Activities . Family Fun . What's Up in Calgary?

What’s Up This Week?

On October 23, 2023 by Calgary's Child

October 27 to 31

October 25 to 27; The Ghosts of Fish Creek Walking Tour, tour the historic Bow Valley Ranch area of Fish Creek Provincial Park to learn about the ghosts that are rumored to haunt there. Don’t forget to wear your scariest Halloween costume (possibly with layers, as this is an outdoor program) and good walking shoes. Learn more at friendsoffishcreek.org.

October 26, 10am to 2pm; Spooktacular Halloween Party, a spooktacular day of dancing and festivities. Enjoy free food and refreshing beverages served in Habebe’s Banquet Hall throughout the event. Don’t miss the highlight at 1pm — an exciting Costume Showcase where creativity and costumes take centre stage. Learn more at eventbrite.ca.

October 26, 5 to 8:30pm; Aussie Rules Piano Bar Halloween Edition, enjoy a family-friendly fun night at Aussie Rules Piano Bar with a spooktacular Halloween Party. Enjoy enchanting tunes played just for you, show off your costume for a chance to win fantastic prizes, and play exciting games that will send shivers down your spine. Learn more at aussierules.ca.

October 26, 8 to 11pm; Oval After dark Oval After Dark, join if you dare. This 18-year-old and older event isn’t for the faint of heart. Horror and terror is an Oval art. Skate with caution, skate with fear. Hold those close to you, hold them dear. Learn more at oval.ucalgary.ca.

October 26 to 28; Alberta Ballet in The Sleeping Beauty, the spell is cast! Alberta Ballet eagerly anticipates the return of The Sleeping Beauty. This classic fairy tale is destined to enchant ballet-goers of all ages. Since 2018, The Sleeping Beauty has been a crown jewel in the company’s repertoire, offering a quintessential classical ballet experience at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Learn more at albertaballet.com.

October 26 to 28; Ghost Walks in Okotoks, discover the eerie history of Okotoks and what could be lurking downtown after dark during the annual Okotoks Ghost Walk, presented by the Okotoks Museum and Archives and the Okotoks and District Historical Society. Learn more at okotoks.ca.

October 27, 6 to 8pm; Bowness Halloween Jellybean Dance, the Halloween Jellybean Dance at the Bowness Community Association is back. Wear a costume and bring your best dance moves to this event for kids 12 and under — bouncy castle and photobooth included with ticket. Learn more at mybowness.com.

October 27, 8pm; Night of the Living Dead Presented by The GRAND, this Halloween weekend visit The GRAND for a night of popcorn, drinks, and enjoy George A. Romero’s 1968, cult classic, Night of the Living Dead. Recommended for ages 14 and older. Learn more at thegrandyyc.ca.

October 27 to 29; Stampede Fright Night in Strathmore, Strathmore & District Agricultural Society haunted houses are suitable for all ages. Make the drive for scary mazes, kids activities, pumpkin carving, face painting, fireworks, food trucks, entertainment and more. Learn more at strathmoreag.com.

October 28, 11am; Cineplex Family Favourites: The Addams Family, visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a favorite family film each week for only $2.99. Learn more at cineplex.com.

October 28, 11am, 1 and 4pm; The Boo Revue, a family-friendly, frightfully fun show playing at Shane Homes YMCA. It’s an exciting, blacklight, musical puppet show from the friendly inhabitants of a creepy old graveyard. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

October 28, 11am to 4pm; Pumpkin Drop at The Alice Sanctuary, bring pumpkins to the residents at The Alice Sanctuary. At the event, you can have delicious snacks, and enjoy a walk about the sanctuary. All the pumpkins will serve as delicious fall treats for our residents at the sanctuary. Learn more at thealicesanctuary.ca.

October 28, 2 to 6pm; Fall Fest at Camp Chestermere, find an afternoon of autumn delights with the Fall Fest at Camp Chestmere. Your whole family will enjoy spooky fun, from carving pumpkins to roasting s’mores to visiting the glow-in-the-dark maze. Tickets are $10 a person and kids two and under are free. Learn more at campchestermere.com.

October 28, 3pm; Dash of Doom Halloween Run, Run Calgary invites you to be a part of Calgary’s only Halloween Night Race at North Glenmore Park. This is a family-friendly and pet-friendly event and a beloved Halloween tradition for families. With a 1km kids’ race, 5km walk/run, and 10km run, there’s something for everyone. Learn more at raceroster.com.

