This year is just flying by, is it not? We’re entering our ninth month of what’s been a LONG 2021, and luckily we’ve got several ways that you can make the absolute most of it. Whether you’re a foodie, a shopaholic, or just can’t wait for spooky month, here are 17 cheap or free things to do in Calgary this September, all of which will cost you less than $15 dollars!
INDULGE DURING LE BURGER WEEK
Stretchy pants at the ready! Le Burger Week is back. From local bars to cafes Calgary is in for a very special TWO weeks of some wildly tasty creations in celebration of its 10th anniversary and we couldn’t be more excited. Bon Appetit, friends!
When: Wednesday, September, 1st – 14th
Where: see above
WANDER HERITAGE PARK MARKET NIGHTS
Take a walk! This month, Calgarians can spend an evening or two under the stars filling their bags with artisan goods and their stomachs with food and drinks from one of the attraction’s tasty eateries. From clothing to art, Heritage Park’s Night Market will practically have it all, making it what we can only describe as a ‘one-size fits all event,’ and it’s totally FREE!
When: Friday, September 3rd
Where: 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., Calgary
Time: Friday 5 pm – 9 pm and Saturdays 3 pm – 9 pm
Cost: Free
TAKE A SELF-GUIDED FALL FOLIAGE TOUR OF JASPER’S NATIONAL PARK
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One of our favourite things about the fall months? Foliage! Now we may be biased here, but one of the best places in the country to see the leaves do their thing – is Jasper National Park. Check out the link above for more information about the area’s many happenings and hotspots! Ah – we just can’t wait for sweater weather!
HAVE A DRINK DURING SHAKE, STIR AND STRAINBOW
We hope that you’re thirsty, Calgary! From now until September 3rd, Wild Rose Country’s best taverns and brewhouses, distilleries, cafes and cocktail bars will all be serving an array of unique and colourful offerings in celebration of Calgary’s Pride month – check out the link above for all participating spots!
When: Until September 3rd
Where: See above
STROLL THE 4TH STREET NIGHT MARKET
Shop till you drop, friends! Brought to life by the folks behind a similar event held annually in Inglewood, guests from all over Calgary are encouraged to head over to the 4th street night market to wander, eat, drink and explore – maybe we’ll see you there!
When: Saturday, September 4th
Where: 4th Street at Elbow Drive SW
Time: 4 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
VISIT THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE
Hey, maybe you’re not the outdoor type, that’s totally okay! Luckily for you, we’ve got just the place – and guess what? It won’t even cost you a dime! Every weekend this month Calgary’s National Music Centre and ATB are actually offering free admission Saturdays and Sundays in celebration of Studio Bell’s 5th anniversary- check out the link above for more information!
Where: 850 4 St SE, Calgary, AB
GRAB A BITE AT CALGARY’S VEG FEST
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Get ready, plant-based babies! With over 15,000 guests in 2019, this good and good-for-you festival will feature everything and everyone from restaurant owners, vendors, musicians, performers and speakers! Eat, drink take in a show and enjoy, friends! This only comes around once a year.
When: Saturday, September 4th
Where: 1220 9 Ave SW, Calgary
Time: 12 pm – 7 pm
Cost: Donations appreciated
CHECK OUT WEST DISTRICT NIGHT MARKET
And so continues another month of markets! This September, those who have a passion for supporting local… or just shopping, in general – are encouraged to check out the West District Night Market who will be showcasing over 30 incredibly talented local vendors on September 2nd and 9th. Interested? For more information check out their Instagram here!
When: Thursday, September 2nd and 9th
Where: 816 78th St SW, Calgary
Time: 4 pm to 8 pm
Price: Free
SNAP SOME PICS AT ONE OF ALBERTA’S SUNFLOWER FIELDS
Alberta’s incredible sunflower fields are really something else in person – but there’s only one way to find that out for yourself! This month, toss on your cutest outfit and wander the beautiful Sunflower fields of Bowden in celebration of the warmer season! It’s truly magical
EAT, DRINK & PLAY AT GRANARY ROAD’S APPLEFEST
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, right Calgary? This month from candy apple making to cider demonstrations, jams, fritters and even dog treats, Granary Road’s big annual Applefest will no be one you want to miss. The best part? It’s super cheap to attend!
When: Saturday, September 11th and 12th
Where: 226066 112 St W, Foothills County, AB
Cost: $13.50 +
Instagram: @Granaryroad
PARTY ON DURING BELTLINE’S BLOX FESTIVAL
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BIG Winter Classic, just couldn’t wait for the snow to fall, and honestly, neither can we, so we hope you’re ready to party! Featuring 5 different local and live bands, The Blox Party, a late-summer celebration, is just one more fantastic opportunity to grab your friends, a few drinks, and vibe along to some hometown talent!
When: Saturday, September 11th
Where: The Goat Shop – 708 11 Ave SW #103, Calgary | Inner City Brewing – 820 11 Ave SW, Calgary
Time: 7 pm, 8 pm, 9:15 pm
Cost: Free – $15
VISIT THE MARKET ON STEPHEN AVENUE
Though it was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID the market on 8th Avenue is back with not one, but three dates this month! With a kick-off date of September 21st, this busy destination will see small businesses, incredible products, and a day of shopping, eating and fun – it’s going to be delightful!
When: Tuesday, September 21st & 28th
Where: 8th Avenue, Calgary AB
Time: 11 pm – 4 pm
Cost: FREE
CHECK OUT THE CALGARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Pop some corn, settle in either online or in a CIFF designated theatre and catch a flick! This month, the Calgary International Film Festival returns and believe us when we say that this year’s lineup is just as impressive as you’d expect. Check it out at the link above!
When: Thursday, September 23rd – October 3rd
Time: See times above
Cost: $13.50+
SHOP UNTIL YOU DROP AT THE FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET
Market season is out of control, Calgary! This September, whether you’re a foodie, love shopping local or are just looking to get some fresh air check out the adorable Farmers and Makers Market! 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
HIT A NEW RESTAURANT
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There’s nothing that we love more than checking out a brand new place to grab a bite – except for maybe one thing. Getting to share them with you! From tacos to artsy sips, desserts and street eats, Calgary’s been spoiled over the last few months – so for those of you who may have missed it, we’ve made a list of 12 new restaurants, bars and cafes in Calgary that you have to check out – hit the link above to view it!
GET LOST IN DRUMHELLER’S T-REX CORN MAZE
Known to the locals as THE place you go when you’ve got the meats, The Sunny Spot has an eatery with incredible burgers, an adorable garden market, and is also home to an impressive cornfield where Albertan’s can exercise their sense of direction. Think you’ve got what it takes to get from point A to point B?
When: Wednesdays – Mondays all summer long
Where: 5225 Highway 10 East Drumheller, AB
Cost: $8
FILL YOUR BASKET AT A YYC U-PICK FIELD
There’s nothing sweeter than picking and eating your own strawberries, raspberries or saskatoons. This Month when these bad boys really begin to ripen, head to one of the many u-pick fields in and around Calgary and come home with a bucket full of fruit and a head full of memories. Need some ideas, just click that link above to find our picks!
Well, there you have it, friends! 17 free or cheap things to do in Calgary this September. Now get out there and have some fun – without putting a hole in your pocket!
