Summer may be over, but there’s still plenty to see and do around Edmonton in the fall. Here are just a few autumn events to look forward to.
Edmonton International Film Festival
When: Now – October 5, 2024
Where: Landmark Cinemas – 10200 102 Ave, Edmonton
The Edmonton International Film Festival is a nine-day film festival featuring over 150 films from more than 50 countries. Content includes everything from short and feature-length productions to documentaries, studio, independent films and more.
Gateway to the Stars at Elk Island National Park
When: Fridays and Saturdays, Now – October 19, 2024
Where: Elk Island National Park, Astotin Lake
Located at the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, Gateway to the Stars is a family-friendly experience that will leave you starstruck. Attendees of this one-hour event will enjoy a guided interpretation of the night’s sky via one of the park’s friendly staff members and storytellers. A cozy campfire is also included; registration is required in advance.
Pumpkin Patch Haunted Harvest Fest
When: Saturdays and Sundays, Now – October 31, 2024 (and Thanksgiving)
Where: Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm, 56311 Lily Lake Road, Bon Accord
Now in its 30th year, the Haunted Pumpkin Harvest Festival is a month-long celebration offering plenty of spooky (kid-friendly) fun. Highly anticipated events and activities include ghost walks, a family-friendly haunted house, the Pumpkin Corny-val (pumpkin bowling, juggling races, etc.), a pumpkin cannon and much more!
University of Alberta Botanic Garden
When: Now – October 4 - 6 and 11 - 14, 2024; 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Alberta Botanic Garden, 51227 AB-60, Spruce Grove
Located in Spruce Grove, the property features 240 acres of cultivated gardens, natural areas, plant collections and indoor showhouses. Popular garden attractions include the Aga Khan Garden, the Kurimoto Japanese Garden and the Indigenous Peoples’ Garden.
Pumpkins After Dark
When: September 27 – October 31, 2024
Where: Borden Park – 11020 75A Street, Edmonton
Borden Park hosts this award-winning outdoor Halloween event featuring over 10,000+ hand-carved pumpkins. Just in time for the spooky season, Pumpkins After Dark is a walk-through wonderland of pumpkin displays, sounds, special effects and music. Sculptures include Halloween characters, pop culture icons, and everything in between, highlighted by treats and live demonstrations.
DARK at Fort Edmonton Park
When: October 4 – November 2, 2024
Where: Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 Street, Edmonton
Prepare for the most chilling year yet as DARK – Edmonton's Halloween Festival – makes its spine-tingling return for its seventh edition. Get ready for an unforgettable event packed with fresh frights and eerie surprises.
Immerse yourself in creepy tunes, savour local eats, and brace for unlimited scares. With two NEW haunts added this year, Edmonton’s Halloween Festival is an experience you definitely don’t want to miss!
Kiwi’s Haunted House
When: October 4-5, 11-12, 18- 19 & 25-27th from 5:30-9:00pm each night, with children friendly times from 5:30-6:30pm
Where: Kiwi Nurseries Ltd., 31313 118 Ave, Spruce Grove
Kiwi Nurseries will host their annual Haunted House event starting the second week of October. Nightly highlights include haunted trails and greenhouse, ghoulish actors, graveyard and more. A portion of every ticket sold goes toward the Parkland Food Bank (food donations also encouraged); child-friendly times are from 6:00 – 6:30 pm. Admission even includes a commemorative flashlight to help you stay your creepy course.
Edmonton Corn Maze
When: September 3 – October 27, 2024
Where: 26171 Garden Valley Road, Spruce Grove, AB, T7Y 1B3
Attention, pumpkin enthusiasts! Our patch is overflowing with bright, beautiful pumpkins, ideal for crafting jack-o'-lanterns, adding festive fall décor, or simply soaking in the autumn charm.
Access to the pumpkin patch is included with general admission, making it an exciting and budget-friendly outing for the entire family. Plus, pumpkins are available for purchase at our market for those looking to bring a bit of fall home.
Paranormal Tours
When: September 18 - November 27, 2024
Where: Fort Edmonton Park - 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton, Alberta
Embark on a thrilling three-hour paranormal tour through the shadows of Edmonton's River Valley. As night settles in, you’ll explore three eerie locations and uncover the basics of paranormal investigations. Keep an open mind—and be ready for the unexpected.
Select from two haunted hotspots: Firkins House or the 1846 Fort. You’ll dive into the world of ghost hunting, learning investigation techniques using tools like Echovox, Spirit Box, Motion Detectors, Recording Devices, Laser Grids, and EMF readers. Feeling like a pro ghost hunter yet?
Please note: Paranormal activity is not guaranteed, and no scare tactics will be used. Dress for the weather and prepare for light walking between locations. This event involves long periods of focus and concentration, making it unsuitable for participants under 14.
See also: Edmonton’s Best Farmers Markets
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Originally published Sept 23, 2022, updated Sept 30, 2024
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