Are you ready? Because we sure aren’t! The year’s coziest and spookiest month is here, friends – and it’s taking everything out of us to keep our cool. From haunted houses and horror movie marathons to pumpkin patch dates and family outings at the fun farm, these next 31 days will be jam-packed with a mix of wholesome and spooky events. There’s no time to waste, so let’s just jump right into it. Here are 30 of the best things to do in and around Calgary this October!
HAVE A HOMEGROWN MEAL AT THIS FALLS DOME DINING EXPERIENCE
So maybe haunted houses and pumpkins just aren’t your thing. Instead, enjoy something more convention at this fall’s magical Dome Dining experience inspired by the cuisine of the north. Dress up, sit down, and indulge in an incredible 4-course meal under the stars.
When: Friday, October 1st – 31st
Where: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary
Time: 5 pm, 7:05 pm, and 9:05 pm
Cost: $115+
WALK-THRU A MAGICAL DISPLAY OF 6,000 PUMPKINS
It’s time, Calgary! Halloween is just around the corner and one of the first things on our to-hit list? Pumpkins After Dark – a one-of-a-kind event 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 (early bird pricing)
CATCH A FLICK AT THE CALGARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
For those like us who have been itching to see something that hasn’t already been streamed 1,000 times, we’re happy to announce that this month, you can pop some corn and settle in for a few films that even your favourite streaming service hasn’t even gotten their hands on yet. The Calgary International Film Festival is finally here for a few more days and this year’s lineup is just as impressive as you’d expect. Check it out at the link above!
When: Until Sunday, October 3rd
Time: See times above
Cost: $13.50+
WANDER THE MARKET ON STEPHEN AVENUE
Shop till you drop! The market on 8th Avenue is back- but only for one last date this month. In celebration of the chillier season, this busy inner-city destination will see small businesses, incredible products and a fun-filled day of shopping, eating and fun – it’s going to be delightful!
When: Tuesday, October 5th
Where: 8th Avenue, Calgary AB
Time: 11 pm – 4 pm
Cost: FREE
GET WILD AT THE BUCKCHERRY, BIF NAKED & AGE OF DAYS CONCERT
Live music is back and this month and the Grey Eagle Casino is kicking things off with 90s/2000s rock bands Buckcherry, Bif Naked and Age of Days. Check out the link above for more information or tickets!
When: Thursday, October 7th
Where: 3777 Grey Eagle Dr, Calgary
Time: 8 pm
Cost: $61.05
EXPRIENCE THE VAN GOGH IMMERSIVE EXHIBIT
Alright, Calgary. If you haven’t checked it out already, consider yourselves lucky! The Van Gogh Immersive Exhibit has once again, extended its Calgary residency, but not for long! This month. don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourselves into the wonderfully colourful world of a mad genius! Guided by his own dreams, thoughts, and words, you can experience the world of the troubled artist as if it were the first time – for the last time.
When: Until October 8th
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
Time: See times above
Cost: $35+
SCARE YOURSELF SILLY AT SCREAMFEST 2021
Got something to prove? This October hit Screamfest 2021 for a night of spooks, frights, freaks and fun! First-person to cover their eyes in one of their many haunted houses buys the drinks afterward. Good luck, folks!
When: October 8th-9th, 15th-16th, 22nd-23rd, 28th-31st
Where: Grandstand, Stampede Park, 3rd St SE, Calgary
Time: 7 pm – 12 pm
Cost: $25+
COZY UP DURING BUTTERFIELD ACRES’ MAGICAL DATE NIGHT
Looking for a cute date night idea? Have we got something for you! This month, get comfy cozy with your significant other and check out Butterfield Acres’ annual adults-only event celebrating the very best of the fall season from pumpkins to wagon rides.
When: Saturday, October 9th
Where: 254077 Rocky Ridge Road
Time: 6 pm – 10 pm
Cost: $20
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 an 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!
GET PREHISTORIC AT THE DINO EXPO
Featuring 19 walking, ‘breathing,’ blinking, creatures – The Dino Expo, a Jurassic-themed event will take Calgary by storm this month! With a catalogue of photo ops and 20-metre tall dinos, this 3-day festival will not only be a ton of fun but will also celebrate and educate Albertans of all ages about the larger-than-life lizards that roamed the earth 250 million years ago. Don’t miss it!
When: Friday, October 8th – 11th
Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Cost: $22+ / Adult
CELEBRATE HALLOWEEKEND’S AT CALAWAY PARK
Looking to do something a little more wholesome? Adrenaline junkies prepare yourselves because Calaway Park has announced the return of Halloweekend, a series of adorable fall events for you and the whole family. Mask up and head out for a full day of sun, fun, parades, witchy meet and greets and of course, cheap and delicious carnival food. Yum!
