It’s nearly turkey time! From fall festivals and elaborate costumes to eerie experiences and Friendsgiving dinners, October and several over-the-top expenses are just around the corner. Luckily, for those of us eager to save a few bucks, some of these events will actually cost you under $25… it’s just a matter of knowing which ones to check out. Ready to get into it? Here are 10 of the best cheap and FREE things to do in Calgary over the next few weeks.
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Applefest
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Hungry for a fun and inexpensive time? This season, slip on a pair of boots then head over to one of Calgary’s favourite fun farms for Applefest, a delicious day of ooey-gooey goodness, cinnamon and excitement. It’ll be an (apple) slice!
When: Saturday, September 30th – October 1st, 2023
Where: 226066 112 St W, Foothills County, AB
Cost: $15.95+
Pumpkins After Dark
This month, fall for an event where pumpkin really is the spice of life. Hosted by Winsport, Calgarians are encouraged to check out Pumpkins After Dark – a one-of-a-kind event featuring more gourds 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+
Haunted Mini Golf
Feeling all warmed up and ready to hit a few more balls before the season is over? This October, ghouls and goblins alike are encouraged to check out this adorable 18-hole course of frights and fun. Enjoy!
When: Thursday, September 21st – October 31st, 2023
Where: 168 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary
Cost: $15+
Visit an Alberta pumpkin patch
If however, you’re hoping to do something quintessentially fall, we’d recommend hitting an Alberta pumpkin patch! This month, toss on your autumn best, grab a hot chocolate, pick the perfect gourd and bake to your heart’s content – for less than $25!
Haunted Calgary
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Spooky season? It’s going to be a screaming good time and, for those hoping to save, it all starts at New Horizon Mall. This October enjoy a terrifying series of events including a haunted house, spooky selfie museum or zombie survival game.
When: Friday, October 13th – November 3rd, 2023
Where: 260300 Writing Creek Cres, Balzac
Cost: $15+
Wander an Albert Ghost Town
We love FREE and photogenic, and this inclusion is both. 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 and fall is the perfect time to visit them. Check out one of the many in and around the province and enjoy!
Harvest Lights
Whimsy and fun! This Fall, check out the Calgary Farmyard for Harvest Lights, a magical 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
Friends and foliage? That’s what we’re talking about! 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!
12-Hour Movie Marathon
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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 28th, 2023
Where: 617 8 Ave SW, Calgary
Time: 7 pm
Cost: $20
Orionids Meteor Shower
Visible between September 26th 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: Tuesday, September 26th – November 22nd (peaks Friday, October 20th-21s, 2023)
And here you have it, Calgary, 10 free and cheap things to do this October. What will you check out first?
