What’s Up This Weekend?

October 14 to 16

October 14; 5pm to 10pm; Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – ZooDunnit, gather clues, engage with a shady cast of characters and enjoy food and drinks throughout the zoo. This adult-only night will have your team of detectives on your toes as you discover who is ‘lion’. By the end of the night, you’ll have everything you need to know in order to solve the mystery – dinner and justice will be served. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com/event/zoodunnit.

October 14; 7pm to 12am; Bon Appetit – Fall Harvest Science Fun at TELUS Spark, explore the intersection of socialization, history and geography that food represents, learn how food has connected humanity through history, and take a deep dive into what the future of farming looks like – all while enjoying delicious bites, drinks, science and live music. Learn more at sparkscience.ca.

October 14 to 15; Rocky Mountain Food and Wine Festival, celebrating 25 years as Alberta’s premier food and food event, the Rocky Mountain Food and Wine Festival brings together hundreds of exhibitors and over 25,000 guests from across Western Canada to enjoy delicious fare paired with the best in beverages. Learn more at rockymountainwine.com.

October 14 to 15; The Calgary Phil Presents Rhapsody in Blue Eyes: Sinatra and Beyond, triple-threat singer-songwriter-pianist Tony DeSare tackles two musical mavericks in one outstanding concert with the Orchestra. Enjoy the jazz rhythms of George Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue, followed by timeless Frank Sinatra classics Come Fly with Me, Luck Be a Lady, My Way, It Was a Very Good Year, Night and Day, I’ve Got the World on a String, and New York, New York. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.

October 14 to 15; Ujamaa Grandmas Bags, Babies and Beyond Handcraft Sale, handmade items include felted bags, fabric bags, book bags and books for children and adults. As well as children’s clothing and toys, sweaters, hats, scarves, slippers, jewelry, jackets, shawls, household items and pet items at the Marda Loop Community Association. Learn more at ujamaagrandmas.com.

October 14 to 15; Freshtival, Canada’s Premiere Ski Film Festival, showcases the most anticipated ski movies of 2022 at Calgary’s Globe Theatre. Showing films from industry giants, Matchstick Productions and Teton Gravity Research and others, Freshtival, the world’s longest running ski film festival, has every ski movie you want to see. Learn more at freshtival.ca.

October 14 to 16; Calgary Tattoo and Arts Festival, hundreds of artists are set to descend once again on the BMO Centre. The event will host the best in local artists for one of the biggest shows in North America. Enjoy contests, retail exhibits, and tattooing all weekend long. Also a night time party on Friday night. Learn more at albertatattooshows.com.

October 14 to 16; Spruce Meadows Octoberfest I Tournament, the tournament welcomes horses and riders to the Spruce Meadows Equi-Plex. The Oktoberfest I is the perfect tournament to experience competition up-close and in the indoor comfort of the Equi-Plex. A food concession is available to help you enjoy your experience at Spruce Meadows. Learn more at sprucemeadows.com.

October 14 to 16; Butterfield Acres: It’s Pumpkin Time! Harvest Pumpkin Festival takes place every weekend throughout October. Tickets must be pre-booked on the website. Learn more at butterfieldacres.com.

October 15; Al Simmons’ Inventive Musical Comedy, YMCArts Presents is pleased to welcome Juno Award winner Al Simmons’ for two incredible shows in October. Al Simmons is a creative genius whose charm and humanity have won over a legion of fans at theatres and festivals around the world. His highly original performances of profound wackiness and his off-the-wall inventions take the arts of music and comedy to unparalleled heights of hilarity. Learn more at ymcacalgary.org.

October 15, 7:30 to 9pm; Shumka on Tour, celebrating Shumka’s legacy as one of the most exciting dance companies in Canada, Shumka on Tour will feature four works including Shumka’s whimsical Mosquito’s Wedding, a true feast for the eyes and a love story with a message that all we need is love; Shumka’s most recent film project – Promised Land – recognizing the 130th Anniversary of Ukrainian immigration to Canada; Echoes of Hopak, a salute to the past through a celebration of Shumka’s signature work; and My Yeh/We Are, a moving dance tribute to the conflict in Ukraine dedicated to long-time Shumka composer, Yuri Shevchenko who passed away in Kyiv, Ukraine on March 23. Learn more at shumka.com.

October 15, 7:30pm; The Pairs with opening act Tim Isberg, family is the cord that ties The Pairs together, and with soaring harmonies they share stories of life’s hope, hilarity, and hardship. Their emotion-full performances and unbottled chemistry quickly connect them with their audiences, blurring the line between the stage and the crowd. Powered by three classically trained vocalists and a former punk rock drummer, The Pairs create acoustic harmony pop tunes grounded in unique rhythms that will hug your ear drums and inspire you to dance. Learn more at thenick.ca.

