Categories: Things To Do

An adults-only night of paranormal experiences and drag is coming to Calgary

Photo Via Telus Spark/Instagram

What if there actually is a scientific explanation for some of the things people call paranormal? TELUS Spark is putting that question to the test during its next 18+ event. Spark After Dark: Paranormal Activities will bring an adults-only night of ghost stories, scientific talks, experiments, and interactives to the science centre.

You’ll learn why our brains might make us feel like we’ve experienced something paranormal, hear about research into reported ghost sightings, and catch live performances throughout the night.

Let’s take a closer look at everything happening during the event.

What to expect at Spark After Dark

What is Spark After Dark?

Spark After Dark is TELUS Spark’s adults-only evening series, and this edition focuses on paranormal activities and the science behind what seems impossible.

On Friday. Oct. 9, the centre will stay open until midnight and offer a full lineup of spooky activities. Throughout the evening, you can learn about the science behind reported paranormal experiences, catch drag performances, attend séances, and try your hand at different experiments.

What can I do while I’m there?

You can drop into plenty of activities as you move through the space. Some events will run throughout the night, while others will be spaced out into several sessions.

You can create your own monster soundtrack, learn about the anatomy of an earthworm, get a ghostly makeup look done by Don’s Costume and Makeup shop, or take part in a ghost-writing workshop where you can build your own scary story.

Alongside the activities, you’ll also find live music and drag performances from Karla Marx, Viscera, Dogiichow, Mac Zine, Dayna Hart, Jackal Morose, and Divina Diefor, plus a burlesque performance from Axis O’Risa.

Here’s a look at the full schedule for the night:

Write Your Own Horror Story:
- When: 6 p.m. to midnight
Draw-A-Monster:
- When: 6 p.m. to midnight
Can You Smell a Ghost Coming:
- When: 6 p.m. to midnight
Alien Oobleck:
- When: 6 p.m. to midnight
The Beat Behind the Veil:
- When: 6 p.m. to midnight
Dissect the Undead (Sort of):
- When: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (space is limited)
Sinister Sounds:
- When: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Deathly Pallor:
- When: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (while supplies last)
Why Your Brain Might Be Haunting You:
- When: 7 p.m. and 7:40 p.m.
Is It Magic, or Is It Science?:
- When: 7 p.m., 8:20 p.m. and 9:50 p.m.
Who’s Hosting the Séance Tonight?:
- When: 7:15 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.
Otherworldly Sounds:
- When: 7:30 p.m. and 9:50 p.m.
The Science (Fiction) of The X-Files:
- When: 7:40 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
212 Ghost Walk Into a Study:
- When: 8 p.m.
Take us to Your Drag Show:
- When: 8 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Beam Us Up: Live Band Takes the Stage:
- When: 10:30 p.m.

When is Spark After Dark?

The event will take place on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the centre staying open until midnight.

How much are tickets?

General admission tickets for Spark After Dark are $36.95 per person, while Spark members can snag a ticket for just $15. Students and seniors can also purchase admission for $29.95.

Tickets will be available at the door if the event hasn’t sold out, but TELUS Spark says previous Spark After Dark events have sold out, so they recommend booking in advance. And don’t forget to bring a valid government-issued ID, as staff will check it at the door.

Where is TELUS Spark?

Telus Spark is located in northeast Calgary directly beside the Calgary Zoo. Parking is available, but it is first-come, first-served and costs $13 for non-members; parking is free with a member pass.

If the Spark parking lot fills up, you can use the Calgary Zoo north parking lot, which also costs $13. A continuous shuttle will run between the Calgary Zoo’s north entrance and Spark’s main entrance from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

So whether you’re a paranormal believer or a complete skeptic, there’s plenty to keep you entertained all evening.