As the days get shorter, Calgary transforms into a vibrant hub of harvest festivals, spooky thrills, and gorgeous golden leaves. Fall is a prime season for both new and long-time residents, offering the perfect blend of outdoor charm and cozy indoor events.
As your local realtor, I know that enjoying the community is just as important as finding the perfect home. Here is your must-do list to make the most of Calgary’s fall season in 2025.
Major Fall Festivals & Events
Get your planner out! These events anchor the season and are perfect for families, dates, and anyone looking to soak up the autumn atmosphere.
- What: Enjoy the huge corn maze, petting farm, pig races, and more during the day. In the evenings, the farm transforms with thousands of lights for a stunning, relaxed after-dark experience.
- Dates: Harvest Days run Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, PD Days, and Holidays, starting September 12th through late October. Harvest Lights run on Friday and Saturday evenings starting September 12th.
- Location: 284022 Township Rd 224, Rocky View County.
- Cost: Day admission (Harvest Days) is approximately $24.38 to $28.50.
- What: Stroll through the farmyard, pick your perfect pumpkin, enjoy tractor-pulled wagon rides through Scarecrow Alley, and visit with all the friendly farm animals.
- Dates: Weekends in October 2025 (including Thanksgiving weekend).
- Location: 254077 Rocky Ridge Road, NW Calgary.
- Cost: Approximately $16.99 to $19.99. Pro Tip: They also offer a special Harvest Pumpkin Fest Date Night for adults!
Experience world-class cinema right here in Calgary, offering a chance to see movies before they hit mainstream theatres.
- What: Alberta's largest film festival showcases hundreds of films, from documentaries to indie dramas, often featuring filmmaker Q&As.
- Dates: September 18 – 28, 2025.
- Location: Various downtown Calgary venues.
- Cost: Tickets vary, but you can usually find 3-ticket bundles starting around $49.50.
This is a spectacular, award-winning event for the whole family and a truly unique autumn experience.
- What: A walk-through event featuring over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins in stunning displays, complete with music, special effects, and live carving demonstrations.
- Dates: Select dates from September 19 to October 31, 2025.
- Location: WinSport, Canada Olympic Park.
- Cost: Tickets start at approximately $20 and go up as Halloween approaches. Book early, as this event sells out!
5. ScreamFest
Not for the faint of heart, ScreamFest is Calgary’s scariest Halloween attraction.
- What: Features multiple terrifying haunted houses with live scare actors, rides, and carnival games.
- Dates: Select dates in October 2025 (typically weekends and leading up to Halloween).
- Location: GMC Stadium, Calgary Stampede.
- Cost: General admission tickets typically start around $40. Recommended for ages 12+.
A fantastic option for younger families who want a historic, less-scary celebration.
- What: Heritage Park's Historical Village is transformed with spooky decorations, trick-or-treating stations, the Haunted Bog, and interactions with costumed characters like the Headless Horseman.
- Dates: October 23 - 26, 2025
- Location: Heritage Park Historical Village.
- Cost: Tickets start around $20 for a child and $25 for an adult.
Classic Calgary Fall Activities
You don't always need a ticket to enjoy the season. Here are some of the best free or low-cost ways to experience the beauty of a Calgary autumn.
7. Golden Larch Hikes
Embrace the Rocky Mountain backdrop with a beautiful hike to see the golden Larch trees—an alpine experience unique to the fall.
- When: The peak season is a short window, usually the last two weeks of September.
- Where: Popular trails include Larch Valley (near Lake Louise) or closer-to-Calgary options like Chester Lake or Ptarmigan Cirque in Kananaskis Country. Go mid-week if possible to avoid the largest crowds!
8. Farmers' Markets & Harvest Shopping
Stock up on local produce, handmade goods, and harvest treats.
- Calgary Farmers' Market (South Location)
- What: A beloved year-round indoor market offering farm-fresh eggs, meats, vegetables, and artisanal foods.
- Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
9. Granary Road Harvest Fair
- What: A fun combination of market and play, with a focus on fall harvests like apples and pumpkins, including a mini-golf course and learning park.
- Dates: Weekends in September and October 2025.
- Hours: Market is typically open Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Location: Foothills County (just south of Calgary).
10. Fall Foliage Walks in the City
Enjoy the stunning yellow and red leaves right in your own neighbourhood.
- Fish Creek Provincial Park: As one of the largest urban parks in North America, it offers over 80 km of paved and unpaved trails perfect for seeing fall colours.
- Prince's Island Park: A beautiful downtown oasis along the Bow River, ideal for a peaceful lunchtime stroll among the changing leaves.
- Bowness Park & Edworthy Park: Great spots with river views and large mature trees that turn brilliant colours in mid-to-late September.
Fall in Calgary is truly magical. It’s the perfect time to explore the city, connect with the community, and find out what makes this city an incredible place to live. Happy harvesting!