Top 3 Things to Do in Calgary This Fall 2025

Fall in Calgary is that magical in-between season — where crisp mornings, golden leaves, and cozy layers meet the city’s signature energy. Before the snow settles in, Calgarians get a short but beautiful window to soak up the season. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate autumn 2025, we’ve rounded up three of the best things to do in the city this fall.

Whether you’re craving a family outing, a creative spark for your home, or just an excuse to get outside, these events and experiences will make this fall in Calgary unforgettable.

1. Get Inspired at the Calgary Fall Home Show

Dates: September 26–28, 2025
Location: BMO Centre, Stampede Park

If your Pinterest boards are full of renovation ideas, the Calgary Fall Home Show is your chance to bring them to life. This annual event brings together more than 200 exhibitors showcasing everything from cutting-edge design trends to practical home improvement solutions.

Wander through displays of kitchens, landscaping, and décor, chat with local contractors, or sit in on workshops where experts share how to refresh your home before the colder months. It’s the perfect event to gather inspiration for that project you’ve been putting off — whether it’s finally tackling a bathroom reno, updating your kitchen, or finding smart storage solutions for winter gear.

Insider tip: Go early in the day to avoid the busiest crowds. Bring a notebook or use your phone to snap photos of booths you want to revisit. Many exhibitors offer show-only discounts, so be prepared to act quickly if you see something you love.

2. Experience the Magic of the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival

Dates: September 24–28, 2025
Location: High River (just south of Calgary)

Technically just outside the city, the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival is worth the short drive to High River. There’s nothing quite like watching dozens of hot air balloons lift off at sunrise, drifting slowly across the Alberta sky. The colors, the spectacle, the sheer sense of wonder — it’s the stuff fall memories are made of.

The festival also includes a balloon glow event in the evenings, where the balloons stay grounded but light up in a choreographed display. Pair that with live entertainment, local food vendors, and the warm atmosphere of the small town of High River, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable fall outing.

Insider tip: Morning launches are usually scheduled around 7 a.m. Dress in layers — it’s chilly before the sun rises, but warms quickly. Bring your camera; the photos practically take themselves.

3. Chase the Colours on Calgary’s Fall Trails

You don’t have to leave the city to experience stunning fall colours. Calgary’s parks and pathways transform into golden wonderlands each September and October, making it the perfect time to lace up your walking shoes and hit the trails.

• Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America, with winding trails, bridges, and plenty of quiet corners to enjoy the changing leaves.
• The Douglas Fir Trail in Edworthy Park feels like stepping into another world, with towering trees and a canopy that glows in the autumn light.
• Prince’s Island Park in the heart of downtown offers a mix of city and nature. Take a stroll along the Bow River Pathway and then reward yourself with a coffee from one of Eau Claire’s nearby cafés.

These spots are perfect for leisurely walks, family outings, or even solo moments of reflection. The colours don’t last long in Calgary, so seize the chance to get out before the leaves drop.

Insider tip: Mid to late September is usually peak foliage time, though it can shift depending on weather. Go in the late afternoon for the best light if you’re snapping photos.

Why Fall in Calgary is Worth Celebrating

Autumn here might be fleeting, but that’s what makes it so special. It’s a season that encourages us to slow down, cozy up, and appreciate both the city’s vibrancy and nature’s beauty. Whether you’re gathering renovation ideas at the Home Show, standing in awe beneath hot air balloons, or crunching leaves underfoot in your neighbourhood park, fall in Calgary offers something for everyone.

As the days get shorter and the mornings get colder, these experiences remind us to make the most of the season — to create memories before winter sweeps in.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the best things to do in Calgary this fall, you don’t need to look far. From design inspiration to breathtaking spectacles in the sky, and the simple joy of golden leaves along the Bow River, the city offers countless ways to connect, explore, and celebrate.

So grab your scarf, charge your phone for photos, and dive into the season. Calgary in the fall is short — but oh, is it sweet.