September 26 to 28; Night Light Victoria Park. Night Light is a three-night celebration of curated light, art, and performance that will transform the Victoria Park community into an incredible display of light and art. Interactive art installations, projection-mapped architecture and live performances will provide endless entertainment while fostering a culture of “seeding” the next generation of local artists in new and exciting art forms, spotlighting Calgary and local artists. Learn more at nightlightvicpark.ca.

September 26 to 29; Kids Fair Consignment Sale. You can consign your items to clear out what you don’t need and make a little extra cash at Marda Loop Community Centre. Then shop online all weekend long, using the easy-to-search website. You’ll see what consignors are selling and Kids Fair will do quality checks on all items and provide hassle-free returns if there are issues or the items are not as described. Learn more at kidsfair.ca.

Until September 27; Calgary Canucks Host the Alberta Junior Hockey League Showcase. The Annual Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Showcase presented by Nutrien will return to the Max Bell Centre. The 18th Annual AJHL Showcase will see each AJHL team compete in two regular season games, attracting fans across Alberta. The three-day event draws coaches and scouts from the National Hockey League, NCAA, Canadian colleges and universities and the Canadian Hockey League. Learn more at calgarycanucks.ca.

September 27, 10:30 to 11am; YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre. A story read by a Calgary Police Service uniformed officer that includes a craft (to complete at the centre or at home) which matches the theme of the book. Learn more at youthlinkcalgary.com.

September 27, 12 to 8pm; Calgary Fall Home Show. The Calgary Home Show offers a bustling marketplace for home products and services, inspiring displays, expert connections, and informative presentations from renowned professionals at BMO Centre. Learn more at calgaryfallhomeshow.com.

September 27, 7:30pm; Ruby Swan presents… The Kings and I: An Alt-Pop Cabaret. Come hear Ruby Swan serenade you with her original swan songs, plus a collection of today’s best alternative pop from artists like Charli XCX, Hannah Diamond, Lady Gaga, and more at Congress Coffee. Learn more at eventbrite.ca.

September 27 to 28, 7:30pm; Beethoven’s Emperor. Treat yourself to an evening of magnificent symphonic classics performed by your Calgary Phil at Jack Singer Concert Hall. The concert opens with Canadian composer Kati Agócs’ dignified A Hero’s Welcome. Then, pianist Jonathan Biss brings out all the brilliance and splendor of Ludwig van Beethoven’s grand Emperor concerto with his renowned finesse and sensitivity. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.

September 27 to October 7; Ghost River Theatre: The Room Sculpture Experience. Immerse yourself in a world of light, textures, and sound on stage with Ghost River Theatre's The Room Sculpture Experience where creativity and community collide. Created by Artistic Director Eric Rose, this unique, hands-on event invites audiences to collaboratively construct and deconstruct a one-of-a-kind theatrical sculpture. For ages 12 and older. Learn more at ghostrivertheatre.com.

Saturdays until September 28; The Market at cSPACE Marda Loop. A vibrant fusion of arts, culture, and culinary delights! Join us for an unforgettable experience celebrating local talent and flavors. Learn more at cspacemardaloop.com.

Until September 28; Our Fathers, Sons, Lovers and Little Brothers. Slimm, a seventeen-year-old Black boy in a hoodie suddenly finds himself in the first moments of his afterlife. He calls out for God. God does not respond. What happens next is a sacred journey through the unknown, as Slimm grapples with the truth of the life he lived and the death he didn’t choose at Big Secret Theatre in Arts Commons. Learn more at artscommons.ca.

September 28, 9am to 12:30pm; Run for Life 2024. This is a pop-up gathering spot at East Village Riverwalk to connect with other Run for Life participants for walking, running, commemoration and conversation. Learn more at suicideinfo.ca.

September 28, 10am to 3pm; Calgary Doll Club Antique, Collectible & Toy Sale. The sale will feature antique and collectible dolls and toys, as well as modern collectibles, play dolls and bears at Acadia Recreation Complex.

