Looking for something a little different to do this October? Alberta has a ton of eerie and entertaining experiences to enjoy, from pumpkin-filled forests to textile haunted houses, plus paranormal experiments and an AMA-themed corn maze.
Pumpkins in the Forest
Looking for something that gets the family out and exploring the forest? Check out the Forbidden Forest Pumpkin Walk, just outside of Drayton Valley on Oct. 22. This event sees the trails at Pembina Nordic come alive with carved pumpkins, lantern-lit paths, plus a pumpkin carving contest with live music and food trucks. This family-friendly evening runs from 4-10 p.m. and is free to attend, so bring your walking shoes and get ready to enjoy the fall vibes and spooky atmosphere.
Haunted House—but Make It Art
A giant ghost is set to haunt downtown Medicine Hat this October, as part of the Textile Haunted House at the Ewart Duggan House! The historic home will be transformed into an immersive Halloween experience, with eerie textile works, sculpture, and multimedia displays. The displays, which include a giant sheet-ghost costume covering the city’s world’s largest cheese piece, were all created by Lethbridge artist Shanell Papp and explore “the things that haunt us.” The Textile Haunted House is open Oct. 17, 24, 30, and 31—find the full schedule here!
Pumpkins, Cars, and Roadside Rescue
It’s advertised as the “Ultimate Pumpkin Experience”—and if you attend the Smoky Lake Pumpkin Fair, you’ll quickly find out why. Known for its epic giant pumpkin competition, and video-worthy pumpkin drop, where those giant pumpkins are lifted by crane and dropped onto old cars for an epic smash. A pumpkin auction, carving contest and kids’ pumpkin painting round up the festivities. And this year, AMA will be there as well, part of the Centennial celebrations happening in communities all across Alberta. Come and play some interactive games, including the Roadside Rescue challenge, where kids can try their hand at changing a tire. The Smoky Lake Pumpkin Fair runs Oct. 2-3, with a Show & Shine and AMA activities taking place on Oct. 3.
A Journey Through Life and Legend
Alberta Ballet brings the story of Peer Gynt to audiences this October, telling the story of a restless young man who leaves home in search of adventure, and ends up travelling through fantastical worlds. The classic Norwegian ballet will be performed in Edmonton Oct. 23 and 24, and in Calgary Oct. 29-31. And remember—AMA members can save 15% on tickets purchased online.
AMA Centennial and a Taste of Alberta
Celebrate AMA’s Centennial along with a little taste of Alberta at the Edmonton Corn Maze. The maze is AMA-themed this year to celebrate 100 years of supporting Albertans, and while you’re there, check out the GV Farm Market. The market brings together 16 Alberta artisans and producers, with local goodies ranging from raw honey and handcrafted caramels to smoked meats. Pick up something delicious to take home, then explore the maze and see how many AMA-themed trivia questions you can answer along the way. AMA members save 15% on admission using the promo code AMA100! The corn maze is open until Oct. 25, so be sure to check it out before the end of the season.
And if you’re looking for more AMA history to explore in Edmonton, the AMA Centennial exhibit, A Road Well Travelled, is moving from Calgary to Edmonton’s Creative Hive starting Sept. 26, and will be open until Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, as well as until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. After a short holiday break, the exhibit will then re-open from January 9 to 24, 2027. Explore the immersive experience with rare artifacts, interactive displays, and tons of hands-on moments for the kids!
Is It Paranormal? Or Science?
Have you ever wondered, “Are ghosts real?” Find out what science can answer at Calgary’s TELUS Spark After Dark’s Paranormal Activities event on Oct. 9! This 18+ event invites the brave and curious to learn more about the world of paranormal activity, participate in some daring experiments, and discover the science that gets right up against the edge of what we understand. Some highlights include a haunted scene lineup (paranormal investigators often report specific smells right before an encounter), earthworm dissection, the physics of non-Newtonian fluids, plus drag shows, live music, and more!