Looking for fun, wallet-friendly ways to enjoy Calgary this October? You’re in luck! Calgary is buzzing with exciting, free events this month that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of outdoor adventures, cultural festivals, or local markets, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy without spending a dime.
From fall festivals to community gatherings, we’ve rounded up the best free events to check out this October in Calgary. So grab your calendar, mark down the dates, and get ready to experience everything this vibrant city has to offer!
National Depression Screening Day Kick-Off
📍 Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery - Central Library (800 3rd Street SE, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 07 from 12:00 - 1:00pm
Depression impacts many, but it's highly treatable. Hear from Dr. Robbie Babins-Wagner, CEO of Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta, on how you can tackle depression. This annual initiative helps you take the first step toward better mental health.
Haunted Historic Inglewood
📍 Inglewood Community (9th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 07 - 31, from 7:00 - 10:00pm
All events in Inglewood
October 7 – 13
The Haunting in the Attic – Halloween Movies: The Attic Bar & Stage – October 10, 13
Calgary Ghost Tours: Inglewood Ghost Walk – October 12, 13
Crystal Bowl Session – Inglewood Community Hall – October 12
October 14 – 20
Chandelier Club: The Attic Bar & Stage – October 11
Calgary Ghost Tours: Inglewood Ghost Walk– October 17, 18, 19
The Haunting in the Attic – Halloween Movies: The Attic Bar & Stage – October 17, 20
Astral Sound Bath: Inglewood Community Association – October 20
Constellations: Racial myths, land, and labour: Esker Foundation – All October
October 21 – 27
National Black Cat Day
Pumpkin Head Workshop: 4 Cats Studio– October 23
The Haunting in the Attic – Halloween Movies: The Attic Bar & Stage – October 24, 27
Calgary Ghost Tours: Inglewood Ghost Walk – October 25, 26
Saturday Cocktail Club – Spooky Edition: The Nash – October 26
October 28 – 31
Calgary Ghost Tours: Inglewood Ghost Walk – October 31
Halloween Night with the Rondel Roberts Band: The Blues Can – October 31
Peter & the Wolves: Ironwood Stage & Grill – October 31
The Haunting in the Attic – Halloween Movies: The Attic Bar & Grill– October 31
Trick or Treat Trail – October 31 – Trick or Treat at participating businesses and haunted locations in Inglewood from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Women's Cardiovascular Health Initiative Breakfast
📍 Inglewood Community (9th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 09, from 7:00 - 10:00am
The Dilawri Foundation is pleased to extend you and a guest this exclusive invitation for our upcoming breakfast event to introduce Dr. Roopinder Sandhu and the Women's Cardiovascular Health Clinic. This is a unique opportunity to meet those involved who focus on transforming womens heart health.
The Art of Making: Rediscovering the Blackfoot Legacy
📍 Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall - Central Library (800 3rd Street SE, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 10 from 6:00 - 7:30pm
Join us as we celebrate the Launch of Jared Tailfeathers book.
The Art of Making: Rediscovering the Blackfoot Legacy is a captivating entry into Jared Tailfeathers’ journey of cultural reclamation. Accompanied by his family and loyal dogs, Tailfeathers delves into his Indigenous heritage through hands-on, land-based exploration. The book traces the evolution of the Blackfoot Confederacy, examining its trade routes, resources, and interactions pre- and post-1800s. It provides intricate details of Blackfoot connections with nature, neighbouring First Nations Peoples, and their rich legacy in tool-making, textiles, and artistic expression. Tailfeathers’ quest began in 2019, driven by a deep desire to reacquaint himself with his cultural and historical identity as a Blackfoot man navigating a post-colonial world. This book is a journey into the heart of Blackfoot culture, told by a man who walks the ancestral trails with his dogs.
Film Screening: Dal Puri Diaspora by Richard Fung – The Origins of Roti
📍 Esker foundation (1011 9th Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 11 from 7:00 - 9:00pm
Join us at Esker Foundation for the screening of Dal Puri Diaspora - written, directed, and narrated by Richard Fung - an 80 minute documentary film about the history of Roti.
As the dish moved from home fire to street stall to restaurant chain, and from festival to fast food, the flatbread was radically transformed in ingredients, cooking method, ways of eating, and identity. Shot in Toronto, Trinidad, and India, this documentary tracks dal puri’s remarkable passage across space and time, linking colonialism, migration and the globalization of tastes. The documentary features interviews with leading food writers and scholars including Pushpesh Pant, Naomi Duguid, Brinsley Samaroo, Radhika Mongia and Patricia Mohammed.
Trick-or-Treat Costume Giveaway
📍 Nicholls Family Library (1421 33 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 12 from 11:45am - 12:45pm
Come with your littles to pick out a free Halloween costume on us! Join us in the Program room at the Nicholls Family Library to view our costume selection, stay to enjoy the library!
