As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, Edmonton transforms into a spooky playground for Halloween enthusiasts.
From bone-chilling haunted houses to pumpkin patches, the city offers a diverse array of events to celebrate the season. Whether you're seeking thrills, chills, or wholesome autumn fun, Edmonton has something for everyone, and we’re exploring the best events in this guide from the Ask Genie blog.
Let's explore the most exciting Halloween parties and events to make your spooky season unforgettable.
8 of the Best Halloween Events in Edmonton
Whether you dream of visiting a place where the air is filled with the scent of pumpkin spice and the sound of ghostly whispers, or you want to let loose at a Halloween party, these 9 Edmonton Halloween events offer magical experiences and a chance to immerse yourself in the spirit of All Hallows' Eve.
1. Deadmonton Haunted House
Deadmonton has been terrifying visitors for a decade, and it's back with a vengeance at its new location in the iconic Edmonton Sun building. This haunted house experience is not for the faint of heart, offering intense scares and immersive horror environments.
What makes Deadmonton stand out is its attention to detail and professional-grade special effects that will leave you questioning reality.
Beyond the haunted house itself, Deadmonton offers themed food and drinks and photo opportunities to capture your fear-filled memories. With its reputation as an Edmonton Halloween staple, this event is a must-visit for thrill-seekers looking to test their courage.
Where: Edmonton Sun Building
Dates: September 29 - November 4, 2024
2. DARK at Fort Edmonton Park
Fort Edmonton Park turns sinister with DARK, one of the city's premier Halloween attractions. This event transforms the historical park into a nightmare realm filled with killer clowns, murderous farmers, and demonic spirits.
DARK is renowned for its immersive storytelling and high-quality production values, making it a cut above typical haunted attractions.
For those seeking an extra layer of fright, don't miss Dead Centre of Town XIII, a live-action thriller that brings Edmonton's forgotten supernatural stories to life. This unique addition to DARK offers a blend of history and horror that will leave you both educated and terrified.
Where: Fort Edmonton Park
Dates: October 6 - 29, 2024
3. Pumpkins After Dark
For a magical Halloween experience suitable for all ages, Pumpkins After Dark is an absolute must-see. This walk-through exhibit features over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkin sculptures, creating a mesmerising display of light and artistry.
The pumpkins are brought to life through carefully curated lighting, music, and sound effects, transforming Borden Park into an enchanted autumn wonderland.
What sets Pumpkins After Dark apart is its blend of Halloween spirit with artistic excellence. The intricate carvings depict everything from classic Halloween characters to pop culture icons, ensuring there's something to delight every visitor.
This event offers a perfect balance of spooky atmosphere and friendly fun, making it an ideal outing for those who prefer their Halloween festivities on the milder side.
Where: Borden Park
Dates: September 22 - October 31, 2024
4. Prairie Gardens Haunted Pumpkin Festival
Just a short drive from Edmonton, the Prairie Gardens Haunted Pumpkin Festival offers a quintessential fall experience with a spooky twist. This event combines the charm of a traditional pumpkin patch with Halloween-themed activities, creating a perfect day out for all.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including:
- A sprawling pumpkin patch where you can pick your own perfect jack-o'-lantern
- A challenging corn maze to test your navigation skills
- Hayrides through the picturesque farmland
- Farm animal encounters
What makes this festival special is its blend of autumn activities and Halloween fun. It's an excellent opportunity to embrace the season's spirit while enjoying the crisp country air and beautiful rural scenery.
Where: Prairie Gardens Adventure Farm
Dates: September 30 - October 31, 2024
5. NorthwestFEARfest
For film buffs and horror aficionados, NorthwestFEARfest is the ultimate Halloween movie marathon. Held at the Metro Cinema, this festival showcases a mix of terrifying new fright flicks and classic shockers from the vault.
The Fear Fest is a perfect blend of old-school and contemporary horror, featuring exclusive Edmonton premieres of the year's most buzzworthy genre films.
What sets NorthwestFEARfest apart is its carefully curated selection of films, ranging from indie gems to cult classics. The festival atmosphere adds an extra layer of excitement, with fellow horror fans gathering to experience the scares together. It's an excellent opportunity to discover new favourites and revisit beloved frightening films on the big screen.
Where: Metro Cinema
Dates: October 16 - 22, 2024
6. Halloween Lates at Alberta Aviation Museum
This year, Alberta Aviation Museum is throwing its first Halloween event, and it promises to be a night (or two) to remember.
In previous years, the Alt After Dark Halloween Market has been a must-visit event - bringing together numerous vendors offering a wide array of Halloween-themed goods, from handcrafted decorations to unique costume accessories.
For 2024, the museum will be open until 9:00pm, for a spooktacular event that promises activities, scares, and fun for all ages.
Where: Alberta Aviation Museum
Dates: October 18 and 25, 2024
7. SCREAM - Boodang's Halloween Party
For those looking to dance the night away in their spooky best, SCREAM is the ultimate Halloween party. This massive event, hosted by Boodang, is Canada's longest-running Halloween dance party, attracting thousands of costumed revellers every year.
What makes Scream stand out is its scale and production value. Expect:
- World-class DJs and electronic music acts
- Stunning light shows and special effects
- Multiple stages to suit different music tastes
- A costume contest with impressive prizes
Scream is more than just a party; it's a spectacle that transforms the Edmonton Expo Centre into a Halloween wonderland. It's the perfect event for those who want to celebrate Halloween with music, dancing, and a crowd of fellow party-goers in elaborate costumes.
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre
Dates: October 28, 2024
8. Haunted Pub Tour
For those who enjoy a good scare with their drinks, Edmonton Ghost Tours presents the Haunted Pub Tour, a unique way to explore the city's spooky history.
This walking tour takes participants through Old Strathcona, stopping at various pubs along the way to hear tales of ghostly encounters and mysterious happenings.
What makes this tour special is its blend of local history, ghost stories, and socialising. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides insights into Edmonton's past while creating a fun, slightly spooky atmosphere. It's an excellent way for adults to celebrate Halloween while exploring the city's historic district.
Where: Various locations in Old Strathcona
Dates: Throughout October (check for specific dates)
Let Spin Genie Be Your Alberta Tour Guide
As well as being home to more than 600 lakes, Alberta’s also home to lots of hidden gems and must-visit spots alike. Immerse yourself in some best things the Energy Province has to offer with the Ask Genie blog:
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- The 7 Best Neighbourhoods In Calgary
- 28 of the Most Expensive Restaurants in Calgary, Canada
FAQs
Do I Need to Buy Tickets in Advance?
It's highly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance for most events, especially popular ones like Deadmonton and DARK. Some events may sell out quickly, particularly on weekends close to Halloween.
Are Costumes Allowed at these Events?
Most event encourage costumes. However, some haunted attractions may restrict masks or props for safety reasons. Always check the event's specific guidelines before attending in costume.
What if I'm looking for Less Scary Halloween Activities?
Events like Pumpkins After Dark and the Haunted Pumpkin Festival offer Halloween fun without intense scares, making them perfect for those who prefer a milder celebration.
Are there any Edmonton Halloween Events for Adults Only?
Yes! Events like the Haunted Pub Tour and Boodang's SCREAM party are designed specifically for adult audiences.
How Early Should I Start Planning My Halloween Activities in Edmonton?
Some popular events, like Deadmonton, begin at the end of September, so it's a good idea to start looking at what's on at the end of August with a view to planning in early September.
This means you can take advantage of early bird ticket prices and ensure availability for your preferred dates.
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