#EXPLOREDOWNTOWNYYC October in Downtown Calgary

Photo credit: ROAM Creative

There is no shortage of things to do in Downtown Calgary this October! Whether you’re looking for Halloween activities, sporting events or culinary delights you’ll find it here, in Downtown Calgary. 

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Weekend and daily events

Photo credit: Thomas Norman

Blue Rodeo Lost Together 40th Anniversary Tour
Celebrate 40 years of iconic Canadian music as Blue Rodeo takes the stage with their beloved hits, from heartfelt ballads to fan-favourite anthems.
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium 
When: Oct. 1

Wilkinson Live in Calgary
UK drum and bass producer and DJ Wilkinson brings his high-energy beats and chart-topping tracks back to Calgary for one night only. 
Where: The Palace Theatre 
When: Oct. 2 

ZooDunnit at the Calgary Zoo (18+)
An after-hours experience turns the zoo into a crime scene, where you work with your team to solve clues, question suspects, and crack the case. It’s part scavenger hunt, part theatre, and all fun. 
Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo 
When: Oct. 3 

Doctor P and Flux Pavilion Live in Calgary
Bass music heavyweights Doctor P and Flux Pavilion team up for an explosive night of dubstep and electronic beats.  
Where: The Palace Theatre 
When: Oct. 3 

Calgary Arab Film Nights
The Calgary Arab Film Nights are thrilled to once again show the diversity, beauty, and rich culture and history of the Arab world, and bring either a piece of home or a brand-new experience to Calgarians.
Where:
The Globe Cinema
When:
Oct. 3-5

Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
From its iconic four-note opening to its triumphant finale, this masterpiece is brought to life by world-class musicians for an unforgettable evening of classical music. 
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall 
When: Oct. 3 and 4 

Move & Make Workshop
A creative workshop combining gentle movement and hands-on crafts inspired by global traditions. 
Where:
Historic Firehall
When:
Oct. 4

The Story of the Eagles
Relive classic hits like “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” and “Desperado” performed with stunning vocals and authentic instrumentation. A night filled with nostalgia and legendary sounds. 
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium 
When: Oct. 4 

Echoes Across the Border: Laurel Canyon and the Northern Connection
The Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music and the National Music Centre are bringing industry leaders together to explore the cultural synergies between Canadian and American music.
Where: Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre
When: Oct. 4-5

Spark After Dark: Gore (18+)
From the twisted side of psychology to iconic horror moments in pop culture, this edition of Spark After Dark is diving straight into the weird, wild, and wonderful world of gore. 
Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre 
When: Oct. 10 

The Calgary Phil Presents: The Princess Bride in Concert
Relive the magic of the cult classic film The Princess Bride. Filled with humour, romance, and adventure, this concert experience is perfect for fans of all ages. 
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall 
When: Oct. 10 and 11 

Alberta Ballet presents Nijinsky
This powerful production captures his brilliance, artistry, and struggles, blending breathtaking choreography with emotional storytelling. 
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium 
When: Oct. 16-18 

Rocky Mountain Food and Wine Festival
Celebrating over 25 years as Alberta’s premier food and food event, which brings together hundreds of exhibitors and over 25,000 guests from across Western Canada to enjoy delicious fare paired with the best in beverages. 
Where: BMO Centre 
When: Oct. 17-19 

Sarah McLachlan Fumbling Towards Ecstasy 30th Anniversary Tour
With her soulful voice and heartfelt songs like “Possession” and “Angel,” this concert promises an evening of powerful music and timeless memories. 
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome 
When: Oct. 18 

Wild Kratts Live 2.0 Activate Creature Power
Join Martin and Chris Kratt on stage for an action-packed adventure based on the hit PBS Kids series. 
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium 
When: Oct. 19 

Halloween on 17th – A Carnival of Curiosities
An enchanted weekend unfolds as fire performers ignite the night, fortune tellers whisper secrets, little monsters parade in costume, and interactive, glowing spectacles bend reality. Dress up and bring your family and friends to Tomkins Park for this free, all-ages outdoor event.
Where: Tomkins Park
When: October 24-26

