COLD LAKE —  Grab your broom, summon your favourite familiar and get ready to walk on the wild side — Stepping Stones Crisis Society is bringing a little magic to downtown Cold Lake with the community’s first-ever Witches Walk on Friday, October 2, 2026.

The evening will transform the streets around Stepping Stones into a spellbinding celebration featuring costumes, a pop-up market, witchy entertainment, themed food and drinks and, of course, a witches’ walk.

“We wanted to create something that was fun, different and a little bit unexpected,” says April Simard, Events and Community Engagement Manager with Stepping Stones Crisis Society.

Registration for the walk is free, with optional donations. Participants are encouraged to dress in their best witchy attire, although costumes are optional.

Before the walk, attendees can browse the Witches Walk Pop-Up Market, meet local vendors and readers, grab a themed mocktail or snack and take part in some decidedly witchy activities. There will also be a Bring Your Own Broom (BYOB) decorating station, a witches’ dance, a Familiar Parade for children and their stuffed animal companions and a photo booth.

The evening will culminate with the Witches Walk through the community, through downtown Cold Lake, before participants return to Stepping Stones for more festivities.

Proceeds from the event support Stepping Stones Crisis Society, which provides shelter, outreach, education, advocacy and other supports for women, children and families experiencing family violence throughout the Lakeland region.

At first glance, a witches’ walk might seem like an unusual event for a family violence organization — and that is exactly the point.

Family violence can be isolating. People experiencing it may feel alone, disconnected from their community or unsure where to turn for support. Stepping Stones Crisis Society works to change that through outreach, education, advocacy and community connection.

The Witches Walk offers a different way to bring that message into the community. It creates an opportunity for people to come together, have fun, meet others and learn more about Stepping Stones and the services available to individuals and families experiencing family violence.

“Not every conversation about family violence has to begin in a serious room or with a difficult story,” says Kim Reed, CEO of Stepping Stones Crisis Society. “Sometimes it starts with people coming together, feeling connected to their community and learning that there is an organization here when they or someone they know needs support.”

Witches Walk at a Glance

What: Stepping Stones Witches Walk
When: Friday, October 2, 2026
Where: Stepping Stones Crisis Society, Cold Lake
Registration: Free
Walk: 7 p.m.
Market and activities: Beginning at 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Dress: Witchy, whimsical, spooky or simply yourself — costumes are optional but highly encouraged.

Participants can register for the Witches Walk and find event information through Stepping Stones Crisis Society’s social media channels and website.