Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice
Welcome to the season of early sunsets, warm tea, big sweaters and messy hair, AKA. everything we love. There are so many incredible things happening in our city this October from eating pies and pumpkin spice pancakes to listening to spooky ghost stories at Heritage Park and exploring fright inducing escape rooms at Screamfest.
Here are 30 things to do this October in YYC to ensure you have a frightfully fun month.
1. Illuminasia
September 8th to October 16th from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Calgary Zoo, 1300 Zoo Rd NE
Website
Illuminasia Lantern and Garden Festival is back at the Calgary Zoo for its second year running. With the addition of 145 new lanterns this year, travel from spring to winter as their seasonal-themed lanterns take you through the year. The animal lanterns depict culturally significant animals as well as zoo favourites guaranteed to delight. Be sure to check out all the complimentary activities and relish in the arts of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Korean cultures too.
2. UNDRCARD Pop Up
October 1st from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Commonwealth Bar and Stage, 731 10 Ave SW
Website
Boxing, braids, and buddies. Bring your crew and break a sweat in da club with UNDRCARD Boxing Studio, Commonwealth Bar, and Fli Braid Bar. Calgary’s premier boxing studio is opening later this fall on 10th Ave and you’re invited over for a sneak preview. It’s free, but spots are limited.
3. PARKLUXE 2016
October 1st from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Studio Bell, 850 4 St SE
Website
PARKLUXE 2016 presented by Bankers Hall is a luxury art and fashion show featuring some of Canada’s premier high end fashion designers and artists. Shop featured designers, learn about local Canadian talent, and mingle with the city’s fashion elite.
4. Boutique Wedding Market
October 1st and 2nd from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Hemingway Room at The Commons, 1204 20 Ave SE
Website
Join Boutique Wedding Market for a weekend of wedding inspiration, trend-setting ideas, live music, and photo booth fun. A collective that showcases some of YYC’s most creative artists and vendors, brought together for the modern bride and groom. They believe in community, inspiring others, and keeping it local.
5. Boards, Babes + Brunch
October 2nd from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
Studio Revolution Fitness, 313 17 Ave SW
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On Sunday, October 2nd, Studio Revolution Fitness will be teaming up with Anju Restaurant to bring you Boards, Babes, & Brunch. Round up your crew for a sweat sesh with Studio Revolution and then head to Anju for some of the best brunch in the city. Tickets are $30 and include a 45 minute SURFSET or TRX class + a breakfast brevvy of your choice.
6. Fiasco in the Den Viewing Party
October 5th from 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Craft Beer Market, 345 10 Ave SW
Website
Join us in watching the season 11 premiere of Dragon’s Den featuring Fiasco Gelato. The first 150 people will get a free pint of Village Squeeze ( a Fiasco Collaboration ). The story of Fiasco starts at 7:15 pm and the show airs at 8:00 pm sharp. See you there.
7. Boards, Babes + Beer
October 5th from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Studio Revolution Fitness, 313 17 Ave SW
Website
Get over hump day on Wednesday, October 5th with Studio Revolution Fitness. Join them for a shred sesh at their studio and then head over to National on 17th for a beverage and a special platter of killer eats. Tickets are $30 all-inclusive.
8. Thanksgiving Pie Bake Off
October 7th & 8th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Calgary Farmer’s Market, 510 77 Ave SE
Website
Join the Calgary Farmer’s Market for their 4th Annual Thanksgiving Pie Bake-Off and put your pie palate to the test for a great cause. Make a cash donation to the Calgary Food Bank and sample 5 delicious pies from vendors competing for the trophy and title of best pie in the market. Entries include Maple Pumpkin Pie, Wild Turkey Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Coconut Cream Pie, Blueberry Rhubarb Pie, and Caramel Pumpkin Pie.
9. Disney in Concert
October 7th at 7:30 pm & October 8th at 2 pm
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons, 205 8 Ave SE
Website
Delight in the magic of Disney with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra this Thanksgiving weekend. On October 7 and 8, hear popular Disney songs presented alongside original Disney film clips from classic favourites like Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Lion King.
10. Trivia Night: Seinfeld 2.0
October 11th from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
WURST, 2437 4 St. SW
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Join us for a night of cocktails and a little healthy competition on Tuesday, October 11th at Wurst for Trivia Night: Seinfeld 2.0 edition. Get your friends together, brush up on all your favourite Seinfeld episodes, and bring your ‘A’ game. There will be awesome prizes to win and hours of laughter that will bring you back to the most memorable Seinfeld moments. Tickets are $20 and include one drink. These pretzels are making ME thirsty.
11. BOOM
October 11th to 29th
Max Bell Theatre, Arts Commons, 240 9 Ave SE
Website
This month, take an explosive journey through the music, culture, and politics that defined the Baby Boom generation. Along with a stunning array of images and videos, Rick Miller’s solo performance brings to life over a hundred iconic politicians, musicians, and influential figures spanning from 1945 to 1969.
12. Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Fest
October 14th from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm & October 15th from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Stampede Park, BMO Centre, 20 Roundup Way SW
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Wine and food lovers rejoice. The annual Calgary Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival returns for its 19th year this October 14th and 15th. Enjoy a vast collection of wines from around the globe, along with premium spirits, scotches, ports, specialty liqueurs, and import and micro-brewed beers. Pair your drinks with a delicious selection of nibbles from some of the city’s best local restaurants, hotels, and food purveyors.
13. Screamfest
October 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 27th to 31st at 7 pm
Stampede Park, The Grandstand Building, 20 Roundup Way SE
Website
Welcome back Screamfest to YYC this October. Walk through haunted houses, try your luck at Halloween themed carnival games, and be prepared for a fright from their array of creepy entertainment.
They’ve got a few new attractions this year including Adults Only Night on Thursday October 27th where there will be adult entertainment and a site wide liquor license in place. Leave the kids at home, no one under 18 will be allowed in. Be sure to check out the Zombie Hunter (a shooting gallery style game featuring zombie props AND moving targets), The Trapeze of Death Ropes Course, Coffin Ride (not for the faint of heart – experience being buried alive), and eight escape rooms.
14. Community Fall Fair
October 15th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Enmax Park, Stampede Park
Website
Come partake in a Community Fall Fair at Enmax Park on Saturday, October 15. This will be a day full of Fall festivities including a pumpkin spice pancake breakfast, food trucks, music and entertainment, and a market featuring local produce and handmade goods. Other activities include wagon rides, pumpkin decorating, pumpkin tic tac toe, and a corn maze. Admission to the fair is free.
15. Rouge
October 15th from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am
The Bank and Baron Pub, 125 8 Ave SW
Website
On Saturday, October 15th, Gen Next presents Rouge, the 2nd annual fundraising gala for United Way of Calgary and Area. Expect a black tie affair, music from the talented DJ Yung Nino, fabulous silent auction items, delicious bites, a candy bar, and a photobooth to capture all the unforgettable moments of the night. General Admission tickets are $80 and include 3 drink tickets, light passed snacks, and champagne upon arrival or upgrade to VIP Lounge tickets for $145.
16. 2016 Eric Francis Pizza Pigout
October 19th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Cowboys Dance Hall, 421 12 Ave SE
Website
All you can eat pizza. Need we say more? The Eric Francis Pizza Pigout is an event where Calgary’s finest celebrities, pizza lovers and foodies will come together to taste over 250 pizzas donated by local pizzerias. The night will consist of good food, ice cold brews, and the best of company. All funds raised will go towards supporting KidSport Calgary, and You Can Play.
17. Goro + Gun Beerfest
October 19th from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Goro + Gun, 225 7 Ave SW
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Join Goro + Gun for another fun night of sushi, Sapporo and live entertainment at their 2nd Annual G + G Beer Fest.
Purchase a single ticket for $45 and enjoy tons of passed plates and one Sapporo beer, or bring the whole squad and get 6 tickets for $200 which includes passed appies, a Bikuri beer tower, and raffle tickets for the grand prize draw. Enjoy the fun Taiko Drummers while playing a variety of games and activities with a portion of proceeds going to United Way.
18. Speed Dating
October 20th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Lolita’s Lounge, 1413 9 Ave SE
Website
On Thursday, October 20th, try something a little out of your comfort zone and join us for Speed Dating. We have approximately 16-20 men and 16-20 women at each event. The women stay in the same seat and the men rotate. Each date will last 3 minutes. You can practice your flirting skills and meet new people. We collect your matches at the end of the night and will contact you with your matches the following day. This is so you don’t have to have the awkward phone number exchange at the end of the conversation. Your contact info is only shared with permission and if you have a match.
19. Yoga Mountain Adventure Retreat
October 20th to 23rd from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
Mount Engadine Lodge, P.O. Box 8643, Canmore, AB
Website
Reconnect with your inner adventurer this Fall and come celebrate with Mount Engadine as they welcome yogi Sarah Harvie back to the Lodge for their Yoga Mountain Adventure Retreat. Join them for a 2 or 3-night retreat with Yoga (Asana & Nidra), Pranayama Meditation and self-guided hiking. Single Occupancy starts at $935 and Double Occupancy starts at $1375. To register email mountengadine@castleavery.ca or call 403.678.4080
20. Calgary Fall Night Market
October 21st from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade
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Start your Christmas shopping early in the heart of downtown on Friday, October 21st at the Calgary Night Market. Enjoy local music, live entertainment, artisan vendors, food trucks, and more as you peruse local vendors for gift ideas in the main floor of Eau Claire Market.
