Where Dark Things Dwell
October (most Thursdays through Sundays) | Heritage Park Main Gate | heritagepark.ca
October is the last month to catch Where Dark Things Dwell, an outdoor escape room at Heritage Park — could the timing be any better to kick off spooky season? Guided by live actors, the escape room is an immersive experience inside of a village haunted by dark forces. Follow the clues through shadowed streets to uncover secrets and stop evil from being unleashed. And if you decide to bring a whole village to play (groups of 20 or more), you’ll receive 20 per cent off.
Paranormal Activities
October 9 | TELUS Spark | sparkscience.ca | 18+
Paranormal activity on TV has taught us to second-guess our own eyes, ears and senses. TELUS Spark dives into this gap between perception and reality, offering an experience full of curious experiments, paranormal activity and, of course, science. See if you can figure out what’s real and what’s not. And if you need to take a break and cool down your nerves, you can also check out SUE: The T. rex Experience, which is included in your ticket that night.
Pumpkin Fest
October 10 | Blue Grass Nursery & Garden Centre | bluegrassnursery.com
If you don’t tolerate fear (or spooky activities), you can still celebrate the fall in many other ways. One of them is taking a micro road trip just outside of city limits to Blue Grass Nursery & Garden Centre’s Pumpkin Fest. The fest features a variety of activities, such as pumpkin painting, a giant hay maze, horse riding and more. You can also shop local vendors and enjoy seasonal treats and live music. All event proceeds and donations will go to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Trust Fund.
Pranks, Parties, and Pumpkins: A Halloween History Tour
October 13, 20, 22, 25 and 27 | Lougheed House | lougheedhouse.com
Did you know that Calgarians have been playing pranks and throwing Halloween parties since the late 1800s? It’s quite the longstanding tradition, and if you think you’re smart with your tricks, check out how it was done two centuries ago. On a guided tour of Lougheed House, learn about some of the most memorable pranks and Halloween parties, and try some of the tricks children used in Lougheed House’s early days. Who knows — you just might get inspired by the past.
Evil Dead The Musical
October 13 to November 14 | Martha Cohen Theatre | albertatheatreprojects.com | 16+
Five college students travel to a remote cabin in the woods for a weekend getaway. At this point, we all know the story is heading for trouble. If it sounds familiar, it’s thanks to Sam Raimi’s cult film The Evil Dead (1981), which became a big inspiration for the “cabin in the woods” horror trope and different adaptations of the story. This season, watch Evil Dead The Musical, which includes everything we love about the story — blood, jokes and cheesy moments — but in the form of a thrilling theatrical experience.
One Man Avengers
October 15 to 18 | Brookfield Residential YMCA in Seton; Shane Home YMCA in Rocky Ridge | ymcacalgary.org
On the more family-friendly side of shows, YMCA Calgary brings us Charles Ross’ one-man Marvel marathon. Using just his voice and body, he transforms into all your favourite characters in front of your eyes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk and even Black Widow. Directed by TJ Dawe, this fast and ridiculously inventive performance captures the scale of the entire universe.
Fluid Fest
October 15 to November 7 | various Locations | springboardperformance.com
Celebrate dance and contemporary performance across the city as Fluid Fest returns for its 22nd year. This year’s theme, A Messy Gorgeous Love, explores what happens when we set aside isolation and let connection and curiosity take over. Feature performances include Rachel Meyer’s “Mama, do we die when we sleep?” and Compagnie Catherine Gaudet’s pop-pagan performance “ODE.” If you’re looking to bust a move too, DJ Dooshima’s curated musical event on October 16 invites folks from all backgrounds onto the dance floor.
Tosca Opera
October 16, 18 and 24 | Jubilee | calgaryopera.com
“How far would you go to save the person you love?” Tosca answers this big question with a story that unfolds in 1800 Rome, against the political backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. The wars shape more than just the story’s setting; they directly affect the romantic relationships at its centre. You’ll also hear the Calgary Opera Chorus, Cantaré Children’s Choir and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra perform Puccini’s music in this production. The opera is sung in Italian with projected English captions.
Fashion Show
October 21 | Alliance Française | afcalgary.ca
Alliance Française invites you to rediscover some iconic looks from your favourite movies through the runway show Fashion on Screen. Explore the relationship between fashion and film, where costumes can tell stories and sometimes become as iconic as the characters themselves. The event features a fashion talk on the theme, a runway show featuring original looks and a cocktail party where you can connect with designers, models and other fashion lovers.
Houdini’s Legacy: Calgary’s Masters of Magic
October 23 | The GRAND | thegrandyyc.ca | 14+
It’s not just horror that can be thrilling, astonishing and shocking — what about a little magic? One hundred years ago, also in October, Harry Houdini gave his final show at the Garrick Theatre in Detroit. To mark the centenary of his death, Calgary’s finest magicians will perform famous tricks in his honour, including sleight of hand, various illusions and the legendary water cell escape.
Dash of Doom
October 24 | North Glenmore Park | runyyc.ca
Dash of Doom is, undoubtedly, one of the most adorable Halloween traditions. It’s also a perfect way to end the race season with your family, paws included. Walk or run through Glenmore Park in either the 5K, 10K or Kids Race. All costumes, both human and pet, are encouraged, and the best ones take home awards. There’s also lots of fun along the way: get your face painted, try out games and craft activities, and don’t forget to snap pictures at the photo zone.
Laura Ramoso: The Calm Down Tour
November 1 | Jubilee | lauraramoso.com
Kick November off on a happy foot with a comedy show from Laura Ramoso. A German-Italian comedian, she incorporates her cultural background into live sketches that have become a hit on social media. Some of her characters, such as “German Mom,” “Italian Dad” and “Chiara,” are loved and followed by more than three million people. Perhaps you’re already familiar with some of her work, so now’s your time to see it in the flesh.
