July is finally here and love is in the air – but it shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg to take it all in with someone special. Not sure where to start your romantic journey this season? We’ve put together a lengthy list of fun, wild, cheesy, and stereotypical things to do over the next few months – all of which will cost you less than $25. From healthy competition to romantic walks, here are 20 cheap summer date ideas for Calgary couples.
HAVE A RIVERSIDE PICNIC
Food and fresh air? This summer, grab the hand of someone special and hit one of Calgary’s parks for a romantic lunch under the sun. This is probably one of the easiest summer date ideas in Calgary, but also one of the cutest.
Cost: FREE
WANDER 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 parading through the area. Enjoy!
When: Friday, August 11th, September 8th, and 15th, 2023
Where: 10th Ave and 10th Street SE
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
TAKE A DIP
It’s going to be a long hot summer and the best place to beat the heat will be under the water. This season, grab your swim trunks, some SPF and the hand of someone special, click the link above and take a refreshing dip in one of Alberta’s swimming holes.
Cost: FREE
CHECK OUT A POOL PARTY AT HOTEL ARTS
This summer, hit Calgary’s ultimate pool party destinations for sun, fun, and occasionally – live music! Now reopen to the public this summer (without its winterized top), Hotel Arts is THE place to wind down, enjoy a drink and get to know that someone special.
Cost: $20+
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HIT A U-PICK FIELD
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Strawberries, raspberries, and saskatoons? Later this summer when the berries finally 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
SHOP 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. Shopping under starlight? How cute!
When:Saturday, July 22nd, August 12th and September 16th, 2023
Where: 4th Street at Elbow Drive SW
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
TAKE A LEISURELY BIKE RIDE
Gear up and let your walls down this sunny season. From Fish Creek and Prince’s Island to Banff and Canmore, Calgary is blessed with hundreds of bike baths throughout the city, the mountains, and by the river. On your way, stop for a bite to eat, take 5 and watch the sunset or go wildlife watching. The province is your oyster.
HAVE FUN IN THE SUN AT THE PET-A-PALOOZA
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Described as “THE social event for dogs and their people,” Pet-a-palooza is back and it’s totally FREE to attend. Hit the link above for more information on this year’s event.
When: Saturday, July 29th and 30th, 2023
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW #202, Calgary
Cost: FREE
ENJOY A FLICK AT THE GENESIS LAND DRIVE-IN
Who doesn’t love a good ol’ double feature? This July head to Airdrie for a drive-in series kick-off showing films that include The Lion King (2019) and Jurassic World (2015). The best part? All proceeds will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie.
When: Friday, July 28th, 2023
Where: 200 East Lake Crescent Northeast Airdrie, AB
Time: 6 pm
Cost: $20 per car
MAKE A SPLASH AT SYLVAN LAKE
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 enormous floating playground is truly one of a kind and will make for a memorable date destination this summer.
Where: 5104 Lakeshore Drive, Sylvan Lake
Cost: $18 for one hour
PET THE KANGAROOS AT COBB’S ADVENTURE PARK
This summer snuggle a kangaroo or two, go axe throwing and place a bet on a round of mini-golf! 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
Tickets: $21.95+
SUNALTA MOVIE IN THE PARK
Brought to life by the Sunalta and Scarboro Community Associations, Movie In The Park is a joy year after year. Not only is this event a ton of fun (no matter what they’re showing) it’s also FREE to attend so keep checking back for more info!
When: Friday, September 8th, 2023
Where: 1747 14th Ave SW Calgary
Time: 8 pm
Cost: FREE
PLAY A ROUND OF MINI GOLF AT WINSPORT
A little competition never hurt anyone right? This month those looking for a day of fun and sun are encouraged to check out Winsport’s 18-hole course. The best part? It’s totally affordable to do so!
Where: 168 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary
Cost: $13+
SNAP A PIC OR TWO AT THE BOWDEN SUNMAZE
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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: $14+
WANDER THROUGH THE DOG PARK
They say a way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, but if you give them the choice between fries and a pug snuggle, you’ll find out pretty quickly that this is simply untrue. Whether you’re looking to bond with your partner or your partner’s furry friend, or just want to get some exercise, hit one of Calgary’s favourite dog parks.
GO SUMMER STARGAZING
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 is a fail-safe date idea. This summer, check out one of the many dark sky reserves in and around the city–the best of which are listed in the link above. You can thank us later!
SHARE A PATIO DRINK
If you’re like us, then you’re beyond ready to hit one of the many incredible patios in and around the city and we’d be willing to bet that your date is too. Check out the link above for 10 of our favourite spots and enjoy!
STROLL THROUGH NIKKA YUKO GARDEN
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Lethbridge’s Iconic Japanese Garden is one of the most beautiful places in all of North America – and they’ve got the awards to prove it. 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: $13.50+
SEE AN EXPLOSIVE DISPLAY GLOBALFEST
It’s back, Calgary! The city’s most explosive festival officially has dates set for 2023. Like the years before it, Calgarians will be able to cuddle up close in Elliston Park under a sky illuminated by stars and fireworks. Don’t miss it!
When: Thursday, August 17th – 26th, 2023
Where: 1827 68 St SE, Calgary, AB
Cost: $21+
CHECK OUT THE TASTE OF CALGARY
Hungry? This August, Calgarians will get to explore global cuisines from all over the world through an eclectic mix of restaurants and beverage companies! We have a feeling this year will be a good one, so don’t miss it.
When: Thursday, August 3rd – 7th, 2023
Where: 311, 8 Street SW
Cost: FREE Admission
There you have it, friends. No matter your style, we hope you enjoyed our list of 20 cheap summer date ideas in Calgary. Now it’s just a matter of picking your favourites!
