Screamfest is taking over Calgary this October, and if you enjoy voluntarily putting yourself through terrifying situations, this might just be the perfect event for you.
The Halloween experience will have seven haunted houses, games, and carnival rides, including a massive slingshot. It’s all taking place at the GMC Stadium at Stampede Park, with different activities to check out throughout the night.
Wondering what’s waiting for you when you step through the doors? Let’s take a look.
What to expect at Screamfest 2026
What is Screamfest?
Organizers describe Screamfest as Canada’s “largest and scariest” Halloween event, featuring haunted houses, Halloween-themed carnival games, and creepy entertainment.
When is Screamfest?
Screamfest runs from 7 p.m. to midnight on select nights throughout October.
Here’s a look at the 2026 dates:
- Friday, Oct. 9, 2026
- Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
- Friday, Oct. 16, 2026
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
- Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 (Adults Only Night)
- Friday, Oct. 23, 2026
- Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
- Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026
- Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026
- Friday, Oct. 30, 2026
- Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
What can I see and do while I’m there?
Screamfest has seven haunted houses to wander through, each with a completely different theme. Here’s what you can find inside each one:
- The Dollhouse
- This one takes you into a world of creepy dolls and things that aren’t as cute as they look. Expect plenty of eerie details and surprises around the corners.
- Slaughterhouse
- The name pretty much gives you a good idea of what to expect. Inside, you’ll find a dark meat locker filled with hooks, blood and scenes that get more disturbing the further you make your way through.
- The Clinic
- Things have gone very wrong in this post-apocalyptic medical facility. You’ll move through a surgery ward and encounter the people and scenes that were left behind.
- Bates Motel
- Based in the classic Psycho setting, Bates Motel takes you inside the world of Norman Bates. The attraction recreates the infamous motel, where you’ll encounter scenes inspired by the original film.
- Afraid of the Dark
- Your vision won’t be much help here. The haunted house takes place in complete darkness; you’ll have to rely on your other senses to figure out what’s happening around you.
- Clown Town
- At first, the clowns in this house might seem friendly enough. But that changes once you start exploring what’s happening behind the scenes, including a basement that’s far less welcoming than it should be.
- Zombie Outbreak
- The most intense event of the night is the Zombie Outbreak. This is the only ScreamFest haunt where actors can grab, pull, and chase you. Entry requires a signed waiver.
What else can I do while I’m there?
Alongside the haunted houses, Screamfest has rides, movies, carnival games, snacks, and an extreme zombie attraction to check out.
A slingshot will be set up to send riders more than 200 feet in the air at speeds over 160 kilometres per hour. And Area 51 Monster Trucks will also be at the event, where you can ride in a monster truck through a dark course.
Over at the Midway of Mayhem, you can play carnival games like tossing a severed head into a monster’s mouth or playing Wheel of Misfortune for a chance to win a prize.
If you want a break from the jump scares, the Screaming Room will be playing horror, Halloween, sci-fi, and fantasy films throughout the night.
Is Screamfest family-friendly?
Screamfest is open to all ages, but the event is rated PG-13 and recommended for guests 12 and older. According to Screamfest, the haunted houses are designed to scare adults, so younger kids may find some of the attractions too intense.
Can I dress up?
Costumes are more than welcome at Screamfest, but they’re not required. If you do decide to dress up, keep in mind that masks are not permitted for safety reasons, and props including daggers, knives, axes, swords, and guns are not allowed.
What is happening on Adults Night?
Adults Night will take place on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026. The event is restricted to guests 18 and older. Alongside the regular Screamfest attractions, the night will include cocktails and an after-dark film festival.
According to Screamfest, everyone attending must show government-issued photo ID at the box office to enter.
How much are tickets?
Screamfest has five ticket options, with starting prices that vary by date and availability. General Admission starts at $35.40 and includes one entrance to all of the standard haunted houses. The Killer Cash Combo starts at $44.96 and includes the same haunted house admission plus $16 in Killer Cash, which you can use for games and entertainment.
If you want to skip the regular lines, the SpeedPass starts at $55.42 and includes admission to the haunted houses, two additional entries of your choice, $16 in Killer Cash and VIP front-of-line service. The SpeedPass Plus Zombie House starts at $64.97 and includes all SpeedPass perks, plus admission to Zombie Outbreak.
Screamfest recommends buying tickets online in advance since the event has limited capacity. Tickets are also available at the door, but you may have to wait to get in on a busy night.
Tickets are date-specific, and you can exchange them for another available date through the ticketing system, but all ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
Where is Screamfest?
Screamfest takes place at GMC Stadium at Stampede Park. The event is partially outdoors, including the haunted houses, so dress for the October weather.
Parking is available at Stampede Park for $15, and if you’re taking public transit, Erlton/Stampede CTrain Station is nearby and within walking distance of the stadium.
So, can you handle seven haunted houses and a 160 km/hr slingshot ride? There’s only one way to find out!
When: Friday, Oct. 9 to Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
Time: 7 p.m. to midnight
Where: GMC Stadium — 2200 Stampede Trl. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: General Admission starts at $35.40; Killer Cash Combo starts at $44.94; SpeedPass starts at $55.43; General Admission plus Zombie House starts at $44.94; SpeedPass plus Zombie House starts at $64.97
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Kaiya Williams
Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.
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