Hello, October! Fall is in full swing, and Edmontonās event calendar is packed with reasons to get out and enjoy it. From Thanksgiving weekend and colourful fall festivals to pumpkin fun, Halloween haunts and plenty of tricks and treats, thereās something happening all month long. Read on for our top picks for family fun in Edmonton this October, or browse the Family Fun Edmonton calendarĀ to discover even more events happening every day of the month!
Pumpkins After Dark | All Month
šBorden Park, Edmonton
Are you ready for a magical Halloween stroll? Canadaās largest Halloween festival, Pumpkins After Dark, is returning to Edmontonās Borden Park this September and October for another spooktacular season. With all-new pumpkin displays, roaming entertainment, and exciting theme nightsāthis is a must-see event for ghosts and ghouls of all ages!
ā Despicable Minionz | October 3, 10, 11, 17, 24 & 31
šJubilations Dinner Theatre, West Edmonton Mall
FEATURED | Join Gru and the Minions for a hilarious new musical adventure filled with music, mischief, dancing, and plenty of Minion mayhem. Designed with young audiences in mind, this family-friendly dinner theatre experience combines a lively two-act show with singing, dancing, entertaining character servers, and a fun meal.
Thanksgiving Fest | October 3 | FREE
šSouthgate Baptist Church, Edmonton
This celebration brings Edmontonās diverse communities together through global arts, music, food and cultural traditions. Explore displays highlighting traditional harvest foods, fashion, literature and art while learning about harvest celebrations from cultures across Asia, Africa, First Nations, the Middle East, Europe and Latin America.
Spooky Strathma: Medieval Days | October 3-31
šStrathcona County Museum & Archives, Sherwood Park
Spooky Strathma returns this October with a medieval twist! Explore a transformed medieval village, take on a museum-wide quest, and discover Sherwood Parkās original Medieval Days celebrations. Plus, watch for special events throughout the month, including a family Halloween dance party and Medieval Market.
APEGA Rock and Fossil Clinic | October 3
šUniversity of Alberta, Edmonton
Dig into geoscience at the APEGA Rock and Fossil Clinic with hands-on activities, fascinating fossils and minerals, guided tours, and the chance to learn from real geoscientists! This popular all-ages event is just $10, but space is limited. Register by September 30 to reserve your spot.
Cinch Canadian Country Expo | October 6-11 | FREE
šEdmonton EXPO Centre
Saddle up for six days of western fun during Canadian Finals Rodeo Week! Enjoy exciting rodeo competitions, barrel racing, team penning, ranch sorting, youth events and plenty of western shopping. Families can watch talented young rodeo athletes, see horses and cattle in action and explore the Canadian Country Expo tradeshow. Best of all, admission to the Expo and most events is FREE!
Barnstorming Bonanza | October 9
šAlberta Aviation Museum, Edmonton
Aviation and western fun come together with indoor RC airplane demonstrations, themed family activities and the chance to explore historic aircraft after hours. Presented in partnership with the Canadian Finals Rodeo for CFR Week, families can also dress in their best western gear and join the Rodeo Costume Contest!
ESO Robbins Pops: On Broadway | October 9 & 10
šWinspear Centre, Edmonton
Enjoy beloved songs from Disney favourites like Mary Poppins, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, and Toy Story, performed by Broadway star Ashley Brown alongside the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. The program also features Broadway hits from Wicked, Waitress, and West Side Story for a magical night of music the whole family can enjoy.
Galactic Atmosphere | October 16-25 | FREE
šChurchill Square, Downtown Edmonton
The City of Edmonton is turning Churchill Square into a glowing cosmos this October with Galactic Atmosphere, a FREE space-themed light art experience in the heart of Downtown Edmonton! Families can wander among giant illuminated planets and take in an immersive, out-of-this-world installation by Cloud Nine Group.
Picklefest | October 17
šICE District Fan Park, Downtown Edmonton
Enjoy all things pickled when Picklefest comes to Edmontonās ICE District. This popular Canadian festival is all about fun eats and drinks, and also features live music, contests, family-friendly activities, and local artisans. Admission is free for kids under 12!
Between Worlds: A DĆa de los Muertos Celebration | October 30
šFestival Place, Sherwood Park
Celebrate DĆa de los Muertos with a vibrant evening of mariachi music, colourful folklĆ³rico dance, special guest artists and a beautiful ofrenda honouring loved ones. Arrive early to enjoy Mexican food, local vendors, art and cultural experiences before the performance.
Your Guide to Spooktacular Halloween Events!
We all know Halloween is the highlight of October, so we have compiled all the best haunted houses and pumpkin parties in our Spooktacular Halloween Events Guide. We have fun events for the whole family – even some terrifying thrills for the older kids!
Canadian Finals Rodeo Week
The Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) is bringing rodeo action and plenty of western fun back to Edmonton from October 7ā10, 2026. Whether youāre heading to the rodeo or just joining the western fun, there are plenty of FREE, family-friendly ways to celebrate CFR Week!
Best Fall Markets & Craft Fairs
Shop local this fall! Browse handmade treasures, seasonal treats, unique finds, and more at markets and craft fairs happening around Edmonton and beyond. Check out our guide to see whatās coming up!
Fall Fun Bucket List
You loved our Summer Fun Bucket List, so weāre keeping the fun going with an Edmonton Fall Fun Bucket List! From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to Halloween traditions, cozy drinks, football games, and fall festivals, there are so many fun things to do in Edmonton with kids this season. The only challenge? Fitting it all in before that first snowfall!
Make & Take Events
The best things in life are FREE! We are big fans of store make-and-take events that offer us the chance to get out of the house and enjoy a fun activity with the kids. Discover all of our favourite spots offering FREE (and almost free) events.
Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes
Fall is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy some classic farm fun with the family! Weāve rounded up the best pumpkin patches, U-pick farms and corn mazes in and around Edmonton, from local favourites to family-friendly day trips.
Love seeing the Family Fun Events in Edmonton in October, but want MORE? Keep tabs on everything happening in #YEG with our calendar, and stay tuned to all the best local family events through ourĀ Facebook, Instagram andĀ TikTok.
Did you know you canĀ submit your family-friendly event to us? Fill out the form with your event details, and weāll do our best to get your event added to ourĀ busy events calendar
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