Fall Family Fun in Calgary This September

Back-to-school season may be here, but September is still packed with opportunities to get out and enjoy Calgary with the kids. From colourful cultural celebrations and old-fashioned fall fairs to monster trucks, hands-on science, railway adventures, and the first hints of Halloween fun, there’s plenty happening throughout the city and surrounding area. Here are some of the best family-friendly events and activities in and around Calgary this September.

Family Fun Events and Activities in Calgary in September

Calgary Pride Festival

Until Sunday September 6
Various Calgary Locations

Celebrate Calgary’s diverse 2SLGBTQ+ community during the final days of Calgary Pride. The week culminates in the colourful Pride Parade and free Festival Weekend, featuring live entertainment, food trucks, a community marketplace, and a dedicated family zone with crafts and activities for kids of all ages.

Alberta Culture Days: Family Music Celebration

Saturday September 5–Sunday September 6
Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre, 850 4 St. SE

Make some noise at Studio Bell during this special family celebration of Alberta Culture Days. Kids can explore PlayLab, the National Music Centre’s hands-on sound playground, while enjoying live music, rhythm games, sound effects, and singalongs. Interactive stations let young musicians experiment with strings, wind, percussion, and electronic instruments while discovering how sound and music work.

Masters at Spruce Meadows

Wednesday September 9–Sunday September 13
Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW

See some of the world’s best equestrian athletes and horses in action at one of Calgary’s signature sporting events. In addition to world-class show jumping, the Masters offers shopping, food, entertainment, and plenty to see and do between competitions, making it an exciting outing even for family members who aren’t already horse enthusiasts.

Monster Jam

Friday September 11–Sunday September 13
GMC Stadium, 1410 Olympic Way SE

Things are about to get loud! Massive 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks take over GMC Stadium for a weekend of racing, freestyle competitions, and impressive two-wheel skills. Young monster-truck fans can watch their favourite vehicles perform enormous jumps, flips, and stunts in an action-packed live show.

Harvest Lights at Calgary Farmyard

Beginning Friday September 11
Calgary Farmyard, 284022 Township Road 224, Rocky View County

Enjoy all the fun of Calgary Farmyard after dark when thousands of colourful lights transform the farm for Harvest Lights. Families can tackle the corn maze, visit the animals, play games, and enjoy the farm’s attractions before watching the property light up as evening falls. Harvest Lights continues on select evenings through October 25.

Something Wondrous

Saturday September 12
Taza Park, 5894 Tsuut’ina Parkway, Tsuut’ina

Celebrate Indigenous music, creativity, and culture at Something Wondrous, this free family-friendly festival on Tsuut’ina Nation. The afternoon features Indigenous musicians, a fashion showcase, an artisan market, food trucks, traditional games, and a Tsuut’ina-led workshop, offering families an opportunity to learn, listen, and celebrate together.

Springbank Old Tyme Fall Fair

Saturday September 12
Springbank Park for All Seasons

Take a short drive west of Calgary for a good old-fashioned fall fair. The Springbank Old Tyme Fall Fair is a long-running community celebration that brings families together for agricultural displays, local vendors, entertainment, and traditional fair activities. Admission is free, making it an easy and affordable September day trip.

Taste of Italy Calgary

Sunday September 13
Bridgeland Community Centre, 917 Centre Ave. NE

Bring your appetite to this free celebration of Italian culture in Bridgeland. At Calgary’s Taste of Italy, families can enjoy Italian food, music, dancing, contests, and activities for kids while experiencing a little taste of Italy without leaving Calgary.

RBC Race for the Kids

Sunday September 13
Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Dr. SW

Lace up your running shoes for RBC Race for the Kids, a family-friendly day supporting the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. Families can tackle a six-kilometre run or walk around the Glenmore Reservoir or choose a shorter 1.7-kilometre route inside Heritage Park that’s especially popular with younger kids. Registration includes a pancake breakfast, medal, kid-friendly entertainment, snacks, and all-day admission to Heritage Park.

University District Block Party

Sunday September 13
University District Retail Main Street and Central Commons Park

Spend the afternoon exploring University District at this free family- and pet-friendly neighbourhood celebration. Expect live entertainment, local businesses, food, activities, and plenty of opportunities for kids to play while parents explore the shops and restaurants along Retail Main Street.

Alberta Biodiversity Festival

Saturday September 19
Bow Habitat Station, 1440-17A Street SE

Calling all young nature lovers! Bow Habitat Station and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo team up for a celebration of Alberta’s incredible wildlife and ecosystems. Families can explore interactive displays, meet community organizations, participate in hands-on activities, and learn how everyone can play a role in protecting the province’s biodiversity.

Railway Days at Heritage Park

Saturday September 19–Sunday September 20
Heritage Park Historical Village, 1900 Heritage Dr. SW 

All aboard! Trains take centre stage for an entire weekend for Railway Days at Heritage Park with special demonstrations, hands-on activities, exhibits, and railway-themed experiences. Young train enthusiasts can learn about the locomotives and railway history that helped shape Western Canada while enjoying all the regular attractions of the historical village.

Terry Fox Run

Sunday September 20
Calgary

Continue a Canadian tradition by joining families across Calgary for the annual Terry Fox Run. This non-competitive community event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities while raising money for cancer research. There’s no entry fee or minimum donation, making it an accessible way to introduce kids to Terry Fox’s remarkable legacy while doing something good together.

Night Light

Thursday September 24–Saturday September 26
Victoria Park neighbourhood (spanning public spaces, 12 Ave, and local outdoor zones)

See Calgary in a whole new light with Night Light, when Victoria Park becomes a glowing outdoor playground filled with art, technology, projections, and live performances. The free, walkable festival transforms buildings and public spaces after dark, making it a memorable evening adventure for families with older kids who can stay up past bedtime.

Calgary International Film Festival

Thursday September 24–Sunday October 4
Various Calgary Locations

Alberta’s largest film festival returns with movies from Canada and around the world. Check the Calgary International Film Festival schedule for family-friendly films and screenings suitable for younger audiences, and introduce budding movie buffs to films they might never encounter at the neighbourhood multiplex.

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Teddy Bear Clinic

Sunday September 27
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George’s Drive NE

Does your child’s favourite stuffed animal need a check-up? Bring a beloved teddy or other stuffed friend to the zoo’s Teddy Bear Clinic, where kids can learn about medical care in a playful, reassuring way. The special event combines a fun pretend check-up with a day exploring the zoo and learning about animal conservation.

Explore the Millarville Farmers’ Market

Saturdays throughout September
Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society

September is harvest season, making it a perfect time for a family trip to the Millarville Farmers’ Market. Browse Alberta-grown produce, baked goods, locally made treats, and artisan products while enjoying a drive into the countryside. The outdoor market runs Saturdays throughout September before wrapping up for the season.

Enjoy Calgary’s Fall Colours

Throughout September
Various Calgary Parks

You don’t need a ticket to make the most of September. Pack a picnic and explore some of Calgary’s beautiful parks and pathways as the leaves begin to change. Fish Creek Provincial Park, Bowness Park, Confederation Park, and Prince’s Island Park all make easy family destinations for a walk, bike ride, playground stop, or leisurely afternoon outdoors before colder weather arrives.