October 15, 11am to 12:30pm; Quest Theatre Presents Hello Friend, a 15-minute whimsical, hunt for friendship, Hello Friend… brings wonder and delight to all!. Perfect for kids aged three to 12 years old. Presented in masks using movement and music, Hello Friend… illustrates the joy of divergent thinking and celebrates the creative play of one undeterred young kid. Our hero meets three interesting characters but will any of them match our youngster’s capacity for imagination? Learn more at questtheatre.org.

October 15, 11am to 2pm; Scarboro’s Fall Faire, the Fall Faire returns to Scarboro United Church for the first time since 2019. Come and stock up on some baked goodies – including the famous Scarboro Oatcakes – check out a selection of gently used books, new-to-you craft supplies, and previously loved jewelry, scarves, handbags, ties and Christmas sweaters. Be sure to stop in the café.

October 15; A Taste of Nigeria – Calgary, a Taste of Nigeria features Nigerian food, music, fashion, dance and more to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence and culture. Nigeria has never been closer as ARISPOP brings Nigeria to you. Let us be your personal guide to the magic of Nigeria, her culture and stunning beauty. Bring the entire family to Shepard Community Hall for a day of fun. Learn more at atasteofnigeria.com.

October 15; The Calgary Sketch Club Annual Fall Show & Sale, the Calgary Sketch Club is hosting their Annual Fall Show and Sale at the Dalhousie Community Centre. Featuring original artworks from more than 25 local artists. Learn more at ckua.com.

October 15, 10:30 am to 3:15pm; Love Your Library Day, visit any of the 21 Calgary library locations for free, family programming to celebrate their 110th Anniversary. Activities include a special system-wide Family Storytime, creative activity and craft stations, Library Love Notes to share warm and fuzzies for the community, face painting, balloon art, juggling, and magic and much more. Learn more at calgarylibrary.ca.

October 15 to 16, 10am to 4pm; Beacon Original Art Fall Show & Sale, the annual two-day fall Art Show and Sale will include 25 different local artists each day showcasing painting, jewelry, glass, photography, ceramics, sculpture and textiles. Comfortably browse and shop for unique handmade gifts or treat yourself to fine art. Learn more at beaconoriginalart.com.

October 15 to 16; Homestead Market Fibre & Fabric Fest, Homestead Market is proud to host the second Fibre and Fabric Fest. This is event is completely dedicated to fabric and fibre arts. Check out over 25 incredible fibre arts, needle craft, sewing and fabric vendors. Learn more at homesteadmarketalberta.com.

October 16, 11am to 4pm; Whole Earth Market October, the October Whole Earth Market will take place at the Shawnessy Barn, featuring local vendors, including artists, artisans, crafters, creators and makers. Both floors of the barn will be full, and they also have the Food Coma Food Truck. Learn more at wholeearthmarket.ca.

October 16, 12pm to 6pm; CULTUREFEST, Culture Days raises the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities. With the support of volunteer groups at the national, provincial and local levels, hundreds of thousands of artists, cultural workers, organizations and groups, volunteers and supporters self-mobilize to host free participatory public activities that take place in hundreds of cities and towns throughout the country over the last weekend of September each year. Learn more at culturefest.ca/.

Until October 16; Quantum Sandbox at TELUS Spark Science Centre, an interactive pixel playground in the Digital Immersion Gallery. Learn more at sparkscience.ca.

Ongoing

Until October 15; Heartbreak Hotel at Jubilations Theatre, have you ever wondered what it would be like at the Heartbreak Hotel? Well you’re in luck, because Jubilations Dinner Theatre is going to take you there. The legend never dies, and his music lives on, as we have some fun imagining Elvis and his gang all rocking and rolling at the Heartbreak Hotel. Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until October 15; A Birthday Toy’s Story at Jubilation’s Junior, a kid-friendly show designed to make adults laugh, too. This is a production written for kids and served with a meal designed with kids in mind. Get your tickets for a stress-free, fun-filled morning of laughter, music, and food. Learn more at jubilations.ca/calgary-junior.

Until October 26; Dinosaurs Awakened at The Calgary Zoo, get ready to marvel at the sights and sounds of these magnificent life-like creatures and see for yourself what Alberta might have looked like when dinosaurs reigned supreme. Entry included in admission to the Zoo. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

Until October 29; True Crime Walking Tours at Fort Calgary, think you know all of Calgary’s most frightening stories? We’re going beyond ghosts and hauntings to delve into the startling tales of those hanged at Fort Calgary. Take part in walking tours this October to learn about the murder, crime and execution that occurred in Calgary’s early days. Get your true crime fix while reflecting on how these stories are important today. Learn more at fortcalgary.com.

Until October 27; National Music Centre’s Jam Club, join the National Music Centre’s free after-school Jam Club program. Youth ages thirteen to nineteen are invited to jam, practice their skills, and explore their creative potential, all while making new friends, every Thursday at Studio Bell for free. Students can drop in at any time between 3pm and 6pm and there is no obligation to attend week to week. Snacks, drinks, and pizza are provided. Learn more at studiobell.ca/after-school-jam-club.

