Autumn Preview: What I’m Most Excited For This Fall in Saskatoon
Think of the following recommendations as a short, honest list of what I’ll actually do—anchors to book now, plus easy ideas to fill the spaces in between. If you want to follow along, great. If you’d rather swap in your favourites, also great. Fall works best when you plan a little and leave room for weather, mood, and whatever surprises the river throws at you.
Events I’m Building Weekends Around
MEMO Creative Festival — October 2–3
Two days at Remai Modern with talks, workshops, and performances across design, music, food, tech, and more. It’s new, it’s local, and it’s the right kind of brain spark for sweater weather.
Oktoberfest at Prairieland Park — October 3–4
Following up MEMO, I’ll be heading to Prairieland Park. Beer steins, brass, pretzels, polka, the whole thing. A simple, social night where you book a table with friends and lean into early-October energy.
Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra — Season 95 fall highlights
I always love attending the SSO. A couple of nights this fall jump out: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert (Oct 11), and The Space Between with Dame Evelyn Glennie (Oct 25). I’ll pick one for a dress-up night and make a reservation within walking distance.
Skate Canada International — October 31–November 2
World-class figure skating at SaskTel Centre. Even if you’re not a superfan, seeing elite skaters live is a rush—precision, music, and a room full of people holding their breath at the same time. And who doesn’t love a triple salchow?
Saskatoon Fantastic Film Festival — November 21–29
A late-November tradition at the Broadway: genre films, oddball gems, and a reason to tuck into a cinema while the wind gets bossy. Pick a couple of nights and make it a ritual (and grab some popcorn while you’re at it).
Seasonal Menus and Sips I’m Saving For Chilly Evenings
Hearth (at Remai Modern)
Modern prairie cooking with a view. Fall is when Hearth’s foraged-local approach really lands—roasted, braised, and bright in the right places. Perfect before or after a gallery wander.
ODLA
Farm-to-table in practice, not just in copy. With direct ties to Farm One Forty, Odla’s menu moves with the season. I book on a Friday and let the server steer me toward what’s new.
Primal
Handmade pasta using Saskatchewan heritage grains. That’s exactly what I’m looking for when the evenings turn and I’m heading to Primal. It’s unfussy and deeply comforting in the best way.
Crossmount Cider Company
A short drive south for a tasting flight and orchard views at Crossmount. “Crisp cider in crisp weather” is as on-the-nose as I’m willing to be this season.
Cozy-Weather Activities
A leaf-peeping walk on the Meewasin
Pick any stretch, bring a hot drink, and let the river do the heavy lifting. I like to choose a new segment each time and keep my phone in my pocket until the end.
A slow morning at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market
Go early, grab something warm, and shop for snacks you’ll actually eat. It runs year-round on weekends near the airport at 2600 Koyl Avenue.
Wanuskewin, unhurried
Quiet galleries, open trails, and space to learn abound at Wanuskewin. I leave a few hours open, walk, read the panels, and take the long way back to the car.
Pinball at Pokey’s
When the wind picks up: a table on 33rd Street W, a warm snack, and something easy to play. It’s social without being loud.
Make the Most of Autumn Weekends
My ideal weekend is one anchor plan plus something slow. MEMO on Friday afternoon; Oktoberfest on Saturday night; Meewasin and the market on Sunday. Or a late-November pairing: a Fantastic Film Festival screening with pasta at Primal. Nothing too complicated. just good pockets of time in the right places.
That’s the pace I’m after this fall: fewer maybes, better yeses. Consider this your nudge to pencil a few things in and leave the rest open. Fall rewards people who make plans—and people who wander.
Andrew Christoffel
Andrew has always had a way with words. From writing his first novel at 13 to his current role as a freelance creative director and copywriter, imagination and creativity have always been a part of his life. You can usually find him writing in a coffee shop, taking photos and videos around town, or travelling the world. @ajchristoffel
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