21. 34th Annual Fall & Christmas Market
October 21st to 23rd
Bearspaw Lifestyle Centre, 253220 Bearspaw Road
Website
The 34th Annual Fall & Christmas Market is back. Start your Christmas shopping early at one of the first craft sales of the season the weekend of October 21st – 23rd. $3.00 entry.
22. The Halloween Howl
October 23rd from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade SW
Website
On October 23rd, put on your Halloween costumes and join the Alberta Diabetes Foundation for their annual Halloween Howl event. The event includes a 3K fun run/walk and chip-timed 5K and 10K competitive runs. Prizes will be awarded for the best costume and fastest runners with proceeds going towards supporting life-changing diabetes research.
23. Closet Raid
October 23rd from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Trolley 5, 728 17 Ave SW
Website
Save the date: Calgary’s favourite closet consignment pop-up shop returns for their biggest event yet this October. Bring a bag and head down to Trolley 5 on October 23rd with your homies as you raid the closets of Calgary’s best dressed. Admission is free and clothing donations will be accepted at the door.
24. The POST Forum
October 24th to October 26th
Hyatt Regency, 700 Centre St.
Website
On October 24 to 26, get ready for three days that will forever change the way you see the world, and the way the world sees your business. Born from The Social Summit, presented by The Social School and powered by Press + Post, The Post features everything from hands-on Foundational Workshops to a 2-day Conference jammed with New York Times best-selling authors and global thought leaders, to Innovation Labs, social events, networking opportunities, The Post Party and beyond. Learn from the leaders, dreamers and doers who are not just influencing their industries, but disrupting them top to bottom. Promo code SMARTDATE gets you 25% off your tickets at checkout.
25. Boobyball
October 27th from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Calgary Zoo, Enmax Conservatory, 1300 Zoo Rd NE
Website
Boobyball presents Paradise City on Thursday, October 27th at the Calgary Zoo. This event will be one haute evening in paradise, where Calgary’s most exotic scenesters will shake their tropical tails and fan their fancy feathers to support Rethink Breast Cancer. The 15th annual fundraiser will immerse guests into the wild for an evening of electric sunsets, lush libations, majestic beats from DJ Fayyaz and tiki treats all entwined in the most sizzling soiree of the year.
26. Prohibition Era Cocktail: The Corpse Reviver #2
October 27th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Eau Claire Distillery, 113 Sunset Blvd NW
Website
Join Eau Claire Distillery on October 27th as they take you on a trip of prohibition era cocktails with a special highlight on the Corpse Reviver #2. Enjoy a special Halloween-themed event at the distillery where you can tour the venue, enjoy some libations, and snack on delicious bites. Tickets are $65 and include transportation, four drinks, and snacks.
27. Dracula
October 27th to October 29th at 7:30 pm (There’s an extra show at 2:00 pm on October 29th)
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave NW
Website
This Halloween, let the Alberta Ballet sweep you away to a charming village in Transylvania for their production of Dracula. Lose yourself in this classic masterpiece with enchanting choreography, incredible special effects, and impressive costumes to boot (Dracula wears a 23-foot-long cape). You won’t want to miss this.
28. Hallow’s Eve in the Village
October 29th and 30th from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm
C-Square, 7th Ave and Riverfront Lane SE; Riverwalk and Cross Roads along Confluence Way SE
Website
On October 29th and 30th, watch in amazement as the East Village Neighbourhood Association spooks up East Village with Hallow’s Eve in the Village: Godric’s Hollow. There will be tricks and treats from the wizarding world, along with a collective tent of artisan vendors, food trucks, and a beer garden. Admission is $5 and only 5000 entries are guaranteed each day of the event, so make sure you get down there early.
29. Monster Mash-Up
October 29th from 10 am to 5 pm and October 30th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Telus Spark, 220 St. George’s Dr. NE
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Science and Halloween just might be two of our favourite things and on October 29, it’s coming to Telus Spark. Kick off your Halloween festivities by watching live science demonstrations and partaking in interactive activities like pumpkin decorating and a mad science hall where you get to conduct weird and wonderful experiments of your own. Costumes are encouraged so dress up in your best Halloween attire and head to Telus Spark for a frightfully fun time.
30. Ghosts and Gourmet
October 31st to November 2nd from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Website
Heritage Park is throwing their annual adults-only Halloween event for three nights from October 31 to November 2. Enjoy a three course dinner before embarking on a behind-the-scenes ghost tour like no other (they’ll be opening up two of their heritage homes only accessible to guests of Ghosts & Gourmet.) Between each course, ghost stories will be told by tour guides to keep diners entertained. The tours are conducted by expert guides and the stories told are all based on personal encounters and eerie tales from staff and guests, both past and present.