October 28, 4:30pm; Calgary Zombie Walk, time for the annual rising of the dead, so put on your worst face and join the hoard… Join hundreds of like-minded undead friends as you shuffle down to Olympic Plaza. From simple to elaborate costumes, the event is a fun reason to get outside and enjoy what Calgary has to offer. Learn more at allevents.in.

October 28, 5pm; Howl-oween After Hours at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, an after-hours event that will prove to be the Halloween event of the year. With the purchase of a ticket, you will be invited to explore the Sanctuary at dusk and after dark, where wolfdog behavior becomes a bit different than during the daytime. From experiencing a Halloween-themed intro tour, haunting enrichment activities with the wolfdogs, an after dark howl and fire, and some sweet treats for yourself, you will witness a whole different side of the Sanctuary once the doors close to the public for the day. Learn more at yamnuskawolfdogsanctuary.com.

October 28, 5:30pm; TGCA Children’s Halloween Party, it’s that spooky time of year once again and the Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association is excited to invite all the wee ghouls and ghosts to enjoy some dinner, treats and an awesome dance party. Wear your costume and your dancing shoes for a great evening of hair-raising high jinx at the community centre this Halloween season. Learn more at tgcacalgary.com.

October 28, 6:30pm; Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics at Grace Presbyterian Church, Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Calgary. This eerie edition will include songs like Thriller by Michael Jackson, Funeral March of a Marionette by Charles Gounod and themes from iconic Halloween movies. Learn more at feverup.com.

October 28, 6:30 to 9pm; The Shining – Films at the Fort, join Fort Calgary for a movie at our Burnswest Theatre! The Shining (R) A sinister presence drives a man to violence when his family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter. Every ticket includes popcorn and after-hours admission to the interpretive centre. Additional snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. This film is being screened as part of Fort Calgary’s Films at the Fort: Thrills and Chills series. Each movie features classic horror films and family Halloween favorites. Learn more at fortcalgary.com.

October 28, 7pm; Halloween Horror Movie Marathon (Adult Only), this Halloween, the Calgary Underground Film Festival returns to Globe Cinema for our annual 12-Hour Horror Movie Marathon. Seven movies from 7pm until 7am the next morning, including a costume contest, and other surprises throughout the night. Learn more at calgaryundergroundfilm.org.

October 28, 7pm; Menagerie Halloween, for all you adults who love Halloween, who are no longer into the bar scene (35+) and want to have an old school Halloween experience, this is it! This is Calgary’s Ultimate Halloween Party that includes a DJ, prizes for best costume, party games, a scavenger hunt and a signature cocktail. Learn more at calgarysultimatehalloween.my.canva.site.

October 28 to 29; Calgary Baby & Tot Show, the Calgary Baby & Tot Show is a premier parenting event designed to bring everything you need under one roof at The Genesis Centre. Featuring local and national exhibitors showcasing the latest in services, products, apparel, and toys. Learn more at calgarybabyshow.com.

October 28 to 29; Toys R Us Activities: Make-and-take magic: a LEGO® Disney Castle! It’s like a party favor for Disney100: kids can build and bring home a mini Disney castle. Available in-store only. One per child, while supplies last. Learn more at toysrus.ca.

October 28 to 29; Haribo Halloween at Toys R Us, bring costumed kids in to celebrate the scary season. Toys R Us is teaming up with Haribo for trick-or-treating with a twist. Join us for parades, costumes and of course candy! Learn more at toysrus.ca.

October 28 to 29; Halloween Brunch at the Calgary Zoo, there are no tricks, just treats, at this Halloween brunch at the Calgary Zoo. The spooky buffet features Halloween-themed breakfast and desserts at the Safari Lodge in Destination Africa. Afterwards, wander the grounds for ZooBoo, with treat stations set up around the grounds. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

October 28 to 29; Witches Gala Fashion Show, experience an enchanting and spooktacular evening like never before at the 1st Annual Witches Gala, brought to you by Pagan Spirit Events. Prepare to be mesmerized as renowned fashion designer, Shae Barry, takes centre stage to showcase his spellbinding collections. Learn more at eventbrite.ca.

