10 free & cheap things to do in Edmonton this October

Witches, ghouls, goblins, and plain-old costume lovers rejoice! The scariest of months is finally here, and there are plenty of free and cheap things to do in Edmonton this October!

Whether you’re on a tear to experience everything Halloween-related, or you just want to get a few activities under your belt before the snow finally hits, there’s something for everyone.

Here are the best free and cheap things to do around Edmonton this October.

The Original Edmonton Witches Market, Halloween Edition

Does October have you in the mood for some spooky markets? Do a little shopping for oodities at the Original Edmonton Witches Market’s – Halloween edition! Explore unique vendors, workshops, and treats… or tricks depending on your fancy.

When: Saturday and Sunday, October 5th – 6th, 2024
Where: Bellevue Community League, 7308 112 Avenue
Cost:  Free

Edmonton Design Week

Brought to you by the creative minds at Media Architecture Design Edmonton (MADE), this multi-day event offers the chance to connect with designers and learn about the designs that shape Edmonton. Check out the full event schedule to find the right event for you.

When: Tuesday to Sunday, October 15th – 20th, 2024
Where: Multiple locations throughout Edmonton
Cost: $5+

Lit Fest

Find your next great nonfiction read! Connect with writers through a series of live events, great conversations, and exciting gatherings all in one place.

When: Wednesday to Sunday, October 16th – 20th, 2024
Where: Multiple locations throughout Edmonton
Cost: Free, and varies per event

Gateway to the Stars

How about a guided night of stargazing? Elk Island National Park is hosting an introductory stargazing program led by an expert park interpreter. Learn to use a star chart, navigate by constellations, and listen to rich cultural stories around a cozy campfire.

When: Until Saturday, October 19th, 2024
Where: Elk Island National Park, 54401 Range Rd 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: Park admission $9+

Old Strathcona Ghost Tours

Take a ghostly walk through Old Strathcona, and maybe even spot an apparition or two! The tour stops in front of the Strathcona Hotel, the Princess Theatre, the Strathcona High School and many other buildings, houses, and shops that have reported ghosts, hauntings, murders, and mysteries.

When: Throughout October
Where: Meet in front of Rescue Statue directly next to the Walterdale Theater
Cost: $18+

Haunted Pumpkin Festival

.The Haunted Pumpkin Festival at Prairie Gardens Adventure Farm kicks off on the first weekend of October and is on until the end of the month! Get your tickets to this spooky pumpkin patch online and save $5. Kids in costume get in free on Halloween day.

When: Every weekend until October 31st, 2024
Where: 56311 Lily Lake Road, Bon Accord
Cost:  $17+

Pumpkins After Dark

An oldie but a goodie. Check out Pumpkins After Dark, a jaw-dropping display featuring over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins, games, and sweet treats. This event transforms Borden Park every year – you should really think of making it a tradition!

When: Friday, September 27th until Thursday, October 31st, 2024
Where:  7727 Borden Park Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 4W8
Cost: $27+

Alt After Dark Night Market

Do some more spooky shopping after dark! This night market will feature unique vendors, local brewers, and tasty food trucks. It’s free to enter!

When: 7:00 – 11:00 PM on Friday, October 25th, 2024
Where: 8426 Gateway Blvd
Cost: Free

Edmonton Corn Maze

You can’t have fall without a corn maze, and thankful this icon is back for the season! Head down and (literally) lose yourself in acres of corn. Don’t worry, they’ll find you… eventually.

When: Open until October 27th, 2024
Where: 26171 Secondary Hwy 627, Spruce Grove
Cost: $12+ for GA

Draw Some Monsters

Stop by the Art Gallery of Alberta for their adult open studio class on Halloween. Explore the uncanny and strange with the classic drawing game, Exquisite Corpse. Make a series of printed monsters à la Mary Shelley.

When: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Thursday, October 31, 2024
Where: Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq
Cost: $25

Have a fun and spooky October!

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