September 28, 11am; Cineplex Family Favourites: Coraline 3D. Visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a favorite family film each week for only $3.99. Learn more at cineplex.com.

September 28, 1 to 3pm; Calgary Opera Serious Family Fun. Calgary Opera opens their doors for people of all ages to drop in and enjoy music, opera stories, visual arts, dress up, and more at the Mamdani Opera Centre. Learn more at calgaryopera.com.

September 28, 6pm; Lantern Fest at Southview Community Association. Lantern Fest is the celebration of the diverse cultural lantern festivals around the world. The festival is aimed to celebrate culture, creativity and community. Attendees will decorate a paper lantern onsite to carry in the lantern walk. The lantern walk proceeds through the community with lighted lanterns guiding the way past community art installations, ending at Unity Park. Learn more at showpass.com.

September 28 to October 3; Vertigo Theatre Presents: The Woman in Black. Arthur Kipps was a young solicitor, when he was sent to a remote town in England to oversee the funeral of an elderly recluse. While there, he learns about a woman in black, a phantom, who haunts the residents of the town. Years later, Kipps hires a young actor to help recount the events of that time, never expecting the haunting to move into the theatre and curse them both. Can they expel the spirit once and for all? Learn more at vertigotheatre.com.

September 28 to October 6; Granary Road's Harvest Fair. Experience the ultimate fall celebration at Granary Road's Harvest Fair. Join for two weekends of non-stop fun as they combine their beloved festivals—Pumpkin Fest, Garlic Fest, Apple Fest, and Pickle Palooza—into one grand event. Enjoy pony rides, face painting, scavenger hunts, eating contests, and exciting games. Explore the Active Learning Park and challenge yourself at the mini golf course. Learn more at granaryroad.com.

September 28 to October 19; Vertigo Theatre Presents: Twelfth Night. Directed by Richard Beaune, Twelfth Night is a sophisticated comedy of extravagant behaviour and ridiculous self-indulgence. When two siblings are separated in a shipwreck (sound familiar?), disguises and mistaken identities lead to unexpected romantic adventures and clownish pranks. Learn more at tickets.vertigotheatre.com.

Until September 29; Heritage Inn International Hot Air Balloon Festival. This is a must-see, awe-inspiring event in High River. Watch these beautiful, and sometimes quirky, balloons rise into the air, propelled by hot air. As they float toward the horizon you realize the prairie sky really does go on forever. Watch as the glowing balloons light the sky during Balloon Glow on September 27 from 5 to 9pm. Learn more at heritageinninternationalballoonfestival.com.

Until September 29; Calgary International Film Festival. Every year, the festival celebrates 40-plus countries and up to 200 films. From comedy to drama, foreign masters to indie darlings, there’s something for everybody. Find your new favorite film with CIFF – in the cinema or at home with streaming. Learn more at ciff2024.eventive.org.

Until September 29, 10am to 3pm; St. Patrick’s Island Sunday Funday. Every Sunday you can head to The Rise for games like ladder ball, parachutes, giant Jenga, badminton, Connect 4, and more. Learn more at evexperience.com.

Until September 29; India Film Festival of Alberta. This year’s India Film Festival of Alberta celebrates the Edmonton Movie Club’s decade-long commitment to cultural diversity through film at Globe Cinema. Learn more at indiafilmfestival.ca.

September 29, 11am to 4pm; Animal Programming at YYC Nature & Education Centre.

The YYC Nature and Education Centre connects people and animals. They pride themselves on their commitment to education and family enjoyment. September 29 offers three programs including: Slithering with Snakes, Endangered Species and Mammal Meet & Greet. Learn more at yycnaturecentre.com.

September 29, 2 to 4pm and 6:30 to 8:30pm; The Confluence Movie Screening: Beetlejuice & Casablanca. The Burnswest Theatre at The Confluence is a cozy indie theatre perfect for a fun day out with the family or date night with a special someone. With film screenings of cult classics, family favorites and hidden gems happening every month, check back regularly to see what’s playing. Learn more at theconfluence.ca.