October 28 to 29; ZooBOO! Included with your admission – join us for our annual Halloween event for all ages. There will be treats for children 12 and younger and for our animal residents. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s Animal Care, Health and Welfare team go all out to share the harvest with your favorite animals. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

October 28 to 30; Halloween at SNAP Photo Club, come and get your photos with some of the most bloody, gory, and scary photo ops available. Learn more at snapfotoclub.ca.

October 29, 11am to 4pm; Trick or Trail, Head to Camp Cadicasu this fall for Trick or Trail. Open to all ages and all athletic abilities, Trick or Trail at Camp Cadicasu brings you Halloween fun for the whole family. Learn more at cadicasu.com/halloween-cadicasu.

October 29, 11am to 4pm; The Barn Artisan Market presents…The Halloween Market! Come experience our Sunday Market! This month it’s being held on October 29th, as always, at the Shawnessy Barn in SW Calgary. We’ll be there from 11am – 4pm, featuring two floors of local vendors, all with unique, hand-crafted, created, and made in Alberta products. Admission is free, and there is onsite parking as well! Learn more at thebarnartisanmarket.ca.

October 29, 11:30am to 2pm; Joggin for a Noggin, this run raises money for ACH Neurosurgery Kids Fund to send some fantastic kids to camp who have had brain/spinal surgery. The event takes place at Bowness Park and will include face paint, food and a silent auction. Don’t forget to wear your costume! Learn more at eventbrite.ca.

October 29, 1 to 3pm; Trunk or Treat at Symons Valley United Church, grab the kids and the costumes and head to the Symons Valley United Church to Trunk or Treat on October 29. Trunk or Treat is a safe and fun place for your young ghosts, ghouls, trolls, and more to enjoy Halloween. Tour the decorated trunks and find some great treats along the way. This community event is open to everyone.

October 29, 1:30 to 4:30pm; Fall Family Meditation, join this unique fall family event, which includes an interactive meditation workshop for adults and a concurrent session on storytelling, fun activities, and meditation for kids (ages five and older) at Highland Park Community Association. Pre-register at docs.google.com.

October 29, 6:30 to 8:30pm; The Magical Wishing Tree: After Dark (Adults Only), transport yourself into the realm of magic with three whimsical spaces and use the various tableaus as the backdrop for self-directed photo ops. The Magical Wishing Tree: After Dark will feature an array of retailer activations, music, Instagrammable backdrops, refreshments and more. Learn more at southcentremall.com.

October 30 to 31, 10am; Singing with Sylvia Halloween Howl, a treasured October tradition. It’s a lively way to spark the silly and the joy in your children. Your little ones will enjoy songs, action rhymes, and dancing their way through Halloween fun at Robert McClure United Church. Learn more at singingwithsylvia.com.

October 31 Events

October 31, 9am to 3pm; Boo Bash at Spray Lake Sawmills Recreation Centre, calling all little boos for a spectacular Halloween adventure! The Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre Play Zone Turf will be transformed into ghostly games and creative crafts. Dust off your costumes, bring your little ghouls and goblins and have a fa-boo-lous time! Learn more at slsfamilysportscentre.com.

October 31, 10 to 10:45am; Make some memories at the Mayor’s Halloween Storytime, join Calgary Public Library and Mayor Jyoti Gondek for a thrilling and chilling  Halloween Storytime on October 31 at Central Library. Get in the trick-or-treating spirit and wear your costume to enjoy Halloween-themed songs, rhymes, and stories. Learn more at calgarylibrary.ca.

October 31, 8 to 10:30pm; Halloween Night Hike, learn about and seek out nocturnal creatures that call Calgary home, such as bats, owls, flying squirrels and more at Weaselhead/Glenmore Park. The hike will be about 4km to 5km in length, partly on paved pathways and partly on uneven hiking trails. Learn more at naturealberta.ca.

Until October 31; Pumpkins After Dark, explore the magical pathway of lit pumpkin sculptures and displays, with music, sounds and special effects. With classic Halloween characters, dinosaurs and dragons, movie and pop culture icons – this family-friendly event has something for everyone. Make Pumpkins After Dark your new annual tradition at Winsport. Learn more at calgary.pumpkinsafterdark.com.

