*with files from Catrina Bowles
SCHOOL OF ROCK: THE MUSICAL
Get ready to rock! Based on the hit movie, School of Rock follows Dewey Finn, an out-of-work musician who becomes a substitute teacher and inspires his students to discover and develop their talents. With high-energy songs and a message about self-expression, it’s a poignant and fun show for kids and adults alike. Catch the two-act musical at StoryBook Theatre, Beddington Theatre Arts Centre, running October 3 – November 1. Tickets available at storybooktheatre.org.
GRANARY ROAD HARVEST FAIR
If you’ve ever thought a tractor ride might be just what you need to shake things up, then Granary Road’s Annual Harvest Fair is calling your name. Running weekends from October 4 to 12, the fair is packed with fall fun: join the Pumpkin Hunt, carve your own jack-o’-lantern, and decorate caramel apples. Tickets are limited, so grab yours now at granaryroad.com.
SUSPIRIA LIVE
Horror is taking over the screens! This October 8 & 9 at the Globe Cinema, Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin will perform the iconic score of Dario Argento’s Suspiria (1977) live. He’s the composer behind some of the most influential horror scores ever, including Dawn of the Dead, Deep Red, Demons, and Tenebre, shaping the sound of horror for decades. Doors open at 7 p.m., the screening starts at 8 p.m., and afterward, enjoy a 45-minute “Best Of” set with more of Simonetti’s legendary music. Tickets start at $80 (front rows $100) and are on sale now at calgaryundergroundfilm.org.
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW AT THE GRAND
It’s been 50 years since we time-warped for the first time, so let’s do the time warp again on October 10. Put on your best Frank-N-Furter costume and get on down the the GRAND cinema for a 7 p.m. screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and dance and sing to your heart’s content. You’ll want to get there early, because starting at 5:30 p.m., Waffles & Chix are serving up all the chicken and waffles you can eat. This screening of Rocky Horror is part of The GRAND’s Halloween movie nights series. For more spooky goodness, grab tickets for screenings of Beetlejuice, Young Frankenstein, and on Halloween night, The Exorcist. Head to thegrandyyc.ca for tickets and screening times.
SPARK AFTER DARK: GORE
Have you ever wondered why we like horror movies? Why is the reverse bear trap from Saw one of the most horrifically fascinating moments in film history? Telus Spark aims to help answer that question on October 10 with Spark After Dark: Gore. Explore the science of gore from a psychological angle, and all the nitty-gritty biology that’s sure to make your skin crawl. If your stomach was too weak for the high school frog dissection, this one might not be for you. For all you freaks, mark off your calendar — the event runs from 6 p.m. to midnight. Grab your tickets at sparkscience.ca.
SCREAMFEST
Feel free to scream! From October 10 to November 1, Screamfest takes over Stampede GMC Stadium from 7 p.m. to midnight. Explore Clown Town, a creepy motel, and everything that’s ever been on your fear list. Don’t worry — the zombies don’t bite … or at least, that’s what they promise. Tickets and details at screamfest.ca. Recommended for thrill-seekers 13+.
THEWALK.CA FOR CALGARY FOOD BANK
Thanksgiving is the perfect day to celebrate gratitude and giving back, so join fellow Calgarians at the new Eau Claire Plaza in support of the Calgary Food Bank. On October 13, start your morning with a 5 km walk along downtown’s scenic pathways, open to all ages and abilities. Then, stick around for an outdoor dance party featuring a live DJ and free treats, samples, and goodies to keep the energy high. The event is free! Register at theWALK.ca.
ALBERTA BALLET: NIJINSKY
A tribute to ballet legend Vaslav Nijinsky takes to the stage from October 16 to 18. With routines from four female choreographers across three generations, Nijinsky offers a fresh perspective on the legacy of the man regarded as the greatest male dancer of the 20th century. The show includes reimaginings of two of his famous works — Afternoon of a Faun and Petrushka — as well as Firebird and Spectre de la Rose, which were created during Nijinsky’s run with the Ballet Russes company. If you’ve only ever experienced ballet through your niece’s dance recitals, give it another try by watching the works of one of the greats. Head to albertaballet.com for tickets.
“THROUGH THE VEIL” – A PARANORMAL CONVERSATION
Have you had a ghostly encounter? Perhaps your college dorm was most definitely haunted? Or maybe you just have a thing for watching ghost-hunting videos on YouTube and analyzing the garbled sounds that come out of the EMF reader. No matter your paranormal persuasion, you’re bound to find some interest in “Through the Veil,” a conversation hosted by Ghostbound Guides on October 16. From 7:30 to 9 p.m. in cSPACE, join two brothers as they unpack their personal experiences with the supernatural, and bring your own stories along. Get tickets on eventbrite.com, and submit your personal stories to Ghostbound Guides on their Instagram: @ghostboundguides.
THE BROTHERS PARANORMAL
You can either listen to the paranormal stories or you can join the adventures of brothers Max and Visarut as they dive into the world of paranormal investigation. What begins as a shaky business venture quickly spirals into something far more chilling when their first real case appears. Is the haunting real — or just a trick of the mind? The Brothers Paranormal is a play that blends mystery, comedy, and horror in one unforgettable story. Don’t miss the Canadian premiere at Vertigo Theatre, running now through October 26.
CALGARY CIVIC SYMPHONY: CARMINA BURANA
As October winds down, step away from spooky stories and Halloween thrills, and immerse yourself in the world of beautiful music with Calgary Civic Symphony’s 49th concert season. Under the baton of Music Director Rolf Bertsch, over 200 musicians come together to perform Igor Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms and Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. The event will take place on November 2, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Jack Singer Hall. Reserve your seat at werklundcentre.ca.
