Photo above: North Saskatchewan River, County of Vermilion River, near Marwayne. Photo by Steve Ricketts
Crisp mornings, colourful leaves, and cozy adventures make October the perfect time for a road trip. Get lost in a corn maze, pick the perfect pumpkin, stock up on fresh garlic, or simply soak up the spectacular fall scenery. Grab your sweater, gather your crew, and hit the road—there’s plenty of autumn fun waiting around every corner!
Fall is the perfect excuse to explore our scenic highways. Choose your route and make a day (or weekend!) of it:
Highway 28 – Hit the greens and go golfing, explore provincial parks, enjoy lakeside adventures, or ride ATVs.
Highways 15 & 45 – Culture, nature reserves, and charming small-town stops await.
Highways 13 & 14 – Experience the Battle River Valley, shop, savour local flavours, and sip spirits along the way.
Highways 2 & 55 – Immerse yourself in Francophone culture in Legal. Visit the scenic river town of Athabasca, and then explore the Lac La Biche region.
Highway 16 – Shop, explore nature, and enjoy family fun from Strathcona County to Vegreville and beyond.
Hit the road for the most colourful time of year! Check our Itineraries and Roadtrips page for ideas or go to Trip Ideas for recent articles.
Celebrate Fall at Amazing Festivals
October is festival season, and you won’t want to miss these community favourites:
Smoky Lake Pumpkin Fair – October 2-3
The biggest pumpkin party in Alberta is back for its 36th year! The Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, the famous Pumpkin Drop, midway rides, show & shine, farmers’ markets and much more!
Click for Your Guide to the Smoky Lake Pumpkin Fair & Things to Do in the Region!
Electric Elton – October 3
This unforgettable stage production stars talented vocalist and pianist Sean Trombley, whose powerful and heartfelt performance captures the spirit of early Elton John in his 1970s prime.
Backed by a spectacular 100% live band, dazzling multimedia, colourful costumes and captivating dancers, this high-energy cast of performers transports you back in time and will have you moving, smiling and singing along to all of Elton John’s most iconic hits.
The Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre in Camrose has over 10 events to enjoy in October.
Wainwright Lazy Bison Music Fest – October 3 Get ready for an incredible music festival in Wainwright! Featuring tons of incredible artists, vendors, kids’ activities, and so much more!
Greenland Garden Centre Harvest Gathering – October 4 A fun event for the whole family! In support of ‘A Safe Place’ Women’s Shelter. Hayrides, the best corn on the cob, marshmallow roast, kid’s activities and more!
Provost Museum Pumpkin Feast – October 9 Enjoy a delicious feast at the Pumpkin Museum, with the theme of Pumpkins!
Andrew Garlic Festival – October 10
Pancake breakfast & perogy dinner, farmers market, kids’ activities, parade & beer gardens, live entertainment and plenty of garlic-themed goodies!
Shelley Jones & A Touch of Cole – October 16 Timeless Jazz & Soul is coming to Athabasca.
Bruderheim Oktoberfest – October 17
Celebrate German heritage with food, music, and community fun.
Newbrook Harvest Supper & Dance – October 24 Celebrate the end of harvest and Halloween with this fun, family event! Held at the Newbrook Community Centre, this event features prizes for best costume, dancing, and more!
Wholly Handmade – October 24-25
Support over 125 local artisans and crafters, all under one roof! Discover a wide variety of handmade goods, including home decor, jewelry, bath and body products, clothing and accessories, baby and children’s items, artwork, gourmet food, and more.
Cherry Lane Spooky Night – October 30 Join Cherry Lane for an intimate dinner experience filled with curiosity, conversation, and a touch of the unknown! An evening between worlds…every place holds a past, some stories are simply waiting to be told.
To see information on these and more October events visit our Events Calendar.
Get Lost in a Corn Maze
Corn mazes are a must for fall family fun!
Smoky Lake Corn Maze – Only $5/person with ages 5 and under free. A fun event to include with the Pumpkin Fair.
Maizex Corn Maze
Explore Alberta’s Dolly Parton Corn Maze to celebrate Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library. This popular corn maze is located between Kitscoty and Lloydminster and spans 8 acres.
Haunting Halloween Events
Prairie Gardens Adventure Farm
The Haunted Pumpkin Festival is a family-friendly Halloween celebration held every October featuring spooky-fun attractions designed to be playful rather than frightening. Guests can explore haunted pumpkin displays, wander through the ghost town, join guided Ghost Walks, visit the kid-friendly Haunted Farm House, and enjoy themed fall activities across the farm. The Haunted Pumpkin Festival adds gentle Halloween elements, haunted scenes, and seasonal pumpkin attractions throughout October.
Tickets need to be purchased online at www.prairiegardens.org
Métis Crossing Events
Sunday Brunch at Métis Crossing
Enjoy a rotating menu of locally inspired dishes, Métis flavours, and hearty brunch classics every Sunday.
Play – Where Did All the Buffalo Go?
The play brings the audience through 7 different times in Metis history. Guests will get to view a love story that connects multiple times in the past.
Deepen your understanding of Metis traditional arts, and crafts through their upcoming workshops. Register today! Click links below.
Traditional Métis Plant Harvesting Protocols Workshop
Date: October 10-11, 2026
Respectful, seasonal harvesting teachings, protocols when working with the plants, handling and storing methods, and some traditional uses will be explored.
Participants will be introduced to some basic methods in tea preparation, salve making, and more.
Beaded Poppy Workshop
Date: October 24-25, 2026
Hear stories about Métis veterans and the significance of the beaded poppy as a symbol of remembrance. Take a short walk with Elder Lilyrose to the Veterans’ Monument, a place of reflection and remembrance.
Then, explore traditional Métis arts by learning basic tufting, embroidery, and beading techniques, and create your own unique beaded poppy pin to take home as a personal symbol of remembrance.
To learn more about culture and history in Smoky Lake County, read our blog titled Where Culture Meets Adventure in Smoky Lake County.
There are also a variety of accommodations to suit your needs at Métis Crossing.
A special promotion is available for stays at Métis Crossing as a result of being featured in the Amazing Race Canada’s “Top Places to Visit” campaign. Use the code below.
Save 20% with code AMAZING
Enter the 2026 Photo Contest
Have you captured amazing fall colours, festivals, or roadtrip memories this year? Share them with us!
Deadline: Sunday, November 1, 2026 at midnight
Please enter HERE!
We can’t wait to see your best shots!
Did you play the Roadtrip Adventure game this year?
Keep an eye on your email and our social media channels – winners will be revealed very soon!
Need more Inspiration? We’ve got you covered!
- Follow us on Facebook where we’re sharing all the great winter activities and local shopping ideas every week!
- Did you know that we’re also on TikTok and Instagram too? Follow both accounts so you don’t miss anything!
- Check out our Videos – Be inspired to Go East of Edmonton
- Visit our Events Calendar to stay up to date on all the fun things to do in our region