Until September 30; Alberta Culture Days. An opportunity to discover, experience and celebrate arts and culture through local events and activities, in person and online across the province. Learn more at culturedays.ca.

Until September 30. Free Online Coding Workshop. This hands-on demo introduces young learners to the basics of programming through fun activities and engaging challenges. Participants (aged six to 16) will explore interactive coding tools, learn problem-solving skills, and unleash their creativity by creating simple projects. Learn more at eduseed.in.

September 30, 2pm; Preschooler Play Day - An Assortment of Animals! Does your preschooler love animals? This parent-and-child program is designed for kids three to five to learn about animals with their parents. Meet a hedgehog! Pet a Snake! Learn about Turtles! Learn more at yycnaturecentre.com.

September 28, 1 to 6pm; All My Relations Healing Powwow. The second annual powwow will be a place for all nations and community members to gather, celebrate, participate, and learn about Indigenous culture and traditions at BMO Centre. Learn more at visitcalgary.com.

September 29, 9:30am to 5pm; Heritage Park — National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Guests can partake in immersive activities, learn first-hand from residential school survivors, and take steps towards reconciliation. This day fosters an atmosphere of unity, encouraging us to join hands as a community to strengthen connections and engage in a day of empathy and learning. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.

September 30, 9 to 10:30am; National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at The Confluence. The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland will be offering free admission to the cultural centre and other programming throughout the day. Mark Orange Shirt Day with a presentation at The Confluence. Learn more at theconfluence.ca.

September 30, 10am to 4pm; Pokaiks – The Children Commemorative Walk & Gathering 2024. A tribute to survivors of the Residential School System and Sixties Scoop, held annually on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Contemporary Calgary. Learn more at cifrs.ca.

September 30, 12 to 5pm; National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Calgary Public Libraries. Select library locations will have special Indigenous programming to honor National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Learn more at calgarylibrary.ca.

September 30, 1 and 3pm; National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at The Military Museums. Head to The Military Museums in the afternoon to join a special tour at 1 or 3pm. These tours highlight Indigenous peoples within the history of Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces. Learn more at themilitarymuseums.ca.

September 30, 6:30pm; Elders Story Project. The 2024 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation marks the second annual event for the Elders Story Project (ESP) at Jack Singer Concert Hall. During this powerful event, Elders will share their personal stories about their residential school experiences and their healing journeys, while demonstrating the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples and the power of their traditional practices. Learn more at artscommons.ca.

September 30, 7:30pm; NMC Presents: Elisapie. Join National Music Centre for a special concert on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation featuring Inuk artist and activist Elisapie, known for bringing awareness to the culture, language, and realities of the Northern Arctic Inuit through her music. Learn more at studiobell.ca.

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• I'm in the Mood for Autumn - 26 Ways to Help Your Family Welcome Fall

by Karen Ung

Discover the best activities and events of the season in our guide to fall family fun in Calgary. From getting lost in a corn maze and picking the perfect pumpkin, to going on a fall hike or getting scared silly in a haunted house, there’s something for everyone! Here are 20 of our favorite autumn experiences around the city; plus a few kid-approved road trips to try before the snow flies. Happy fall!

