We can hardly believe it’s already October! It’s a month of binge watching all your favourite Halloween films, eating copious amounts of candy and checking out all the amazing Fall things our gorgeous city has to offer. From the Fall Pop-Up Food Market to a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, here’s what’s up this October in YYC.
Fall Pop-Up Food Market
October 3rd from 11am-1pm
Harley Hotchkiss Gardens, 611 4 St SW
Website
Hosted by HomeSpace Society, this organization is focused on achieving a home for everyone in our community. Joined by their community partners and friends like The Alex Community Food Centre, Calgary Food Bank, Calgary Meals on Wheels, Centre for Newcomers, Fresh Start Recovery Centre, Inn from the Cold, Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre, The Mustard Seed, YWCA Calgary and more, this one-day market will bring together these impact organizations for a free, public pop-up food market. Expect good eats and refreshments, cooking demos by Chef Sara and live music by T. Buckley.
P+L at The Pioneer ft. Won’t You Be My Neighbour
October 3rd from 5:45pm-10pm
The Pioneer, 117 8 Ave SW
Website
You’re invited to a special P+L celebration at The Pioneer on Stephen Ave. On October 3rd, join in for a night devoted to building community and being a good neighbour as Parts + Labour features a special film screening of the nostalgic documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbour. There will be snacks and special treats designed to create an impact and leave you with full bellies and hearts. All proceeds will support The Alex.
Perfect Your Elevator Pitch
October 3rd from 7pm-9pm
Work Nicer Coworking (Roxbury), #200 1006 11 Ave SW
Website
On October 3, join The Ace Class and Claudia Martens, founder of Confident Claudia, as she walks you through how to develop your confidence, specifically when it comes to perfecting your elevator pitch. Learn how your fierce elevator pitch can be used beyond the boardroom, giving you the chance to ace a first impression, a first date or an interview. Come solo or with your squad and allow your Sasha Fierce to shine bright in this night of confidence building, bites and sips.
The King Eddy Grand Opening Weekend
October 4th – 7th from Open-Close
King Eddy, 438 9 Ave SE
Website
It’s been a long time coming, Calgary! The King Eddy will present a four-day music showcase to celebrate its official grand opening. Eddy Fest will feature an eclectic mix of performances that represent the new Eddy mandate: all music for all people. Featuring Astral Swans, Clinton St. John, Mauno, Nice Horse, and more on Calgary’s legendary stage. In addition to a stellar roster of musical talent, the King Eddy kitchen is offering its Southern-inspired culinary delights, cocktails, and all-day Happy Hour to fuel up concert-goers for a night in the crowd.
ScreamFest
October 5th-6th, 12th-13th 19th-21st, 25th-28th and 30th-31st from 7pm-12am
The Grandstand Building, Stampede Park, 20 Roundup Way SE
Website
All good things must come to an end and that’s why 2018 marks the 13th and final year of ScreamFest. Come take a walk – if you dare – through themed haunted houses like Clown Town, Reapers and Grimm, Bates Motel and Walking With the Dead. New this year, they’ll also have an Extreme Zombie House that will chill you to the bone. Other activities include a simulator ride, a Jurassic Truck monster truck ride, coffin ride, axe throwing, an escape room and carnival games are sure to delight. Check out Adults Only Night on October 25th where there will be adult entertainment and site wide liquor for those 18+ (you know, so you can take the edge off).
Disney in Concert: Beauty and the Beast
October 5th at 730pm and October 6th at 2pm
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave NW
Website
Relive the magic behind Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as you watch the flick while the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra brings the film to life through concert. This tale as old as time will see all your favourite characters like Belle, Lumiere, Chip and Mrs. Potts.
The C Cup Classic
October 6th from 12pm-6pm
Century Downs Racetrack & Casino, 260 Century Downs Dr
Website
Spend a day at the racetrack for a good cause. On October 6th, Century Downs Racetrack & Casino will be hosting The C Cup Classic with a goal of staying on track to beat cancer. All funds raised are going to support the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre.
