What to Do in October
Fall has always felt like a pause button to me — it’s a chance to slow down and take your time, and all of a sudden you have time because the business of summer is over. Some people like to treat Spring as the chance to refresh a space and clean the house, but that is Fall for me. After the bright, bustling energy of summer, October steps in with its soft light, longer evenings, and it provides some much needed down time from the business of August (and our wedding). It’s the perfect month for slowing down, layering up, and soaking in all the small comforts.
One of the most beautiful things about October is the way the pace of life seems to naturally slow. The days grow shorter, and the evenings invite us to spend more time indoors. It encourages candles (or candle warmers), and changing our Hue Lights to warm lighting (lets be honest it’s always a golden glow in our house). Instead of resisting the early darkness, I like to welcome it with cozy little rituals: lighting a candle before dinner, putting on a playlist of instrumental jazz music, and carving out time to read or paint with watercolours in my colouring book.
There’s something about October mornings that feel especially still. I’ve been trying to make a habit of morning walks, even if it’s just around the block with a warm drink in hand. Or a full 1 hour power walk to enjoy the last bit of warmth. The crisp air is refreshing, and the way the light hits the trees makes even a short stroll feel restorative.
After a summer of movement and activity, October gives us permission to slow down. It’s a time to savor the small things: a favorite book, a long dinner with candles on the table, or a quiet evening curled up under a blanket. If you’re craving getting out of the house (us right here), here are a few local things to do around Calgary, Alberta.
Things to Do in Calgary, Alberta this Month
Calgary Tattoo & Arts Festival: October 17–19, 2025 at the BMO Centre — 650+ artists, live tattooing, exhibits & contests
albertatattooshows.com
Symphonic Seas — Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra: October 18, 2025, 7:30 PM at Jack Singer Concert Hall (Arts Commons)
calgaryphil.com
Saturday, October 25, 2025 — 5 km, 10 km, and kids’ race; pet-friendly; dress up in costumes if you want
Heritage Park “Ghost Tours” & Haunted Events
On select evenings in October at Heritage Park — spooky guided walks, legends, and ghost stories. They have Ghosts and Gourmet dinner events, they have kid friendly visits and then on October 31st they are running the coolest program with a Last-Man-Standing survival game.
Early October — horse competitions plus food and atmosphere in the indoor Equi-Plex
Catch the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome on several dates this month
On October 10th is a Calvary (Soccer) Game, I haven’t been to one yet but I think this would be so fun!
Harvest Pumpkin Fest & Fall Farm Activities
Butterfield Acres runs October 4–26 with pumpkin picking, farm rides, photo spots, animals, etc.
Calgary Farmyard has similar programming, and the first couple weekends have a pumpkin patch running too. Its a great family year round space, and they also have an adults only night on October 9th.
All through October into early November — multiple haunted attractions around the city
Refreshing my Wardrobe
October is hands down my favorite month for style. It’s that sweet spot where you can layer without needing to bundle up completely. Wool, suede, and denim are the heroes of my closet right now — I love mixing those textures for that cozy-yet-polished autumn feel.
I tend to buy in two seasons most, and its Fall and Spring to prepare myself for the months afterward. This month I went out and stocked up on a couple of things before the colder season. My favourite picks are: Brown Tall Boots, Oversized Brown Felt Coat, Non-Black Sweaters, Knit Skirts (which is now my whole personality), and a restock on my basics at Abercrombie.
Sometimes when I get sick of my closet (other than buying new items), I curate a mini monthly capsule wardrobe from my existing closet, which allows me to shop my own closet a bit more intentionally and saves certain pieces for other months. Choose a few staples — a warm knit sweater, dark denim, a cozy coat, boots, and a versatile scarf — then mix and match. Having a small set of go-to pieces keeps mornings simple but stylish, and it also makes the season feel a little more intentional. Right now, I’m organizing my closet into my October wardrobe, workout clothes, work clothes and then everything else.
Cozy Home Moments
Just as we refresh our wardrobes, October feels like the right time to refresh our homes. I’m not talking about a complete overhaul, just those simple little changes that make everything feel warmer and more inviting.
Pumpkins (real or decorative) instantly set the tone, as do warm-toned candles, dried floral arrangements, or textured throws draped over the sofa. Even small swaps make a difference — changing out a few cushion covers for earthier shades, adding a woven basket, or layering a new rug.
I’ve also been loving the idea of creating a “cozy corner” in the home — a little nook on my couch, with a cozy blanket, and soft light where you can retreat with a book or journal. It doesn’t take much to set the mood: a small side table, a mug of tea, maybe even a candle burning nearby.
And for dinners, I think October is the perfect month to start embracing candlelight. A simple table with candles, maybe some small gourds or branches down the middle, makes even weeknight meals feel a little special.
Creative & Personal Growth
October always sparks my creativity in unexpected ways. Maybe it’s the shifting light, maybe it’s the quiet that comes with cooler weather, but something about this month makes me want to write, explore, and try new things. I bought a watercolour painting book of Paris spaces, and I can either use pencil crayons or watercolour, and I love the medium and the layering involved.
October is also a great month to make a little seasonal bucket list. Mine usually includes visiting a pumpkin patch, hunting for unique finds at a thrift store, and taking long walks with my camera to capture the fall colors. I have about 20 frames still left on our wedding instant film cameras, and I need to get through them so I can see the shots! None of these are big, extravagant plans — they’re small, doable activities that make the season feel memorable, but still slow.
And then there’s the creative inspiration that comes from simply noticing. The way golden-hour light filters through trees, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the coziness of a coffee shop on a chilly afternoon. I love to romanticize the season, and Fall is the most romantic for me,
Mindset & Seasonal Energy
One mindset shift I’ve been focusing on is gratitude. The year’s not over yet, but it’s far enough along to pause and look back at what’s unfolded. What moments stand out? What challenges have I moved through? Gratitude in October feels different than it does in November — it’s less about the holiday tradition and more about privately acknowledging the small wins, the quiet joys, and the growth that’s happened.
The cooler weather also brings an invitation to rest. There’s no guilt in slowing down, in saying no to plans, in spending a Saturday morning reading or cooking instead of rushing from one thing to the next. If summer is about expansion and energy, October is about turning inward. It’s a gentle reminder that we don’t need to be “on” all the time.
October, to me, is about balance. It’s a month of cozy rituals and thoughtful refreshes, of creative sparks and gentle reflection. It’s not about doing everything — it’s about choosing the small, intentional things that make life feel a little softer, a little warmer, a little more meaningful.
Love, M