Halloween Movie Marathon – Calgary Underground Film Festival
Don’t miss the annual all-night horror movie marathon! From 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next morning, join us for seven classic and under-the-radar horror movies. The lineup will be announced and tickets will go on sale in early October.
Where: Globe Cinema
When: Oct. 25

Spotlight YSC: 40 Years of Inspiring Performers 
A 40th Anniversary celebration by Youth Singers of Calgary. This mobile exhibition of photos and videos showcases YSC’s heart and history. Enjoy live performances, kids activities, selfie stations, and opportunities for the public to sing, dance, and act too! Join us for a fun, interactive celebration of four decades of creativity, community, and performance.
Where: National Music Centre 
When:
Oct. 26

Continuous events

Calgary Hitmen Home Games 
Get into the fun and excitement of the WHL with Calgary Hitmen home games at the Scotiabank Saddledome as the Hitmen take the ice for six games this month.  
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome 
When: Oct. 5, 10, 13, 19, 29

Calgary Flames Home Games 
Experience the thrill of NHL action with Calgary Flames Home Games at the Scotiabank Saddledome as the Flames take on the Jets, Flyers, Blackhawks, Penguins, and Hurricanes this October. 
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome 
When: Oct. 1, 3, 11, 14, 20, 22, 26 

Calgary Wranglers Home Games 
The Calgary Wranglers kick off their season this month in Calgary as they take on six AHL foes at the Scotiabank Saddledome. 
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome 
When: Oct. 24 and 25 

Cult Classic Screenings at The GRAND 
The GRAND lights up the big screen this spooky season with cult classics like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Beetlejuice, Young Frankenstein, and The Exorcist. Treats for each film night will be offered by local favourites like Tubby’s and Portland Street Pizza! 
Where: The GRAND 
When: Oct. 10, 17, 30, 31 

Week-long events

YYC Pizza Fest 
YYC Pizza Fest is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and restaurants across Calgary are participating in this year’s edition. Participating restaurants will offer a pizza creation that will be judged in a friendly competition decided by the public. A portion of the proceeds will go to Calgary Meals on Wheels to help combat food insecurity in the city. 
Where: Multiple venues 
When: Sept. 20 to Oct. 6 

Screamfest
This fall, enjoy Calgary’s iconic Screamfest. During this event, you’ll be in for a night of spooks, frights, freaks and fun. From mazes and rides to movies and games, there is so much to do, see, and screech about.
Where: Calgary Stampede GMC Stadium
When: Oct. 10-31 

The Seafarer 
Canadian star Paul Gross leads an incredible cast in this gripping dark comedy by Tony-nominated playwright, Conor McPherson. The Seafarer celebrates the bonds of camaraderie, the possibility of redemption, and the enduring hope found in second chances. 
Where: Martha Cohen Theatre 
When: Oct. 15 to Nov. 10 

Imaginarium 
Wordfest presents Imaginarium with over 50 of the world’s most generous writers, thinkers, activators, and inspirers in Calgary’s Beltline and Victoria Park neighbourhoods. 
Where: Various locations 
When: Oct. 14-19

Cirque du Soleil ECHO 
Experience the magic of ECHO, Cirque du Soleil’s 20th Big Top show, where poetry, cutting-edge technology, and gravity-defying acrobatics explore the deep connection between people, animals, and the Earth. 
Where: Stampede Park 
When: Until Oct. 19 

Dial M for Murder
A suspenseful classic reimagined in a gripping new adaptation: Tony suspects his wife of infidelity and schemes a murder plot. As tension rises between betrayal, deception, and power, a detective unravels the truth. Dial M for Murder is a fast-paced thriller from Theatre Calgary in partnership with Arts Club Theatre Company. 
Where: Max Bell Theatre, Werklund Centre (formerly Arts Commons) 
When: Until Oct. 26 

School of Rock at StoryBook Theatre 
Rock out with School of Rock, the hit musical based on the beloved film. Follow wannabe rock star Dewey Finn as he turns a group of straight-laced students into a powerhouse rock band. Packed with infectious songs, high-energy performances, and heart, this family-friendly show hits all the right notes. 
Where: StoryBook Theatre 
When: Until Oct. 31 

Photo credit: Clinton Hallahan

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