Fun Fall Activities in Calgary in October

Fall is in the air and the leaves are on the ground in YYC! The month of October may make you think of all things spooky, and while it’s true that there are lots of events taking place in Calgary that’ll get you in the Halloween spirit, there’s also lots of fun to be had for anyone who’s not in the mood for ghosts and goblins. Pumpkin festivals, theatre shows, library events, and more are on the agenda this month – what are you most looking forward to in Calgary in October?

Fun Things to Do with Kids in Calgary in October

Calgary International Film Festival

Until Sunday October 4
Various locations, Calgary

Catch the final few days of the Calgary International Film Festival, with screenings taking place at venues around the city. Check the schedule for family-friendly films and make an afternoon or evening of introducing budding movie buffs to something they might not normally see at the multiplex.

Hansel and Gretel

Until Sunday October 4
Loose Moose Theatre Company, 1235 26 Ave. S.E., Calgary

Introduce younger kids to live theatre with a decidedly silly spin on a familiar fairy tale. Loose Moose Theatre kicks off its 2026–27 Theatre for Kids season with Hansel and Gretel, performed in the company’s playful, improvisational style. Tickets are $18.89.

Harvest Pumpkin Fest at Butterfield Acres

Weekends October 3 to 31
254077 Rocky Ridge Rd. N.W., Calgary

Celebrate fall on the farm at Butterfield Acres with animals, pony rides, autumn photo ops, firepits and a tractor-pulled wagon ride through Scarecrow Alley. Little pumpkin hunters can also search for a pint-sized pumpkin of their own during select morning sessions.

Wild Walk at the Calgary Zoo

Saturday October 3
Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George’s Dr. N.E., Calgary

Lace up your walking shoes for Wild Walk, a three-kilometre family walk through the zoo in support of wildlife conservation. Along the route, families can enjoy animal enrichment moments, photo opportunities and entertainment before celebrating at the finish line with a breakfast buffet and activities.

The Colossal Carve: Heart of the Harvest

Saturday October 3 & Sunday October 4
Calgary Farmers’ Market South, Calgary

Watch some seriously supersized jack-o’-lanterns take shape during Calgary’s live giant-pumpkin carving event. Professional carvers transform enormous pumpkins into works of art over the weekend, and admission is free.

Halloweekends at Calaway Park

Weekends through Monday October 12
245033 Range Rd. 33, Calgary

There’s still time for one last spin on the rides before Calaway Park closes for the season. Halloweekends add family-friendly Halloween fun to the amusement park experience, with costumes encouraged and a spooky—but kid-appropriate—atmosphere throughout the park.

Disney’s Moana Live-to-Film Concert

Friday October 9 & Saturday October 10
Jack Singer Concert Hall, 225 8 Ave. S.E., Calgary

Set sail with Moana and Maui as the hit Disney movie plays on the big screen while the Calgary Philharmonic performs its Grammy-winning soundtrack live. Tickets start at $35.50, making this a special Thanksgiving weekend outing for Disney-loving families.

Thanksgiving Weekend at Heritage Park

Saturday October 10 to Monday October 12
Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., Calgary

Spend Thanksgiving weekend stepping back in time as Heritage Park celebrates the final weekend of its 2026 Historical Village season. Enjoy the crisp fall weather and changing leaves while exploring the historic buildings, meeting costumed interpreters and enjoying the park’s old-fashioned family attractions.

Pumpkin Fest at Blue Grass

Saturday October 10
260130B Writing Creek Cres., Rocky View County

Pumpkin carving, games, activities and a scarecrow showdown are all on the agenda at the 23rd annual Pumpkin Fest. Better yet, the festivities support the Alberta Children’s Hospital, so all that autumn fun helps a good cause too.

HALLOWSTEAM at TELUS Spark Centre

Throughout October
220 St. George’s Dr. N.E., Calgary

Give Halloween a science-y twist at TELUS Spark, where HALLOWSTEAM: Webs, Wings & Wiggly Things takes over throughout October. Families can expect live shows, hands-on activities and plenty of creepy creations, and kids are encouraged to come dressed up for the fun.

Pumpkin Palooza at Cobb’s Adventure Park

Friday October 2 to Sunday October 25
1500 84 St. N.E., Calgary

Make a trip to the pumpkin patch part of your October adventures at Pumpkin Palooza. Wander through the patch, snap some seasonal family photos and choose the perfect pumpkin to take home for carving, while enjoying the park’s family attractions.

Harvest Lights at the Calgary Farmyard

Friday and Saturday evenings through October 24
284022 Township Rd. 224, Rocky View County

The farm stays open after dark for Harvest Lights, when thousands of colourful lights illuminate the property. Families can still tackle the corn maze and enjoy the Farmyard’s attractions, games and activities, only this time under the evening sky.

Ghouls’ Night Out at Heritage Park

Friday October 23 to Sunday October 25
1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., Calgary

Heritage Park transforms into a Halloween wonderland for three family nights of spooky fun. Dress up and explore dazzling lights, a Halloween maze, kid-friendly storytelling, cookie decorating, crafts, entertainment, photo ops and even a haunted house. Note that Thursday October 22 is an adults-only edition, so families will want the October 23–25 dates.

Dash of Doom Halloween Run

Saturday October 24
North Glenmore Park

Pull out the costumes (and the running shoes!) for the Dash of Doom, a Halloween-themed run from Run Calgary. The event offers a fun way for active families to get into the Halloween spirit together, with costumes very much part of the festivities.

Halloween Weekend at The Hangar Flight Museum

Sunday October 25, Monday October 26 & Saturday October 31
4629 McCall Way N.E., Calgary

Planes and Halloween make an unexpectedly fun combination at The Hangar Flight Museum. Head inside for some aviation-themed family fun with a spooky seasonal twist—and keep this one in mind if Calgary’s October weather decides not to cooperate.

Pumpkins After Dark at Canada Olympic Park

Until Saturday October 31
88 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W., Calgary

Take an evening stroll through a glowing world of pumpkins at Pumpkins After Dark. The outdoor walk-through experience combines illuminated pumpkin sculptures and elaborate displays with music, sound and special effects for a Halloween outing that’s atmospheric without being a traditional haunted house.

ZooBOO

Saturday October 31 & Sunday November 1
210 St. George’s Dr. N.E., Calgary

Why settle for regular trick-or-treating when you can do it surrounded by wildlife? Kids are encouraged to come in costume for ZooBOO, where families can visit kid-friendly treat stations, contribute to a monster mural, enjoy Halloween activities and explore the zoo. Best of all, ZooBOO is included with regular daytime admission or membership.

What’s on your calendar for this October in YYC? Did we miss a great event that your family is looking forward to? Let us know in the comments!