• STS OPEN HOUSE & FALL FAIR - Come connect with our STS community, tour our state-of-the-art facilities on a 220-acre campus, enjoy food and games, and more! Register now!
• HERITAGE PARK - Youth Sleepover Program - Heritage Park invites you to step back in time and spend the night in the historic Burns Barn. Friday or Saturday evenings, between Sept. 27, 2024 and June 14, 2025. K to Grade 11.
• WILDER INSTITUTE/CALGARY ZOO - Teddy Bear Clinic. For just a $5 donation per stuffed toy, our dedicated animal health experts, educators, and volunteers will explain the importance of regular medical care for both animals and people in a fun and informative way – all while supporting a great cause!
• FLYING SQUIRREL - Save 20% with discount code: School24 Calgary North tickets Calgary South tickets 
• DISCOVER THE ART OF CHOCOLATE with Master Chocolatier, Beranard Callebaut. Embark on a captivating three-hour chocolate making experience and delve into the world of Tempering, taught by Bernard Callebaut himself.
• THE BULLET COFFEE HOUSE - Get your $2 java daily in September from 12:30 to 3:30.
• NORTHEAST CALGARY THRIVE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM - The Genesis Centre and Calgary Surge have teamed up to launch an exciting mentorship pilot project, designed to support at-risk youth in Northeast Calgary. Running from October 1st to December 17th, 2024, this 12-week program aims to build a stronger community by connecting youth with positive adult role models through sports and meaningful conversations.
• GRANARY ROAD'S HARVEST FAIR - September 28, 29 and October 5, 6 - Pickle Palooza, Garlic Breath, Apple & Pumpkin Fest combined into one Harvest Fair - something for everyone!
• STORYBOOK THEATRE PRESENTS Top Secret Musical - October 28 & 29, 7PM - Each year StoryBook presents a top-secret musical event featuring many of Calgary's brightest and shining musical theatre stars. Plan to get your tickets early - this show sells out every year!
• NIGHT LIGHT ART & LIGHT FESTIVAL - September 26, 27 & 28. Night Light is a 3-night celebration of curated light, art, and performance that will transform the Victoria Park community into an incredible display of light and art.

October 1 to 31; Pasta La Feasta. October is National Pasta Month, so Pasta La Feasta is bringing together a group of Calgary restaurants to offer a signature pasta dish in support of The Alex Community Food Centre. Learn more at pastalafeasta.ca.

October 1 to 31; Harvest Pumpkin Fest at Butterfield Acres. Stroll through the farmyard and find your perfect pumpkins at Butterfield Acres this year. Add in some great animal visits, fabulous fall photo-ops, pony rides, a ride through Scarecrow Alley in the back woodlands (spectacular at this time of year) and you’ve got the must-do fall family fun day that is great for the entire family. Learn more at butterfieldacres.com.

October 2, 5 to 7pm; Staples Kids’ Events: LEGO Jack-o’lantern and Halloween Activities. Get ready for a frightfully fun time at Staples’ Halloween event. Unleash your creativity by building LEGO jack-o-lanterns, decorating spooky coloring sheets and participating in other eerie-sistible activities. Learn which locations are participating at eventbrite.ca.

Thursdays until October 3; Bridgeland-Riverside Farmers Market. A weekly local farmers market featuring over 30 vendors, food trucks, live music, kids play area and more at Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association. Each week a local band will play from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Learn more at brcacalgary.org.

October 3 to 6; New Horizon Rock N’ Gem Show. The largest gem and mineral show in Canada offers thousands of crystals, gemstones, jewelry, beads, and fossils for you to explore and purchase at New Horizon Mall in Balzac. Learn more at cangems.ca.

October 3 to November 2; Train of Terror at Aspen Crossing (18+). You and your friends will journey through a hands-on, menacing maze of horror. If you are one of the brave ones who can escape, you are then invited onboard the moving train where you can grab your choice of liquid courage before embarking on what’s sure to be the scariest haunting you will ever come across. Learn more at aspencrossing.com.

October 4, 4:30 to 6pm; Free Soccer Fridays. Free Soccer Fridays invites kids to a free, unstructured, drop-in soccer opportunity. This is a chance for youth of all ages and abilities to play and enjoy the sport. Learn more at calgaryminorsoccer.com.

October 4 to 5; State of Art YYC – Fine Art Show. A fine art show presenting the work of several Calgary professional artists including original paintings, glasswork, pottery, jewelry and more at Strathcona Community Association. Learn more at stateofartyyc.com.

