18 things to do in and around Edmonton this October

The spookiest month of the year has finally arrived! Changing leaves, shorter days, and witchy vibes are here. Whether you plan to spend every evening watching scary movies, or hitting up all the city’s ghostly events, here are the best things to do in and around Edmonton this October.

Eats on 118th

Enjoy a guided food tour of the best restaurants along Alberta Avenue. The tour will feature three stops along with a few surprises! Get your tickets soon because the last few events sold out fast!

When: Thursday, October 3rd, 2024
Where: Restaurants along Alberta Ave
Cost: $50

Lynne Hanson at the New Moon Folk Club

Lynne Hanson is a two-time Canadian Folk Music Awards winner who’s beloved for her high-energy roots guitar-driven live performances. Catch her live at the St. Basil’s Cultural Centre, there’s free parking on-site.

When: Friday, October 4th, 2024
Where: St. Basil’s Cultural Centre, 10819 71 Avenue NW
Cost: $20-$30

Edmonton International Film Festival

The 38th Edmonton International Film Festival (EIFF) returns with 10 days of exciting events. You can expect filmmaker chats, Q&A’s, gala screenings, a local filmmaker spotlight, ‘buzzy’ films that are travelling the festival circuit, shorts with lunch, and more.

When:  Thursday, September 26th to October 5th, 2024
Where:  Various venues
Cost: Ticket price varies by film

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3

Experience the magic of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, performed by award-winning Canadian pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko. The piece is notoriously difficult, and stunning to see live. It’s guaranteed to be a night that impresses.

When: Friday, October 4th to Saturday, October 5th, 2024
Where: Winspear Centre – 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $37+

DARK at Fort Edmonton Park

DARK is back for its 6th year! Head over to Fort Edmonton Park and experience their spookiest event. Visit a farm where a sinister deal harvests gruesome consequences. Or dare to discover what nightmares are made of when demons come knocking at three in the morning. Come for the scares and stay for the food and fun.

When: Friday, October 4th until Sunday, November 2nd, 2024
Where: Fort Edmonton Park – 7000 143 Street
Cost: $50+

Edmonton Elks

How about a little football fever? The Edmonton Elks are celebrating their 75th anniversary, and they’re playing 2 home games this month at the Commonwealth Stadium against Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Toronto Argonauts.

When: Saturday, October 5th and Friday, October 25th, 2024
Where: 11000 Stadium Rd
Cost: $19+

Pumpkin Fair Kitchen Party

Check out Métis Crossing for a very special autumnal event. Try delicious food and drinks available for purchase, and dive into a variety of fun games where you can win prizes (and bragging rights). Experience authentic Indigenous cultural activities and enjoy live entertainment throughout the event. Kids 12 and under get in free!

When: Saturday, October 5th, 2024
Where: 17339 Victoria Trail, Smoky Lake,
Cost: $30

Rodeo Week

Get back to your roots and experience the height of Western soul with city-wide events like live country music, bingo, barrel racing, the Canadian Country Expo, and more. All that culminates in the Canadian Finals Rodeo, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year!

When: Sunday, September 28th to Sunday, October 6th, 2024
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: Varies by event

A Streetcar Named Desire

Presented by Theatre Calgary, this show is a classic tale that follows Blanche DuBois as she flees to her sister’s New Orleans home, only to face an unravelling thread of illusions and harsh truths. It opens at the Citadel Theatre this Saturday, with ticket prices varying by seat.

When: Now until Sunday, October 13th, 2024
Where: Citadel Theatre, 9828 101A Ave
Cost: Tickets vary by seat

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

Where Science Meets Cocktails

Learn and experience the chemistry, biology, and physics behind preparing modern cocktails and cuisine at the TELUS World of Science! While this event has already sold out, there will be a 50/50 and Silent Auction coming soon with the chance to participate and donate – so keep an eye out!

When: Thursday, October 17th, 2024
Where: TELUS World Of Science – 11211 142 St NW
Cost: Sold out

Bear Grease

An Indigenous spin on a beloved story. This show takes the musical Grease on an Indigenous joyride, blending fashion, humour, and the toe-tapping music you know and love. Experience a classic made new again with vibrant, cultural flair!

When: Thursday, October 17th to Sunday, October 27th, 2024
Where: Citadel Theatre – 9828 101A Ave
Cost: $40+

EPL Gala: Books + Cooks

This swanky gala has food, dancing, and music – but that’s not all. Proceeds from the event go directly to “Cook Up a Story,” EPL’s free summer camp program. By attending, you’re helping to foster food, literacy, and a lifelong love of reading in children from underserved communities.

When: Saturday, October 19th, 2024
Where: Stanley A. Milner Library – 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $150

The Phantom of the Opera

.Experience a spooky and spectacular Halloween night at the Winspear Centre as a live organist accompanies the 1925 film, The Phantom of the Opera. See Prepare to be dazzled as they take you to the Paris Opera House from 100 years ago!

When: Thursday, October 31st, 2024
Where: Winspear Centre – 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $37+

Edmonton Oilers

Cheer on the Oilers at one of their home games throughout October. Sunday, October 13th will be another battle of Alberta, so if you can only pick one… you know what to do.

When: Games throughout October
Where: Rogers Place, Edmonton
Cost: $150+

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+

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+

7 Paintings Dining Experience Edmonton

A renowned Dubai dining experience is making its North American debut right here! Combining art with food, 7 Paintings is a highly-anticipated dining experience that will be here until December! 7 Paintings is a 2.5-hour sensory journey that brings the works of iconic artists like Michelangelo, Banksy, Picasso, Pollock, Warhol, Dali, and Van Gogh to life while you dine.

When: Starting Friday, September 27th, until December 2024
Where: HALO Bar | Bistro, 4236 36th E, Edmonton International Airport
Cost: Reserve online, cost varies by meal

Have a fun and spooky October!

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