Free Things to Do and Free Halloween Activities in Calgary in October

Here is a list of free fun things to do in October 2025 including concerts, festivals and FREE Halloween activities.

For more activities, see Calgary Events & Festivals in October and this weekend 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.

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

24 May

cSPACE Marda Loop (Art Park), 1721-29th Avenue SW, Calgary

May 24, 2025 To October 4, 2025

4039305445

Free

Calgary’s newest inner-city outdoor market features live music, free kids’ activities led by the artists and teachers of Jube School, and Calgary’s favourite market vendors. ...  »

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01 Oct

Various Locations, Inglewood, Calgary

October 1, 2025 To October 31, 2025

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, ...  »

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03 Oct

Strathcona Community Association, 277 Strathcona Dr SW, Calgary

October 3, 2025 To October 4, 2025

FREE

A Fine Art Show presenting the work of several Calgary professional artists including original paintings, glasswork, pottery, jewelry and more. Free admission and free parking. www.stateofartyyc....  »

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04 Oct

 Southview Community Association, 2020 33rd St. SE, Calgary

October 4, 2025

Free

Lantern-Fest is the celebration of the diverse cultural lantern festivals around the world. The festival is aimed to celebrate culture, creativity and community. At the festival, attendees ...  »

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04 Oct

The Confluence Historic Site & Parklands, 750 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary

October 4, 2025 To October 18, 2025

587-288-1406

Free

Four Indigenous youth from Calgary received teachings from Siksika Elder, Adrian Wolfleg, about local Indigenous history. Following the teachings, the students learned how to use projection mapping ...  »

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04 Oct

Studio Bell, 850 4 Street SE, Calgary

October 4, 2025

4035435115

Free Registration

In collaboration with the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music (BSACAM), the National Music Centre (NMC) brings notable speakers to Calgary to explore the cultural ...  »

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04 Oct

Wolf Willow Community, 37 Wolf Hollow Common SE, Calgary

October 4, 2025

Free

We are having our Show home Grand Opening in Wolf Willow and you are invited!!! Come explore our latest showhomes right by the Bow River and Fish ...  »

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05 Oct

Union Cemetery, Erlton St & 32 Ave SW, Calgary

October 5, 2025 To October 26, 2025

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 ...  »

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11 Oct

Winston Heights-Mountview Community Centre, 520 27th Ave NE, Calgary

October 11, 2025

403-831-5867

Free

🎉 ✨ Join us for Thankful Hearts, A Handmade Market (Presented By Elevated Events Co) – a cozy Thanksgiving weekend shopping experience filled with: 🛍️ 55 incredible vendors bringing you handmade, heartfelt, ...  »

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11 Oct

Calgary Farmers' Market Locations, Calgary

October 11, 2025 To October 12, 2025

Free

Join us for a festive fall celebration featuring live 850-pound pumpkin carving by acclaimed artist Craig Mutch. The market will be buzzing with live music, a bot-operated ...  »

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16 Oct

Ranchmans Calgary, 9615 Macleod Trail S, Calgary

October 16, 2025 To November 13, 2025

Free

The race to the finals is on! Watch Alberta’s best up-and-coming country artists light up the Ranchman’s stage across five Thursdays. Bring your crew, cheer ...  »

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17 Oct

Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave SW, Calgary

October 17, 2025 To October 18, 2025

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 ...  »

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17 Oct

Marda Loop Communities Association , 3130 16th Street SW, Calgary

October 17, 2025 To October 18, 2025

Free to $2.00

Bags, Babies & Beyond is a vibrant handcrafts market featuring an array of high-quality, handmade items—from stylish bags and purses to charming children’s clothing and ...  »

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17 Oct

Capitol Hill Community Association, 1531 21 Avenue NW, Calgary

October 17, 2025

free

Radical Reptile Parties YYC will be hit up Capitol Hill Community Centre for an unforgettable evening of TOADS, SNAKES, SCORPIONS, and many more delightful creatures. Get ready ...  »

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18 Oct

Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association, 917 Centre Avenue NE, Calgary

October 18, 2025 To October 19, 2025

403-276-9602

Free

Annual 2-Day fall Art Show & Sale with 25 different local artists in attendance each day showcasing Painting, Jewelry, Glass, Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture and Textiles. Comfortably browse and ...  »

