Photo Via Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock
Trying to sort out your November plans? We’re here to help. Calgary has a lot coming up next month, from concerts and art markets to food competitions and science festivals. And the first Christmas markets and light displays are starting to pop up around the city, so you can get an early start on the holiday season.
To make it easier, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best things happening in and around Calgary this week, so you can skip the scrolling and get straight to making plans.
Let’s jump into it.
The Smashing Pumpkins are bringing their Rats In A Cage tour to the Scotiabank Saddledome. You can look forward to a set celebrating the band’s 1995 album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.
When: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome — 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary, Alta,
Cost: Starting at $232.30
The Millarville Christmas Market is returning for eight days this November, bringing over 300 vendors to the Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society. You can shop handmade gifts, grab a bite from food trucks, take photos with Santa, and participate in family-friendly activities.
When: Thursday, Nov. 5 to Sunday, Nov. 8, and Thursday, Nov. 12 to Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society — 306097 192 St. W, Millarville, Alta.
Cost: General Admission (12 years and up): $8; Child (under 12 years old): Free
You can get an early start on the holiday season with Christmas in November at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Running from Nov. 6 to 15, the event features renowned chefs, hands-on workshops, festive dinners and evening celebrations, with time to relax and enjoy the mountain scenery between activities.
When: Friday, Nov. 6 to Monday, Nov. 9; Monday, Nov. 9 to Thursday, Nov. 12; and Thursday, Nov. 12 to Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: 1 Old Lodge Rd., Jasper, Alta.
Cost: Lunch Experience: starting at $229 per person plus fees, Full-Day Experience: starting at $599 per person plus fees, Fireside Reserve Enhancement (add-on): starting at$700 per person plus fees, Three-Night Package: starting at $ 2,151 per person
YYC Noodle Festival returns to the city from Nov. 5 to 15, with participating restaurants across the city serving their own featured noodle dishes. Try everything from ramen to vermicelli, then vote for your favourites and help decide which restaurant takes home the crown.
When: Thursday, Nov. 5 to Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026
Time: Times vary
Where: Various restaurants across Calgary
Cost: Cost varies based on dish
Beakerhead is back! The two-day event takes over the TELUS Spark Science Centre with hands-on experiments, live performances, science demonstrations, and art experiences. This year’s programming will also include medieval combat, a digital rave and a fire-versus-ice showdown.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7 to Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026
Time: Friday, 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Telus Spark Science Centre – 212 St. George’s Dr. NE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Friday: $39 for non-members, $20 for members; Saturday: Free; Sunday: Adults: $10, Kids: $5
Looking to add some local art space? Supermarché de l’Art is taking over cSPACE Marda Loop, with more than 1,500 pieces by local artists, including paintings, drawings, photography and illustrations. Artwork costs between $30 and $300, and you can browse the market for free.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Studio Theatre at cSPACE Marda Loop — 1721 29th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free admission
Calgary is going all out for Grey Cup week this November, with four days of festivities leading up to the big game. Throughout the festival, you can catch nightly drone shows, listen to live music, grab a free pancake breakfast and participate in football-themed activities.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 11 to Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026
Time: Times vary based on event
Where: Stampede Park — 1410 Stampede Trl. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Ticket prices vary based on event
More than one million lights will illuminate the Calgary Zoo for ZOOLIGHTS’ 30th anniversary. This year’s event will feature life-size gingerbread houses, a glowing bamboo trail, carousel rides and visits with Santa.
When: Running on select dates from Friday, Nov. 13 to Sunday, Jan. 3, 2026
Time: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. (gates close at 9 p.m)
Where: Calgary Zoo – 210 St. George’s Dr. NE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Price varies depending on date
You can step into the courtroom at The Jury Experience, an interactive live show where you’ll hear witness testimonies, examine evidence, and decide the verdict in a fictional criminal trial. The audience plays a key role in determining how the story ends, so get ready to put your judgment skills to the test!
When: Friday, Nov. 20, 2026
Time: 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Where: The GRAND – 608 1st St. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $54
Calgary’s Central Library is hosting The Locked Library, an interactive mystery experience where you’ll work with your team to solve puzzles, follow clues and uncover secrets hidden throughout the library. It’s a great way to spend an evening with friends or family.
When: Friday, Nov. 20, 2026
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: #7, 1450 28th St. NE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: $30 per person
Have a great month, Calgary!
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