Things to Do in Drayton Valley This October: Fall Events, Outdoor Adventures & Halloween Fun
October might just be one of the best months to explore the Drayton Valley and Brazeau County region.
The leaves are changing, the trails are quieter, hockey is back, local stages are busy and, as Halloween approaches, there are plenty of reasons to get out of the house.
Whether your perfect October weekend involves a trail ride, a farmers market, live music, hockey or something a little spooky, there’s lots happening close to home this month.
Get Outside While the Fall Colours Last
Don’t put away the outdoor gear just yet.
October can offer some of the best days of the year to explore Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area. Cooler temperatures and changing leaves make it a beautiful time to hike, ride and explore the river valley.
If four wheels are more your speed, the Brazeau ATV Club trail system offers approximately 75 kilometres of maintained trails through the North Saskatchewan River valley.
Horseback riders can also take advantage of the Pembina Riverside Trails, built and maintained by the Drayton Valley Horse Club. With approximately 80 kilometres of trails and dedicated equestrian staging areas, there is plenty of country to explore before winter arrives.
Pack some layers, check trail conditions and make the most of those crisp October days.
October 2 — Start the Month at the Harvest Market
Nothing says fall quite like a market.
The Harvest Market on October 2 is a great opportunity to browse local vendors, pick up something special and support the people producing and creating right here in our region.
And don’t forget about our local farmers markets throughout the season. A market stop, a coffee and a drive through the river valley might be the perfect way to spend a slower October afternoon.
October 2 — The Heels at EPAC
After the Harvest Market, make a full day of it and head downtown for some live music.
The Heels take the stage at the Eleanor Pickup Arts Centre on October 2 at 7:30 p.m.
The Canadian country trio has been making waves well beyond Canada, earning Country Group of the Year honours and bringing their energetic live show to audiences across North America.
It’s a pretty great way to kick off October, shop local during the day and catch live music close to home that evening.
Hockey Season Is Back
Fall also means the return of hockey nights in Drayton Valley.
The Drayton Valley Thunder have several home games throughout October, giving you plenty of chances to grab some friends or bring the kids and spend an evening at the rink.
October home dates currently include:
October 3, 10, 11, 24, 25 and 30.
Throw on your Thunder colours, grab something from the concession and enjoy one of those classic small-town hockey nights.
October 17 — Mudmen at the Max
Looking for something a little louder?
Canadian Celtic rock band Mudmen hits the Max Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, October 17.
Known for combining bagpipes with rock music and plenty of personality, Mudmen have performed thousands of shows over their career.
Wear some plaid and get ready for a very different kind of Saturday night in Drayton Valley.
October 22 — The Forbidden Forest Pumpkin Walk
Then things start getting spooky.
The Forbidden Forest Pumpkin Walk returns October 22 at the Pembina Nordic Trails, and this year we’re making a whole evening of it.
Walk through the forest as the trails come alive with glowing carved pumpkins, lanterns and fall displays.
This year’s event will also feature food trucks, live entertainment, games and activities for the kids, giving families lots to do before and after they hit the trail.
Come hungry, grab supper, enjoy the entertainment and spend an evening outdoors with us.
Admission is FREE, and thanks to our generous sponsors, we’re also offering FREE shuttle service from designated parking locations to make getting to the event easier.
Come for supper. Stay for the music. Walk the Forbidden Forest. Make a night of it!
October 22–24 — Can-Vac Haunted House
If Pumpkin Walk isn’t quite scary enough for you, you’re in luck.
The Can-Vac Haunted House returns October 22–24, and if you’ve never been — put this one on your October list.
This isn’t just a few decorations and someone jumping out from behind a curtain. Can-Vac has developed a reputation locally for putting together an awesome haunted-house experience, and it has become one of those events people look forward to when Halloween rolls around.
Pair it with Pumpkin Walk weekend and you can go from family-friendly glowing pumpkins to something considerably spookier!
October 31 — Nightmare in the Valley
And finally, we’re sending October out properly.
Nightmare in the Valley takes over Halloween night on October 31, giving the grown-ups a chance to get dressed up and join the Halloween fun too.
After a month of markets, trails, pumpkins, haunted houses, live music and hockey, it feels like a fitting way to close out October.
Build Your Own Fall Adventure
Not every October outing needs an event attached to it.
Pick a sunny afternoon and simply explore.
Take a hike through Eagle Point Provincial Park. Head out on the ATV trails. Saddle up for a horseback ride. Pack a thermos and find somewhere along the North Saskatchewan River to watch the leaves fall.
October is a short season in Alberta. Some years we get weeks of beautiful fall weather; other years winter arrives before we’ve quite finished with autumn.
Take advantage of it while it’s here.
Make October a Local Adventure
You don’t have to travel far to find something worth doing this fall.
Spend a Saturday exploring the trails. Visit a market. Catch a Thunder game. Buy tickets to a local performance. Brave a haunted house. Bring the kids to Pumpkin Walk.
And while you’re out, stop somewhere local for lunch, fill up your vehicle here, grab a coffee and turn a single event into a day exploring the region.
October doesn’t have to mean the end of adventure season.
Around Eagle Point–Blue Rapids, Drayton Valley and Brazeau County, there’s still plenty of fall left to explore.
