This month came in hot – quite literally – with a heat warning, a brand new reopening strategy, and a ton of exciting events, many of which won’t cost you a dime! As always, we don’t want you to miss a beat (or an opportunity to save a few bucks) so we’ve put together a nifty list of 16 – yes, 16 – FREE or cheap things to do in Calgary this June. Enjoy!
EXPLORE THE QUARRY PARK SPRING MARKET
The warmer weather is here, which means so are late-night walks, flip-flops, and sunny day activities! One of our free and easy favourites? The Kensington Market! If you’re a big fan like we are, hold on to your bags, because they’ve actually set a date for one early this month!
When: Saturday, June 5th
Where: Parking lot of Cardel – 80 Quarry Park Blvd
Time: 11 am – 4pm
HAVE A BREW WITH THE CREW IN A YYC PARK – LEGALLY
We hope you’re thirsty, Calgary because, until September 7th, Calgarians will FINALLY be able to book out picnic tables and enjoy a European-style drink or two at various parks around the city as part of a new pilot program encouraging people to get out and stay safe during a long hot COVID summer. Be safe, be responsible and half fun, friends!
GO LOOKING FOR TREASURE
Sure you could look, decorate and dress the way everyone else does, but where’s the fun in that? We love individuality, in fact, we think the world could use a little bit more of it, that’s why whether you’re in need of a little attention or are looking for a unique gift for someone else, you have to check out Airdrie’s Where on Earth Antique market, a special little store that will cost you nothing to explore.
Where: 325 Edmonton Trail SE, Airdrie
GO FOR A SPRING SCOOT
Okay, it’s not exactly free, but for a few bucks, you can have some fun. After a long harsh winter and a pretty gloomy springtime, E-scooters have returned to Calgary this time with a few changes to the system. Check out the link above for everything that you might need to know before going for a ride this month!
BINGE NETFLIX’S JUNE RELEASES
From documentaries comedies and originals, Netflix will be delivering hours of entertainment to get us through another month of craziness. This June, those who would prefer to stay indoors can binge their way through the tail end of COVID with a ton of new releases! Enjoy!
TAKE PART IN A CITY-WIDE SCAVENGER HUNT
Organized by Parks Calgary in cooperation with PlayCityYYC will challenge those looking to get out and about to a game of wit, speed, and problem-solving. This June, every Saturday, take part in a city wide-scavenger hunt that will have you racing for clues, exploring the city, and hopefully, winning some killer prizes1
When: Every Saturday
HAVE A PICNIC
Food and fresh air? Sounds like a plan to us! We’ve all had a pretty crazy year and now that it’s nearly behind us, everyone could probably use a little colour therapy. The best place to do that? Well, a garden of course! Pack up a picnic basket full of goodies, hit the link above and have a bite to eat in one of Calgary’s most beautiful gardens.
HIT UP A LATE SPRING HIKE
Summer is on its way, and with that, there will be a whole slew of more and more hikes to explore around Calgary. That said, spring hiking is still very much in swing, so hit the link above to check out some of our favourites within a few hours of Calgary. Most of the snow and ice should be gone, but always check ahead of time, dress appropriately, and bring a hiking buddy!
BROWSE THE FLOWERS AND PLANTS AT THE DUNVEGAN GARDEN CENTRE
Whether you choose to stretch those green thumbs or are just there to take a look, check out the Dunvegan Garden Centre! Located just southwest of Calgary at Granary Road, this larger-than-life greenhouse carries both indoor and outdoor plants, landscaping supplies, gardening tools, and a ton more.
When: Thursdays – Mondays
Where: 226066 112 Street W, Foothills County
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
RETURN TO THE PATIO WITH YOUR FURRY FRIEND
Finally, after a month of a patio-less spring, Alberta has lifted restrictions! Because Calgary is spoiled for choice when it comes to pet-free patios, it’s really just a matter of where and when! Check the link above for some of our favourite dog-friendly restaurants in YYC.
FLOAT THE RIVER
If this week is any indication of what kind of weather we’ve got to look forward to – you’re going to need to cool off this month. The best way to do that in YYC? Well by floating the Bow or the Elbow, of course! Grab your pals, a dingy, and some snacks then hit either of Calgary’s winding rivers. Kick back and enjoy the warmth on your face and the water on your toes on an obligatory YYC adventure.
RE-CENTER WITH AN OUTDOOR YOGA CLASS
Inhale, exhale, stretch and sweat at this all-ages, totally free Yoga class in Stanley Park. After the year we’ve just had, there’s really no better way to spend an afternoon than by winding down and breathing in some fresh air with your toes in the grass.
When: Every Sunday
Where: 1300 12 Street Northeast
Time: 1 pm
GO FOR A MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE
This month, stretch those legs and really make the most of the spring season is by taking a leisurely ride on a two-wheeler and getting some fresh air! Not sure where to go? Check out the link above for the 10 best places for a bike ride in Calgary!
SHOP THE FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET
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This artisan market will be the place to be if your a foodie, love shopping local and are looking to get some fresh air! Support the community in a safe and fun environment and grab some grub at the food trucks. That sounds like a perfect spring afternoon to us!
When: Every Saturday until October 9th
Where: 1729 29 Ave SW, Calgary
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
FEEL THE SAND UNDER YOUR TOES AND VOLLEY!
Calgary isn’t blessed with coastline beaches, palm trees, or consistent weather, but there are places we can go to forget that – and man, are we thankful. This spring, take off those shoes, rally your pals and get competitive at one of YYC’s sandy volleyball courts.
WIN A YEAR OF BOOZE IN A SCAVENGER HUNT
Today until Friday, June 25th, Calgarians who are interested in free swag, free booze and fresh air will be encouraged to follow a series of clues posted by YYC’s Burwood Distillery – all of which will lead them to a mystery destination marked with a neon pineapple decal. This neon fruit will be your ticket to winning a summer’s worth of amazing prizes, so keep your eyes peeled! For more information check out the link above!
When: Until Friday, June 25th
Instagram: @BurwoodDistillery
There you have it, friends! 16 free and cheap things to do in Calgary this June! As always please be safe, be smart and be kind. Have fun out there!
