The 2022 sunny season is here and with it – music festivals, weddings, parties, anniversaries and a new outfit for every event. This means that you might be feeling tight on cash, but never fear – there are also a ton of cheap and free things to do in Calgary this summer. Here are just 25 events and activities happening in and around the city that will cost you no more than $25. Enjoy!
THE 4TH STREET NIGHT MARKET
Brought to life by the folks behind the Inglewood market, guests from all over the city are will be able to head over to the community of Mission to shop, eat, drink and explore at a similar event.
When: Saturday, August 13th & September 10th
Where: 4th Street at Elbow Drive SW
Time: 4 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
HOTEL ARTS POOL PARTIES
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This summer, hit Calgary’s ultimate pool party destinations for sun, fun, and on occasion – live music! Re-opening to the public this summer (without its winterized top), Hotel Arts will be THE place to wind down and catch a tan on the weekends.
Where: 119 12 Ave SW Calgary, AB
Cost: $20
LOUNGE ON AN ALBERTA BEACH
From Jasper to Waterton, Alberta has some beautiful beaches. No, we don’t have coconut trees and year-round heat, but we do have sand and occasionally comfortable sun. Click the link above and see which provincial spots are our favourite!
Cost: FREE
PET-A-PALOOZA
Described as “THE social event for dogs and their people,” Pet-a-palooza has become a west-coast sensation with it taking over city streets in Vancouver, Victoria, and Calgary year after year. This year, of course, is no exception, with organizers announcing the return of the furry shindig this sunny season.
When: July 23rd – 24th
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW #202, Calgary
Cost: FREE
FILL A BASKET OR TWO AT A YYC U-PICK FIELD
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Strawberries, raspberries, and saskatoons? Later this summer when the berries 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. Could there be a sweeter way to spend a day?
Cost: Prices vary
COBB’S ADVENTURE PARK
This summer, snuggle a kangaroo or two, go axe throwing and place a bet on a round of minigolf! Whether you check them out for one of their many adult nights or just go during regular hours, you and yours are bound to have a ton of fun at Cobb’s Adventure Park.
Where: 1500 84th Street NE, Calgary
Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Cost: $19.75+
CACTUS COULEE FUN PARK
We love a little healthy competition! This summer, rev your engines for a wild day at Drumheller’s Cactus Coulee Fun Park. From go-karting and Eurobungy trampolines to their mini-putting green – they’ve got a little something for everyone.
Where: Box 388, Drumheller, Alberta
Cost: $13+
THE INGLEWOOD NIGHT MARKET
This sunny season vendors from all over the city will gather again for the beloved Inglewood Night Market! Here, you can check out their beer garden, food trucks, live music, and the many, MANY dogs that fellow attendees will be walking through the area. Enjoy!
When: Friday, August 12th, September 9th and 16th
Where: 925 11 St SE, Calgary
Time: 5 pm – 11 pm
Cost: FREE
SYLVAN LAKE AQUA SPLASH
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Located just outside of Red Deer, Alberta, the Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash park is THE place for sizzling summer days. With launch pads, trampolines, an obstacle course, slides, a 15-foot tower, and more – this ginormous floating playground is truly one of a kind.
Where: Bay #1, 5100 Lakeshore Drive– Sylvan Lake, Alberta
Cost: $17.50+
BOWDEN SUNMAZE
There’s a really good chance you’ve seen photos of this iconic Sunmaze, and with good reason – there really is no other place like it! This summer, when they’re in full bloom, wander the beautiful Sunflower fields of Bowden and snap a few pics in celebration of the warmer season.
When: August TBA
Where: 34530 RR#14 Red Deer County, Alberta
Cost: $11+
NIKKA YUKO GARDEN
Lethbridge’s Iconic Japanese Garden is one of the most beautiful places in not just Alberta, but all of North America. This summer, grab the hand of someone special and wander through fields of flowers, trees, and beautifully cut grass of Nikka Yuko.
Where: Corner of 9th Ave S &, Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge
Cost: $8+
FLOAT THE BOW
It’s going to be a long hot summer! The best way to cool off? By floating the Bow, of course! This season, grab your pals, a dingy, and some snacks then hit the city’s winding river. Kick back and enjoy the warmth on your face and the water on your toes on an obligatory Calgary adventure.
Cost: FREE+
PARK RETRO ROLLER RINK
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Let the good times roll, Calgary! This summer, lace into a pair of skates and glide the new retro roller rink at the third annual Block Party in partnership with the art-forward organization, PARK.
