15 Live Music Shows Worth Getting Tickets for in Edmonton This October
October is one of the best months of the year to catch live music in Edmonton. The patios may be closed for the season, but the city's venues are just getting warmed up, with touring headliners, hometown favourites, tribute nights, and a few Halloween-themed surprises filling up the calendar.
From a night of Tragically Hip covers for a cause to candlelit string quartets and late-night dance parties, here are 15 live music shows worth getting tickets for in Edmonton this October.
1. Featured: GEDfest Edmonton 2026
Raise a glass to Gord Downie at GEDfest Edmonton, a night of live Tragically Hip music that gives back. Radio Tragedy opens the show, and Hipnautical headlines at Pawn Shop in Strathcona. Now in its 9th year, GEDfest has donated $732,000 to cancer charities since 2018, and this year it's hosting 12 events across North America, with every city playing its part in honouring the music and legacy of The Hip. Sing along to the songs that feel like home, and help support cancer care right here in our community. Can't make it? You can also make a direct donation to the Ben Stelter Foundation through the GEDfest site. October 17. Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Gedfest
2. Default: "The Fallout" 25th Anniversary Tour
Relive the early 2000s rock radio days as Default celebrates 25 years of The Fallout at Midway Music Hall. If "Wasting My Time" was on your burned CDs back in the day, this is your night. This one's 18+. October 1 at 7 p.m.
3. Electric Elton
Sing your heart out to Elton John's greatest hits at the Winspear Centre. A 100% live band, colourful costumes, dancers, and dazzling multimedia bring the Rocket Man's most iconic songs to the stage in this high-energy tribute. October 1 at 7 p.m.
4. Candlelight Concerts
Candlelight concerts are one of the most magical ways to experience music you already love. A string quartet performs your favourite songs surrounded by the warm glow of candles. This month's lineup includes the Best of Hans Zimmer and a Tribute to ABBA (October 2) and tributes to Fleetwood Mac and Queen and The Beatles (October 9) at the Triffo Theatre. Halloween Classics (October 30) takes over McDougall United Church just in time for spooky season. October 2, 9, and 30.
5. oskar med k
Dance the night away with Norwegian house producer oskar med k, the breakout act behind "Make Me Feel." He's bringing his feel-good grooves to Midway Music Hall for a late-night set that runs into the early hours. October 3 at 9 p.m.
6. MICO: Running From A Feeling Tour
Filipino-Canadian alt-pop artist MICO brings his Running From A Feeling Tour to Midway Music Hall in support of his debut album, When the lights turn on. Catch this rising artist in an intimate room before he's playing much bigger ones. October 6 at 7:30 p.m.
7. How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Concert
Watch How to Train Your Dragon 2 on the big screen while a full symphony orchestra performs John Powell's soaring score live at the Jubilee Auditorium. It's a great way to introduce kids to the orchestra, and the matinee makes it easy to bring the whole family. October 9 at 7:30 p.m. and October 10 at 2 p.m.
8. The Story of Nirvana with El Niven
Relive the rise of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana in this live tribute production at Festival Place in Sherwood Park. Live music, storytelling, and multimedia take you from the band's early days to the grunge anthems that defined a generation. October 9 at 7:30 p.m.
9. Ray Volpe: Volpetron Eternal Tour
Bass heads, this one's for you. Dubstep DJ Ray Volpe, the producer behind "Laserbeam" and "See You Drop," brings his Volpetron Eternal Tour to Midway Music Hall for a heavy late-night set. This one's 18+. October 9 at 9 p.m.
10. Women of Song: A Celebration of Singer-Songwriters
Four female-led Alberta acts share the stage at St. Albert's Arden Theatre for this celebration of homegrown singer-songwriters. The lineup spans indie-pop, country, folk-jazz, and pop-punk, making it a great way to discover your next favourite local artist. October 10 at 7 p.m.
11. Paul Cauthen
Known as the "Big Velvet" of outlaw country, Paul Cauthen brings his rich baritone and swaggering Texas sound to Midway Music Hall. Put on your best boots for this one. October 16 at 7 p.m.
12. Moontricks
BC electro-folk duo Moontricks blend banjo, acoustic guitar, and soulful vocals with deep electronic beats for a sound that's equal parts campfire and dance floor. Catch them at Midway Music Hall. October 17 at 7 p.m.
13. Owen Riegling: In The Feeling Tour
Canadian country breakout Owen Riegling brings his In The Feeling Tour to Midway Music Hall. If you've had his songs on repeat, this is your chance to hear them live in a room that still feels intimate. October 24 at 7 p.m.
14. Jed and the Valentine: "Scavenger's Instinct" Album Release
Support local music and celebrate with Edmonton's Jed and the Valentine as they release their third album, Scavenger's Instinct, at the Myer Horowitz Theatre. Album release shows are always special, and this one promises to be a night to remember. October 25 at 7 p.m.
15. Youthmade x Symposia Halloween Bash
Close out spooky season with a costume party at Midway Music Hall, as Youthmade and Symposia team up for a night of DJs and dancing. Dust off your best costume and dance your way into November. October 31 at 9:30 p.m.
