Written by: Sandhya Patel
*Queue the Stranger Things theme song*
Happy October YYC! While fall swings into gear, we can’t wait to cuddle up in our sweaters and cozy blankets and watch our favourite Halloween flicks while eating copious amounts of candy that was meant for the kids (guilty!). There’s so much happening in our gorgeous city this October, from the annual Screamfest and Pumpkin Patch to ghost tours at Heritage Park – all to set the mood for this spooky month.
Here we present to you, 27 Things to Do this October. Happy Halloween!
1. Collective Arts Tap Takeover and Art Show
Sunday, October 1st at 10:00am – Monday, October 2nd at 12:00am
National on 17th, 550 17 Avenue SW
Website
Collective Arts Brewing loves supporting local artists, and so does National on 17th! Collective Arts will be taking over their taps on Sunday, October 1st, and they’re inviting some local artists to share their work with them. Art will be displayed and artists will be in attendance so come down, grab a beer, and take a look.
2. Adulting 101: Political Edition
Thursday, October 5th from 6pm – 9pm
Trolley 5 Brewhub, 728 17 Ave SW
Website
Join us on Thursday, October 5th for Adulting 101: Political Edition. Featuring all the information you need to know to go out and make an empowered vote this upcoming election. We are hosting a town hall style event featuring a nonpartisan discussion on the upcoming election. Guest speakers include: Daorcey LeBray, Communication Advisor to the Mayor of Calgary, Scott Crockett, Director of Marketing & Communications for The Calgary Chamber and Amanda Wilke, Founder and Chief Experience Officer at The Visionable and MIllennials in Politics.
3. CRAFT Beer Market Southcentre Opening
Thursday, October 5th
Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Rd SE
Website
Double the Beer Market, double the fun. On October 5th, CRAFT Beer Market is opening up another location at Southcentre. Known for its variety of craft beers, amazing food and good vibes, this location is sure to brighten up the SE of YYC. Check them out!
4. Launch Party
Friday, October 6th from 7:30pm – 11pm
Glenbow Museum, 130 9 Avenue SE
Website
On Friday, October 6th, get the first taste of Glenbow’s new art exhibitions while being entertained by the dreamy melodies and psychedelic summer vibes of local band Windigo and DJ Myke Atkinson. Plus, beer by Village Brewery and exclusive one-night-only Discovery Room make & take art activities. Admission by donation.
5. Disney in Concert: The Little Mermaid
October 6th & October 7th from 7:30pm – 10pm
Jack Singer Concert Hall, 205 8 Ave SE
Website
Go under the sea to relive your childhood by watching Disney’s The Little Mermaid! Sing along to your favorite tunes with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Enjoy this family-friendly magical event as you get told the story of Ariel’s enchanting world under the sea. The show runs on October 6th and 7th and tickets can be bought here.
6. Fall Detox Brunch
Sunday, October 8th from 10am – 1pm
Kensington Culinary Centre, 227 10 Street NW
Website
Need a ‘clean up’ after a summer full of restaurant food and drinks? Join Holistic Nutritional Consultant & Red Seal Chef, Nicole Krivan for a morning of brunching and learning about detox & cleansing. You’ll go home with the knowledge of how to cleanse safely and effectively as well as what foods are best for certain types of cleansing. This is a hands on class. Brunch and hot elixirs will be served so come with an empty stomach! We are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions. Please wear closed-toe, comfortable shoes. Limited seats available. Pre-registration required. Tickets are non-refundable but are transferable.
Sign up with Promo Code DATENIGHT.
7. Trivia Night: Seinfeld 4.0
Tuesday, October 10th from 7pm – 9pm
WURST Calgary, 2437 4 Street SW
Website
Tuesday is no longer the wurst day of the week… Join us for some cocktails and a little friendly competition on Tuesday, October 10th at WURST. The Theme? Seinfeld 4.0. Tickets are $20 and prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Teams of 2-6 players. If you are a team of fewer, we encourage you to network and find more members at the event. New friends, yay! Get your crew together for a Seinfeld marathon and get ready to bring your A-game. See you there!
8. Dream, Girl
Wednesday, October 11th from 5:30pm – 9pm
The Commons Calgary, 1206 20 Avenue SE
Website
October 11th has been declared by the United Nations as ‘ Day of the Girl Child’ promoting girls’ human rights and highlights gender inequalities. This event welcomes women of all ages to join us for a film screening of Dream, Girl – a documentary showcasing the stories of inspiring and ambitious female entrepreneurs. Dream, Girl is built with an intention of creating an experience that empowers education, connection and positive affirmations on what it means to be a woman. Join us for light libations, a screening of the documentary and impactful discussions led by some very inspiring women. Dream, Girl is presented in partnership with Elevated HR. Proceeds of the event are being donated to WINS.