October 4 to 6; Canada Women’s Expo. For the first time, Calgary will welcome Western Canada’s premier women’s show. Canada Women’s Expo is a fun, must-attend event packed full of experiences designed to uplift and energize women from all walks of life at BMO Centre. Learn more at canadawomenexpo.com.

October 4 to 31; Calgary Ghost Walks. Join for an evening of ghostly entertainment. Locals and visitors will be fascinated by these glimpses into the mischief, mayhem, and murders of Calgary. Learn more at calgaryghostwalks.com.

October 5, 9am to 3pm; Preloved Pop-Up YYC. This exclusive pop-up will feature an selection of preloved children's clothes, ranging from sizes 0 to 5T. Make it a family outing—bring your littles along to play while you shop at 3815 Manchester Road SE. Learn more at littlelist.ca.

October 5, 10am to 4pm; Parkdale Art Club Fall Show and Sale. Annual fall art show and sale of original art by local artists in all styles and media at Parkdale Community Centre. Learn more at pdnf.org.

October 5, 1 to 2:30pm; Superstitions and Secrets: The Dark Side of Victorian Society - Family-Friendly Halloween House Tour. Dare to explore the dark side of Victorian society this October. Guided tours of Lougheed House where staff will explain why the mundane lives of the Victorians were full of frights. Learn more at lougheedhouse.com.

October 5, 7:30pm; Kiesza + Orchestra. Get your groove on with Canadian dance-pop star Kiesza in this special appearance with the Calgary Phil at Jack Singer Concert Hall. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.

Saturday and Sundays, October 5 to 27; Cobb’s Adventure Park Pumpkin Palooza. Walk through the pumpkin patch, take beautiful photos, and pick your favorite pumpkin to buy for Halloween carving. Learn more at cobbsadventurepark.com.

Until October 6; Loose Moose Theatre: Emperor’s New Clothes. The Loose Moose Theatre For Kids is a truly magical experience for children four to ten years old, as well as fun and entertaining for parents. Learn more at loosemoose.com.

Until October 6; YYC Pizza Fest. YYC Pizza Fest is an annual event with charity, community, and pizza crusts in mind. Each year, local participating restaurants craft an original recipe in a competition to be lauded Calgary's best pizza. Learn more at yycpizzafest.com

Thursdays, 4 to 4:30pm; Storytime at Mastermind Toys. Mastermind Toys often has special events at their Calgary stores, including storytime. Check with your store to confirm details. Learn more at mastermindtoys.com.

Weekends; Asylum for Art Brunch. Asylum for Art hosts weekend brunch and live music at the WaffleHaus Saloon. Admission is by donation, and you can reserve a spot. Learn more at asylumforart.ca.

Until October 12; Millarville Farmers’ Market. The people behind the tables at the Millarville Farmers’ Market are the real deal. They are the growers, farmers, makers, bakers, and artists. Ask them about their farm, their art, their love of what they do at Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society. Learn more at millarvilleracetrack.com.

Until October 14; Halloweekends at Calaway Park. Join the Boo Crew at Calaway Park this fall! Stroll through Hallotown… if you dare! Is it scary? No, it’s friendly! It’s a spooktacular good time for the whole family! Dress up as your favorite family friendly character and enjoy a day of fall fun. Learn more at calawaypark.com.

Until October 19; Jubilations Dinner Theatre Presents: More Greased. Sandy and Danny may have graduated, but there is still plenty of grease to go ‘round. Go back to the bygone days of sock hops and bobby socks, soda jerks and super nerds… and most of all… greasers. Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until October 19; Jubilations Dinner Theatre Presents: Wally Wonka and the Vanilla Factory. Wally Wonka, the lesser-known brother of Willy Wonka, is running his own factory and it’s… not going well. With one last ditch effort to keep his factory afloat, he invites select guests to come see a new Vanilla creation at his factory but… do all of his guests have good intentions? Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until October 26; Harvest Lights at Calgary Farmyard. Evenings provide a relaxed and casual opportunity to enjoy the farm fully illuminated. Plus, there are tons of pumpkins for photos and purchase. Learn more at calgaryfarmyard.com.