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Limit of one costume per child.
Registration is free but is required for entry.
Tickets only required for children. Upon checkout, please select one ticket per child you are getting a costume for.
Costumes are available on a first-come-first served basis. Specific costumes cannot be guaranteed.
Please bring a reuseable bag to bring home your costumes in!
Costumes cannot be reserved or held.
STEM Stars of Tomorrow
📍 Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery - Central Library (800 3rd Street SE, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 12 from 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Celebrate Women in Science Week with hands-on STEM activities for kids age 4-10 (from 10 am to 12 pm) and exciting robotics demonstrations for teens (from 1 pm to 2 pm). Empower young readers to explore science and engineering in this engaging event for the whole family.
Story Time - The Rabbit Listened
📍 Cherry Tree Lane Toys (905 1 Ave NE, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 12 from 11:00am - 11:30am
Join Cherry Tree Lane Toys at 11 am for a reading of The Rabbit Listened, written by & illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld.
About the Book: A moving and universal picture book about empathy and kindness, sure to soothe heartaches big and small—now a New York Times bestseller and a perfect gift for any special occasion
Gluten Free Fall Market by Lokal
📍 Marda Loop Community Association (3130 16 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 12 from 10:00am - 3:00pm
No tickets required. When you RSVP for this event, eventbrite will send you a reminder right before this event starts.
Join us for the ultimate Gluten-Free Fall Market on October 12th from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Marda Loop Community Association Hall. Indulge in a fantastic array of gluten-free products and treats, all in one place, designed to cater to both celiac sufferers and those with gluten intolerance.This event promises a gluten-free experience that's inclusive of both lifestyles and needs. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore some local delicious gluten-free options.Stock Up with baked goods and more to stay warm. Let your friends and family know that they can get all their goodies here.Every table will be labelled as Celiac, non-celiac, or both depending on the business model.
CF Fitness Series at CF Market Mall
📍 CF Market Mall (3625 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 13, 20 + 27 from 9:00am - 10:00pm
Whether you're looking to kickstart your martial arts journey or unwind with some yoga, these classes are perfect for all skill levels. Get ready to strengthen your core, build confidence, and enjoy a fun, friendly atmosphere!
October 6 & 13 - Basics to Martial Arts Workshop by Tao of Peace
Explore the fundamentals of martial arts in these dynamic sessions focused on core strength, flexibility, and movement. Learn basic strikes, stances, and an introduction to Hapkido, a Korean martial art known for its practical self-defence techniques. These classes are designed to be empowering and accessible to all!
October 20 & 27 - Yoga/ Meditation Morning with Rose Serpico
Unwind and recharge with our calming yoga classes, designed to strengthen and stretch your body while helping you find balance and relaxation. You'll be guided through gentle poses and mindful breathing techniques, perfect for improving flexibility, reducing stress, and boosting your overall well-being.
Inglewood Pollinator Park Market
📍 Inglewood (925 9 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 12 from 11:00am - 4:00pm
This PRIME location is on the Music Mile, close Confluence Park and East Village! Get your weekly produce, peruse the fashion and artisan options. AGLC approved.
Come by say Hi and meet all our great vendors and find something special for yourself!
theWALK.ca
📍 Peace Park (2 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 14 from 8:00am - 12:00pm
OK CALGARY, our city has always been a leader in showing other cities how we support others within our communities. Rising food prices and food inaccessability are issues the Calgary Food Bank helps address for almost 750 families a day!
Let's show our support for the amazing work the Calgary Food Bank provides to our communities. Sign up for our non-timed walking event, you can choose your distance on the day of the event. The course is a 7km loop; you can walk 7km, 14km or 21.1 km this Thanksgiving day.
We are asking everyone to join, if you don't want to walk, come and cheer everyone along the course."theWALK.ca" is a community-driven charity walk happening on October 14, 2024, 8 am. Yup it's on THANKSGIVING DAY.
Signup for the event is free, all we are asking for is a donation. We will be accepting food and fund donations on event day.
6th Annual NUTV Student Film Festival
📍Globe Cinema (617 8 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 16 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Films made at the 2024 NUTV Summer Film School
Doors: 6:30pm
Festival start: 7:00pm
Be sure to arrive early to grab your seats and snacks from the concessions.
Deep Listening
📍Calgary Municipal Building (800 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 17 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Recognizing National Conflict Resolution Day through a skill-building learning experience. To foster an environment of EDIB, we need to listen to understand each other's perspectives; this course will enable its participants to unlock and strengthen their competency on deep listening.
Our Learning Objectives for this program will be:
To experience being heard, deeply.
To listen deeply without solving, advising, or judging.
To strengthen listening skills in a safe environment.
Watercolour Majestic Whale
📍Staples University District (3909 University Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 17 from 3:00pm - 4:00pm
This event is part of our Afternoon Accleration program running from October 7-31st, Monday to Thursday from 2-4pm.