9. TELUS Sparks Adult Night
Thursday, October 12th at 6pm
TELUS Spark, 220 St Georges Dr NE
Website
Think you got what it takes to be a detective? Head on down to TELUS Spark’s monthly Adult Night, where the theme is Crime and Punishment. Become a CSI and explore the psychological explanation behind criminal behaviour and look at the ways society has handled criminal elements throughout history.
10. Calgary Tattoo and Arts Festival
Friday, October 13th at 4pm – Sunday, October 15th at 6pm
BMO Center, 20 Roundup Way SW
Website
The Calgary Tattoo & Arts Festival returns to the BMO Centre on October 13th for a weekend full of renowned artists, unique retail exhibits, jaw-dropping entertainment act, and over 400 of the best local and international artists. Get inspired for your next (or first) tattoo and head on down there.
11. Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival
October 13th from 5pm – 10pm & October 14th from 12pm – 4pm or 6pm – 10pm
Stampede Park BMO Centre Halls D& E, 20 Roundup Way SE
Website
Whenever there is a festival involving food and wine, you can count on us to be there. The Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival is happening from October 13th to October 14th and wants you to be there to celebrate their 20th year. Explore an array of dynamic wines, fantastic beers from around the world, and fine spirits while tasting bites from the YYC’s best restaurants. Mouth watering yet? Get your tickets here.
12. Paint and Wine: Glow in the Dark
Friday, October 13th from 6:30pm – 9pm
Vin Gogh Paint & Sip, 7004 Macleod Trail
Website
Looking to get in the festive spirit? On October 13th, Vin Gogh Paint & Sip will be offering a themed paint night featuring a glow in the dark Halloween cat. Doors open at 5:30pm if you want to grab a bite to eat. Otherwise, please arrive at 6:30pm to check in, get a glass of wine and your apron. Painting starts at 7pm. Remember to bring your Van Gough mode on.
13. Screamfest
October 13th – October 28th
Grandstand Building, Stampede Park, 20 Roundup Way SE
Website
Calgary’s scariest and diverse Halloween event is here to get you in the Halloween spirit. Take a walk, if you dare, through a variety of haunted houses like Clown Town, Bates Motel, Walking the Dead and more. There will also be carnival games, simulators and the Jurassic Truck monster trucks. Need a date night idea? Screamfest has an Adult Only Night on Thursday October 26th where there will be adult entertainment and side wide liquor (you know to take the edge off). This is an +18 event only, so leave the kids at home and get ready to cuddle up next to bae.
14. Babes Who Brunch
Saturday, October 14th from 10am – 12pm
MARKET Calgary, 17 Avenue SW
Website
Don’t let the cute name fool you, this is one bad ass brunch. We define a “Boss Babe” as a woman who is in control of her own life; has the ability to turn ambition into action and knows the power of her voice. On Saturday, October 14th, join us for mimosas, a three-course brunch and stimulating conversation led by our featured speaker, Naomi Le Bihan co-founder of Cru Juice Inc. and Managing Director of UNDRCARD Boxing Studio. The intention behind our brunch series is to create a platform for connection – activating bold, fierce conversations with a network of inspiring women who have a similar desire to empower other women. This event is presented by ACE which is an acronym for Activate, Cultivate and Empower.
15. Cocktails for Critters
October 14th at 6pm
The Westin Calgary, 320 4 Ave SW
Website
Calgary Humane Society’s annual Cocktail for Critters is back to raise some funds for animals in need. Join them for an evening of fun with photo booths, signature cocktails and visit the alumni’s from the Calgary Humane Society. Money raised will go towards veterinary equipment, dog park renovations and daily care for the critters. This unique gala is on October 14th and tickets can be bought here.
16. Calgary Chamber’s Small Business Week
October 16th – 20th
Various Locations
Website
It’s time to give some love to the small businesses of YYC. In partnership with ATB Financial, Calgary Chamber’s Small Business Week runs from October 16th – 20th and celebrates the contributions that small businesses make to the Canadian economy. There will be a variety of events from talks on Millennials, Business 101 and Branding. Join them on October 19th for the biggest conference of it’s kind at the BMO Centre and witness the great things that happen when entrepreneurs get together.
17. Heritage Park Ghost Tours
September 13th – October 18th from 7pm or 7:30pm – 9pm
Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Dr. SW
Website
Get in the spirit of Halloween and go on a Ghost Tour at Heritage Park. Grab your hot chocolate and go on a 90 minute tour after dark through the alleys and streets and hear the paranormal stories the people at Heritage Park have seen and also listen to eerie historical tales. Who knows, maybe the stories will scare the pants off of you. Tours depart from Gasoline alley at 7pm and 7:30 sharp. These ghost tours are sure to be spook-tacular!
18. Speed Networking
Tuesday, October 17th from 6pm – 8pm
Madison’s 12|12, 1212 9 Avenue SE
Website
Join us as we take our dating skills to the boardroom with speed networking. Speed networking is a great opportunity to expand your network and get a few minutes to connect with a new face, one on one. You’ll meet 20 new people, three minutes at a time. Bring your business cards and come ready to perfect your elevator pitch!
