – until October 7th, check out Winsport Canada and race down their 1,800 meters downhill go-kart track!
When: Open until October 7th, 2022
Where: 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary
Cost: $6+
TEE OFF AT LAUNCHPAD GOLF
This month, grab a drink, a few friends, and tee off from one of the many bays at Launchpad Golf. You know what they say! Practice makes perfect – but practice tastes a whole lot better with a beer.
Where: Mickelson National Golf Club – 34122 East Harmony Trail
Cost: $70+
WANDER AN ALBERTA GHOST TOWN
No matter the time of year, exploring abandoned (and possibly haunted) ghost towns around Alberta makes for a solid adventure. From mining towns and mountain settlements to a town sitting at the bottom of a lake, this province is filled with historical hamlets from a time gone by. Check out the link above for 15 ghoulish ghost towns in Alberta that you can actually visit this fall!
MARVEL AT SOME HARVEST LIGHTS
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You’re in for an evening of whimsy and illumination! Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, between now and until October 31st, the Calgary Farmyard and all of its 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.
When: Fridays to Sundays until October 31st, 2022
Where: 284022 Township Rd 224, Rocky Mountain County
Time: until 9:30 pm
Cost:: $19.95 +
TAKE A SELF-GUIDED FALL FOLIAGE TOUR OF ALBERTA
One of our favourite things about the fall months? Foliage! Now we may be biased here, but one of the best places in the country to see the leaves do their thing – is Alberta National Park. Check out the link above for more information about the area’s many happenings and hotspots! Ah – we just can’t wait for sweater weather!
STROLL THROUGH THE NIKKA YUKO GARDEN
Lethbridge’s Iconic Japanese Garden is one of the most beautiful places in not just Alberta, but all of North America. This month, grab the hand of someone special and wander through the brightly coloured trees and beautifully cut grass of Nikka Yuko.
Where: Corner of 9th Ave S &, Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge
Cost: $8+
CHECK OUT WINSPORT’S HAUNTED MINI GOLF
Things are about to get scary competitive! This weekend, ghouls and goblins alike are encouraged to check out this adorable 18-hole course of frights and fun. Good luck and enjoy.
When: Until October 31st, 2022
Where: 168 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary
Cost: $50/per 5 people
GO FALL GLAMPING
Need a break from reality? Why not go totally off the grid and spend a few nights under the stars? This October, check out one of the many incredible glampsites in and around Alberta. It’s high time we all get some fresh air, don’t you think?
WATCH THE MAGICAL ORIONIDS METEOR SHOWER
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Visible between now and November 22nd, watch as debris left behind by Halley’s Comet passes high above our atmosphere in the early morning hours. It’s going to be unreal!
When: Peaks Friday, October 21st, 2022
SPLIT A BOTTLE OF WINE ON A HEATED PATIO
Maybe it’s been a long day and you just want to wind down. This fall, 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. It doesn’t get more romantic than a cool evening, a great meal and good conversation.
ARTS, CONCERTS, SPORTS & CULTURE
POP SOME CORN AT CIFF 2022
Last chance to pop some corn, settle in and check out a flick or two that your favourite streaming service hasn’t even gotten its hands on yet. The Calgary International Film Festival is nearly here and this year’s lineup is just as impressive as you’d expect. Check it out at the link above!
When: Until October 2nd, 2022
Time: See times above
Cost: $13.50+
GET JAZZY AT MICHAEL BUBLE
Known for songs like Everything and Haven’t Met You Yet, Calgarians can check out Michael Buble this month at the Scotiabank Saddledome For tickets check out the link above!
When: Tuesday, October 4th
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Time: 8 pm
Cost: $52+
CHEER ON THE STAMPS
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We love a good ol’ football date! This fall, grab a beer, your partner’s hand and cheer the Calgary Stampeders to victory at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium! For more information or to snag some tickets, head over to the link above!
CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO A 12-HOUR HORROR MOVIE MARATHON
Who says that it has to cost you big time to have fun? This month, catch a scary flick … or several during the CUFF Horror Movie Marathon! This spooky tradition will forever be one of our favourites not only because it’s a ton of fun – but also because it only costs $20!
When: Saturday, October 29th, 2022
Where: 617 8 Ave SW, Calgary
Time: 7 pm
Cost: $20
ROCK ON WITH THE ARKELLS
This month, once the temperatures start to drop, there will be no better place to warm up than the Scotiabank Saddledome, where the Arkells will hit the stage on October 28th. For more information check out the link above and enjoy!
When: Friday, October 28th, 2022
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Time: 7:30 pm
Cost: $47+
SPONSORED PICKS
SIP & SAVOUR AT THE 25th ANNUAL ROCKY MOUNTAIN WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
Back for its 25th year, Alberta’s most beloved food & adult beverage event is back and serving up the best food and drink our province has to offer. Guests are invited to explore hundreds of exhibitors and indulge their palates with a variety of fine wines, spirits, and craft beers while noshing on fare from local restaurants.
When: Friday, October 14th – 15th, 2022
Where: BMO Center, Stampede Park
Cost: $25+
Whew! That’s it, friends! 30 things to do this October in Calgary! Looks pretty dang good, doesn’t it? Enjoy, have fun and be safe out there, friends!
