Students looking to celebrate Halloween this weekend have an array of options including costume parties, haunted attractions and bar crawls both on campus and throughout Calgary.
On campus
For those interested in a more relaxed Halloween experience, the Office of Signature Learning Experiences will be hosting a Halloween Art & Chill event on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in SB 101.
For a friendly competition, students can also participate in a spooky marshmallow tower challenge from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday at the Life Design Hub in MSC 171.
For students who are looking for a more lively crowd, the Students' Union (SU) is bringing Halloween spirit to the Den on Thursday with a party starting at 5 p.m. until close. Admission is free and costumes are highly encouraged.
The Halloween fun continues on Friday, Oct. 30 at the Centre for Career and Personal Development, inviting students to unwind at a Halloween Mocktail Hour from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Life Design Hub in MSC 171.
On Saturday, Oct. 31 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. International Student Services and the Graduate Students’ Association will host a Halloween Crafts and Costume Night at the International Student Services in MSC 275, featuring face painting, crafts and games.
In the city
For thrill seekers, Screamfest runs Oct. 9 to 31 at GMC Stadium, with activities starting at 7 p.m. Some of its activities include haunted houses, rides and carnival games.
The Plaza Theatre will be screening The Rocky Horror Picture Show each day between Oct. 22 to 31, with the final showtimes on Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The Confluence will host its Boos and Brew event on Friday, Oct. 30 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for guests 18 and older, featuring stories about crime and hauntings. On Saturday, the venue will host a family-friendly event offering crafts, games and trick-or-treating.
For those seeking a night out on the town, the Whiskey Rose Saloon on 17 Avenue S.W. will host costume night on Friday, Oct. 30 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m and Saturday, Oct. 31 from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. The event will feature live music and DJs, and tickets are required. For a free option, Hudson's Calgary Downtown will host a Halloween party on Saturday from 10 p.m to 2 a.m. Costumes are encouraged.
Students looking to visit multiple venues can join Haunted Hops Halloween bar crawls on Friday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31. The 18-plus event offers access to participating bars across downtown Calgary, including GRETA Bar YYC, Bottlescrew Bill's Pub, Eve Lounge, Velvet Room, Rumur and Social Beer Haus.
Other options include Halloween parties at Gallery Calgary Nightclub, Commonwealth Bar & Stage, National on 10th and CRAFT.
Staying safe
Students can use Safewalk, a free 24-hours escort service on the university’s main campus. To request an escort, call Campus Security at 403-220-5333, use campus Help Phones or approach an on-duty Campus Security member.
Off campus, Calgary's Partners for Safety program helps keep children and families safe on Halloween and community fire stations will be open as safe places to seek help. In an emergency, call 911.
Wear reflective clothing, avoid costumes that restrict vision or movement, stay with friends and keep track of your drink.
From bar crawls to costume parties, Calgary has plenty going on this Halloween. Planning a route home in advance, checking transit schedules or arranging rides can help people get home safely.