19. The Revolution Ride to Defeat Diabetes
Thursday, October 19th from 9:30am – 2:30pm
The Palace Theatre, 219 8 Avenue SW
Website
Sweat for a cause on October 19th with the Revolution Ride to Defeat Diabetes. This is an exciting stationary bike relay event, where teams of 5 riders fundraise $125 each to help with JDRF’s mission of helping those living with T1D achieve healthier, easier, and safer lives. Teams take turns spinning for 7 minutes in an electrifying “mini spin class” led by YYC Cycle Motivators. The day of the event riders are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to their heat in order to register, pick up shoes and becoming familiar with the bikes. Heats will run at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 and 1:30pm and last 45 minutes. Prizes will be given out to Top Fundraising Team, Top Fundraising Individual, Best Team Costume and Most Team
20. Commonwealth Collectors: Food Edition
Thursday, October 19th from 5pm – 11pm
Commonwealth Bar & Stage, 731 10 Avenue SW
Website
Commonwealth Collectors Club is bringing you something a little different this time. And it has A LOT to do with food… Join us for the Collectors Club: Food Edition on Thursday, October 19th from 5pm-11pm. Featuring a foodie’s dream with restaurants and food truck pop-ups under one roof, vendors will be crafting dishes unique to this one-night only experience. DJs will be spinning records and the bar will be open so there’s no better way to spend your Thursday night! You’ll also be able to shop our local marketplace while sipping and snacking the night away. Expect a collision of food, music, art and a showcase of Calgary’s local makers. Admission: $5 Proceeds towards Mealshare. Tickets available at the door or in advance. This is an 18+ event, ID required.
21. Adult Night at Calgary Zoo
Thursday, October 19th from 5:45pm – 11pm
The Calgary Zoo, 210 Saint Georges Drive NE
Website
Schnitzel, Tigers and Beer? Only at Adult Night: Oktoberfest. Ever wondered what it would be like to explore Eurasia at the Calgary Zoo after the gates close? Here’s your chance. Leave the kids at home and head to the zoo for Adult Night: Oktoberfest! On October 19 celebrate Oktoberfest with craft beer, German inspired food, live music, tiger training, educational entertainment, a cash bar and much more.
22. Calgary Woman’s Show Fall 2017
Saturday, October 21st at 10am – Sunday, October 22 at 5pm
BMO Center, 20 Roundup Way SW
Website
The Calgary Woman’s Show returns to the BMO Centre this October 21st and 22nd for two days of boutique shopping, fashion shows, educational seminars, and celebrity appearances. Featuring more than 300 vendors, the show is back and ready to delight with non-stop entertainment, free swag, fashion shows, and more variety than ever before.
23. Kanye + Karma Yoga & Brunch
Saturday, October 21st from 10:30am – 1pm
Commonwealth Bar & Stage, 731 10 Avenue SW
Website
Believe in yourself like Kanye believes in Kanye and stretch out those muscles with some Kanye + Karma Yoga. Introducing a Mr. West themed yoga and brunch at Commonwealth Bar & Stage. After an hour long flow class, you’ll be seriously hungry for some power, so stay for brunch. The talented Chef Pigot from Home and Away will be creating a custom brunch, we highly recommend you pre-order as quantities will be limited and food FOMO is the worst. Please note any dietary restrictions or allergies for you or your homies.
24. Trivia Night: Friends 5.0
Tuesday, October 24th from 7pm – 9pm
WURST, 2437 4 Street SW
Website
Cue the four famous hand-claps, Friends fans. On Tuesday, October 24th, back by popular demand, we’ll be hosting Trivia Night: Friends edition at Wurst. Round your homies, brush up on all the classic favourites, and prepare to bring your A-game. We can’t wait to see you there. But hurry, these tickets go fast. This is an 18+ event.
25. Speed Dating (Singles 24+)
Wednesday, October 25th from 7pm – 9pm
Location TBA
Website
Put down your phone and join us for 3D Tinder. Each event has 20 single women and 20 single men to connect with. The women stay in the same seat and the men rotate. Each date will last from 4-5 minutes. You can practice your flirting skills and game while meeting 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 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. Try something a little out of your comfort zone – your couch won’t miss you.
26. Autumn Pumpkin Festival Calgary
Weekends in October from 10am – 5pm
Calgary Corn Maze & Fun Farm, 284022 Township Rd 224, Rocky View No. 44
Website
We’re all about the pumpkins this fall. You can pick up your very own at the Autumn Pumpkin Festival at the Calgary Corn Maze and Fun Farm. Take a walk through the fields filled with a variety of Jack O’ Lanterns for you to pick from. Admission is $13.95 + GST and includes hours of fun at the pumpkin field, the corn maze, pony rides for the kids, and a pumpkin explosion. So go on! Go and get that perfect pumpkin to decorate your home.
