A haunted train, a comedy show and karaoke: Entertainment in Calgary this weekend

Frightening, funny and fun — starting with a haunted house on a moving train, carrying on with some karaoke (virtual, of course) and winding up with some live music at the King Eddy, there's a lot to do in and around Calgary this weekend. Even if they do say it's going to snow.

The Homestretch's Ellis Choe has it all in her lineup of entertainment options.

Train of Terror

Aspen Crossing in Mossleigh, just southeast of Calgary, is setting up its annual Train of Terror. These are the same folks who host the Polar Express train ride at Christmas and they go all out for this adult-only, 90-minute scarefest.

"The Train of Terror is an 18-plus excursion, and it basically requires you to get on the moving train and make your way through three haunted boxcars to the other end," said Jodie Gateman, spokesperson for Aspen Crossing.

"When you return from that train ride — it's about an hour to an hour and a half — you will then go into an indoor maze and make your way through that, before finishing off your evening with a photo with our resident Ghoul Gore. And then the spooky engine and the black cat are up for a photo op as well."

The Train of Terror is happening every weekend up to Halloween. This year, it's operating with small groups only because of COVID-19.

Visit the Train of Terror website for details.

Light Comedy

Award-winning Canadian comedian Dan Quinn is performing at The Laugh Shop this weekend. Here's a snippet from a show he did in Kelowna in 2018:

Quinn is doing shows Thursday through Saturday, so go to Laugh Shop Calgary to book your tickets.

One-woman show

For those who prefer a darker comedy, there's a one-woman show called Jawbone scheduled at the University of Calgary.

Brittany Pack is directing the show, which also serves as her master's thesis.

"The show opens and we see a young woman who's locked herself in a cabin. She's secluded herself from everything in the world, and she's making a one minute application video to get the chance to go to Mars and be there for forever," Pack said.

"She views Mars as the ultimate penal colony. And then as she relives her memories, we find out why she feels she deserves to go to Mars. A lot of that is tied up with her past transgressions, her roommate and her sexuality."

Jawbone opens Friday and runs until October 24 at the University Theatre. And because this is an in-person show, you need to book your tickets two days in advance to hold a spot.

Karaoke Finals

The Canadian National Karaoke Finals are happening this weekend, and Deerfoot Inn and Casino is hosting a free watch party — because it's all virtual. The show is being livestreamed from Hamilton and there will be a panel of judges from Hamilton and Calgary.

There will be 44 singers (all pre-recorded on video) and 20 of them are from Alberta.

Winners will be announced on Sunday and the top four will go to world championships in November, which will also be virtual for the first time ever.

To book your seat, go to Deerfoot Inn and follow the links.

Live music

Local group the Marcus Trummer Band is playing a free gig at the King Eddy tomorrow night, but you need to make reservations if you want a seat.

Go to King Eddy to make reservations.

With files from The Homestretch.