Here’s what you need to know about Halloween in Calgary

By CityNews Staff

The day of disguises, tricks, treats and more has finally arrived — Friday is Halloween.

Here’s what Calgarians need to know about marking the holiday.

Weather forecast mild for trick-or-treating

Calgary’s kids may be able to forgo the winter jacket under their costumes this year.

660 NewsRadio meterologist Kevin Stanfield says the forecast for Halloween on Friday is relatively mild.

He explains that the day will start cool before it warms up and stays warm.

“The Halloween high hits 9 C thanks to a touch of west wind at 20 km/h, that’s the temperature we can expect to start trick-or-treating at, with only a slight dip by a single degree as we head out toward 9 p.m.,” Stanfield said. “This is a far cry from last year, where the high was 4 C.”

Events around the city on Oct. 31

The Exorcist and Haunted Tours at The GRAND

Tickets for the classic horror film go for $15 plus a booking fee. There will be a bar to grab snacks and a themed cocktail or mocktail starting at 5:30 p.m.

If you want to take a haunted tour of The Grand, you can bundle it will a movie ticket for $40, which also includes popcorn and a drink.

The tour is 45 minutes long and starts at 6 p.m. to wrap up in time for the beginning of the film.

If you just want to take the tour and skip the movie, tickets are $25.

Location: The GRAND – 608 1st St SW

Pumpkins After Dark

Take in the pathway of creatively cut and lit pumpkin sculptures and displays with music, sounds and special effects for it’s last day Friday.

Also featured at the event are fall treats and sweets, living pumpkin carving demonstrations, and all things Halloween.

Tickets can be purchased online and range between $20 and $30.

More information here.

Location: WinSport – 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

The classic show, put on by Alberta Theatre Projects, runs until Nov. 9 — but what better time to see it than Halloween!

Audience members are suggested to be at least 12 years old.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased online.

Location: Martha Cohen Theatre – 215 8 Ave SE

Screamfest

Screamfest features six outdoor haunted houses: The Dollhouse, Slaughterhouse, Clown Town, Bates Motel, The Clinic, Afraid of the Dark, and Zombie Outbreak.

Other features include rides, a screaming room, Terror in 3D, and Area 51 Monster Trucks.

The event happens until Nov. 1.

Ticket prices vary.

More information can be found here.

Location: GMC Stadium at Stampede Park

Calgary Farmers’ Market Halloween Spooktacular

Visitors to both locations of the Calgary Farmers’ Market are celebrating Halloween with family-friendly fun on Friday.

Trick-or-treating will be happening at the west location from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the south location from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Both locations will also have live music, kids crafts and a colouring contest from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A pumpkin carving contest is also taking place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Locations: Calgary Farmers’ Market West – 25 Greenbriar Dr NW and Calgary Farmers’ Market South – 510 77 Ave SE

FunnyFest Halloween Comedy Extravaganza

The 25th annual Halloween comedy show runs Friday at 8 p.m.

There will be two headline comedians: Brian Stollery and Stu Hughes.

Also on offer is $5,000 in costume prizes, food, beverages, and free overnight parking.

Tickets are $25 regular and $19 for essential workers, seniors, and students.

The doors open at 6:45 p.m.

Location: DOG and DUCK PUB 5340 2 Street SW

Kids Halloween Skate Party

House of Skate is hosting a Halloween Party on Wheels!

There will be a live DJ and prizes.

General admission is $15, youth 12 and under is $10, and non-skaters are $5.

Skate rentals are $8.

Location: 42 Highfield – 1100 42nd Ave SE, Calgary, AB

Safety tips from Calgary police

From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Halloween, hundreds of vehicles will be out on city streets, providing high-visibility support to families enjoying the holiday.

Co-ordinated by Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Partners for Safety include the Calgary Police Service, Emergency Health Services – Alberta, Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Transit, Calgary 9-1-1, and Peace Officers from Emergency Management and Community Safety. Any child experiencing a problem on Halloween can go to any one of these partners for help.

Calgary police officers and EMS will also have units patrolling residential neighbourhoods during regular operations. The Calgary Fire Department will also have vehicles on patrol and fire stations will also be open in between emergency responses to help trick-or treaters if they need it.

Trick-or-treaters can also come to any Calgary Transit bus or CTrain if they need help.

Important health and safety tips:

  • Keep pets contained and away from the front entrance; consider distributing treats outside.
  • Use LED candles or lighting instead of real candles to create a spooky ambiance.
  • Ensure sidewalks, front porches, and steps are well-lit and free of obstacles.
  • Parents or guardians should inspect all candy before it is consumed.

Halloween tips for kids:

  • Inform your parent(s) or guardian(s) of your route, companions, and return time.
  • Carry a cell phone in case plans change.
  • Follow pedestrian rules: look both ways, walk instead of run, and cross streets at intersections.
  • Complete trick-or-treating on one side of the street before crossing to the other.
  • Wear bright, reflective clothing to enhance visibility to drivers.
  • Avoid shortcuts through alleys, lanes, or private properties.
  • Stay in well-lit, busy areas and carry a flashlight.
  • Never enter a house or car while trick-or-treating.
  • Trust your instincts; if something feels off, walk away and contact a parent or trusted adult, or approach a Partners for Safety vehicle.

Before you wear your costume:

  • Test the full costume at home to ensure comfort and fit, making any necessary adjustments.
  • Avoid very dark costumes; opt for bright colors and add reflective tape for visibility.
  • Choose flame-resistant materials for costumes and accessories.
  • Ensure costume accessories are soft, flexible, and free of sharp edges.
  • Dress in layers to accommodate colder weather and ensure costumes are not too long to prevent tripping.
  • Opt for comfortable masks or use make-up to avoid visibility issues.

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