Fall is such a gorgeous season here in Calgary, but be sure to seize the moment, as it passes by so quickly! Hopefully, by now, the kids are settled in school and new activities. Before you know it, Thanksgiving and Halloween will be here. There are so many fun moments for families to enjoy together and we’ve picked our favourite October events in Calgary to explore!
FEATURED: Heritage Park — Bison | All Month
There’s a brand-new exhibit at Heritage Park, where you can step into the world of Bison, an exhibit toured by the Kauffman Museum, on behalf of the National Buffalo Foundation. Discover the importance and cultural significance of this giant animal, and learn about its fascinating history on the plains of Alberta.
Calgary Rock and Gem Show | October 3 – 6, 2024
Head to the Calgary Rock N’ Gem Show from October 3 – 6, 2024. You’ll find amazing vendors, an incredible selection, handmade jewelry, and so much more! This is the largest gem and mineral show in Canada, so there will be thousands of new crystals, gemstones, jewelry, beads, and fossils to amaze you. Plus, it’s only $5 a family.
FEATURED: Butterfield Acres Harvest Pumpkin Fest | Weekends
Check out the Butterfield Acres Harvest Pumpkin Fest on Saturdays and Sundays in October. There’s so much for the kids to do at Butterfield Acres, as they visit animals, spot the scarecrows, and search for the perfect pumpkin to make a Halloween jack o’lantern.
Granary Road Harvest Fair | October 5 – 6, 2024
Granary Road is hosting fall fun with the Harvest Fair. Enjoy pony rides, face painting, scavenger hunts, eating contests, and exciting games. Explore the Active Learning Park, play a game at the mini golf course, and stop by the market to take home the best of the harvest.
FEATURED: Halloweekends at Calaway Park | Weekends, October 5 – 14, 2024
It’s time for Halloweekends at Calaway Park! And you know what that means: great costumes and tricks, treats, and spooktacular rides! Fall is a special season to visit, but your last chance is Thanksgiving weekend, (October 14, 2024), so you don’t have much time.
FEATURED: Pumpkins After Dark | Select Days
Pumpkins After Dark is back and happening all month until October 31, 2024. Witness the magic of pumpkins coming to life during this nighttime family-friendly walk-through experience at Canada Olympic Park. Explore the magical pathway of lit pumpkin sculptures and displays, with music, sounds and special effects — you’ll find something for everyone to love.
Disney and Pixar’s Coco in Concert | October 11 – 12, 2024
Gather the family and watch a special screening of Coco with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. The score will be performed live and you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience.
Heritage Park Thanksgiving Weekend | October 12 – 14, 2024
Thanksgiving weekend is the last weekend Heritage Park Historical Village will be open for the season. Head over to enjoy the Village, visit the animals, and ride the train one last time. You can even add a Thanksgiving meal.
FEATURED Jubilations Junior | Saturdays, until October 19, 2024
Plan a Saturday with a delicious meal out, complete with family giggles. Until October 19, 2024, Jubilations Junior hosts a kid-friendly dinner and a show, Wally Wonka and the Vanilla Factory. The best part is that it’s fun for everyone in the family, adults included!
Calgary Reptile Expo | October 19 – 20, 2024
The Calgary Reptile Expo takes place from October 19 – 20, 2024, if you need a break from pumpkins and ghosts. It’s dedicated to the love of all things creepy, crawly, and scaly.
YYC Travel Show | October 20, 2024
Explore the world from the YYC Travel Show on October 20, 2024! Discover a variety of airlines, cruises, hotels, tourism boards, and more, plus enter to win prizes and giveaways. It’s time to dream!
FEATURED Ghouls’ Night Out | October 24 – 27, 2024
Ghouls’ Night Out at Heritage Park is one of Calgary’s most beloved events for family Halloween fun! It’s filled with family-friendly spooktacular activities, spine-tingling street theatre, and monster meet-and-greets. It’s Halloween excitement for the whole family! Buy your tickets soon, because this event sells out.
Fall Classes for Kids
All Month | This is the time to register for all the great extracurriculars we love! Here at Family Fun Calgary, we want to make it easier for you to find quality extracurricular programs that you AND your kids will love. It’s always a great time to try something new or get back to what you love, so keep reading to find the BEST lessons for kids in Calgary!
Farm Fun
All Month | I grew up in the country, but have lived in cities my whole adult life. My kids, on the other hand, are born and bred city kids. One time, we went to a corn maze and one of my children (who will remain nameless to protect the ridiculous) exclaimed, “I didn’t realize it was actually corn!” Sweet mercy. Whether your kids are country kids or city kids, we have a list of places your family can get outside and experience fun on the farm.
Halloween Guide
All Month | Ghosts, goblins, and ghouls … oh, golly! Halloween season will soon be upon us, but you already know that — kids go crazy for Halloween! There are Halloween activities and festivities for kids of all ages, from tots to teens, and we’re collecting some top options here. Let us help you find the BEST Halloween events in Calgary so your Halloween season includes heaps of fangtastic fun!
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
All Month | Fall is fleeting in Calgary, so you have to make the most of the season! Two of the season’s most iconic symbols are a nice big pumpkin and a juicy cob of corn, so here are the best places in Calgary to find your favourite pumpkin or challenge yourself with a journey through a corn maze. Plus, these are great places to plan some amazing photos!
But Wait … There’s More!
There are lots of other events happening during October; Calgary is a great place for families to enjoy activities together. For a complete listing of all the best events, click on our calendar to find more family fun and stay tuned to all the best local family events through our Facebook and Instagram pages. Plus, we’re now on TikTok and Threads!
Did you know you can submit your family-friendly event to us? Fill out the submission form with your event details and we’ll do our best to add your event to our events calendar. You can also sign up for the monthly Family Fun Calgary e-newsletter. We give you a peek at all of the great, upcoming, family-friendly activities scheduled in Calgary.
Enjoy the month, Calgary!