When: Weekends until October 11th
Where: 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary
Cost: $47.95+
GET A SPOOK IN AT FIELD OF SCREAMS
Ushering in a season of ‘spine-tingling’ fun, Cobb’s has 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
TAKE A GOAT YOGA CLASS
Couples, friends and families who sweat (and pet goats) together, stay together! Every weekend this fall, inhale, exhale, stretch and sweat out the 2021 insanity at a super cute goat yoga class! After all, there’s really no better way to spend an afternoon than with your toes in the grass and farm animal nibbling at your hair.
When: Saturdays & Sundays
Where: 226066 112 St W, Calgary
Time: 11 am
Cost: $20
ROCK THE VOTE
Now, this one may not be as fun as the others on this list – but it is important! This fall, do not forget to exercise your right to vote in this year’s municipal election. For more information on the candidates or how to vote, check out the link above and then get out there, friends!
When: Monday, October 18th
APPRECIATE LIVE ART AT THE BANFF GONDOLA
There’s truly nothing more magical than the Banff Gondola – except of course an event held at the tippy top featuring local artists who will be creating pieces right in front of you! This October take a trip to Sulpher Mountain for a live art extravaganza where guests can wander, drink beer, enjoy incredible food and appreciate the finer things while overlooking one of Alberta’s favourite mountain towns.
When: Fridays – Saturdays until November 8th
Where: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB
Time: 12 am – 6 pm
Cost: $48+
CHECK OUT THE FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET
Whether you’re a foodie, love shopping local or are just looking to get some fresh air check out this fall’s Farmers and Makers Market! Support the community in a safe and fun environment and grab some grub at the food trucks. We can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon!
When: Every Saturday until October 9th
Where: 1729 29 Ave SW, Calgary
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
LOSE YOUR VOICE FROM SCREAMING Y0UR WAY THROUGH HAUNTED CALGARY
Let’s get spooky, YYC! This October, for the second year in a row, check out Haunted Calgary – 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, 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!
ENJOY DINNER AND AN HOMAGE TO THE 80S
Who in the heck doesn’t love the music of the 80s? From Cyndi Lauper to Annie Lennox, don’t miss as the Calgary’s Jubilations Dinner theatre pays its respects to all the great women of the neon generation. Check out the link above for tickets and more information!
When: Until October 16th
Where: 1002 – 37th Street SW Calgary, AB
Cost: $51.25
GET INKED 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 October, mask up and 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+
HAVE A SIP AT THE INTERNATIONAL BEERFEST
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. Visit the link above for more information!
When: Friday, October 15th – 16th
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
Time: 4 pm
Cost:: $19.99 +
BINGE NETFLIX’S OCTOBER RELEASES
From horror movies to classics and originals, Netflix will be delivering hours of entertainment to get us through the chillier season. This October those who would prefer to stay indoors can binge their way through the fall with a ton of new releases!
EXPLORE BANFF ON A GHOST TOUR
After months of anticipation and excitement, October is finally here and we intend to make the most of it. This month, in celebration of ghouls, ghosts and the fall season, wince, cringe, mix and mingle and visit Banff’s most “active” sights on an exciting tour in and around town! Prepare to be spooked, friends!
When: Offered until October 31st
Where: 333 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB
Time: 7 pm
Cost: $32
WATCH A FALL CLASSIC
Plan on staying in? Why not turn on a comfy-cozy, ookey spooky, or wholesome 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!
ENJOY ‘EVERY SECOND’ AT TELUS SPARK
Want to see something trippy, Calgary? Look no further than Canada’s first-ever permanent immersive art gallery, Every Second, which recently opened at Telus Spark. This month, check it out by purchasing your tickets above and let us know what you think!
Where: 220 St. George’s Drive NE
Cost: Free with admission ($26)
‘FALL’ FOR HARVEST LIGHTS AT THE CALGARY FARMYARD
You’re in for an evening of whimsy and illumination! Every weekend 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 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 +
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.
GATHER AGAIN AT ERIC CHURCH
Ready to gather again? This month, don’t miss Eric Church as he takes the Saddledome for the first time in a long time. Oh, do we miss the inside of our ridiculously Albertan building!
When: Friday, October 22nd
Where: 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Time: 8 pm
Cost: $73
HIT THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE – FOR FREE
Want to get out – but without having to whip out the wallet? Luckily, we’ve got just the place! Every weekend this month Calgary’s National Music Centre and ATB are actually offering free admission Saturdays and Sundays in celebration of Studio Bell’s 5th anniversary- check out the link above for more information!
Where: 850 4 St SE, Calgary, AB
TRY TO STAY AWAKE DURING A 12 HOUR HORROR MOVIE MARATHON
Happy Halloween, Calgary! Sadly we may not be able to hold any ‘killer’ parties – but, we cant catch a scary flick … or several, over the course of 12 whole hours! This month don’t miss the Globes 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
Phew! Well, there you have it, Calgary – the 28 best things to do this October. Now get out there and enjoy yourselves! It’s going to be one crazy month!
