November in Alberta is full of prehistoric action this year, with a chance to meet SUE the T. rex in Calgary or celebrate Christmas in Dinosaur Country in Drumheller. From festive light-ups to beloved Disney musicals, there are plenty of reasons to get out and explore Alberta this month.
Meet SUE the T. rex
In Calgary, a famous reptile has made its home at the TELUS Spark Science Centre, and November is the last month you can check them out. SUE the T. rex is the most complete and preserved Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever discovered—her actual fossil is permanently featured at the Field Museum in Chicago. But the 40-foot-long, 13-foot-tall fossil replica currently hosted at the Spark offers Albertans the opportunity to see it in our home province without taking a trip. There’s also a full-sized, fleshed-out version of SUE as part of the exhibit – with an Edmontosaurus hanging in their jaws. Talk about a prehistoric rivalry! Check it out until Nov. 29 and remember that AMA members save 10% on admission at the TELUS Spark Science Centre on-site or by phone in advance.
Christmas at the Collieries
Coal and Christmas go hand in hand – don’t they? And we’re not talking about what ends up in your stocking if you’re not nice. On Nov. 14, the Christmas at the Collieries event sees the historic Brazeau Collieries mine site near Nordegg get a festive makeover. It’s a cool place to get into the holiday spirit, with historic mining structures providing a backdrop you won’t forget. Along with the light-up in the evening on the 14th, a Christmas Market that features local artists from the area will take place at the Nordegg Discovery Centre during the day on both Nov. 14 and 15!
Tale as Old as Time
One of the world’s most beloved stories is set to take to the stage in Calgary and Edmonton this November, with Broadway Across Canada bringing its Disney’s Beauty and the Beast production to Alberta audiences with the timeless tale of looking beyond appearances for true love. The show boasts an Oscar®-winning and Tony Award®-nominated score including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast,” and will play at Calgary’s Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium from Nov. 10 – 15 and at Edmonton’s Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium from Nov. 17 – 22.
Snag a deal on your tickets as an AMA member too—save up to 20% for Broadway Across Canada tickets purchased online and receive a beverage voucher valued at $12!
Christmas in Dinosaur Country
Drumheller is best known for its dinosaurs, but this November the town is set to get into the holiday spirit with its annual Festival of Lights! On Nov. 21, the streets will be turned into a festive party with live entertainment, s’mores and cookie decorating, wagon rides, and of course, Santa Claus himself! The highlight of the evening is the lighting of the community Christmas tree, kicking off the holiday season in the Badlands. The free event takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 21 in downtown Drumheller.
Battle of the Bowls
Find out which noodles in Calgary reign supreme during the 2026 YYC Noodle Festival! From Nov. 5 – 15, restaurants across the city will be serving up their best signature noodle dishes, meant to showcase the city’s Asian cuisine and heritage—but bragging rights are also on the table. Through the festival, diners will rate the dishes they try, and at the end we’ll find out which Calgary locale has the best noodles! Some of the dishes competing on this year’s list include a smoked brisket ramen, “sexy rexy ramen” (with a giant “T. rex” beef rib), and truffle garlic ramen.
All Is Bright
Edmonton’s 124th Street will be lit up for the season for the All Is Bright winter festival on Nov. 13 and 14, for a celebration of art, community, and local businesses. On the Friday, come by to watch carvers creating ice sculptures through the area, but the fun really kicks off on Saturday. From 4 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 14, the party kicks off with light displays, live entertainment, food, and interactive experiences for all ages. The free festival is a great family-friendly way to kick off the holiday season.
Get Curious at Petri Dish by Beakerhead
Beakerhead is back in Calgary this November, and it’s taking over the TELUS Spark Science Centre! The weekend of science runs Nov. 6 – 8, featuring art and engineering that gets weird in the best way. It kicks off Friday night with Beakernight, an 18+ after-hours party featuring medieval armoured combat, a fire versus ice science showdown, a digital immersion rave, a live planetarium show and more STEAM-y programming. Saturday and Sunday open the doors to all ages, with hands-on activities, performances and exhibits to explore. Find tickets and the full lineup at petridishyyc.ca
