Halloween is now officially just one week away, but since October 31 happens to land on a Monday this year, there’s a good chance Calgarians will be looking to celebrate on whichever day is most convenient.
Thankfully there will be several venues in Calgary hosting Halloween-themed events throughout the week leading up to Halloween. From a bougie Halloween bash at Craft Beer Market to a murder mystery dinner at the historic Lougheed House, to a full-blown Halloween party hosted by some of Calgary’s most-loved drag queens, here are seven Halloween events to check out in Calgary this week.
Junk n’ Juice at Vine Arts (October 28)
We are firm believers that Halloween is an all-ages affair, but it can be hard to find fun food and drink events that appeal to those of us who are past our prime partying days. Enter Vine Arts' Junk n' Juice.
On October 28 Vine Arts will be serving up classic Halloween junk food alongside a selection of tasty and sometimes unconventional wine pairings. Can’t wait until October 28? Check out this article from Eat North resident sommelier Brit Hart to give yourself a few days’ head start.
Murder Mystery Dinner at Lougheed House (October 28)
If you’re looking for fun food-related Halloween activities that are a fit for the whole family, look no further than The Restaurant at Lougheed House’s Murder Mystery Dinner.
Guests of the all-ages event will have a choice between three different three-course dinners to enjoy while taking part in the interactive Spell for Slaughter murder mystery dinner. Lougheed House will also be hosting a slew of Halloween-themed events throughout the week, including a Halloween afternoon tea service on October 29.
Bad and Boo-Jee Halloween Bash at Craft Beer Market (October 29)
Now, if you are looking to party on Halloween weekend, Craft Beer Market should be at the top of your list. The ever-popular downtown destination is holding a Halloween bash with a live DJ, a best costume contest, and $5 Jack-o’-Lemon shots.
Door tickets are expected to be available based on capacity, but we recommend getting advance tickets to secure guaranteed entry before 9 p.m.
Hollywood Halloween at Central Taps (October 29)
While Craft is arguably the place to go if you want to get bougie, Central Taps and Food's Halloween event is for all the retro-lovers who want to get glitzy with the glamour of Old Hollywood. Central will also be featuring a late-night DJ as well as a Hollywood "legend" costume contest with a $150 prize for first place.
Spooktacular Beerfest at Market Wines (October 29)
If you're looking for a similar experience to what Vine Arts is offering but you're more of a beer-drinker, Market Wines’ popular Spooktacular Beerfest is making a return this Halloween with a wide variety of locally-brewed beer from breweries around Alberta and beyond. Tickets are priced at $49 per person and are already more than 50 per cent sold out, so we recommend getting yours while you still can.
Palliser Awakens at Fairmont Palliser (October 30)
Fairmont Palliser is hosting a free-to-attend Halloween party featuring funk and soul band Freak Motif and guests The Rondel Roberts Band. In addition to a fun night of music and dancing in both the hotel lobby and Hawthorn Bar, guests will also have an opportunity to have their tarot cards read, with proceeds going to Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society. .
Drag me to Hell at Cowboys (October 31)
It wouldn’t be an Eat North roundup without at least one fun drag event to check out! Cowboys Dance Hall is hosting a full week’s worth of Halloween-themed events, but the final event of the bunch is the one we have our eyes on.
In addition to what’s sure to be a lively performance by local drag favourites Farrah Nuff, Carley’s Angels, and more, Cowboys' Drag Me To Hell party will also feature a costume contest with a whopping $500 grand prize.
