Do you like screaming? No, not the screaming you do on amusement park rides..
Imagine that it’s pitch black all around you and all your senses begin to deteriorate, or that you’re being chased by gross zombies who want to eat your “delicious” brain. Or that you’re surrounded by hundreds of possessed dolls, and they’re creepily staring while watching your every move!
I’m talking about Screamfest. Calgary’s most famous Halloween festival that WILL make you scream. In this blog post, I’m going to be talking about what the event is, some tips and tricks to survive (though I can’t guarantee you’ll survive the haunted houses), and all the crazy things you should expect!
Ok, to start us off, what even is Screamfest?
Basically, it’s an event that happens every Halloween (and the days leading up to it) that features a variety of Halloween-related activities. By “activities”, I don’t mean “trick or treating”. I mean everything else that will make you scream your heart out.
To be more specific, Screamfest features a variety of different activities, such as haunted houses, rides, and a gazillion other attractions too! Don’t worry, there will also be food available to purchase at the event for you to replenish yourself after all that screaming.
What kind of haunted houses are there?
Disclaimer: Nothing in the houses will reach out to touch you or cause you any sort of physical pain (emotional pain is in your hands).
- Exception: Zombie Outbreak House
There are 7 different thrilling haunted houses for people to choose from, all with a terror-inducing, unique atmosphere.
The Dollhouse: Imagine hundreds of creepy dolls with glassy eyes staring and watching your every move. These dolls aren’t just the typical ones kids would play with, some of them are severed, bloody, and last but certainly not least, possessed.
Slaughterhouse: As you try to escape this nasty meat locker, participants dodge through hooks while trying to survive the heavy air, where you can almost taste the blood dripping from above you and around the walls.
Clown Town: Me personally, I used to like clowns a lot when I was little, however it turns out that many people are terrified of them. Then again, the clowns I was around made silly jokes and gave me balloon animals. If you choose to go into this house, your fate may not be this lighthearted. In this house, venture into an eerie clown’s basement and hope that you’ll make it out alive.
Bates Motel: Instead of a 5-star luxury resort in the Bahamas, you’ll be staying in a nasty little motel. With blood covering the walls and stenches you’ll never be able to forget, the last sight you’ll probably see is a neon sign saying “no vacancy”– if you have any eyes left to see with of course…
The Clinic: You won’t get any anesthesia here, as your sole purpose in this house is to feel and endure the pain. Doctors will give you procedures that weren’t asked for, and you’ll leave after undergoing an operation you protested against.
Afraid of the Dark: I don’t think people are scared of being alone in the dark, rather, I think people are scared of not being alone in the dark, and not knowing what’s out to get you. In this house, you’ll step into an abyss of terror and feel your senses deteriorating in seconds. In this black void, you will be navigating sinister twists and turns, hear monsters shrieking in the background, and your hands will probably brush against rotting flesh. I hope you don’t get lost and trapped in the darkness forever! 🙂
Zombie Outbreak: This is the most EXTREME haunted house offered at Screamfest. It’s so extreme that you literally have to sign a waiver to even enter. In this house, the zombies will reach out to grab you, and you must hope that your adrenaline will help you make it out alive (or as dead as a zombie).
Ok…but what if haunted houses aren’t for you?
Slingshot: Get ready to be launched 200 feet in the air at almost 160 km/h in the dark of night. This will surely induce some screams of terror, won’t it?
Terror in 3D: This is like a level below haunted houses, because you are visually experiencing the terror rather than physically in the haunted house. Hopefully you will make your way through this experience safe and sound (may the odds be ever in your favour).
Area 51 Monster Trucks: In this monster ride, get ready to experience some thrilling bumps and crashes!
Thrills and Rides: The website doesn’t specify, but just assume that there will be some other generic carnival rides.
Screaming Room: This is level down from “Terror in 3D”, as spooky and scary movies will be screened.
Midway of Mayhem: There will be a bunch of Halloween themed carnival games, where you’ll have the chance to win a variety of prizes. Get ready to embrace your inner basketball player and toss severed heads into hoops! In order to play these games, you can purchase something called “Killer Cash” along with your ticket.
Killer Cash: A special Screamfest currency that can be used onsite for games and entertainment
Adults Only Night:If you are above the age of 18 and happen to be reading this post and thinking to yourself, “what if I don’t want to be surrounded by annoying kids and crazy teenagers”? Well you’re in luck as an “Adults Only Night” happens during the festival where you will scream even more!
In 2025, “Adults Only Night” will take place on October 23 2025.
OK, time for some other important information:
Event Dates (in 2025):
October 10, 11, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 + Nov 1
Time: 7pm-Midnight
Location: Stampede Park
Address: GMC Stadium, 2200 Stampede Trl SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2W1
Pricing:
On the website only ranges are given, however when you go to book tickets in “Showpass.com” you will see the exact prices (everything below includes tax, however food and etc. are not included):
General Admission: $38.12
- One admission to all of the haunted houses (except “Zombie Outbreak”)
General Admission + Killer Cash Combo: $47.66
- One admission to all of the haunted houses (except “Zombie Outbreak”)
- $16 in Killer Cash
General Admission + Zombie Outbreak Combo: $47.66
- One admission to all of the haunted houses
Speedpass: $57.19
- VIP Front of Line service (so you can spend less time waiting)
- One admission to all of the haunted houses (except “Zombie Outbreak”)
- Two additional entrances to the haunted houses of your choice
- $16 in Killer Cash
Speedpass + Zombie Outbreak Combo:
- VIP Front of Line service (so you can spend less time waiting)
- One admission to all of haunted houses
- Two additional entrances to the haunted houses of your choice!
- $16 in Killer Cash
Parking/Transportation:
The nearest train station to the Grandstand is Erlton Stampede station. On the other hand, there is lots of parking located close to the BMO Centre, however there is a $15 parking fee throughout the Calgary Stampede area.
What to bring vs. what not to bring:
Bring:
- Your phone
- ID
- Any essential items you can’t “live” without
Don’t:
- Alcohol, drugs, etc
- Anything that can slow you down when running (ex. big bulky bags)
And ya, that’s pretty much everything you need to know about Screamfest! Good luck trying to survive (because you’re going to need it)!