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18 Oct

Dalhousie Community Centre , 5432 Dalhart Rd NW, Calgary

October 18, 2025

Free

The Calgary Sketch Club is hosting our Annual Fall Show and Sale. Featuring original artworks from over 25 local artists. There will be a door prize for an ...  »

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18 Oct

10A St NW, Calgary

October 18, 2025

4164182007

$0

Join Canada’s largest accessible Halloween celebration featuring house-to-house trick-or-treating, entertainment, and inclusive fun for all abilities. Made possible by Canadian Tire. Children and Parents with and ...  »

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18 Oct

Crossroads, 614 6 Ave SE, Calgary

October 18, 2025

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 ...  »

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18 Oct

Multi agency training (MAT) Centre, 5705 23 Ave SE, Calgary

October 18, 2025 To October 19, 2025

4037019870

Free

An interactive open house with police, fire, EMS, Transit, ByLaw and Calgary 911 for anyone considering a career in emergency services.  »

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24 Oct

Bearspaw Lifestyle Centre, 253220 Bearspaw Road, Calgary

October 24, 2025 To October 26, 2025

403-239-1502

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 ...  »

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24 Oct

Tomkins Park,  17 Ave & 8 St SW, Calgary

October 24, 2025 To October 26, 2025

Free

This Halloween, 17th Avenue becomes a living stage for A Carnival of Curiosities. For one weekend only, Oct 24-26th, The PORTAL opens to release a world ...  »

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25 Oct

The Heritage Centre, 4148 - AB Highway 580, Cremona

October 25, 2025 To October 26, 2025

403-6581-6090

Free

Step into a world of creativity and craftsmanship at the Artisan Market! This vibrant marketplace is a celebration of unique, handmade goods crafted by talented local artisans. ...  »

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25 Oct

The Confluence Historic Site & Parklands, 750 9 Ave SE, Calgary

October 25, 2025 To October 26, 2025

587-288-1406

Free, Food Bank donation encouraged

Celebrate local at The Confluence Artisan Market October 25-26! Join us where the rivers meet in downtown Calgary for a cozy autumn weekend of discovering some of ...  »

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25 Oct

Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Road SE, Calgary

October 25, 2025

Free to attend

Support a sustainable future through recycling. Together with the Electronic Recycling Association, we’re turning e-waste into opportunity. Donate your old electronics at our Electronics Recycling Drive—...  »

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25 Oct

Capitol Hill Community Association, 1531 21 Avenue NW, Calgary

October 25, 2025

Free

The Capitol Hill Community Association is hosting its annual Halloween Jellybean dance on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The crypt doors will swing open at 5 pm sharp. What can you ...  »

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26 Oct

Studio Bell, National Music Centre, 300-851 4 Street SE, Calgary

October 26, 2025

4032349549

FREE

Youth Singers of Calgary is turning 40 — and you’re invited to the party! Join us at Spotlight YSC, a full-day celebration of creativity, community, and the thousands ...  »

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30 Oct

cSPACE Marda Loop, 1721 29 Ave SW, Calgary

October 30, 2025

4039305445

Free entry

Get ready for a hauntingly fun evening for all ages! Our multi-level Halloween Showcase is packed with festive activities and eerie surprises. Ghost tours, free art activities, ...  »

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30 Oct

241 Prestwick Circle SE., Calgary

October 30, 2025 To October 31, 2025

403-968-6865

Free

Community haunted house (garage walkthrough) hosted by a single mom for the last five years with her crew of horror lovers ready to once again scare everyone ...  »

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30 Oct

cSPACE Marda Loop, 1721 29 Ave SW, Calgary

October 30, 2025

4034762025

RSVP - FREE

This October, the halls of cSPACE Marda Loop come alive! Wander through four imaginative floors—each home to a mysterious “Creature” born from the spirit of the ...  »

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31 Oct

Y Not Today, 4339 Macleod Trail S, Calgary

October 31, 2025

4036126675

FREE

Put on your costume (if you have one) and join us for a fun evening of board games and Halloween vibes! Meet new friends, enjoy spooky games, ...  »

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