It’s spookin’ time, ghouls! The year’s coziest month has nearly arrived and from movie marathons to haunted houses, there is a ton happening around the city. Of course, as we all know, this particular season comes and goes in a flash, though – so buckle up! Here are 30 of the very best things to do in Calgary this October – because you won’t want to miss a beat.
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Applefest
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Sink your teeth into a fall slice! One of Calgary’s favourite fun farms has announced Applefest, a delicious day of ooey-gooey goodness, cinnamon and excitement and it’s going to be delicious. Enjoy!
When: Saturday, September 30th – October 1st, 2023
Where: 226066 112 St W, Foothills County, AB
Cost: $15.95+
KOOZA
Last Call! This October, see high-flying acrobatics and incredible performances! Cirque du Soleil has returned to Calgary with Kooza, a show that features chills, thrills and explores everything from fear and identity to recognition and power.
When: Until October 8th, 2023
Where: 50 25 Ave SE, Calgary
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
Halloweekends
A wacky day of adrenaline awaits! 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.
When: Weekends until October 9th, 2023
Where: 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary
Cost: $33.95+
Sponsored Pick: Kama Nighthawk Late Night Lounge Experience
Listen up, late-night food lovers! We all know how spoiled we are when it comes to Calgary’s restaurant scene, but this new late-night food and drink spot takes the cake. Kama, YYC’s award-winning hotspot in the Beltline is bringing a brand new late-night lounge experience named Nighthawk to our city’s bar and food scene this Sept. Forget the club or pub, this casual-meets-sophisticated setting is the perfect spot for a night out with your friends or apres-dinner hang. Indulge in a delicious tapas-style menu, outstanding cocktails and eclectic beats by their in-house DJ.
When: Every Friday & Saturday, 9 pm – Late
Where: Kama | 211 11 Ave SW #110, Calgary
Pumpkins After Dark
Pumpkin really is the spice of life and this October, we’re all about it! 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: Until October 31st, 2023
Where: 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary
Time: See times above
Cost: $18+
The Trellis Society Soirée
The Trellis Society is hosting its annual Soirée in October, and it’s a party that you can feel good about attending. The Trellis Society Soirée is one of Calgary’s most impactful parties with a purpose — supporting over 7,000 children, youths and families who experience homelessness in Calgary. The event will be hosted at The Hudson, offering glittering views of downtown Calgary, delectable bites, and live music by The Hello Darlins. Plus all food and drinks are included in the ticket price.
When: Saturday, October 28th, 2023 | 6 PM – Late
Where: The Hudson, 200 8th Avenue, Calgary
Cost: $250 per person
Calgary Stampeders
Football? For Fall? How groundbreaking! This October, grab a beer and cheer the Calgary Stampeders to victory at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium! For more information or to snag some tickets, head over to the link above!
When: Various dates
Where: 1817 Crowchild Trail NW
Wu-Tang Clan & Nas
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Known for self-titled song Wu-Tang as well as C.R.E.A.M and Protect Ya Neck, Iconic hip-hop collective, Wu-Tang Clan and VERY special guest Nas, will take Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome this October. For more information and tickets, check out the link above.
When: Saturday, October 14th, 2023
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome, 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Time: 8 pm
Cost: $74+
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+
Sleeping Beauty
The ballet is back and this month Calgarians can enjoy the beautiful Sleeping Beauty at the Jubilee Auditorium. Inspired by the beloved children’s story, this beautiful show will delight audiences of all ages with enchanting music, stunning costumes, and magic. Don’t miss it!
When: Thursday, October 26th – 28th, 2023
Where: 1415 14 Ave NW
Cost: $69+
Field of Screams
Friends who scream together, stay together. This October, in collaboration with the folks behind Screamfest, Cobb’s will totally transform 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+
Visit an Alberta pumpkin patch
Looking for something a little more ‘Hallmark?’ We’d recommend visiting 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.
Haunted Calgary
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+
Train of Terror
Halloween is nearly here and so is one of the year’s freakiest events Aspen Crossing 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
Spark After Dark: Fear
They say you’re supposed to learn one new thing every day, but we think that you should do it with a drink in your hand… and a chill down your spine! This October, check out TELUS Spark for their ‘Fear’ adult night and visit their many exhibits, vibe to some music, and learn the science behind why and where we get scared.
When: Friday, October 13th, 2023
Where: Telus Spark Science Centre – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
Time: 5 pm-midnight
Cost: $26+
Wander an Albert Ghost Town
FREE and photogenic? From mining towns and mountain settlements, 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!
Smoky Lake 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 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
Take a hike
Stretch your legs and get some fresh air. This October, why not treat yourself to a stunning fall hike in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains? Check the link above for our favourites and enjoy!
Harvest Lights
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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
Are you wide awake? 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
Go Consignment Shopping
We strongly believe that your wardrobe should reflect how you feel on the inside, and some of you are old, creative souls. But where in the heck do you go to find something that screams ‘I’m an individual?’ A consignment store of course. For 17 of our favourites, check out the link above.
Tattoo and Arts Festival
Whether you’re jonesing for some new ink or just appreciate the craft, the Tattoo and Arts Festival is definitely one you won’t want to miss! This October hit the BMO Centre for a two-day event celebrating the latest and greatest in body art – it’s going to be something else, folks!
When: Friday, October 13th – 15th, 2023
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
Cost: $30+
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)
ScreamFest
Got something to prove? This October 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+
Go fall glamping
Need a break from reality? Why not go totally off the grid and spend a few nights under the stars? This September, check out one of the many incredible glampsites in and around Alberta. It’s high time we all get some fresh air, don’t you think?
LaunchPad Golf
This month, grab a drink, a few friends, and tee off from one of the many bays at Launchpad Golf. You know what they say! Practice makes perfect – but practice tastes a whole lot better with a beer.
Where: Mickelson National Golf Club – 34122 East Harmony Trail
Cost: $70+
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!
Calgary Hitmen
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Craving a pocket dog? This week, you can also watch as the Calgary Hitmen take on The Lethbridge Hurricanes at the Scotiabank Saddledome!
When: Various Dates
Where: 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Cost: $17+
And here you have it, Calgary, 30 amazing things to do this October. What will you check out first?