Eddy Fest: Hangover Brunch
October 7th from 10:30am-5pm
King Eddy, 438 9 Ave SE
Website
So you had a little too much fun at Eddy Fest. Or just enough. Who are we to judge? Nurse your hangover with all-day brunch at the King Eddy. From Cornbread French Toast to Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Biscuits, there’s nothing like tasty, comforting Southern-inspired classics to ease your ‘Ed-ache. While you’re sampling tasty treats, the King Eddy stage will feature some chill, hangover-friendly live music to get you and your crew on track to crush your Sunday.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Carriage House Inn
October 7th-8th with seatings at 4:15pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm and 6:45pm
Carriage House Inn, 9030 Macleod Tr S
Website
Thanksgiving dinner is being served on October 7th and October 8th with four different seating times. This three-course dinner comes complete with butternut squash soup or salad, three main course options including traditional roast turkey and gravy, and white chocolate pumpkin mousse cake with raspberry jelly to finish. If brunch or takeout is your style, they’ve got those options available for you too.
Fast and Female International Day of the Girl Fundraiser
October 10th from 7am-9am
The Bow 54th Floor, 500 Centre St S
Website
On October 10th, Fast and Female will be hosting an International Day of the Girl Breakfast Fundraiser. They are bringing together inspiring Calgarians and podium athletes including Cassie Campbell, Carol Huynh, and Erica Wiebe for a morning of celebration in the name of girls in sports.
Girl Rising
October 11th from 6pm-9pm
The Commons Calgary, 1206 20 Ave SE
Website
There are currently 130 million girls out of school. 130 million girls who are denied an education and an opportunity to learn, share their voice and follow their dreams. On October 11, The Ace Class is inviting its community to join them in doing something about this global crisis. In celebration of Day of the Girl, The Ace Class is gathering women together in five cities across the country to partake in a special screening of the documentary Girl Rising. The evening will also offer its guests activities like impactful poetry from a spoken word artist and the on-site presence of charities aimed at empowering women.This event is in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters Calgary.
Rodney’s Crab Crack with Steam Whistle
October 11th from 6pm-10pm
Rodney’s Oyster House, 355 10 Ave SW
Website
The only time it’s perfectly acceptable to be a little crabby. On October 11th, join Rodney’s Oyster House and Steam Whistle to crack some crab. Sip on some ice cold Steam Whistle Pilsners as you spend your night making your way through three types of crab. Salad and Fiasco Gelato also served. Bring your stretchy pants.
Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival
October 12th from 5pm-10pm & October 13th from 12pm-4pm or 6pm-10pm
Stampede Park BMO Centre Halls D & E, 20 Roundup Way SE
Website
Whenever there’s a festival involving food and wine, you can practically count on us to be there. The highly anticipated Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival returns to the BMO Centre on October 12th and 13th.Explore an incredible array of dynamic wines, smooth spirits and delicious beers from around the world all under one roof. Some of YYC’s best restaurants will also be there with tantalizing bites sure to please your taste buds. After all, with over 20 years under their belt, you can say they’ve been nearly aged to perfection.
Calgary Tattoo and Arts Festival
October 12th-14th at Various Times
BMO Center, Hall A/B/C, Stampede Park, 20 Roundup Way SW
Website
Whether you’re getting your first tattoo (or your fifth), The Calgary Tattoo & Arts Festival has something for you. This three day festival will see over 450 tattoo artists, unique retail exhibits and celebrity appearances from TV Shows like Ink Master. Be sure to swing by the Tattoo Contest to witness some wicked tattoos being shown off.
Adult Spelling Bee
October 12th from 9pm-11pm
Memorial Park Library, 2nd Floor, 1221 2 St SW
Website
Wordfest is back from October 8 to 15 this year and with it, comes their most infamous event, the adult spelling bee. Contests will take turns spelling words and trying to keep their clothes on. Yep, you read that right. If participants misspell a word, they must take off a layer of clothing. What happens in the theatre stays in the theatre, though, so out of the nature of sheer curiosity, you’ll want to get your tickets ASAP.
Marda Loop Brewing Grand Opening
October 13th
Marda Loop Brewing, 3523 18 St SW, Calgary, AB
Website
Calling all beer aficionados: On October 13th, come celebrate the grand opening of Marda Loop Brewing. This local brewery brings quality craft beer and a casual atmosphere to one of your fave YYC ‘hoods. Come spend the day with tasty beer, YYC Food Trucks on-site and other surprises in store. There will also be face-painting on site for this family-friendly party.
