Things to Do in Calgary This October
October might be my favourite month in Calgary. The leaves along the Bow are gold, the air finally has that crisp bite, and the city goes all in on fall. Here's what's on my list this year, from spooky season staples to cozy low-key picks.
1. Pumpkins After Dark (ad)
This is the big one. Over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins light up a walk-through trail at WinSport, with music, special effects, live carving demos, and some genuinely impressive displays (dinosaurs made of pumpkins, I'm not kidding). It runs select evenings from now through October 31, and tickets are timed entry so book ahead.
Use code KELSEY10 for 10% off your tickets.
When: select evenings through Oct 31, from dusk to 11 pm
Where: WinSport, Canada Olympic Park and across Canada
Cost: from $17
2. ScreamFest
If Pumpkins After Dark is the family-friendly pick, ScreamFest is the "do not bring your kids" pick. Haunted houses, creepy carnival games, and full scare-actor energy at the GMC Stadium on Stampede grounds. Go with friends who scream loud, it's more fun that way.
When: Select dates from Oct 9 to 31
Where: GMC Stadium, Stampede Park
Cost: $35 to $75
3. Calgary Tea Festival
A slower October moment. Local tea vendors, tastings, and everything you need to stock your cupboard for the cold months. This is very much a "bring a friend and browse for two hours" kind of afternoon.
When: Oct 24
Where: Parkdale United Church
Cost: check their site for ticket details
4. Puptoberfest
Fall plus dogs, in East Village. Need I say more? It's free, it's outdoors, and it's the best people-watching (dog-watching) in the city that day.
When: Oct 17
Where: Crossroads, East Village
Cost: free
5. Harvest Pumpkin Fest at Butterfield Acres
Classic pumpkin patch day: pick your pumpkin, visit the animals, wagon ride through Scarecrow Alley, warm up by the firepits. Perfect if you want the full fall farm experience without leaving the city.
When: (Family Friendly) Oct 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31 from 10 am to 3 pm
When: (Adult Only Date Night) Oct 17 from 5PM to 7:30PM
Where: Butterfield Acres
Cost: $17 to $20
6. Brick Roundup
Calgary's big LEGO show, with hundreds of builds from across Western Canada and Q&As with LEGO Masters contestants. Genuinely fun even if you're not a LEGO person, which I say as someone who was skeptical and then stayed for two hours.
When: Oct 17 and 18
Where: MacEwan Hall, University of Calgary
Cost: up to $15
That's my October. If you end up at Pumpkins After Dark, tell me if you spot the pumpkin painted with a bear on it, because its amazing!
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