Until October 31; Banff Ghost Walk, spend a spooktacular evening unearthing ghastly ghosts, ghouls and mysterious events lurking in the shadows of Banff’s historic streets. From haunted hotels to ghost towns, Banff is full of things that go bump in the night. Learn more at banfftours.com.

Until October 31; ICAI Exhibition ‘Natural Beauty of Alberta’, Zahra Entezari is a painter, photographer, and art instructor based in Calgary, originally from Shiraz, Iran. With a wealth of over 25 years of experience, Zahra has worked with various mediums. Come hang out, hear from the artist and network with arts lovers at Calgary Central Library. Learn more at affta.ab.ca.

Until October 31; Spooky Studio, original art installations designed and created by local artist, Patrick O’Neill at nvrlnd. arts foundation. Spooky Studio is not a typical haunted house, they believe Halloween is for everyone. There are no actors, no blood and guts, and no jump scares — just immersive spooky scenes to spark your imagination and get lost in. Learn more at nvrlnd.ca.

Until October 31; WinSport Spooktacular Mini Golf, enjoy a safe, spooktacular family-friendly round of mini golf at WinSport! The fun, intermediate 18-hole outdoor mini-golf course will transform into a Halloween extravaganza. The course will be well-lit and challenge all ages and abilities while offering a safe Halloween activity. Dress up and get into the Halloween spirit. Learn more at winsport.ca.

Until October 31; Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Plaza, stop by Plaza Theatre for a showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show, the classic Halloween flick that has developed a cult following. Audience participation is strongly recommended, so dress up for an evening of RHPS fun, or purchase “Dr. Frank-N-Furters Big Package” that comes with a prop bag to participate in the show from the audience. Learn more at theplaza.ca.

Until October 31; Calgary Ghost Walk, an evening of ghostly entertainment. Locals and visitors alike will be fascinated by these glimpses into the mischief, mayhem, and murders of Calgary. All of our stories are researched and will be enjoyed even by the skeptics among the group. Choose from Inglewood, downtown, Kensington or a pub walk. Learn more at calgaryghostwalks.com.

Select dates until October 31; ScreamFest, six outdoor haunted houses to make you scream and all new attractions to terrify you. Don’t miss Calgary’s largest Halloween event t GMC Stadium at Stampede Park. Learn more at screamfest.ca.

Ongoing

Fridays and Saturdays in October; YouthLink Calgary Halloween Creepies and Crawlies, come find free activities that will give you the heebie jeebies, like creepy cauldrons, build-a-bug crafts, maggot racing, and a special Halloween treat when you finish the scavenger hunt. Learn more at youthlinkcalgary.com.

Sundays from October 15 to 29, 2 to 3pm; True Crime Tour: Crimes of Morality, think you know Calgary’s most scandalous tales? Go beyond ghosts and hauntings to the “immoral” stories that shook our city at Fort Calgary. Learn more at fortcalgary.com.

Until October 26; Unmoored by Vivian Smith, a collection of experimental body prints that explore the themes of disconnection, uncertainty, and the ensuing growth borne out of such psychological states. Using contrasting positive and negative spaces, the artworks depict the sensation of a body in limbo, shifting between phases, always in search of stability. See it at Prospect Studio C. Learn more at studiocprospect.ca.

Until October 27; Mystery at the Museums! Step back in time with The Military Museums Foundation to the swingin’ 60s, as you immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of intrigue, deception, and murder. Amidst the cigarette smoke and vintage jazz of a Vietnam War benefit ball, guests must embrace their inner sleuths assuming the role of detective, to unravel the truth behind a heinous crime. Learn more at themilitarymuseums.ca.

Until October 28; Ghost Gurus Walking Tour, take a two-hour guided walking tour through one of Calgary’s oldest and most haunted neighborhoods. You will hear the true stories of each and will investigate with supernatural equipment and Psychic Faye. Learn more at ghostgurus.ca.

Until October 28; Calgary Young People’s Theatre Presents Someday, taking place in 20th century this is writer Isaac Asmiov’s imagining of the future we are now living. Someday is a brand-new work exploring what a burgeoning mind inside a circuit board would hope for, live for, and dream of – if it could at West Village Theatre. Learn more at cypt.ca.

Until October 29; Pumpkin Palooza at Cobb’s Adventure Park, walk through the pumpkin patch, take beautiful photos and pick your favorite pumpkins to buy for Halloween carving. Learn more at cobbsadventurepark.com.

