Central Alberta 
‘Tis the season for pumpkins, watching the leaves change, and getting cozy. The colder weather is coming to Red Deer but is not quite upon us yet.
Credit: Waskasoo Environmental Education Society
As we wait, there are numerous ways to celebrate the fall season around the city from now until November. You can get your fall fixes at the markets, craft and arts shows, or wait for the festivals.
Ushering in the cold weather for fall can also mean taking advantage of tolerable weather while it’s still around. There are a few different forested hikes to try with friends or family this fall which can take you to gorgeous photo backdrops and scenery, as well as a few campgrounds open into early October. Other recreation near Red Deer you can fit in before winter includes fishing, boating, and cozy picnics.
Contents:
- Outdoor Activities
- Festivals & Events
I. Outdoor Activities
1. Kerry Wood Nature Centre & Fort Normandeau
On either side of Red Deer are two family-friendly experiences that take you back to nature and back through some local history. Both the Kerry Wood Natural Centre and Historic Fort Normandeau are operated by the Waskasoo Environmental Education Society, and each offers a different type of fun.
The Natural Centre is a great place for a walk, and wildlife viewing, and has a natural playground. Fort Normandeau has a museum to peruse before you explore the historic grounds.
Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary also called Red Deer Migratory Bird Sanctuary is part of Kerry Wood Nature Centre and is the oldest federal migratory bird sanctuary in Alberta. Visit Gaetz Lakes sanctuary to see Fall migration while exploring five kilometres of trails.
- Kerry Wood Nature Centre: 6300 45 Ave, Red Deer
- Fort Normandeau: 28054, Township Rd 382
2. Colourful Fall Hikes
The simplest way to enjoy the fall season in Red Deer is a family stroll along the walking and hiking trails. There are a few which can take you through picturesque forests, others which follow the Red Deer River, and ones which offer both! A scenic hike through the colourful trees can be a good time to get in family photos, plenty of exercise, and Red Deer’s best natural views.
Within city limits:
Outside the city:
3. Fall Colour Trail Rides
Heritage Ranch in Red Deer is a fabulous place to visit round the year, especially if you want to have a romantic outing. They have a great restaurant on-site plus they offer various activities including carriage/sleigh rides, pumpkin hunts (including flashlight pumpkin hunts) during the Halloween season.
The fall colour trail rides are one hour long and are available for ages 8 and up.
Heritage Ranch
4. Paddle the River
The banks of the Red Deer River, especially through town, are lined with large and mature trees. On a warm fall day, you can enjoy a quick or long paddle through the winding river while you enjoy and/or photograph the lines of reds, oranges, and golds.
You could start on the west end of the city and make your way to the opposite side or shorten the trip as there are numerous places to stop.
5. Gleniffer Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area
There are three-day use areas in this PRA you can take advantage of, with two on the northeast tip of the Reservoir, and the other on the southwest tip. Gleniffer Reservoir is especially great in the fall for peaceful boat rides, early-morning fishing, and smooth sailing.
There are boat launches at both the Cottonwood and South Valley day-use areas. If you seek even more relaxation, it is a great place for a family picnic, with plenty of small trails for kids to explore.
6. Jarvis Bay Provincial Park & Sylvan Lake
On the northeastern shores of Sylvan Lake (Lakeshore Drive to Highway AB-20), you’ll find a beautiful treed-in campsite surrounded by hiking/cross-country skiing trails.
The Park’s Day Use Area is a nice, quiet spot for picnicking, with Lakeshore drive a 10-minute drive away. Along the town’s Lakeshore Drive is the main beach, boat launch, boat rentals, and several local dining options. While Jarvis Bay is an excellent place for a hike and picnic, it does not provide lake access (just nice views!). On the south end of the main beach, you can rent from Sun Sport Recreation for water access or bring your own boats to their boat launches.
