There are plenty of events happening this Thanksgiving long weekend from October 9–12, including rodeo events, family shows, markets, Halloween activities, community events, workshops and free activities.
Please check with the event organizer before heading out, as dates, times, admission prices and programming may change.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHOWS & ENTERTAINMENT
How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Concert
Date/s: October 9 & 10, 2026
Time: October 9 at 7:30 PM; October 10 at 2:00 PM
Location: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 11455 87 Ave NW, Edmonton
Admission: Ticketed
Watch How to Train Your Dragon 2 on the big screen while a full symphony orchestra performs John Powell’s musical score live.
Cirque Italia Water Circus Nautilus
Date/s: October 9–19, 2026
Time:
October 9 – 7:30 PM
October 10 – 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM & 7:30 PM
October 11 – 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM
October 12 – 7:30 PM
Location: West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170 St NW, Edmonton
Admission: Ticketed
Cirque Italia brings its Water Circus Nautilus production to Edmonton, featuring circus performances, aerial acts and a custom water stage.
Jubilations Junior: Despicable Minionz
Date/s: October 10 & 11, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Jubilations Dinner Theatre, West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170 St NW, Edmonton
Admission: Ticketed
A family-friendly musical dinner theatre show featuring Gru, the Minions and an interactive meal experience.
SPORTS & RODEO
PBR Canada – Edmonton’s BYOB Bull Battle
Date/s: October 9, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre Arena, 7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton
Admission: Ticketed
A unique bull-riding competition featuring professional riders, team competition and freestyle bullfighting during CFR week.
Canadian Finals Rodeo
Date/s: October 7–10, 2026
Time: Various
Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104 Ave NW, Edmonton
Admission: Ticketed
The Canadian Finals Rodeo brings top Canadian rodeo competitors to Edmonton for five performances. The Saturday, October 10 matinee at 11:00 AM is the designated Family Day performance.
ABBI Canada Finals
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre – Expo Arena
Admission: Free
See young bucking bulls compete as part of the Canadian Country Expo and CFR week programming.
Heritage Ranch Rodeo
Date/s: October 11, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre, 7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton
Admission: Ticketed
A western-style rodeo highlighting traditional ranch skills, horsemanship and teamwork.
Canadian Country Expo
Date/s: October 6–11, 2026
Time: Various
Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre, 7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free; select events are ticketed
Part of CFR week, the Canadian Country Expo features western shopping, competitions, displays, family activities and other rodeo-related programming.
CFR Tailgate Party
Date/s: October 7–9 & October 10, 2026
Time: October 7–9 from 4:00–6:00 PM; October 10 from 2:00–6:00 PM
Location: ICE District Plaza, Edmonton
Admission: Free
Enjoy free pre-rodeo entertainment including live music, photo opportunities, activities and a mechanical bull.
CFR Backroads Series
Date/s: October 1–10, 2026
Time: Various
Location: Various Edmonton locations
Admission: Free
A series of country, roots, Americana, folk and blues performances happening at venues around Edmonton during CFR week.
ARTS & CRAFTS / WORKSHOPS
Rubaboo Indigenous Arts Festival: Deadly Fashion Show
Date: October 11, 2026
Time: 6:00PM
Location: CKUA Beresh Arts Den
Admission: Tickets: $20
Part of the Rubaboo Indigenous Arts Festival, the Deadly Fashion Show celebrates Indigenous fashion, creativity and design through a special evening showcase.
Michaels In-Store Craft Event: Lil’ Witching Hours – Yarn Wrapped Frame
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00PM
Location: Participating Michaels stores in Edmonton
Admission: FREE
A Halloween-themed in-store craft activity where participants can create a yarn-wrapped frame.
Willow Star Ornament Workshop – Alberta Craft Council
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM–2:00 PM
Location: 104th Street Farmers’ Market
Admission: FREE
Learn about working with willow and create a moon or star ornament to take home. This workshop is suitable for ages 13+, with children welcome when actively assisted by an adult.
Home Depot Kids Workshop: Build a Witch Candy Box
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM or 10:30 AM, depending on location
Location: Participating Home Depot stores in Edmonton
Admission: Free; registration required
Kids ages 5–12 can build a Halloween-themed candy box during this hands-on woodworking workshop.
Michaels In-Store Craft Event: Witching Hours – Ghost in a Jar
Date/s: October 11, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00PM
Location: Participating Michaels stores in Edmonton
Admission: FREE
A Halloween craft activity where participants can create a ghost-in-a-jar project.
Apple Today at Apple – Kids: Make a Theme Song
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 3:30–4:30 PM
Location: Apple West Edmonton, West Edmonton Mall
Admission: Free; registration required
Kids ages 8–12 can create and remix a theme song using GarageBand on iPad.
