A new month is upon us and the possibilities are practically endless. From winter activities to stunning exhibits there are a ton of incredible things to see and do in and around the city this month and the best part – is that a lot of them won’t cost you an arm or a leg! Here are 10 FREE and cheap things to do in Calgary this March.

ATTEND A CANADIAN SKIJORING COMPETITION

Described on their website as the ultimate mashup of “rednecks, horses, and ski bums,” this year’s Pole and Spur Skijoring competition will also have a beer garden, DJ, and food trucks in addition to the contest itself – all for only $5! That’s practically pocket change! 

When: Saturday, March 12th
Where: Blairmore, Crowsnest Pass, AB
Cost: $5

SKATE OLYMPIC PLAZA

FREE? We LOVE free! If you haven’t already this season, why not check out Calgary’s only outdoor refrigerated ice rink – Olympic Plaza! As of right now, this bad boy remains open and available to the public so check it out and enjoy!

Where: 228 8 Ave. SE, Calgary
Time: 6 am – 11 pm
Cost: FREE

ROCK OUT AT THE BIG WINTER CLASSIC 

Concerts can be astronomical – but not the BWC! Back and bigger than ever, Calgary’s Big Winter Classic returns for three weekends starting this March with tickets starting at just $16. Check out bands, drink local beer and support local artists at various venues throughout the city!

When: March 24th | March 31st – April 2nd | April 8th – 9th
Where: See calendar above
Cost: $16.83+

GET RHINESTONED AT THE TEA HOUSE’S EUPHORIA PARTY 

With unreal performances by local drag queens Valerie Hunt, Nearah Nuff, and Tangerine Dream, The Tea House’s Euphoria Night will be an homage to the aesthetic and the drama that seasons one and two of the Zendaya-led series have brought to the small screen. Costumes are encouraged! 

When: March 13th
Where: 1213 – 1st Street SW, Calgary
Cost: $15.75

TAKE IT EASY AT LAKE LOUISE’S ICE BAR 

Located on the beautiful Lake Louise, The Fairmont ice bar is up and running and will remain in one piece until it literally melts away. Enjoy a drink, two or three with some fresh air, some friends and a slight chill – all for FREE this March. 

When:  Until mid-April (weather permitting)
Where: 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB
Time: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Cost: FREE

CHECK OUT THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE

Starting in March, Calgary’s iconic National Music Centre will be shifting to a pay-what-you-can admission model to weekend guests! In addition to exploring five floors of exhibitions, you can catch regular weekend performances – it’s all included with the admission of your choosing. Check out the link above for more information!

When: Saturdays & Sundays only
Where: 850 4 St SE, Calgary, AB
Cost: FREE

WATCH CALGARY’S HUMAN BONSPIEL

Hurry hard and pick a side! This Month, Calgarians who have a few extra minutes on their lunch break can check out the Human Bonspiel event at Calgary’s Olympic Plaza. Competitions will be held every day during the lunch hour with the finals falling on March 11th.

When: March 7th – 11th
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8th Avenue SE, Calgary</span
Time: 11: 30 pm
Cost: FREE to watch

EXPLORE MICHELANGELO’S SISTINE CHAPEL: THE EXHIBITION

 

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It’s an art attack! This month, fall in love with some incredible pieces during Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition, a celebration of one of the most famous Renaissance painters in history. From Melbourne and Frankfurt to Vancouver and Montreal, this incredible event has already brought the art of Michelangelo closer to audiences all over the world, and this spring, it’s Calgary’s turn.

When: Thursday, March 3rd – April 15th
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
Cost: $24+

VISIT THE GLENBOW MUSEUM’S SATTELITE EXHIBITION SPACE

Need to get out and experience the artsier things in life? This March, Calgary’s Glenbow Museum will finally open its FREE short-term exhibition space which features incredible pieces from all over the world. Check it out and enjoy!

When: March 2022
Where: 150 9th Avenue SW, Calgary
Cost: FREE

COZY UP NEXT TO A FIREPIT FOR FREE

Bundle up, s’more lovers – this March we’re getting cozy. Calgary’s FREE community fire pits are back and available to the public in hopes of warming these chillier months. Check out the link above for where and how you can rent one for you and your closest pals!

CHECK OUT THE QUANTUM SANDBOX EXHIBIT

Described as an infinite space where science and art meet, Spark’s permanent digital art gallery is the first of its kind in Canada and this month its new exhibit ‘Quantum Sandbox’ will blow you away. Check it out and escape reality – you might not want to come back.

When: Opens March 1st 
Where: 220 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Cost: Included in general admission ($26)

There you have it friends, 10 free and cheap things to do in Calgary this March. Enjoy and stay safe!