Until October 28; Free Public Ice Skating Presented by New York Fries, New York fries is hosting a free public skate available for families and individuals, with prize giveaways and other great activations. Learn more at familyskateyyc.com.

Until October 29; Field of Screams, this eerie event is turning Cobb’s Adventure Park into a terrifying, thrilling and spine-tingling terror show. Brought to you by Screamworks Inc., this Halloween inspired outdoor event is sure to bring horrifying fear into the hearts of haunted house attendees. Learn more at fieldofscreams.ca.

Until October 29; The Monster March, a family-friendly fundraising event in support of The Children’s Cottage Society. Held in the spooky season of October, this year’s Monster March features a month-long Monster Scavenger Hunt ending the campaign with a full-day, family-friendly 3km March, local vendor market and mural, set to unveil by Katie Green on October 29 in the community of Currie. Learn more at childrenscottage.ab.ca.

Until October 30; 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 for purchase. Learn more at calgaryfarmyard.com.

Until October 30, Pumpkinpalooza at Cobb’s Corn Maze, walk through our pumpkin patch, take beautiful photos and pick your favorite pumpkins to buy for Halloween carving. It’s an event for the whole family that you won’t want to miss. Learn more at cobbsadventurepark.com.

Until October 30; Harvest Pumpkin Fest at Butterfield Acres, Stroll through the farmyard and find your perfect pumpkins at Butterfield Acres this year. Add in some great animal visits, fabulous fall photo-ops, pony rides, a ride through Scarecrow Alley in the back woodlands (spectacular at this time of year) and you’ve got a fall family fun day that is great for the entire family. Learn more at butterfieldacres.com.

Until October 31; The Spooky Reading Tree, Southcentre Mall and Little Red Reading House invite you to explore the ‘Spooky Reading Tree’ this Halloween season. The larger-than-life Spooky Reading Tree will take centre stage in Southcentre’s Centre Court, featuring a reading nook and a variety of vignettes inspired by popular fairytales, including Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, and Snow White. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the reading tree and use the various tableaus as the backdrop for self-directed family photo ops. Community story times will also take place, during which families can enjoy dramatic readings of beloved childhood stories. Learn more at southcentremall.com.

Until October 31; Orange Crush at Telus Spark, in October, Spark transforms into a Halloween extravaganza to scare, surprise and delight. Ever held a real eyeball, watched a pumpkin decompose or dip into a tub of fake blood? Explore the gross side of science this October at Spark with Orange Crush. Learn more at sparkscience.ca.

Until October 31; Harvest Lights at Calgary Farmyard, all farm activities are open, and the farm is lit up in fantastic display (except the corn maze of course, which remains dark as an added challenge for visitors to find their way through with their flashlights.) Pumpkins are available for photos and purchase in the evening too. Learn more at calgaryfarmyard.com.

Until October 31, 7pm to 11pm; Pumpkins After Dark, Canada’s award-winning outdoor Halloween event. Featuring over 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins, this one-of-a-kind walk-through experience is the must-see event of the fall season. Learn more at pumpkinsafterdark.com/calgary/.

Until October 31, 9am to 5pm; Granary Road’s October Harvest Days, this month marks the beginning of the October Harvest. Within the next few weeks, local farmers will be harvesting their fall crops such as apples, corn, turnips and of course – pumpkins! Find these products and more at Granary Road’s October Harvest days. You can celebrate the changing of seasons by riding Granary Road’s Hayrides, taking Instagrammable pictures with our fall décor (such as our multiple scarecrows, hay bales, and infamous orange truck). Learn more at granaryroad.com/harvestdays.

Until November 4, Haunted Calgary: Wicked, experience the hand-crafted walk-through Halloween attraction in the underground parkade of New Horizon Mall. Every year is a unique attraction design, so don’t miss your chance to experience “Wicked,” Haunted Calgary’s 2022 attraction. Twist and wind through about 6000 square feet of horrors. Learn more at hauntedcalgary.org.

Until November 5; Storybook Theatre’s The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical, this dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling book opened on Broadway in 2019. When teenager Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod, he and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods. Learn more at storybooktheatre.org/.

Until November 13; Stage West Theatre Presents Driving Miss Daisy, the Pulitzer Prize winning drama of an extraordinary and unexpected friendship, starring Joseph Marcell, best known as ‘Geoffrey Butler’ from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

Until November 20; ‘Wolves: The Art of Dempsey Bob’ at Glenbow, the exhibition features 65 works and is the first-ever retrospective of Demsey Bob’s career from the 1970s to the present. Visitors to the exhibition will discover a selection of masks, sculpture and regalia, complemented by Bob’s work in bronze casting and vestment production. Learn more at glenbow.org/exhibitions/wolves/.

Visit the Glenbow at The Edison, the satellite location of the popular museum at The Edison building in downtown Calgary is now open. Best of all – admission is free for everyone, thanks to the support of the Calgary Downtown Association. A timed ticket is required for entry. To reserve your ticket, visit glenbow.org.