There are few things better than a beautiful Autumn day in Alberta, but the season comes and goes in the blink of an eye. Luckily, there are a ton of things to do and see to get out and about – you’ll just have to act fast. Ready to kick things off? Here are a few things that should be on your Fall bucket list for Calgary this year.
The Heritage Inn Balloon Festival
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Hot Air balloons are incredibly cool and probably on almost everyone’s bucket lists, regardless of the season. This fall “oooh and ahh” while giant inflatables float peacefully overhead and get up close and personal with the pilots at The Heritage Inn Balloon Festival.
When: Wednesday, September 27th – October 1st, 2023
Where: MacLeod Tr SW, High River
Cost: FREE
Applefest
What’s more ‘fall’ than apples?! This season, slip on a pair of boots then head over to one of Calgary’s favourite fun farms for Applefest, a pie-heavy day of ooey-gooey goodness, cinnamon and excitement. It’s going to be delish!
When: Saturday, September 30th – October 1st, 2023
Where: 226066 112 St W, Foothills County, AB
Pumpkins After Dark
Good gourd, it’s back! This year, Calgary is kicking things off with Pumpkins After Dark – a one-of-a-kind event featuring more orange than you could bake, carve or bash in an entire lifetime.
When: Friday, September 22nd – October 31st, 2023
Where: 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary
Time: See times above
Cost: $18+
See a Stampeders Game
Fall and football go together like peanut butter and jelly. This season, grab a beer and a bit, then cheer the Calgary Stampeders to victory at McMahon Stadium! For more information or to snag some tickets, head over to the link above!
When: Games throughout the season
Where: 1817 Crowchild Trail NW
Haunted Mini Golf
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BOO….yeah, is what you’ll say when you get a hole-in-one! This season, ghouls and goblins alike are encouraged to check out this adorable 18-hole course of frights and fun. Good luck and enjoy.
When: Thursday, September 21st – October 31st, 2023
Where: 168 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary
Cost: $15+
Visit an Alberta pumpkin patch
There’s nothing like hitting a pumpkin patch with your best gourds! This season, toss on your autumn best, grab a hot chocolate, pick the perfect vegetable and bake to your heart’s content. This is THE fall event. Check the link above for our favourite spots in and around the city limits and enjoy!
Fall glamping
The hustle and bustle of big city life is a lot. This fall, go totally off the grid and spend a few nights under the stars! This fall, check out one of the many incredible glampsites in and around Alberta.
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: Thursday, October 5th to October 8th, 2023
Where: Smoky Lake, Alberta
Field of Screams
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Friends who scream together, stay together! Like so many before it, Cobb’s will return this year with ‘Field of Screams’ a terrifying event that totally transforms their 20 acres of land from family-friendly to fantastically freaky.
When: Friday, October 13th, 14th, 19th (Adults Only), 20th, 21st, 27th, & 28th, 2023
Where: 1500 84th Street NE, Calgary
Time: 6 pm – 11 pm
Cost: $26+
Haunted Calgary
Are you ready? This fall, check out Haunted Calgary – a terrifying series of events held at the Horizon Mall in Balzac. This year, prepare yourself for their terrifying haunted house, spooky selfie museum or zombie survival game. You never know what might be lurking around the corner!
When: Friday, October 13th – November 3rd, 2023
Where: 260300 Writing Creek Cres, Balzac
Cost: $15+
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!
Train of Terror
If you’re not already afraid of the dark, you will be! One of the year’s freakiest events, The Aspen Crossing Train Of Terror – is back featuring a full-contact, horror house on wheels just outside of Calgary. Beware!
When: Various dates between Friday, October 6th and November 4th, 2023
When: Box 30 Mossleigh, AB
Time: See times here
Cost: $89.99
ScreamFest
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Feel like you’ve got something to prove? This Fall hit Screamfest 2023 for a night of spooks, frights, freaks and fun or – check it out on Friday the 13th and participate in a terrifying world record attempt.
When: Friday October 6th – 31st, 2023 (world record event Friday October 13th, 2023)
Where: 2200 Stampede Trail SE, Calgary, AB
Cost: $30+
Visit an Albert Ghost Town
From mining towns and mountain settlements to a town sitting at the bottom of a lake, Alberta is filled with historical hamlets from a time gone by. Check out one of the many in and around the province and don’t forget to take photos.
Take a train ride
From lakes to rivers, mountains and prairie, Wild Rose Country has some incredible things to experience – but if a relaxing day of stunning views is what you seek, then there’s nothing better than a scenic train ride across Alberta. Check out the link above for some of our favourites!
Harvest Lights
Looking for a wholesome evening of whimsy and fun? This Fall, check out the Calgary Farmyard for Harvest Lights, a vibrant after-dark event, that will give you more time to snuggle with their animals, get lost in their giant corn maze, challenge each other to a game of mini-golf, or make a fool of yourself in their giant rat rollers.
When: Fridays and Saturdays
Where: 284022 Township Rd 224, Rocky Mountain Couty
Time: until 9:30 pm
Cost:: $19.95 +
See Alberta’s Fall Foliage
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 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!
And there you have it! Just a few items you should add to your Calgary fall bucket list. Enjoy!