Apple Today at Apple – Kids: Make a Theme Song
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 10:30–11:30 AM
Location: Apple Southgate Centre
Admission: Free; registration required
A creative music session where kids can experiment with making their own theme song.
Apple Today at Apple – Kids: Create an Interactive Story of Kindness
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 12:30–1:30 PM
Location: Apple Southgate Centre
Admission: Free; registration required
Kids ages 6–10 and their families can create an interactive storybook using iPad.
Apple Today at Apple – Kids: Make Your Own Emoji
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 2:00–3:00 PM
Location: Apple Southgate Centre
Admission: Free; registration required
Kids ages 8–12 can design their own emoji using iPad and Apple Pencil.
Apple Today at Apple – Kids: Create an Interactive Story of Kindness
Date/s: October 11, 2026
Time: 11:45 AM–12:45 PM
Location: Apple Southgate Centre
Admission: Free; registration required
A creative storytelling session for kids ages 6–10 and their families.
Apple Today at Apple – Kids: Make Your Own Emoji
Date/s: October 11, 2026
Time: 2:15–3:15 PM
Location: Apple West Edmonton, West Edmonton Mall
Admission: Free; registration required
Kids ages 8–12 can create their own emoji using Procreate on iPad and Apple Pencil.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Community Pancake Breakfast for the Canadian Finals Rodeo
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 8:00–11:00 AM
Location: Edmonton Inn & Conference Centre, 11834 Kingsway NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
Enjoy a community pancake breakfast with live music, a petting zoo, glitter tattoos and other activities for kids. A free shuttle to downtown is available for families attending the 11:00 AM CFR matinee.
Edmonton First Responders Meet-n-Greet
Date/s: October 11, 2026
Time: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Location: CNIB Edmonton, 10111 112 St NW, Edmonton
Admission: Registration required
A family-friendly opportunity for children and youth with sight loss to meet first responders and learn about emergency vehicles, uniforms, badges and sirens.
The Wonderful Worlds in Edmonton – Book Launch
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 1:00–4:00 PM
Location: Prince of Wales Armouries, 10440 108 Ave NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
Celebrate the launch of a children’s book highlighting Edmonton landmarks, local history and cultural stories.
Free Parent & Child Dance Classes
Date/s: October 12, 2026
Time: 9:30–10:30 AM
Location: Shumka Dance Centre, 10515 111 St NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
A gentle parent-and-child movement class featuring dance games and activities designed to encourage connection and movement.
MALL & SHOPPING CENTRE EVENTS
The Fall Social
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM–6:00 PM
Location: Londonderry Mall, 1 Londonderry Mall NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
A fall shopping event with local vendors, live entertainment, activities and a giveaway.
Magic in the Mall
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 12:00–3:00 PM
Location: Londonderry Mall, 1 Londonderry Mall NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
Families can enjoy K-pop dancing, character stations, photo opportunities and a Magic Passport activity throughout the mall.
WEEKEND MARKETS
POP-UP MARKETS
Chinatown After Dark
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 6:00–11:00 PM
Location: 10640 98 St NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
An evening community gathering in Chinatown featuring outdoor music, food and a night-market-style atmosphere.
Spook Fest Halloween Night Market
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 4:00–9:00 PM
Location: Alberta Aviation Museum, 11410 Kingsway NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
A Halloween-themed night market with more than 90 vendors, live characters, a photo booth, flash tattoos and hourly gift-basket giveaways.
Agora Market
Date/s: October 10 & 11, 2026
Time: During mall hours
Location: Southgate Centre, 5015 111 St NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
Shop local at Agora Market during Thanksgiving weekend, with local businesses and vendors to browse while enjoying a day at Southgate Centre.
REGULAR WEEKEND MARKETS
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Location: 10310 83 Ave NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
The market’s Thanksgiving Saturday includes seasonal food, produce, baked goods, décor and other local products.
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Location: 104 Street Promenade, Edmonton
Admission: Free
The final outdoor Downtown Farmers’ Market of the 2026 season, featuring local food, handmade products and other goods from local vendors.
Callingwood Farmers’ Market
Date/s: October 11, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Location: The Marketplace at Callingwood, 69 Ave & 177 St, Edmonton
Admission: Free
The final Sunday market of the 2026 season, featuring local food, handmade goods, vendors and family-friendly activities.
124 Grand Market
Date/s: October 11, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Location: 102 Ave & 124 St, Edmonton
Admission: Free
The final Sunday market of the 2026 season, with rotating local vendors, food and handmade goods.
Bountiful Farmers’ Market
Date/s: October 9–11, 2026
Time: Friday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: 3696 97 St NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
Shop from local growers, makers, artisans and food vendors. Sunday has modified Thanksgiving hours and closes at 2:00 PM.
