10 Things to Do in Calgary During the October Long Weekend

This long weekend, check out a new neighbourhood cocktail bar, head to a rock and gem show, peruse a pumpkin patch and more.

Goblin: Macbeth. Photograph by Tim Nguyen, courtesy of The Shakespeare Company.

Go see Goblin: Macbeth by The Shakespeare Company

This iteration of the Shakespeare classic, presented by The Shakespeare Company and Hit and Myth, is like no version of Macbeth you’ve seen before. Goblin: Macbeth is a “spontaneous theatre experience” where actors-turned-goblins are unleashed on the audience — complete with improvisation and “fourth-wall breaking” performances. The show runs at Vertigo Theatre from Tuesdays to Sundays until October 16.

115 9 Ave. S.E., 403-221-3708, shakespearecompany.com

 

Check out Banff Pride Festival

Throughout the long weekend, Banff will be hosting a full roster of events to celebrate the Banff Pride Festival. Highlights include LGBTQ2S+ speakers, comedy performances and even a mountaintop drag show. The festival runs until October 10, so stop in for a day or spend the whole weekend there to show your support. A full list of events can be found here.

banffpride.ca

 

Eat, drink and chat at Joodam

This new restaurant in Inglewood is all about the Korean philosophy of gathering around a table to share good food and good conversation. The menu at Joodam includes Korean-inspired classics (all meant for sharing) like bibimbap and Korean fried chicken, as well as dishes like kimchi arancini, the Joodam AAA striploin steak and the corn brie cheese. Joodam is open every day of the week, so be sure to check it out for dinner.

1003 9 Ave. S.E., 403-452-0920, joodam.ca

 

Visit the Calgary Rock N’ Gem Show

If you’re looking for a rockin’ good time this long weekend, then the Calgary Rock N’ Gem Show may just be the perfect place to go. From October 6 to 9, the Winsport Olympic Park Arena will be filled with vendors showcasing gems, crystals, jewellery, fossils and more, with something for every budget. Whether you want to shop or just spend some time looking at cool rocks, this expo is worth checking out. Admission is $2 per person or $5 for a family.

88 Canada Olympic Road S.W., 403-247-5452, canadagemshows.com

 

Watch Disney in Concert: Frozen 

Disney’s Frozen has practically become a part of the fabric of society, with children and adults alike singing the songs of this iconic movie. On October 7 and 8, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra will present three showings of this concert adaptation at the Jubilee Auditorium. The shows run on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $24.

1415 14 Ave. N.W., 403-297-8000, calgaryphil.com

 

Go on a fall bike ride

If you truly want to take in the best of Calgary’s fall scenery, a bike is one of the best ways to see it all. Author Lori Beattie recently released her book, Calgary’s Best Bike Rides: 50 Urban Cycle Tours and Pathway Pedals, in which she shares some of her favourite routes, including cycles around Nose Hill and Glenmore Reservoir. 

Read more: 10 Great Fall Bike Rides in Calgary

 

Celebrate Halloween early at Halloweekends

Why not celebrate Halloween a little early? On Saturday, Sunday and holiday Monday, head to Calaway Park for the last Halloweekend of the year. Bring the kids, put on your costumes and enjoy the rides and treat stations throughout the park. At 4 p.m., make sure to catch the Halloweekends Parade, which takes place every day this weekend and features plenty of spooky characters and parade floats.

245033 Range Road 33, 403-240-3822, calawaypark.com

 

Peruse the pumpkins at Pumpkin Palooza

Nothing screams fall quite like pumpkins, and Cobb’s Adventure Park has your pumpkin needs covered. On Saturdays and Sundays throughout October, and on Thanksgiving Monday, you can walk through the park’s huge pumpkin patch (great for Instagram photos, by the way) and grab a pumpkin to take home and carve. You can also enjoy all the regular family-friendly attractions at Cobb’s, including the petting zoo, games, slides and more.

1500 84 St. N.E., 403-210-2676, cobbsadventurepark.com

 

Have Thanksgiving dinner made for you by Thomsons Kitchen & Bar at Hyatt Regency Calgary

As much as everyone loves Thanksgiving dinner, most of us don’t actually enjoy making it. This year on October 10, let Thomsons Kitchen & Bar do the work for you with its three-course Thanksgiving meal. The menu features all the Thanksgiving classics, including turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, Brussels sprouts and cranberry sauce. The sit-down, family-style service will make the experience feel just like home. The restaurant is also offering a Thanksgiving Sunday Brunch Buffet on October 9.

112 8 Ave. S.E., 403-537-4449, thomsonskitchenbar.ca

 

Have a cocktail and snacks at Business & Pleasure

Recently opened behind Neighbour Coffee in Inglewood, this intimate neighbourhood spot offers an array of original cocktails, and snacks to match. Try the Good Kisser, a sharp and fruity cocktail that features Confluence butterfly pea gin, cynar, honey syrup, rhubarb bitters and bubbles. Or, for a lighter, berry-flavoured concoction, consider the Marigold, with vodka, black raspberry liqueur, crème de cassis, lemon juice, berry soda and rose bitters. The food menu includes items like marinated eggplant, pan-fried shishito peppers and mushroom toast. Business & Pleasure is open from Wednesday to Saturday.

Located in the alley, 1327b 9 Ave. S.E., itsbusinessandpleasure.com

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