It’s time, turkeys! Thanksgiving is here and so are some incredible events (both in and outdoor) perfect for the whole family. Not sure what’s happening around the city this time around? From sports to wholesome fall activities, here are 12 things to do this LONG weekend in Calgary!
Sponsored pick: The Allstate Soccer Show
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The Allstate Soccer Show is coming to Calgary for the first time ever! This is your chance to meet your soccer heroes – for a good cause. The Allstate Soccer Show comes around once a year and gives people of all ages the chance to meet their soccer idols from Canada’s Men’s and Women’s National Teams. Meet your soccer heroes from Christine Sinclair, Quinn, Janine Beckie, Melissa Tancredi, Patrice Bernier, Marco Carducci, and Julian de Guzman; Cavalry FC’s very own Marco Carducci, Myer Bevan, Ali Musse and Charlie Trafford, Tommy Wheeldon Jr. and Nik Ledgerwood; CF Montréal players James Pantemis and Nathan Saliba all while participating in a day of soccer-themed fun. Ticket sales go directly to KidSport Calgary to help train and encourage the next generation of soccer legends – and they’re only $5 each! Visit @soccershowsocial on FB & IG for daily updates.
When: Sunday, October 8, 2023
Where: BMO Centre at Stampede Park – Hall D, 20 Roundup Way SE
Cost: $5 per ticket, 100% of which is donated to KidSport Calgary
Halloweekends
Hold on, Calgary! Calaway Park has returned with Halloweekends, a series of ‘terrifying’ events for you and the whole family. Dress up and head out for a full day of sun, fun, parades, witchy meet and greets and of course, cheap and delicious carnival food – this will be your last chance!
When: Weekends until October 9th, 2023
Where: 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary
Cost: $33.95+
Pumpkins After Dark
Thanksgiving just isn’t thanksgiving without pumpkins! This weekend, 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: Until October 31st, 2023
Where: 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary
Time: See times above
Cost: $18+
Sponsored Pick: Banff Pride
Banff Pride will be taking over Banff with 10 days of festivities, drag performances, live music, and quintessentially Canadian outdoor fun. The festival will kick off on Friday, October 6th, with a flag-raising ceremony and Pride March through downtown Banff. There will be events happening throughout the village all the way to the peaks of Sulphur Mountain. Don’t miss this amazing celebration of diversity, inclusion, and love – all in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable!
When: Friday, October 6th to Sunday, October 15th
Where: Events throughout Banff
Cost: Tickets vary by event
Pumpkin Palooza at Cobb’s
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Looking for something quintessentially ‘fall?’ This weekend, check out Cobb’s Pumpkin Palooza, an adorable event perfect for the whole family! Here, Calgarians can go axe throwing, play games and place a bet on a round of minigolf in addition to picking up a gourd and taking some seriously cute photos.
When: Monday, October 9th, 2023 (and various other dates this month)
Where: 1500 84th Street NE, Calgary
Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Cost: $21.95
Sponsored Pick: IG Wealth Management Alzheimer Walk & Run
The annual IG Wealth Management Alzheimer Walk & Run is back and being held in beautiful Prince’s Island Park. Walk or run in support of Calgarians affected by Alzheimer’s dementia and other related diseases. With 1K, 5K, or 10K race options, you can even participate virtually. Register now to be part of the energy this weekend, plus you can even win a ton of great prizes from brands like Air Canada, Fairmont, and more.
When: Sunday, October 8
Registration: 8:00 – 9:15 AM
Welcome & warm-up: 9:30 – 10:00 AM
Walk & Run kicks off: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Prince’s Island Park
Cost: $10 to $35 registration fee
Train of Terror
Feeling spooky? This weekend check out one of the year’s freakiest events – Aspen Crossing’s Train Of Terror – a full-contact, horror house on wheels just outside of Calgary.
When: Various dates between Friday, October 6th and November 4th, 2023
When: Box 30 Mossleigh, AB
Time: See times here
Cost: $89.99
Smoky Lake Pumpkin Fair
We can’t wait! 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 beer garden and pancake breakfast – but because they actually hold a huge pumpkin weigh-off year after year.
When: Thursday October 5th – 8th, 2023
Where: Smoky Lake, Alberta – Directions here
Cost: FREE
Harvest Lights
Looking for somewhere to take your someone special this weekend? 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 +
Thanksgiving Weekend at Heritage Park
There’s nothing better than this! This season (and every season), Heritage Park will take its guests back in time to a different era when horse-drawn carriages were the norm. From a mini train to old-timey shops, houses, workshops, and old carnival rides – this Calgary destination is a long weekend favourite. What’s better? This Thanksgiving, you can also enjoy a big Thanksgiving meal at the Selkirk!
When: Saturday, October 7th – 9th, 2023
Where: 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., Calgary
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: $22+
ScreamFest
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The boo is back! This weekend you’ll finally be able to hit Screamfest for a night of spooks, frights, freaks and fun! The first person to cover their eyes has to buy the drinks afterward. Good luck, folks!
When: Friday October 6th – 31st, 2023 (world record event Friday October 13th, 2023)
Where: 2200 Stampede Trail SE, Calgary, AB
Cost: $30+
Downhill Karting
Need to burn off a little steam after your wild family dinner? Hit Winsport Canada and go head to head on their 1,800-meter downhill go-kart track! There’s no better way to get some fresh air!
Where: 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary
Time: 10 am – 7 pm
Cost: $28+
And here you have it, Calgary, 12 things to do this long weekend in Calgary! What will you check out first?