Dinner & A Movie
October 16th from 5pm-10pm
The Selkirk Grille, Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Dr SW
Website
Dinner and a movie with a twist. Bring your date to Heritage Park as they welcome back this popular event. First, dine on a movie-themed, three-course dinner at the Selkirk Grille before heading over to Gasoline Alley Museum where you’ll watch a classic flick on the big screen. The movie airing this month, in theme with Halloween, is Hocus Pocus. Don’t worry – they’ve got a cash bar and popcorn for you to purchase in case you suddenly get a craving or two.
Restaurants for Change
October 17th
Various Locations
Website
Plan your date night for a good cause on October 17th. That’s when Restaurants for Change happens – a night where 75+ restaurants around Canada are donating proceeds from their dinner sales to support local healthy food programs. 13 restaurants in YYC have confirmed their participation including Alforno Bakery & Cafe, CHARCUT Roast House, Foreign Concept, Teatro Ristorante and more.
Dave Kelly Live’s Season Opener
October 17th from 730pm-9pm
Bella Concert Hall, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW
Website
Join host Dave Kelly as he opens Season 4 of his show at a new venue – the Bella Concert Hall. Packed with performances, conversations, stories, music and anything else that makes Dave laugh, this show will be focused on the theme of Calgary. Take a look at what we love about Calgary and the people who make this city our home. The guest list hasn’t yet been announced – but one thing’s for sure – this evening of entertainment is not to be missed.
Alberta Spotlight: Cartel Madras
October 17th at 8pm
King Eddy, 438 9 Ave SE
Website
Join the National Music Centre for an unforgettable night of epic music at the historic King Eddy. They’ll be presenting Cartel Madras, a radical hip hop crew made up of Contra and Eboshi, two female Indian rappers, and DJ Egglad. Their sound fuses the stylings of Dirty South rap, house and trap to bring an energy that is femme, sexy and uncompromisingly aggressive.
Fluid Fest
October 18th – November 3rd at Various Times
cSPACE, 1721 29 Ave SW or DJD Dance Centre, 111 12 Ave SE
Website
From October 18th to November 3rd, Calgary is welcoming back the annual Fluid Fest. This three week festival brings artists and audiences together with contemporary art, dance and physical performance. Events will be held at both cSPACE and DJD Dance Centre and include a physical therapy cabaret, an art party, spoken dialogue and other workshops.
Babes Who Brunch
October 20th from 10am-12pm
Murrieta’s Bar & Grill, 200 808 1 St SW
Website
This month’s edition of Calgary Babes Who Brunch features local boss babe Jennifer Mehalko of Parts + Labor Inc. as their keynote speaker. Each Babes Who Brunch event begins with the intention to grow, connect with one another and become comfortable in the uncomfortable and is all led by one fierce female keynote speaker who shares her insights, experiences and life story – aka #realtalk for real women.
Calgary Woman’s Show Fall 2018
October 20th from 10am-6pm & 21st from 11am-5pm
BMO Center, 20 Roundup Way SW
Website
If you needed another reason to celebrate the return of the Fall 2018 Calgary Woman’s Show, we’ve got it. They’ll be celebrating their 40th anniversary this year so that means admission is free for everyone. Grab your squad for a day of boutique shopping, fashion shows, wine sipping and free swag. Featuring over 300 vendors, the show is sure to please.
Cocktails for Critters 2018
October 20th from 6pm-11pm
The Westin Calgary, 320 4 Ave SW
Website
This year marks the 18th annual Cocktails for Critters event and to mark the occasion, their theme will be “Hall of Fame: Our Most Memorable Adoption Stories”. Guests should expect an entertaining and interactive night of activities like ‘Rescues on the Runway,’ a meet-and-greet with Animal Alumni and current adoptable animals, complimentary wine hour, a photo booth and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Calgary Humane Society.
Boobyball 2018
October 20th from 8pm-1am
Hotel Arts, 119 12 Ave SW
Website
Boobyball is goin’ country in Calgary for one-night only. Round up your crew and bring them to Boobyball to support Rethink Breast Cancer. Bust out your cowboy boots, slip on your country best and get ready for a wild night of live performances, line dancing, horseshoe-tossing and southern-inspired swills set against a desert chic ambiance. Did we mention there will also be complimentary food and drinks all night?
