As the leaves change and a chill fills the air, Halloween season in Calgary arrives with a sense of excitement and eerie anticipation. Whether you’re a family looking for fun activities with the kids, a thrill-seeker in search of spine-tingling scares, or just someone who loves the spirit of Halloween, Calgary offers a variety of experiences to make your October unforgettable. This guide will walk you through some of the best Halloween activities in Calgary in 2024, ensuring that everyone—from the faint-hearted to the brave—finds something to enjoy.
Top Halloween Activities in Calgary 2024
From traditional haunted houses to unique, one-of-a-kind experiences, Calgary’s Halloween scene is packed with a range of exciting options for all ages. Here are some of the top Halloween events to add to your calendar:
1. Screamfest at Stampede Park
Screamfest has become synonymous with Calgary Halloween events. It’s a multi-day festival of fear, featuring haunted houses, creepy carnival games, and a host of terrifying characters. Visitors can expect seven haunted houses, each with its own theme, from clowns to zombies. There’s also a mini-golf course, carnival rides, and live entertainment. For those who enjoy being scared out of their wits, Screamfest is an essential Halloween destination.
2. Calgary Zoo’s ZooBoo
For a more family-friendly Halloween activity, ZooBoo at the Calgary Zoo is a great choice. Kids and adults alike can dress up in costumes, wander the zoo, and participate in trick-or-treating while learning about wildlife. The zoo is transformed into a Halloween wonderland, with spooky decorations and plenty of treats. ZooBoo is a great way to celebrate Halloween in a fun and safe environment.
3. Haunted Ghost Tours in Calgary
Ghost tours are an excellent way to combine Calgary’s rich history with a touch of the supernatural. You’ll hear spine-chilling stories about Calgary’s haunted past, visiting locations where ghosts are said to linger. Popular tours include those in Inglewood, downtown Calgary, and Kensington. These tours are perfect for history buffs and ghost enthusiasts looking to add a bit of mystery to their Halloween festivities.
4. Field of Screams at Cobb’s Adventure Park
If you prefer an outdoor Halloween adventure, the Field of Screams at Cobb’s Adventure Park is a must-visit. This event features a sprawling outdoor setting with multiple haunted houses, mazes, and spooky attractions. Visitors can explore eerie spaces like haunted cornfields and scarecrow-laden paths, making it one of the most unique Halloween experiences in Calgary. It’s great for both families and adults looking for a Halloween-themed night out.
5. Pumpkin Patch Visits at Calgary Farmyard
Nothing says fall like visiting a pumpkin patch, and Calgary Farmyard offers one of the best experiences in the city. At Calgary Farmyard, you can pick your perfect pumpkin for carving, surrounded by the beautiful fall scenery. But that’s not all! Calgary Farmyard provides a full day of fun with additional activities like hayrides, a corn maze, farm animal interactions, and plenty of photo opportunities. Whether you’re looking to snap the perfect fall photo or enjoy a day out with friends and family, Calgary Farmyard offers a festive and relaxed way to celebrate the Halloween season.
Family-Friendly Events on Halloween
For those celebrating Halloween with kids, Calgary has plenty of activities that balance fun with a little bit of spookiness. If you’re looking for events that the whole family can enjoy, these options should be at the top of your list:
1. Heritage Park Ghouls’ Night Out
Heritage Park is known for its historical charm, but during Halloween, it transforms into a spooky playground for families. Ghouls’ Night Out offers a variety of activities including scavenger hunts, live performances, and trick-or-treating around the park. The event is designed for families with younger children, making it a perfect option for parents who want a Halloween experience that’s more fun than frightening.
2. Pumpkins After Dark
One of Calgary’s newer Halloween traditions, Pumpkins After Dark is a spectacle of thousands of intricately carved pumpkins arranged in stunning displays. From famous movie characters to larger-than-life monsters, this event is perfect for families who want to enjoy Halloween magic without the scares. The walk-through event provides plenty of photo opportunities, and the atmosphere is festive and fun for all ages.
3. Calaway Park’s Halloweekends
For theme park lovers, Calaway Park’s Halloweekends is a great choice. The park embraces the Halloween spirit with themed rides, live entertainment, and Halloween-themed games. The entire family can dress up and enjoy a day of rides and attractions with a spooky twist. Halloweekends is an excellent choice for families looking for a full day of Halloween fun.
