Things to do in Alberta: September 2025
September in Alberta is packed with can’t-miss events — sky-high balloon festivals, Oktoberfest celebrations, and even a visit from the Hobbits themselves. Here’s a look at what’s happening across the province this month.
Soar into the Skies
Experience the magic of flight at the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival in High River, Alberta, from September 24-28. Enjoy a festival filled with workshops, exciting flight demonstrations, and thrilling competitions. Don’t miss the breathtaking Balloon Glow at sunset — a sight that’s truly unforgettable and a highlight of the event each year. Visit the official event website for the full schedule and details.
Labour Day Classic
It’s a CFL tradition that’s been around since 1949: The Labour Day Classic matchup between the Edmonton Elks and Calgary Stampeders. The rivalry goes down in Calgary on Sept. 1 – an annual holiday affair hosted at McMahon Stadium that always draws a huge crowd. And, AMA members can save 15% or more on all regular priced Calgary Stampeders home game tickets!
International Film Festivals
Film fans in Alberta have a lot to look forward to this fall, with the return of the 2025 Edmonton International Film Festival (EIFF) and the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF). Both events bring a wide mix of movies from around the world, including exciting new films from Albertan and Canadian filmmakers. Calgary’s fest takes place Sept 18-28, while Edmonton’s will be held Sept. 25 – Oct. 4.
Cheers to Oktoberfest
September is the season for Oktoberfest, the German folk festival that’s now celebrated worldwide. Here in Alberta, there are events planned across the province – so no matter where you are, you can get ready to prost (cheers)! In Edmonton, Oktoberfest takes place at the Ice District from Sept. 11 to 27. Calgary’s Oktoberfest takes place Sept. 26-27 at The Big Four Roadhouse, while Lethbridge will host Oktoberfest September 4-6. Some places raise a glass to Oktoberfest a bit later in the year – Red Deer and Grande Prairie’s celebrations are both slotted in for early October.
Middle Earth comes to Edmonton
The Edmonton Expo has something special in store for Middle Earth fans this Sept. 19-21: All four hobbits from the original Lord of the Rings movie series will be hosting a special event. Elijah Wood (Frodo), Sean Astin (Sam), Billy Boyd (Pippin) and Dominic Monaghan (Merry) have never all visited Edmonton together — and will be inviting fans to join them for a special ticketed event on Sunday, Sept. 21. If you’re not a Lord of the Rings fanatic, there’s still something for you at the Edmonton Expo: hundreds of artists, vendors, and other celebrity guests will be on hand (like Christopher Lloyd from Back to the Future and Brandon Routh from Superman Returns).
Once Upon A Time…
This September, Alberta Ballet presents Once Upon a Time – A Thousand Tales, which combines the iconic stories of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Swan Lake, and Aladdin into one theatrical and moving show. In Calgary from Sept. 11-13, and then Edmonton from Sept. 19-20, fairy tales will intertwine with classical ballet for this unique presentation. AMA members save 15% for tickets purchased online for any performance in Calgary or Edmonton.
Kaleido Family Arts Festival
If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate the arts in Edmonton, look no further than Kaleido! The Kaleido Family Arts Festival takes place Sept. 5-7 this year in the heart of Edmonton’s Alberta Avenue Arts District. Music, theatre, dance, street performances and food will all be celebrated on the streets, rooftops, parks and alleys of Alberta Avenue—and this year marks the 20th year of Kaleido!
WAYS TO SAVE
Looking for more ways to use your AMA membership to explore Alberta this September? We’ve got you covered, with these exclusive member offers on things to do in Calgary and Edmonton!