Halloween season is supposed to be scary, but your credit-card statement doesn’t have to be.
Between elaborate costumes, overpriced haunted houses and parties with outright spooky cover charges, it can be far too easy to blow your paycheque while celebrating the occasion.
But don’t fret: Calgary has plenty of budget-friendly ways to get into the season of the witch. Here’s how to squeeze the most out of Halloween without ghosting your credit card company after.
If you are planning on going out…
As much as we pledge to “save money and stay in,” sometimes that can be easier said than done when the last-minute FOMO creeps in. The haunted heart wants what the haunted heart wants, so in true cheapskate fashion, let’s find a way.
One of the best strategies is to look beyond the big day. The city’s Halloween calendar is packed all month, which means you can enjoy smaller community events over several weekends instead of blowing your entire budget on just one night.
Frights & Delights: Halloween at The Confluence
This event features free entry and free museum admission, meaning you can save your budget entirely for the market vendors, tarot card readings, or seasonal treats. Check out adults-only night on October 30 and the family-friendly day on October 31.
Mr. Schnapp’s 80s Horror Trivia and Costume Contest
On October 28, enjoy free horror trivia, a costume contest and a night at a pub for the low cost of free admission. Step into the glory of 80s horror for a trivia night packed with slashers and cult classics like Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Shining and Child’s Play.
Nanta Scary-Oke Fundraising Event
On October 24, enjoy karaoke, a costume contest, games and raffle prizes for just $10 at Nanta Karaoke and Bar. In loving memory of Nadia, who loved to sing her heart out, all funds will go towards Nadia’s Hope Foundation.
Christifer Duxbury Dance Collective Halloween Social Dance
For a different type of dancing, check out the CDDC Halloween Social Dance on October 30. This ballroom and country dance studio is offering a night of Halloween-themed ballroom, latin, country and swing dancing for just $15. Both beginner and experienced social dancers are invited to enjoy a Halloween-only playlist created for the night.
The Black Parade Halloween Emo Night
On October 16, head to Dickens to enjoy Halloween costumes, emo music and dancing for just $13. This year, the event is celebrating 20 years of The Black Parade by spinning classic emo anthems all night.
Rock n’ Roll Drag Brunch at The Trop: Halloween Edition
For those who want to enjoy Halloween in the daylight, The Trop has you covered with its Halloween edition of Rock n’ Roll Drag Brunch on October 17. For just $19, enjoy some themed local drag performances hosted by Karla Marx.
Deadly Alberta True Crime Tour
For a fright that’s uncomfortably close to home, this dark history outdoor tour explores true crimes from across our very own province. Learn about historical mass murders and executions, and even ponder unsolved cases during this $20 tour. Attendee discretion is advised, and this month’s tour dates include October 11, 18 and 25.
The Fright Crawl Halloween Pub Crawl
If you’re already planning to go out, this is the best bang for your buck, with one $23 wristband getting you into five bars without cover on October 29. Fright Crawl features a host leading the way and up to 800 people in costume partying at GRETA Bar YYC, Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub, Velvet Room, Rumur and GULBAR.
Displays worth the free admission
The “Gargoyle House” located in Pump Hill
As one of Calgary’s best-known residential Halloween displays, this home, known for its gargoyles on the house, attracts thousands of visitors throughout October. Located at 507 96 Ave S.W., this home features extensive walk-through displays, life-sized spooky figures and jump scares.
The Harry Potter-themed houses located in Oakridge
These two side-by-side homes have been celebrating Halloween Harry Potter-style since the pandemic with floating broomsticks, dozens of fake owls and a giant homemade Whomping Willow constructed from lumber, pool noodles and papier-mâché. Known as The Wizarding World, this duo is located at 2820 and 2824 Oakwood Drive S.W.