Spooky and Thrilling Adult Activities
If you’re seeking more intense thrills this Halloween season, Calgary is home to several activities designed to make your heart race. Here are some Halloween events that cater to adults looking for an unforgettable experience:
1. Haunted Pub Crawls
For those who want to combine Calgary’s haunted history with a few drinks, haunted pub crawls are the perfect option. You’ll visit some of Calgary’s most haunted pubs, where ghost stories and eerie encounters await. Your guide will share tales of the spirits that haunt these historic buildings, creating a spine-tingling experience as you enjoy drinks with friends.
2. The Train of Terror
One of Calgary’s most unique Halloween experiences is the Train of Terror. This adults-only event takes place on a moving train where actors and performers bring your worst nightmares to life. The combination of confined space and immersive storytelling makes this one of the most frightening activities in Calgary. Be prepared for jump scares and terrifying encounters as the train snakes through the city.
3. Black Lagoon Pop-Up Bar
If you’re looking for a more relaxed but still spooky evening, the Black Lagoon Pop-Up Bar at the Blind Tiger Lounge offers a Halloween-themed cocktail experience. With macabre decorations, creepy cocktails, and a goth-themed atmosphere, this pop-up bar is the perfect spot for adults looking to enjoy the Halloween season with a little less fright and a bit more fun.
Unique Halloween Ideas for 2024
Beyond the classic haunted houses and ghost tours, Calgary has a range of unique Halloween activities to try this year. Here are a few options to make your Halloween stand out:
1. Halloween Candlelight Concerts
Classical music meets Halloween spookiness at candlelight concerts held at venues like the Lantern Community Church. These concerts feature performances of Halloween-themed music like “The Ghostbusters Theme” and “Beetlejuice” by candlelight. The eerie glow of the candles combined with haunting melodies creates an atmospheric event perfect for those seeking a more refined Halloween experience.
2. Horror Movie Marathons at Globe Cinema
If you’re a movie lover looking for a unique Halloween activity, the Globe Cinema in Calgary hosts special horror movie marathons throughout October. These events feature a mix of cult classics, indie horror flicks, and Halloween favorites, offering a cinematic experience that will have you on the edge of your seat. Grab some popcorn, settle into your seat, and prepare for a night of screams, jump scares, and classic horror nostalgia. It’s a perfect way to enjoy Halloween indoors with friends or fellow horror enthusiasts.
How to Make the Most of Halloween in Calgary
With so many exciting activities available, planning the perfect Halloween in Calgary can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to ensure you have a spooktacular experience:
- Book Early: Popular events like Screamfest and the Train of Terror tend to sell out quickly, so make sure to secure your tickets in advance.
- Dress Up: Whether you’re attending a family-friendly event or a spooky adult party, don’t forget your Halloween costume! Dressing up adds to the fun and helps you fully immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit.
- Mix and Match Activities: Don’t limit yourself to just one event. Try combining different activities, such as starting the day at a pumpkin patch and ending it with a haunted house or ghost tour.
- Explore New Parts of Calgary:Many Halloween activities take place in different neighborhoods. Use the Halloween season as an opportunity to explore more of what Calgary has to offer.
Escape Rooms – The Ultimate Halloween Experience
If you’re looking for something truly unique and engaging to do this Halloween, consider adding an escape room to your list of activities. Escape rooms are the perfect combination of thrills, problem-solving, and immersive storytelling. They offer an opportunity to challenge your friends or family to work together to solve puzzles and unlock the mystery before time runs out.
Escape Ops – Calgary’s Best Halloween Escape Room Experience
As you plan your Halloween activities in Calgary for 2024, don’t miss the chance to experience the ultimate escape room at Escape Ops. Ranked 17th best in the world and boasting more than 450+ five-star reviews, Escape Ops offers an authentic and thrilling gaming experience that’s perfect for Halloween. Whether you’re looking for a two-person challenge or a larger group adventure, Escape Ops provides a heart-pounding experience in locked rooms that are sure to keep you on your toes.