12 Absolutely Free Things to Do in Edmonton This October
October in Edmonton sneaks up on you. One minute it's the last patio night of the year, the next you're scraping frost off the windshield. Before we all go into hibernation mode, there's plenty happening this month, and a surprising amount of it is free.
Between grocery bills and Oilers tickets, the fun budget gets stretched thin by fall. So we've rounded up 12 of our favourite free things to do in October, from comedy nights and gallery visits to stargazing and rodeo-weekend pancakes. Bookmark it, share it with the group chat, and make the most of fall before the snow shows up to stay.
Here's what's on in Edmonton in October - that’s absolutely Free
Featured: Community Pancake Breakfast at the Edmonton Inn | Saturday, October 10
Kick off Canadian Finals Rodeo weekend with free pancakes, live music, a petting zoo and glitter tattoos at the Edmonton Inn from 8 to 11 a.m. Heading to the rodeo? Park here and catch the free 10:30 a.m. shuttle to the matinée at Rogers Place (seats are limited).
Mural Unveiling: Black Tortoise of the North | Saturday, October 3
Artist Busyrawk unveils the third mural in his Four Guardians of Chinatown series at okimaw peyesew kamik (King Thunderbird Centre). This one explores grief and long life, and makes a great excuse to track down the White Tiger and Azure Dragon murals nearby.
Free Rough Cut Comedy Night | Mondays in October
Free stand-up from local and touring comics in the room beneath the Starlite downtown, with a lineup that changes every week. The show runs 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., so get there early if you want a seat.
Book Club at Magpie Books | [Date]
Talk books with fellow readers at Ritchie's worker-run indie bookstore, recently named one of the world's favourite bookshops by readers of The Economist. It's an easy way to add some accountability to your fall reading list.
Free Admission at the Art Gallery of Alberta | Thursday, October 29
The AGA is free from 4 to 7 p.m. on the last Thursday of every month. Wander the galleries after work, then grab a drink nearby with the $17 you saved.
Free Open House and Swim at Londonderry Leisure Centre | Sunday, October 4
Drop in from 2 to 4 p.m. for a free swim, facility tours, program demos, giveaways and crafts. It's a no-pressure way to check out a membership before you commit.
Open Mic Comedy at the Grindstone Theatre | Wednesdays in October
Up to 20 comics get five minutes each at this free weekly open mic, from nervous first-timers to pros testing new material. Some sets kill and some bomb, and that's half the fun; the show runs 10 p.m. to midnight, with no tickets needed.
Pay What You Can: Oh, Anne! at the Roxy | Wednesdays, October 7 & 14
Catch this fiddle-filled, East Coast take on Anne of Green Gables for $2 to $10, with four performers playing every role. The run wraps October 18, so these are your last discounted nights.
Night Sky Viewing at the U of A Observatory | Thursdays in October
Drop in from 8 to 9 p.m. to peer at stars, planets and nebulae through the telescopes at CCIS on main campus. It's free and requires no tickets, but save it for a clear night.
Galactic Atmosphere at Churchill Square | October 16–25
Giant glowing planets take over Churchill Square in this free, space-themed light installation. Bundle up, grab a hot drink and wander through; it's made for photos.
CFR Backroads Series ft. The Orvald Wayne Show | Friday, October 9
Rising Alberta country act The Orvald Wayne Show headlines this free Canadian Finals Rodeo show at 99ten, with Brett Cassidy and, Zach Moostoos. Grab your boots and catch the rodeo spirit, no ticket required.
Audreys Book Club | Monday, October 26
Edmonton's oldest indie bookstore hosts a free monthly book club at 7 p.m. at its Jasper Avenue shop, with picks spanning fiction and non-fiction from staff favourites. It's a great way to spend a Monday night and meet people with interesting taste in books.
Find the best things to do in Edmonton on the event calendar at www.edmonton.events Calendar.