Until October 29; Vertigo Theatre Presents: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll &. Mr. Hyde. This production immerses you in a play full of chilling twists and turns in which love, betrayal and murder lurk on London’s foggy streets. Can Dr. Henry Jekyll face his demons or does the ruthless Edward Hyde take him to the dark side? A talented cast of four actors, playing multiple roles, takes you on a thrilling journey in this adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s gothic horror. Learn more at vertigotheatre.com.

Until October 29; Fall Days at Calgary Farmyard. A fall trip to the farmyard is an annual tradition for many families and friends. In addition to enjoying hours of fun on the farm, pumpkins are on display for photos and to purchase for your Halloween carving. Learn more at calgaryfarmyard.com.

Until October 29; Lunchbox Theatre Presents The Dark Lady, for more than 400 years, mystery has enshrouded the identity of Shakespeare’s “Dark Lady” as depicted in his sonnets, believed by many to be England’s first female published poet-musician, Emilia Bassano. Bassano was also trilingual, mixed race, and a force to be reckoned with. The Dark Lady brings these two poets together as they wrestle with artistic collaboration, ambition, envy and love. Learn more at lunchboxtheatre.com.

Until October 30; Dr Giggles House of Pain, Dr. Giggles House of Pain is upping the ante this year with Theatre of Pain Volume 3, the scariest haunt you will ever experience at Chestermere Rec Centre. The Theatre of Pain is a fully immersive, private haunted house experience which brings you right into your favorite horror movies. Learn more at drgiggleshouseofpain.com.

Until November 4; Storybook Theatre Presents Honk! A Musical Tale of the Ugly Duckling. This delightful and award-winning adaptation of one of the world’s most beloved fables is a heartwarming celebration of what makes us unique. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling, the show tells the story of an odd-looking baby bird mistaken for a duck. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry cat. Along the way, our feathered hero meets a whole flock of unique characters, and discovers that being different is extraordinary! Learn more at storybooktheatre.org.

Until November 4; Train of Terror, your evening begins when you check-in at the train station at Aspen Crossing. You and your friends will first journey through a menacing maze of horror. If you are one of the brave ones that are able to escape you are then invited onboard our moving train where you can grab your choice of liquid courage before embarking on what’s sure to be the scariest haunting you will ever come across. Learn more at trainofterror.com.

Until November 4; World Ringette Championships, 60th Anniversary of Ringette and showcase the fastest game on ice. The 2023 WRCs will play host to the U21 Junior World Championship and the President’s Pool World Championship, as well as showcase a U18 International Development Festival and Ringette Canada’s annual U17 La Releve camp at WinSport Arena. Over 350 athletes, coaches, and officials will be part of the thrilling action. Learn more at worldringettechampionship.com.

Until November 4; Workshop Theatre Presents: Dracula, this new adaptation restores the suspense and seduction of Bram Stoker’s classic novel to the stage. As Count Dracula begins to exert his will upon the residents of London, they try to piece together the clues of his appearances — in a valiant attempt to save themselves from a hideous fate. Rich with both humor and horror, this play paints a wickedly theatrical picture of Stoker’s famous vampire. Learn more at workshoptheatre.ca.

Until November 11; Theatre Calgary Presents Made in Italy, every meal tells a story, and this one is about family. In this tour-de-force solo show, Francesco, a young Italian immigrant and his father, Salvatore, recall their experiences in 1970s Jasper, Alberta. Learn more at theatrecalgary.com.

Until November 12; Frank Ferrante In An Evening With Groucho, award-winning actor and director Frank Ferrante ignites his PBS, New York and London acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in this fast paced 90 minutes of hilarity. The two-act comedy consists of the funniest Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs including “Hooray for Captain Spalding,” and “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady.” The audience literally becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style at Stage West (727 42 Avenue SE). Learn more at eveningwithgroucho.com.

Until January 30; Jubilations Dinner Theatre Presents Top Gun: A Maverick Musical, Jubilations Dinner Theatre takes a ride on the Highway to the Danger Zone with their parody spin on the fighter jet franchise. Two classic movies made 30 years apart featuring a movie star that somehow looks like he hasn’t aged a single day… it’s just a musical theatre spoof waiting to happen. Learn more at jubilations.ca.