Fast and Female Summit 2018
October 21st from 9am-4pm
WinSport – Markin MacPhail Centre, 88 Canada Olympic Dr SW
Website
The Fast and Female Summit is the ultimate full-day conference for girls (8-18 years), parents, and coaches involved in all sports. Participants meet inspirational female athletes and sports experts (Fast and Female Ambassadors), and take part in empowering activities for the mind, body, and heart.
Trivia Night at Wurst: Friends
October 23rd from 7:00pm-9:00pm
Wurst, 4 Street SW
Website
Back by popular demand, we are testing just how well you know your ‘Friends’ episodes. Are you the ultimate Friend’s expert? Let’s find out. Teams will go through 4-5 rounds of questions. Top teams will be chosen based on high score and move into head to head showdown of who knows it best! Sign up with a team of 4-6 people and or come on down and meet some new friends. If you don’t have a team we’ll make sure you do. Test your knowledge, win some awesome prizing, live music, and enjoy delicious food and drink specials all night.
Toast Calgary Vol 2: Wonder Woman
October 23rd from 7:30am-9:00am
The Pioneer, 117 8 Ave SW
Website
The Ace Class is bringing back Toast – aka. Your favourite morning mindfulness series. When you walk into the room, you will be greeted with food and drink to nourish your mind and body. After some invigorating conversation with like-minded women, your focus will shift solely to serving yourself. Prepare for a mini-meditation, the silencing of that pesky cell phone and an empowering panel of women offering their insight on how to unlock your infinite potential through helpful and practical tools, tips and techniques. This month’s topic: Wonder Woman: Supermoms, mompreneurship, balance, boundaries.
Alberta Ballet Presents The Sleeping Beauty
October 24th-27th at 730pm with a Saturday matinee at 2pm
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave NW
Website
From October 24th to 27th, Alberta Ballet will be presenting a brand-new spin on this timeless classic. Experience the world premiere of Christopher Anderson’s retelling of The Sleeping Beauty, with a decidedly western Canadian side. Anderson’s version will find him replacing the conservative European setting with majestic landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. Experience an epic production infused with fairytale wonder and great Albertan pride. Use Promo Code BEAUTY for 20% off tickets until Oct 19th at 11pm.
Haunted Calgary
October 26, 27 and 31, Low Scare 2pm-4pm and Full Scare 6pm-10pm
222 Rocky Ridge Bay NW
Website
Are you ready for 10,000 square feet of scares? One of Calgary’s largest and spookiest walk-through haunted yard attractions, Haunted Calgary, is back this October with the theme of “Hollywood Horror.” They aim to be the scariest haunted attraction you’ll see so use your discretion for this event. “Low scare” hours are available between 2pm-4pm where there will be few to no actors. Then, only if you’re brave enough, come back for the real thing at night. Proceeds will go towards supporting the Calgary Animal Rescue Society and the Calgary Food Bank.
TELUS Spark Halloween Party 2018
October 27th from 7pm-1am
TELUS Spark, 220 St George’s Dr NE
Website
On October 27th, bring your crew over to TELUS Spark for one of the city’s hottest Halloween parties. Enter the mad science lab of horror as you eat, drink, play and dance the night away. Don’t forget to dress up in your costume as they treat you a thrilling night of adult fun where the only thing spookier is the FOMO. There will be music from DJ Joanna Magik, a silent disco dance party, delicious food, a classic “Thriller” dance lesson, photo ops and full access to their galleries.
12 Hour Halloween Movie Marathon
October 27th from 7pm-7am
Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave SW
Website
If you love scary movies, then this 18+ event is for you. Bring all your homies to Globe Cinema to start off your Halloweekend activities. The Calgary Underground Film Festival will be showing scary movies for 12 hours straight – that means 7 movies from 7pm until 7am the next day. Come for one, come for them all, or drop in and out – the choice is yours. They’ll have a costume contest at midnight as well as giveaways and surprises throughout the night. If you make it ‘til 7am, they’ll even serve you a free breakfast for being such a trooper.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: I Know What You Did Last Halloween
October 31st from 6:30pm-10pm
Fort Calgary, 750 9 Ave SE
Website
Spend your Halloween evening getting spooked at this Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre hosted by Fort Calgary. The night features delightful food and fun entertainment that will keep you guessing all night long. Interact with the actors and take your best guess at who the culprit behind the crime was all while enjoying a delicious locally sourced dinner buffet.
