From giant pumpkin drops to glowing jack-o-lanterns, Alberta is getting ready to celebrate the fall season this October. We’ve got you covered with family-friendly events, spooky thrills, fantastic florals and the return of hockey rivalries.
Pumpkin Drop
Celebrate fall in the most gourd-geous way at the Smoky Lake Great White North Pumpkin Fair & Weigh Off! Growers from Alberta and beyond bring their biggest pumpkins, squash, and gourds to compete in the legendary weigh-off at noon. Enjoy live entertainment, wine tasting, pumpkin souvenirs, a corn maze, and the famous pumpkin drop. The weekend festival takes place this year Oct. 3-5 in the town of Smoky Lake, about an hour and a half north of Edmonton. Find out more on the event website.
Haunted Pumpkins
The Haunted Pumpkin Festival at Prairie Gardens Adventure Farm, about 40 minutes north of Edmonton, has been named one of the top Halloween events in Canada and there’s no guessing why! Visit the farm to enjoy a huge array of festive activities, including a pumpkin cannon, haunted farmhouse (kid-friendly), and a variety of pumpkin displays. Open every weekend in October.
Ghouls Night Out
In Calgary, the Ghouls Night Out celebrations at Heritage Park is a yearly tradition that invites families to attend (in costume!) to enjoy dazzling lights, Halloween-themed games and crafts, and live entertainment. Bring your little goblins and ghouls to enjoy the event the evenings of Oct. 23-26, and for bigger monsters, this year there is also an “Unsettled” add-on option (for adults) that will feature access to a special area with some true frights.
Pumpkins After Dark
Edmonton and Calgary will both play host to the annual Pumpkins After Dark event this fall season. This immersive walk-through experience is more than just a pumpkin patch—it features massive carved displays interwoven with thousands of lights. Edmonton’s event takes place in Borden Park from Sept. 26 to Oct. 31, while Calgary’s will take place at Canada Olympic Park from Sept. 19 to Oct. 31.
Floral Festival
While pumpkins are certainly going to be front of mind this October, florals will also be in full bloom at the Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE exhibition at the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton. From Sept. 26 to Oct. 5, the conservatory will be filled with 15 locally designed floral mannequins, inspired by some of the city’s arts and cultural organizations. Get your tickets here, and prepare to be wowed by what Edmonton’s florists have designed!
Hockey Night in Canada
The NHL is coming back this fall, with the season set to kick off on Oct. 7. Get ready to root for your favourite team—and pick a side for the Battle of Alberta! The first game of the 2025/2026 season for both the Flames and Oilers kicks off on Oct. 8, as the teams go head-to-head in Edmonton. If you’re wanting to catch the Flames on home ice, their first game in Calgary takes place on Oct. 11 against the St. Louis Blues.
The Princess Bride in Concert
Experience one of the most popular cult fantasies alongside the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, as The Princess Bride comes to the Jack Singer Concert Hall. The orchestra will be performing a version of composer Mark Knopfler’s unforgettable score that has been specially arranged—for the first time—for the symphony. Buckle up for sword fights, giants, true love, all paired with an epic musical performance. The show takes place Oct. 10 and 11. AMA members can grab tickets here to save 15%.