Spectacular Things to Do in September

September in Calgary is bursting with color, creativity, and crisp autumn air, making it the perfect time to get out and explore with your family. Whether you’re in the mood for live performances, outdoor adventures, or cozy seasonal traditions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month.

With so many memorable experiences waiting, September is the perfect time to make the most of the season and reconnect with your family and your community.

Here are some of our top picks for sparking your children’s imaginations, exploring their love of nature, and giving them a new appreciation for our beautiful city.

Alberta Culture Days

September 1 to 30

This is the province’s month-long celebration of arts, heritage, diversity and community spirit, hosted by community organizations. It is an opportunity for all Albertans to discover, experience and celebrate arts and culture by attending or hosting local events and activities across the province. Learn more at alberta.ca.

Leaf Scavenger Hunt

Create a fun, leaf-inspired scavenger hunt, then turn those beauties into art! If you’re patient and persistent, you can find almost every color of the rainbow in leaf form. Once you’ve made your rainbow (and taken photos of it), use the leaves you’ve collected and create leaf animals using paint, googley eyes, and anything you’d like. But remember to be mindful while collecting and don’t pull leaves from branches -— there is more than enough roaming around on the ground. 

Cirque du Soleil ECHO

Until October 19

Cirque du Soleil brings modern and surprising twists with ECHO, a story of connection, intention, and the bond between humans and the animal kingdom at the Big Top at Stampede Park. This 20th Big Top show offers bold new visuals, a unique aesthetic, and vibrant characters that bring a universe of color and wonder to life. Inspired by youth’s optimism, inventive power, and the value of empathy, ECHO captivates with inspiring music, astounding lights and projections, and never-before-seen acrobatic feats. Learn more at cirquedusoleil.com/echo.

Family Fun Hour at The Confluence

Sundays from 1 to 2pm until September 30

Get ready to play, create, and explore together. Each week brings a new theme packed with hands-on activities for kids ages toddler to 11. There’s always something exciting to discover with themes like Art in the Garden, Indigenous Games, History Board Games, Archeology, and much more. Learn more at theconfluence.ca.

Take a Road Trip

Get those Instagram-worth shots at Bowden Sunmaze among 100,000 sunflowers. Find your favorite pumpkin from the patch at The Jungle Farm in Red Deer County. Spend the day at Kraay Family Farm & Corn Maze in Lacombe. Visit one of the many u-picks and fill your fridge with locally grown delights and your kids’ minds with memories. There are so many amazing fall adventures within about 100 kilometres of our fine city.

Alberta Biodiversity Festival

September 12 to 14

Over three wildly fun days at the zoo, you’ll discover the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to take action for Alberta’s fish, water, wildlife, and ecosystems. From hands-on activities to engaging displays, every moment is designed to connect you with the natural world in meaningful and impactful ways. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

Go Boat Watching

North Glenmore Park – 7305 Crowchild Trail SW

South Glenmore Park – 90 Avenue and 24 Street SW

Both North and South Glenmore Park are fantastic parks with great views of the Glenmore Reservoir, where you can often see kayaks and sailing boats. In addition, they both have large mature trees, pathways, an inclusive playground, and picnic areas.

Calaway Park Halloweekends

Saturdays and Sundays from September 6 to October 13

Join the Boo Crew at Calaway Park this fall! Stroll through Hallotown… if you dare! Is it scary? No, it’s friendly! Dress up as your favorite family friendly character and enjoy a day of fall fun. Learn more at calawaypark.com.

End-of-Season Picnic 

September often boasts some of the most beautiful weather; the crisp, cool air, warm sunshine and incredible autumn scent just can’t be missed. Pack up a picnic, bring some sweaters and cozy blanket, and head to your favorite park for an impromptu al fresco meal. If you want to make a fun afternoon or evening out of it, bring along some marshmallows and hot dogs and curl up next to a campfire with the whole family.

Fall Days at Calgary Farmyard

Fridays to Sundays from September 12 to October 26

Enjoy seasonal activities like wagon rides, a corn maze, and hands-on fun with adorable farm animals. Indulge in autumn treats, sip warm apple cider, and soak in the beauty of the season. Discover the enchanting charm of the farmyard under the evening sky, fully illuminated with thousands of vibrant lights at Harvest Lights. Snap stunning photos with colorful pumpkins available for purchase and take on the ultimate adventure in the corn maze, which stays dark for a thrilling flashlight challenge. Learn more at calgaryfarmyard.com.