Things to Do in Alberta: September 2026
September is full of unique ways to get out and explore Alberta. Get lost in AMA history, watch hot air balloons light up the sky, start the spooky season early, or take a step back in time.
Get Lost in AMA History
Find yourself lost in AMA history—literally! The Edmonton Corn Maze features a special AMA Centennial design, complete with AMA-themed trivia hidden through the winding paths. Explore more than five kilometres of trails over 15 acres of corn, then check out the giant wall of vintage Alberta licence plates that celebrate the province’s motoring history. The maze is open until Oct. 25, so there’s plenty of time to check it out this fall. AMA members save 15% on admission all season with the promo code AMA100.
Balloon Glow
Watch the skies light up over High River at the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival from Sept. 23 – 27. Dozens of hot air balloons will take to the skies through the festival, offering rides and competing in navigational challenges, but the real magic happens on Sept. 25 with the Balloon Glow event. As the sky darkens, pilots and crews set up their balloons in the field and light up the night in a beautiful display of colour. Get up close and person to the balloons at the free evening event, from 5 – 9 p.m.
FrankenFest 2026
Kick off the scares early at FrankenFest, a three-day musical festival that takes place every year at Creepy Hollow, just outside the village of Warner. From Sept. 4 to 6, artists from Alberta, Saskatchewan and B.C. will perform over 20 hours of music. The festival encourages camping on site and promises a family-friendly atmosphere. This year, the weekend also includes a car show, fireworks and a costume contest. And of course, it’s never too early for some eerie fun—Creepy Hollow’s Haunted Mansion will be open for tours, or sign yourself up for a spooky ride in a hearse.
Harvest of the Past
Step back in time and experience what harvest season looked like in Alberta before modern technology. On Sept. 12, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village near Edmonton will host the Harvest of the Past event, where costumed interpreters will demonstrate a “threshing bee,” where rural neighbours gathered to bring in the grain together each fall. Discover the tools, traditions, and the community spirit behind Alberta’s early farming community—and don’t forget your AMA membership, which saves you 10% on regular admission.
See Two of Alberta’s Most Iconic Lakes
September is a beautiful time to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, but it takes some planning. Private vehicles are no longer permitted on the road to Moraine Lake, and while Lake Louise is accessible by car, parking fills up extremely quickly. AMA members can now save 10% on shuttle passes from both Lake Louise Shuttle Company and Moraine Lake Bus Company, making it a little easier on your wallet to take in two of Alberta’s most incredible mountain destinations this fall.
& Juliet
What would have happened if Juliet had taken a different path? Find out at & Juliet, the Broadway Across Canada musical visiting both Calgary and Edmonton this September. The jukebox musical features hit songs originally by the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and many others that will have you wanting to sing along. Catch & Juliet in Calgary Sept. 15 – 20, or in Edmonton Sept. 22 – 27. AMA members save up to 20% for Broadway Across Canada tickets purchased online and receive a $12 drink voucher.
Oldstoberfest
Ever wonder what happens when rodeo and Bavarian culture combine? Wonder no more at the Oldstoberfest weekend Sept. 10 – 12 in Olds! Two evenings of top-competitor pro rodeo events are set to take place. Once the sun sets, the outdoor concerts and beer gardens kick off, and the German party atmosphere takes over. And if you’re feeling lucky, test your strength at the beer stein holding contest—whoever can hold a 1 litre stein of beer out at arm’s length the longest wins!