We\u2019ve reached the halfway point of October, and with the final weeks of above-freezing weather likely numbered, there\u2019s still plenty to see and do around Edmonton.<\/p>\n
From football to hockey to a Symphony Under the Stars, check out these 16 fantastic things to do in Edmonton this week.<\/p>\n
What: The final home game of the CFL regular season is taking place this Friday. Don\u2019t miss your chance to see the Elks in action as they take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.<\/p>\n
When: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 What: This October, Symphony Under the Stars invites guests to an exceptional weekend where the celebrated sounds of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra unfold under the night sky during Jasper\u2019s annual Dark Sky Festival. Set along the shores of Lac Beauvert, this limited-capacity experience blends world-class performance, elevated culinary moments, and the rare luxury of experiencing one of Canada\u2019s most breathtaking natural landscapes after dark.<\/p>\n When:\u00a0Friday, Oct. 16 to 18, 2026 What: Calling all bookworms! Litfest is a celebration of nonfiction. Connect with writers through a series of live events, conversations, and gatherings throughout this fantastic festival.<\/p>\n When: Wednesday, Oct. 14 to 18, 2026 What:\u00a0The NHL season is back in action this month, and you can cheer on the Oilers this Thursday as they face off against the Utah Mammoth.<\/p>\n When: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 What: Edmonton\u2019s Halloween Festival returns for its ninth year as Fort Edmonton Park transforms into the city\u2019s largest haunted experience, featuring more haunts than anywhere else in Edmonton.<\/p>\n When: Friday, Oct. 2 to Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026 What: Ready to get scared? Edmonton\u2019s iconic Deadmonton is back, and the spooky haunted houses at this event will send chills down your spine. This year, the terrifying event features three new themes to frighten you, including Cursed, The Rejects, and The Asylum.<\/p>\n When:\u00a0Friday, Sept. 26 to Saturday, Nov. 8; the Lights Out event is Nov. 7 to 8 What: Pumpkins After Dark will haunt Borden Park from Sept. 25 to Oct. 31 with pumpkins carved to resemble classic Halloween characters, dinosaurs and dragons, and movie and pop culture icons. The event boasts more than 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins, and it\u2019s certainly a must-do activity for Halloween in Edmonton.<\/p>\n When:\u00a0Until Friday, Oct. 31, 2026 What: Create your own custom ice cream at one of three hands-on workshops. Ice Cream 101 teaches the basics of making and churning ice cream, Date Night offers a workshop designed for pairs, and Sundae School gives children ages five to 12 the chance to make a batch with an accompanying adult.<\/p>\n When: Various dates and times throughout October What: Grab your friends and family and get lost in a cornfield, because the Edmonton Corn Maze is open with a brand-new design for the season.<\/p>\n When: Wednesday, Aug. 5 to Oct. 25, 2026 What:\u00a0Right in the heart of downtown, the Art Gallery of Alberta has been Edmonton\u2019s go-to for art and culture for 100 years. With rotating exhibitions, workshops, and events, it\u2019s the perfect spot to get inspired, learn something new, or just soak up some creativity.<\/p>\n The AGA offers free admission on the last Thursday of each month (Sept. 24) from 4 to 7 p.m.<\/p>\n When:\u00a0Open Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays to Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. What: Be amazed at the stunning Muttart Conservatory, with each glass pyramid showcasing a different environment for plants from around the globe. It\u2019s a relaxing, insightful, and beautiful experience and a lovely thing to do in Edmonton.<\/p>\n When: Hours vary What:\u00a0Located just 35 minutes east of Edmonton, Elk Island National Park offers rolling hills, glassy lakes, and some of the best stargazing around, no matter the season. The park has partially reopened following its total closure due to storm damage<\/a>. Before you head out, be sure to check the Park\u2019s bulletins<\/a> for a list of current trail closures and conditions.<\/p>\n When:\u00a0Hours vary What:\u00a0Bountiful Farmers Market offers a wide variety of fresh goods, including local vegetables and meat, coffee roasters, and beer and wine. It also has an ethnic food hall, a children\u2019s play area, live entertainment, and more.<\/p>\n When:\u00a0Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round What:\u00a0Marvel at the Royal Alberta Museum\u2019s vast collections. From its archaeology, Indigenous studies, and work-life industry sections to Earth and Life Sciences that will wow you, it\u2019s one of the most intriguing things to do in Edmonton.<\/p>\n When:\u00a0Hours vary\u00a0 What: It\u2019ll feel like a bit of a tropical getaway when you visit the World Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall. Shoot down some massive slides or relax in the wave pool. Whatever you choose, it\u2019s a prime way to spend the day.<\/p>\n When: Hours vary throughout the week What: You can never go wrong with a trip to the amusement park, and Galaxyland is North America\u2019s largest indoor amusement park. It features 27 Hasbro-themed rides and more for all ages.<\/p>\n
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where:\u00a0Commonwealth Stadium \u2014 11000 Stadium Rd. NW
Cost: Ticket prices start at $24; find them online<\/a><\/p>\n
Time:\u00a05 to 10 p.m.
Where: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge \u2014 #1 Old Lodge Road, Jasper, Alta.
Cost:\u00a0Tickets start at $135 and can be found online<\/a><\/p>\n
Where: Various venues in Edmonton
Cost: Find tickets online<\/a><\/p>\n
Time:\u00a07 p.m.
Where:\u00a0Rogers Place \u2014 10220 104th Ave. NW
Cost:\u00a0Varies; find tickets online<\/a><\/p>\n
Where: Fort Edmonton Park \u2014 7000 143rd St. NW
Cost: $50; find tickets online<\/a><\/p>\n
Where: 9300 47th St. NW, Edmonton
Cost: Regular admission starts at $49.99; reserve tickets online<\/a><\/p>\n
Where:\u00a07727 Borden Park Rd. NW
Cost:\u00a0Ticket prices vary by date; find them\u00a0online<\/a><\/p>\n
Where: Made by Marcus Mill Creek \u2014 9853 89th Ave. NW
Cost: Starts at $65; prices vary by workshop. Find tickets online<\/a><\/p>\n
Where:\u00a026171 Garden Valley Rd., Spruce Grove
Cost:\u00a0Prices vary, and\u00a0tickets can be found online<\/a><\/p>\n
Where:\u00a02 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
Cost:\u00a0$13.33\u00a0adult admission<\/a><\/p>\n
Where: Muttart Conservatory \u2014 9626 96A St. NW
Admission: $14.95 adult admission<\/p>\n
Where:\u00a0Improvement District No. 13, Alta.
Cost: $10 adult admission<\/p>\n
Where: 3696 97th St. NW
Cost: Free<\/p>\n
Where: 9810 103A Ave. NW
Cost:\u00a0$10 to $21; tickets can be found\u00a0online<\/a><\/p>\n
Where: West Edmonton Mall \u2014 8882 170th St. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be found online<\/a><\/p>\n