Join us for a step by step instructional class on how to draw a whale using STAEDTLER double-ended watercolour brush pens. At the end of class you will have a beautiful finished watercolour drawing that you just might want to frame.
All supplies will be provided for use during the event.
In this session, you will learn:
How to easily transfer drawings to paper
Discover how fun it is to use brush markers for drawing
Learn how to apply just the right amount of water for a beautiful watercolor effect
Ages: 15+
Fall into Winter Holiday Market
📍Eaglequest Golf @ Douglasdale (7 Douglas Woods DR SE, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 18 from 5:00pm - 9:00pm
📆 October 18 from 11:00am - 3:00pm
The Fall into Winter Holiday Market returns on Friday, October 18th and Saturday, October 19th for another year of seasonal delights. This in-person free event is the perfect opportunity to kickstart your holiday shopping!
Discover a wide range of unique and handmade crafts from talented local vendors. From cozy knits to stunning artwork, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out on the chance to find one-of-a-kind gifts and stocking stuffers for your loved ones.
60 years of CBC Calgary & Radio-Canada
📍1000 Veterans Place NW, Calgary, Alberta
📆 October 19 from 10:00am - 2:00pm
60 years in your community
On October 1, 1964, CBC Radio Calgary launched a new, 24-hours-a-day service for listeners in southern Alberta.
Much has changed since that first day of broadcasting, but our station's commitment to local and regional communities has never wavered.
While it might be our birthday, this milestone is really a celebration of you — our community, our audience. Here's to 60 years!
You're invited
Come mark the occasion with us at our open house!
Tour our studios — one of the most modern broadcast centers in Canada
Record your own newscast in the TV studio
Watch a live broadcast of Daybreak Alberta with Paul Karchut
Learn how to pitch a story to the newsroom with journalist Elise Stolte
Meet CBC Calgary and Radio-Canada hosts
A look (and listen) back on 60 years of news and programs
Birthday treats, music, kid-friendly fun and more!
MoonBeaN Markets - Calgary, AB - Halloween Howler
📍Brentwood Community Association (1520 Northmount Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 19 from 11:00am - 4:00pm
Welcome to the Vibrant Brentwood Market!
Explore a Wonderland of Local Treasures:From handcrafted jewelry to artisanal foods, and everything in between, our market is a treasure trove of locally made goods and one-of-a-kind finds. Discover the passion and creativity of Calgary's talented artisans, makers, and small businesses as you browse through our diverse array of stalls.
Bikers Are Buddies
📍Ecole Good Shepherd School (52 Robinson Drive, Okotoks, Alberta)
📆 October 22 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Come join us at École Good Shepherd School for an evening "Pummba" fom Bikers Are Buddies Canada (BABC), as they teach us to empower our school and community to fight the terrible effects of bullying on young people through education, community outreach and fundraising.
This is a free event but we ask that you please register so we can make sure we're prepared for the number of people.
Movie in the Park: Scream
📍Memorial Park Library (1221 2 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 24 from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Join us for an outdoor screening of the 1996 slasher, “Scream.” Follow Woodsboro residents as they are hunted by and attempt to unmask the notorious Ghostface killer. Bring your blankets and chairs, and we'll bring the popcorn and mocktails — plus, dress in your Halloween best for a chance to win fun prizes! Film is rated R.
Autumn Adventures | A Parented Pumpkin Weekend Play Day
📍Ecole Good Shepherd School (52 Robinson Drive, Okotoks, Alberta)
📆 October 22 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Come join us at École Good Shepherd School for an evening "Pummba" fom Bikers Are Buddies Canada (BABC), as they teach us to empower our school and community to fight the terrible effects of bullying on young people through education, community outreach and fundraising.
This is a free event but we ask that you please register so we can make sure we're prepared for the number of people.
Movie in the Park: Scream
📍Tomkins Park (17th Ave & 8th Street, Calgary, Alberta)
📆 October 26 from 8:00pm - 10:00pm
A24 films are known for keeping you on edge, and The Witch is no exception. We dare you to brave the eerie atmosphere and join us at Tomkins Park for a screening that will leave you unsettled long after the credits roll.
The Sugar Cube Candy Truck will be handing out FREE candy from 6 – 6 PM.
Don't forget to visit the Hip Image Photo Booth from 2 – 8 PM.
Please note that this film is indented for mature audiences.
Don’t Miss Out!October is packed with fantastic free events in Calgary, and it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the city without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy the crisp fall air or dive into Calgary’s rich arts and culture scene, there’s something happening every weekend.
Did we miss any awesome free events? Let us know in the comments or send us an email at info@wanderinginyyc.ca—we’d love to hear from you!
Be sure to subscribe for more guides on how to make the most of Calgary, one event at a time.
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