Queen Mary’s Market
Date/s: October 10 & 11, 2026
Time: Saturday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sunday 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
Location: 12011 111 Ave NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
An indoor public market featuring local vendors, antiques, collectibles, arts and crafts, handmade goods, food and more.
HALLOWEEN & FALL FUN
Pumpkins After Dark
Date/s: September 25–October 31, 2026
Time: Various evening times
Location: Borden Park, Edmonton
Admission: Ticketed
Walk through thousands of illuminated hand-carved pumpkins, seasonal displays and Halloween scenes. The attraction is family-friendly and does not use jump scares.
DARK at Fort Edmonton Park
Date/s: October 2–31, 2026
Time: Various evening times
Location: Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton
Admission: Ticketed
A Halloween attraction featuring spooky experiences throughout Fort Edmonton Park.
Deadmonton Haunted House
Date/s: September 25–November 7, 2026
Time: Various evening times
Location: Edmonton Sun building, Edmonton
Admission: Ticketed
A multi-attraction haunted experience for visitors looking for a scarier Halloween outing.
LIBRARY & FREE FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Discovery Club
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 2:00–3:00 PM
Location: Heritage Valley Library
Admission: Free; registration required
A hands-on STEAM program for children ages 6–8.
Discovery Club
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 2:00–3:00 PM
Location: Whitemud Crossing Library
Admission: Free; registration required
A hands-on program where young learners can explore science, technology, engineering, art and math.
STEAM Lab
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 2:00–3:00 PM
Location: Mill Woods Library
Admission: Free; registration required
A hands-on program for children ages 9–12 exploring science, technology, engineering, art and math through creative activities.
LEGO at the Library
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 2:30–3:30 PM
Location: Jasper Place Library
Admission: Free
Kids can design and build their own LEGO creations. Space is limited.
LEGO at the Library
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 3:30–4:30 PM
Location: Highlands Library
Admission: Free
A LEGO building session for children ages 6–12.
Family Films at the Library: Hotel Transylvania
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 2:00–4:00 PM
Location: Londonderry Library
Admission: Free
Enjoy a family movie afternoon at the library with Hotel Transylvania.
Family Films at the Library: Scooby-Doo and the Witch’s Ghost
Date/s: October 11, 2026
Time: 1:30–2:45 PM
Location: Stanley A. Milner Library, Downtown
Admission: Free
Enjoy a Halloween-themed family movie afternoon with Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Gang.
Discovery Club
Date/s: October 11, 2026
Time: 2:00–3:00 PM
Location: Capilano Library
Admission: Free; registration required
A hands-on STEAM program for children ages 6–8.
Makerspace Fun – Spooky Cricut Craft
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 2:00–3:30 PM
Location: Stanley A. Milner Library, Downtown
Admission: Free
Drop in to the library makerspace and try creating a spooky Halloween project with the Cricut cutting machine. No previous experience is required.
Odyssey Days: Make Your Myth – The Art of Ancient Storytelling
Date/s: October 10, 2026
Time: 3:30–4:30 PM
Location: Riverbend Library
Admission: Free; registration required
Learn about ancient Greek myths and create your own myth-inspired design on a paper vase.
COMMUNITY LEAGUE EVENTS
Sherbrooke Community League – Community Thanksgiving Feast
Date: October 11, 2026
Time: 2:00–8:00 PM; dinner at 5:00 PM
Location: Sherbrooke Community League, 13008 122 Ave NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
Registration: Required
A community Thanksgiving gathering with games, conversation and a shared dinner. Guests are asked to bring a family-favourite side dish or dessert.
Leefield Community League – Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Date: October 12, 2026
Time: 1:00–4:00 PM
Location: Leefield Community League Hall, 7910 36 Ave NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
Everyone is welcome to join the Leefield community for a free Thanksgiving dinner.
LAST CHANCE FOR THE SEASON
Some seasonal Edmonton attractions are wrapping up their regular 2026 season after Thanksgiving weekend.
Edmonton Explorer – Final Day
Date: October 12, 2026
Time: Various departures throughout the day
Location: Various Edmonton stops
Admission: Ticketed
The Edmonton Explorer hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus runs through Thanksgiving Monday, October 12, before returning in spring 2027.
High Level Bridge Streetcar – Final Service
Date: October 9–12, 2026
Time: Various
Location: Whyte Avenue / High Level Bridge / Downtown Edmonton
Admission: Ticketed
Take one of Edmonton’s historic streetcar rides across the High Level Bridge before the 2026 regular season comes to an end on Thanksgiving Monday.
Have a great long weekend, and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!