More Things to Do in Red Deer
- Things to Do in Red Deer
- Fun Things to Do with Kids in Red Deer
- 25 Things to Do in Red Deer During Winter
II. Fall Festivals & Events Around Red Deer
CFR Red Deer
1. Fall Concerts
Rock the night out at Red Deer Memorial Centre:
- Troubadour – The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot – Sat Oct 11 | 7:30 PM
- The Australian Bee Gees Show – Fri Oct 17 | 7:00 PM
- Paula Cole & Sophie B. Hawkins – Sun Oct 26 | 7:30 PM
- Dallas Smith + His Band: One Night Only (unplugged) – Wed Oct 29 | 7:30 PM
- Zachary Stevenson’s Tribute to Buddy Holly – Sun Nov 2 | 3:00 PM
- Shania and Friends Tour – Sat Nov 8 | 7:30 PM
- Highwaymen Show – Great American Outlaws – Thu Nov 13 | 7:30 PM
- Choir! Choir! Choir! An Epic Queen Sing-Along! – Sat Nov 15 | 8:00 PM
- Terri Clark & Paul Brandt – Homecoming Tour 2.0 – Nov 18 & 19, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
- Alex MacKenzie’s Hungry for Laughs Comedy Tour – Fri Nov 21 | 7:30 PM
2. Red Deer Oktoberfest
Red Deer’s Westerner Park will transform into a little Bavaria to celebrate food, beer, and German culture. Oktoberfest is a great social event inspired by beer, but it involves so much more than beer. The festival boasts live music, outdoor games, German-style cuisine, and plenty of ale.
Where: Westerner Park 4847A 19 Street
When: October 3 & 4, 2025
3. Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt
Join for a delightful family-friendly adventure – a flashlight pumpkin hunt! Experience the thrill of a public tractor ride, hunt in the dark, and each person gets their very own pumpkin. Don’t miss out!
Where: Heritage Ranch, 6300 Cronquist Dr, Red Deer
When: TBA
4. The Powwow Times International Gathering
Prepare yourself for the vibrant cultural showcase at the Powwow Times International Gathering. The event promises a rich, immersive Powwow experience and doesn’t miss the chance to partake in this celebration of traditions and community.
Where: Nexsorce Arena, Sylvan Lake
When: October 25th, 2025
5. Rock N’ Gem Show
The Red Deer Rock N’ Gem Show is the go-to event for enthusiasts, offering a vast array of crystals, gemstones, jewelry, beads, and fossils. Attendees gain access to over 375 tables of unique items to enhance homes, offices, hobby spaces, and wardrobes. Whether you’re a Crystal King, Mineral Maven, or Jewelry Junkie, this show promises an adventurous experience and the chance to acquire stunning new pieces.
Where: Westerner Park, 4847A 19 St, Red Deer
When: September 24-28, 2025
6. Downtown Red Deer Market
You can shop this outdoor summer market well into early fall on every Wednesday evening. Even if you’re not shopping, you can browse several local artists, or stop by for a meal. Along with the producers, farmers, and creators, the Downtown Market is also home to fast food and food truck vendors.
Where: Little Gaetz Avenue, Red Deer
When: Open until early October
7. Our Best to You Handmade Market
Get your Christmas shopping done early! Signatures Our Best to You showcases diverse works from artists nationwide. This annual holiday tradition at Westerner Park offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with passionate creatives, learn their stories, and experience their crafts firsthand. Attendees can explore a variety of handmade pieces, ensuring they find items that will be cherished for a lifetime.
Where: Westerner Park, 4847A 19 Street
When: October 24-26, 2025
9. Fall Festival and Pumpkin U-pick
The Jungle Farm’s large pumpkin patch makes the perfect fall activity and excellent photo opportunities, with other outdoor experiences available and included in your admission: you and your family can master the corn maze and obstacle course, visit with farm animals, take the Gnome Walk, ride the wagons, and more.
Where: 28120, Township Rd. 362 (north of Innisfail on AB-2A).
When: Until October End
10. Red Deer Festival of Trees
Welcome the holiday season by visiting the Red Deer Festival of Trees with your family! Kick off the festivities by exploring dozens of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, shopping at our artisan’s gift & sweet shop, and enjoying free live entertainment. Stroll through the silent auction featuring over 200 items to bid on, and complete your visit with a trip down Candy Cane Lane—a playland filled with games and activities for children. Don’t forget, Santa will be there too!
Where: Westerner Park, Red Deer
When: November 28 to 30, 2025