Until October 27; Pumpkin-Lovin’ Fall Days at Calgary Farmyard. A fall trip to the farmyard is an annual tradition for many families and friends. In addition to enjoying hours of fun on the farm, pumpkins are on display for photos and for purchase. Learn more at calgaryfarmyard.com.

Tuesdays until October 29, 4 to 8pm; The Inglewood Pollinator Park Market. Enjoy the beautiful night with friends and family to fuel your market needs at 9 Street and 9 Avenue SE. Learn more at the downtownmarkets.ca.

Until October 31; WinSport: Spooktacular Mini Golf. This fall, all ghouls, goblins, and ghosts can enjoy spooktacular fun with Mini Golf at WinSport. Learn more at winsport.ca.

Until October 31; Pumpkins After Dark 2024. Canada's largest Halloween Festival includes all new pumpkin displays, live pumpkin carving demonstrations, treats and sweets and photo ops. Learn more at showpass.com.

Until November 10; Stagewest Dinner Theatre Presents: Death Trap. Sidney Bruhl is a successful writer of Broadway mystery plays. Unfortunately, Bruhl is now struggling to live up to his own reputation, suffering through a series of consecutive flops. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

Monday and Wednesday from 10 to 11:30 am. The Beach YYC Drop-In Children’s Playtime. On Monday and Wednesday mornings take part in children’s play time at the beach. Bring your child to spend a few hours digging and playing in the sand. They supply all the beach toys including shovels, buckets and more. Learn more at thebeachyyc.ca.

Monday to Thursday, 9am; Parent Tot Drop-In at Cavalry FC Regional Field House. Cavalry offers a variety of drop-in programs for parents to participate in with their children ages 18 months to three years old. Learn more at cavsfcregionalfieldhouse.com.

Drop-In Programs at City of Calgary Recreation Centres. Don’t miss out on Active Play where you can bring your kiddo’s energy to an indoor play space. Roll, jump, throw, and balance while being creative with various active play equipment. Kinder Room Drop-in allows you to play with your child on an incredible indoor play structure. Race through tunnels, over a suspension bridge and slide down slides. Learn more at liveandplay.calgary.ca.

Storytime at Calgary Public Library. Drop into various Calgary Public Library locations to enjoy stories, songs, and finger plays for the whole family at Family Storytime. Learn more at calgarylibrary.ca.

by Tanya Koob

It’s hard not to feel a bit nostalgic for summer when the leaves have all fallen from the trees and the darkness of late fall starts to set in. Fortunately, there is no shortage of fun out there to pursue through the months of October and November while we wait for ski season to begin.

Add some of these fun activities and events to your calendar this fall to spice up your weekends and spend some quality time together as a family.

Back-to-School 2024

Ready or not, it's almost back-to-school time! Our fall Back-to School-Edition is the go-to guide for parents getting their kid's school year off to a great start. We’ve got everything families need to help make the transition from pool time to school time easy. Don't miss our Fall Class & Program Directory - from ballet to basketball and circus to cricket - there are hundreds of fantastic extra-curricular activities available for kids in our city. We’ll help you find them in this special directory. We also have tons of family fun ideas for your end of summer bucket list, plus events, news, contests, and SO much more!

Our new edition will be available on stands all across the city and online now! Be the first to know! Subscribe here for free to have it delivered to your inbox!

Coming soon - AUTUMN Edition

Get Ready for Fall Fun! Join Calgary’s Child as we dive into the season of cozy moments, Halloween thrills, holiday plans, and more! Our Autumn issue is packed with everything you need to enjoy this vibrant time of year – from our 2024 Family Wellness Directory to the Inclusivity Guide.

• Cuisipro Piccolo Tools Baking Set
• Gazillion Double Bubble Blaster!
• Cat® Unstoppable Mover!
• Diaper Genie Platinum Pail
• Fisher-Price Wooden Toys
• Playmobil Color Set
• Colle à moi name labels