Where: 901 64 Ave NE, Calgary
Cost: FREE
HAVE A DRINK AT ONE OF YYC’S PUBLIC PARKS
Who said that change had to be a bad thing? We love this city update! This summer 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 this season.
GLOBALFEST
It’s back, Calgary! The city’s most explosive festival officially has dates set for 2022. Like the years before it, Calgarians will be able to cuddle up close in Elliston Park under a sky illuminated by stars and fireworks. It really is magical.
When: Thursday, August 18th – 27th
Where: 1827 68 St SE, Calgary, AB
Time: 6 pm – 11:30 pm
Cost: $18.50+
SHAKESPEARE ON THE GO
A Calgary Classic! Theatre Calgary is back again for a summer of tragic, comedic, and dramatic stories written by a literary genius– but with a twist! This season, catch the company on the run as they perform at various locations around the city. For more information, check out the schedule above!
When: Until August 7th
Where: See locations above
Time: See times above
Cost: FREE
2022 BUMP FESTIVAL
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Calgary has some incredible artists. This summer, enjoy live music and take in take a self-guided tour of some incredible murals created by the best of the best. A complete map can be found at the link above!
When: Monday, August 1st – 28th
Where: See locations above
Cost: FREE
MARDA LOOP MARDA GRAS
Get ready to party, Calgary! Marda Loop’s big Marda Gras event returns this year with vendors, live music, performances and of course, their annual pet pageant. This is Calgary’s longest-running street festival so you can bet it’s going to be a ton of fun. They know what they’re doing!
When: Sunday, August 14th
Where: 33rd Avenue SW between 19th and 22nd Street
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: Free
TASTE OF CALGARY
This August, hungry Calgarians will get to explore global cuisines from all over the city. With a unique mix of restaurants and beverage companies, Taste of Calgary will be celebrating the finest food, drink, and entertainment in the city for the first time since the pandemic began. It’s gonna be a good one, friends!
When: August 4th – 7th 2022
Where: 311, 8 Street SW
Cost: FREE Admission
CATCH THE PERSEID METEOR SHOWER
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Whether you put your feet on the dash and point your peepers through the sunroof or really commit to an evening with snacks and a picnic blanket, stargazing – ESPECIALLY this month is a fail-safe date idea and an original way to chill with your friends. This August, check out one of the many dark sky reserves in and around the city and take in the year’s most magical meteor shower.
When: Until August 21st (peak on August 12th)
Time: After sunset
Cost: FREE
AFRO-CARIBBEAN FOOD FESTIVAL
All in support of the Yard-Core Seeds of Life Association, an organization dedicated to teaching people how to be self-sufficient by growing their own produce and plants – this July will see food trucks, small businesses and more take to St. Patrick’s Island for the delicious Afro Caribbean Food Festival. This event is free to attend so check it out and enjoy!
When: Saturday, July 23rd
Where: St. Patrick’s Island – directions here
Cost: FREE
THE FARMERS AND MAKERS MARKET
Whether you’re a foodie, love shopping local, or are just looking to get some fresh air off of the Stampede grounds– this artisan market will be THE place! Support the community in a safe and fun environment and grab some grub at the food trucks!
When: Every Saturday
Where: 1721 29 Avenue SW, Calgary
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Cost: FREE
SUMMER ON 17TH
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From stilt walkers and aerialists, drag royalty and local musicians – 17th Avenue has officially kicked off its 2022 summer season. This season, check out movies in the park, fitness classes and more – all for free! Check out the link above for their event schedule.
When: Until September 21st
Where: 17 Ave. & 8 St. SW, Calgary
Cost: FREE
INGLEWOOD SUNFEST
From bouncy castles, food trucks and vendors to local bands, street performers and a car show, Inglewood Sunfest is back! If you’re interested in checking out the many activities – it all kicks off on Saturday, July 30th.
Date: Saturday, July 30th
Location: 9th Avenue SE from 11th to 14th Street
Cost: FREE
CALGARY PRIDE 2022
From humble beginnings to thousands of allies, participants, and leaders, Calgary’s Pride Festival is easily one of the most vibrant occasions of the entire year. From a parade to inspirational speakers, parties, and more, there are a ton of incredible events happening in and around Calgary in celebration of the LGBTQIA2S+ community!
When: Friday, August 26th – September 5th
Where: Various locations
Cost: FREE+
And there you have it, folks! 25 FREE and cheap things to do in Calgary this summer. Now get out there and don’t forget the sunscreen!
