12 Fun Things to Do in Edmonton This Fall

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 in 2022.

Edmonton International Film Festival

When: Now – October 1, 2022

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 22, 2022

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.

Birchwood Meadows Autumn Magic

When: Saturdays and Sundays, October 1 – October 8, 2022

Where: 56032 Rge Rd 245, Sturgeon County

Sturgeon County’s hidden gem, Birchwood Meadows is a U-Pick flower farm known for its beautiful gardens, greenhouse and shop. Besides fresh, seasonal flowers and décor, Birchwood will also offer autumn-inspired crafts, a pumpkin station and fall activities.

Pumpkin Patch Haunted Harvest Fest

When: Saturdays and Sundays, October 1 – October 31, 2022 (and Thanksgiving Monday, October 10)

Where: Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm, 56311 Lily Lake Road, Bon Accord

Now in its 27th 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 (Kids Get in Free)

When: Now – October 10, 2022, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; October 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Where: Alberta Botanic Garden, 51227 AB-60, Spruce Grove

From now until October 10, kids get in free at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. 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.

Edmonton Comedy Festival

When: September 29 – October 1, 2022

Where: Various Locations

The Edmonton Comedy Festival is back for another four days of funny this fall. Having tickled the funny bones of Edmontonians for the last 12 years, the festival brings comedians from across North America to various venues around our city. This years’ shows include a comedy seminar, the Spotlight Series starring Lisa Alvarado, and the Leading Edge Gala/Best of the Fest starring John Wing.

Pumpkins After Dark

When: September 29 – October 31, 2022

Where: Borden Park – 11020 75A Street, Edmonton

Borden Park hosts this award-winning outdoor Halloween event featuring over 6,000 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: Various Nights Throughout October

Where: Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 Street, Edmonton

Not for the faint-hearted, DARK at Fort Edmonton Park is a devilishly delightful Haunted Festival taking over Fort Edmonton Park. DARK offers thrill seekers three “wicked experiences” across various park locations, including a sinister circus, frightening farm and disturbing dream world. Attendees may also include “Dead Centre of Town” as an add-on experience for an additional fee. Food trucks, beer gardens and a live DJ will also be on site, this event is 14+.

Kiwi’s Haunted House

When: October 14 – 15, October 20 – 23 and October 28 – 30, 2022

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.

Boo at the Zoo

When: October 23, 24, 29, 30 from 10 am to 4 pm

Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo — 13315 Buena Vista Road (87th Avenue)

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Boo at the Zoo allows visitors of all ages to take in a few Halloween festivities while trick or treating with the animals (they get treats, too!). This year’s event includes nocturnal animal discovery, crafts, science experiments and an extinct animal graveyard. Don’t forget your costume and reusable treat bag!

Edmonton Corn Maze

When: September 6 – October 16

Where: 26171 Garden Valley Road, Spruce Grove, AB, T7Y 1B3

Getting lost has never been so much fun! The Edmonton Corn Maze offers more than 5km of twists and turns and 85 decision points. The maze also includes a farmers’ market (locally grown produce, high-quality goods, local artisans, crafters, etc.), family-friendly games and farm-grown pumpkins. The maze takes 30 minutes or more to complete, children three and under are free.

P.S. Did we mention this year’s “amaze-ing” design is a replica of the Edmonton Elks logo?

Edmonton Makers Market and Convention

When: October 22 and 23, 2022

Where: Alberta Aviation Museum, 11410 Kingsway N.W., Edmonton

Whether you love to peruse handmade items or make your own, you’ll love the Edmonton Makers Market! Celebrate the maker movement through speakers, presentations and panels and (of course) by checking out the latest local (handmade) items. Local vendors and speakers TBA soon via the market website.

See also: Edmonton’s Best Farmers Markets

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Related: 

• 9 Clever Ways to Organize Your Pantry
• 12 Essential Home Maintenance Tips For This Fall
• 20 Things to Get Rid of When Decluttering Your Home

Featured image: Adobe Stock

Categorised in: Lifestyle

This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group