Fall Events

The end of August is nigh upon us and though Summer doesn't officially end until September 22nd, the imminence of a new school year and the back to work attitude that comes with it sure makes it feel like "vacation mode" is over.

But, the end of summer doesn't mean that life stops and there are certainly plenty of events going on that will be of interest and keep a person busy.In conjunction with the previous posts of Alberta events,  "Speaking Of Events, Here's A  Few In July" and "August Events", check out these Fall flavoured Alberta festivities.


How about a blend of art, science, engineering and technology, rolled together and called "Beakerhead"? This annual event takes place in Calgary on September 19th through 23rd and has tons of free events, installations and exhibits in which to attend in the  city's core.

photo courtesy of Beakerhead

Up, up and away, in my beautiful balloon! Head down to High River during the days of September 26th to 29th and catch the 2018 Heritage Inn Balloon Festival, where pilots from around the world compete for points earned through their navigational skills. Especially exhilarating is the "Glow Event", 8:00 on Friday Sept 28th, where pilots flame up their balloons like giant light bulbs.

photo courtesy of Heritage Inn Balloon Festival

Maybe you're less interested being outdoors and more interested in what people wear, so what about Western Canada Fashion Week in Edmonton, from September 26th to 29th. Various showcases of designers and those associated through fashion and beauty products, art and design, plus those in the media and production community.

photo courtesy of WCFW

Get back outdoors and do a nice hike! Depending on the weather, it can be mid to late September and early October when the rich golden yellow colour appears in Larch Valley, as the unusual Alpine Larch gets set to lose its' needles. But, be aware, this is an extremely popular hike at this time of year and pandemonium ensues, as there is one road in and out, and a very small parking lot at the Moraine Lake area where the trailhead begins. Plus, it is bear country and frequent sigthings mean hikers are required to be in groups of 6, so bring some friends or be prepared to hang out until you can get a group of fellow outdoor enthusiasts together.

photo courtesy of Town of Banff 

Not only is there a Jasper Dark Sky Preserve, designed to eliminate light pollution under the guidance of the Royal Astonomical Society, but  they also have a special celebration of the darkness when they host the Jasper Dark Sky Festival  on Oct 12th - 21st. There's talks, with guest speakers ranging from astronauts to astrophysicists, and some music to hep you star gaze. best bring some wool socks and a warm blanket to keep you snugly as you lounge in your reclining lawn chair!

If you can't make it all the way up to the dark of Jasper, there's plenty going on at the Banff Mountain Film And Book Festival . This event has everything from photography workshops to arts and craft sales, plus plenty of  book programs and storytelling during the week of Oct 27 - Nov 4.

photo courtesy of The Banf Book and Film Festival