Calgary 
Here is a list of free fun things to do in October 2026, including concerts, festivals and FREE Halloween activities.
For more activities, see Calgary Events & Festivals in October and this weekend in Calgary.
- For more free Halloween events, like events organized by community associations, see Halloween in Calgary.
Contents:
- Generic activities
- Free Events & Festivals
1. Generic activities
Fall Picnic in Calgary
Let’s make the most of this warm fall weather with trips to the park, blanket feasts, and watching the golden sunsets over the Bow River. Some of the more mature forested areas of the River Valley provide exceptionally colourful areas for picnicking. The entire parkland surrounding the large Glenmore Reservoir can provide beautiful options for family outings, date nights, or big get-togethers.
See Fall Colours
It’s time to go out and enjoy the great outdoors awash in fall colours. And lucky for us, Calgary has a lot to offer in that department. Check out one of these 25 Nature Attractions and Parks in and around Calgary. There are hiking and biking trails, picnic spots, off-leash dog parks, birding areas, and much more.
- 15 Fall Hikes to See Golden Larches in and Around Calgary
- 25 Nature Attractions in Calgary
- 25 Urban Walking Trails in Calgary
- 25 of the Best Parks in Alberta to See Fantastic Fall Colours
- 25 Places to Go Hiking During Fall in Alberta
- 6 Reasons to Visit Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary This Fall
Explore some waterfalls
Spend a cozy fall day outdoors and use the opportunity to see some of the most stunning waterfalls in and around Calgary (within 2 hours). Remember to bundle up and wear reliable hiking shoes when you go.
See some public art
Looking for something new to do in Calgary while keeping the recommended physical distance? Check out some of Calgary’s 25 Public art features! You can see many of them in your car or on a walk around the city. Look for local Calgarian artists’ work while you’re out and about. Downtown has also invited many guest artists from all over the world in recent years, so there are a lot of amazing and inspiring pieces throughout.
See Calgary from up above
Calgary’s location in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains offers a unique opportunity for some great scenic lookouts. Whether it’s rolling farmlands to the east or majestic mountains to the west, Calgary has the scenic lookout you are craving. Not to mention, there are some pretty spectacular city views right in the middle.
See Night Lights
When the sun sets, the night lights begin. From bridges to buildings, some of these art displays light up the night year-round for Calgarians. This October, check out the light displays, and you’ll be amazed at these hidden gems across the city.
Go Birding
It’s the season for migration! This is also an excellent way to get to know your city and find some new parks in and around Calgary. Here is a list of 15 places to go birding in Calgary.
II. Free/Cheap Events & Activities
Various Locations, Inglewood, Calgary
October 1, 2026 To October 31, 2026
Free &Ticketed Events
This fall, Calgary’s original main street comes alive with spirits, scares, and spine-tingling fun. Haunted Historic Inglewood is a month-long celebration of Halloween featuring eerie pop-ups, ... »
TOPS Pizza South, 9919 Fairmount Drive SE, Calgary
October 1, 2026 To October 31, 2026
403-278-1511
FREE
The Crypt & The Crow — Halloween Pop-Up at Tops Pizza South Calgary’s most immersive Halloween experience has arrived!! This October, Tops Pizza South transforms into The ... »
Calgary Farmers' Market Locations, Calgary
October 3, 2026 To October 4, 2026
Free
Calgary’s only live GIANT pumpkin carving event is back at Calgary Farmers’ Market this Oct. 3 and 4! Watch champion carver Yann Blanchard transform enormous, award-winning pumpkins into ... »
McDougall United Church, 8516 Athabasca St.SE, Calgary
October 3, 2026
403 252 1620
Free
Join us on Saturday, October 3rd for our Fall Artisan Market. Talented local artisans will be offering their wares. There will be live Western music 2:00 pm -4:00 ... »
Parkdale United Church, 2919-8 Ave NW, Calgary
October 3, 2026
4032494814
Free
The Group Art Society of Calgary presents their Fall Show and Sale. We have 7 new guest artists for this show. Come out for a day of art ... »
Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, 260 Century Downs Drive, Rocky View County
October 3, 2026
4034787657
Free
Celebrate autumn in style with high-stakes horse racing and authentic Bavarian culture! Join us for the Paulaner Official Oktoberfest featuring the prestigious CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes. Experience ... »
Union Cemetery, Erlton St & 32 Ave SW, Calgary
October 4, 2026 To October 31, 2026
Free
Mounties and ministers, cowboys and cooks, prohibitionists and politicians. Join volunteer tour guides on a walk through time to learn about the people, personalities and events that ... »
CF Market Mall, 3625 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary
October 5, 2026 To October 18, 2026
4165658132
free
The Huddle x Grey Cup is coming to CF Market Mall! From October 5–18, visitors can test their football skills with interactive challenges including a throwing accuracy challenge, ... »
BMO Centre, 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
October 8, 2026 To October 11, 2026
free
Shoppers can take advantage of huge savings with ZWILLING, Henckels, STAUB and Ballarini products as well as essentials from Backstage Beauty, including ZWILLING Beauty & Tweezerman, which ... »
Festival Hall, 1215 10 Ave SE, Calgary
October 9, 2026
free
Join us for a powerful panel discussion on Belonging, followed by an Exhibiting Artists’ Reception where you can experience the artwork, meet the artists and connect with ... »
Eau Claire Plaza, 101 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary
October 12, 2026
Free
Join Calgarians this Thanksgiving Monday for theWALK.ca, a vibrant community celebration in support of the Calgary Food Bank. The morning kicks off with a 5 km friendly ... »
Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave SW, Calgary
October 16, 2026 To October 17, 2026
Free
The annual Freshtival, Canada’s Premiere Ski Film Festival, showcases the most anticipated ski movies of 2023 at Calgary’s Globe Theatre. Showing films from industry giants, Matchstick ... »
Dalhousie Community Centre , 5432 Dalhart Rd NW, Calgary
October 17, 2026
Free
Celebrate the arrival of autumn and the beauty of local art! The Calgary Sketch & Painting Club (Est. 1909) warmly invites you to our annual Fall Art Show. ... »
Edgemont Community Centre, 33 Edgevalley Cir. NW, Calgary
October 17, 2026
Free
Come enjoy the beautiful juried art and support your local artists »
Crossroads, 614 6 Ave SE, Calgary
October 17, 2026
4037180300
Free
Puptoberfest is a celebration of all things fall and dogs in East Village. So grab your pooch and enjoy an afternoon of live music, Instagram-worthy moments, fall ... »
Bridgeland Riverside Community Association, 917 Centre Ave NE, Calgary
October 17, 2026 To October 18, 2026
4032769602
Free
Shop directly from 45+ local artists in Bridgeland Riverside. Original art for every style and budget. Showcasing: Painting, Jewelry, Glass, Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture and Textiles. With different emerging ... »
Vista Point — North Glenmore Park Glenmore Pathway, Calgary
October 17, 2026
Join us overlooking the Glenmore Reservoir for an afternoon of beaver-themed food, drinks, live music, family activities, nature, and community as we celebrate the incredible role beavers ... »
Bearspaw Lifestyle Centre, 253220 Bearspaw Road, Calgary
October 22, 2026 To October 25, 2026
403-239-1502
$3
With over 100+ vendors who have created everything from soap, jewelry, and sweaters to baking and wood products. This market kicks off the Christmas season of markets and ... »
Tomkins Park, 17 Ave & 8 St SW, Calgary
October 23, 2026 To October 24, 2026
Free
This Halloween, 17th Avenue becomes a living stage for A Carnival of Curiosities. This Halloween, 17th Avenue becomes a living stage for strange sights, curious creatures and ... »
Lougheed House, 707 13 Ave SW, Calgary
October 29, 2026
Free
We’re bringing our Halloween trivia back from the dead… and it’s scarier than ever! Test you knowledge about iconic horror books and movies and historic ... »
Calgary Police Discovery Centre, 5111 47 St NE, Calgary
October 31, 2026
4034284530
FREE
Ready Set Halloween at the Calgary Police Discovery Centre Looking for free family-friendly Halloween activities in Calgary? Join us on Saturday, October 31, 2026, for Ready Set Halloween, a ... »
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