Another month already? It’s nearly that time again and it’s going to be a good one! With the sun in the city’s forecast and a new season upon us, there are a ton of fun events to get you out and about. The best part? You won’t have to spend an arm and a leg. Not sure what’s happening this time around? Here are 12 of the best free and cheap things to do in Calgary this September!

Alberta Day Celebrations

Let’s celebrate! Alberta Day is back with family-friendly programming live performances, beer gardens, and more. This year, visit Heritage Park and enjoy a day of fun, sun, and memory-making for free.

When: Sunday, September 1st, 2024
Where: 1900 Heritage Dr. SW
Time: 11 am – 10 pm
Cost: Free

Discovery Canyon

Located in Red Deer Alberta, this unique park is another perfect-for-summer destination! This summer, rent or bring your own inflatable tube, hop on in and sail the lazy river, lounge about on their beach, or go golfing on their course. The best part? It’s FREE!

Where: 3800 River Bend Drive Red Deer County, Alberta
Cost: Free + $6 tube rentals

Le Burger Week

One of Canada’s tastiest festivals, Le Burger Week, is back! From local bars to cafes, Calgary foodies can enjoy wildly tasty creations and we couldn’t be more excited.

When: Sunday, September 1st – 8th, 2024
Cost: Prices vary

Cochrane Labour Day Parade 

This Labour Day head to Cochrane for their annual Parade, which kicks off at 10 am! Bring your fold-out chairs, your families, and a smile then enjoy a colourful morning in the streets!

When: Monday, September 2nd, 2024
Where: See the route here
Time: Pre-parade 9 am | Main event 10 am
Cost: Free

Movie in the Park 

A charming celebration that features food trucks, fun, and a showing of Elemental – a film chosen by the public. This summer, visit Royal Sunalta Park and enjoy a highly anticipated event – for free!

When: Friday, September 13th, 2024
Where: Royal Sunalta Park – directions here
Time: Sunset
Cost: Free

4th Street Night Market

Looking to shop local and have some fun? This September head over to the community of Mission and shop, eat, drink and explore at the 4th Street Market.

When: Saturday, September 14th, 2024
Where: Central Memorial Park
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: Free

Calgary International Film Festival

Pop the corn, Calgary! This September, CIFF will be back with new films, new ideas, new showtimes, and new artists – so don’t miss your chance to check it out. More details to come!

When: Thursday, September 19th – 29th, 2024
Where: 999 8 Street SW, Suite  260, Calgary
Cost: Prices vary

Heritage Park Market Nights

A night under the stars at Heritage Park. This September you and yours are encouraged to enjoy the food, drinks, and shops at their 2024 Night Market.

When: Saturday, September 7th and 14th 2024
Where: 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., Calgary
Time: 3 pm – 9 pm
Cost: Free

Heritage Inn Balloon Festival

Hot Air balloons are incredibly cool and probably on almost everyone’s bucket lists, regardless of the season. This month “oooh and ahh” while giant inflatables float peacefully overhead and get up close and personal with the pilots at The Heritage Inn Balloon Festival.

When: Wednesday, September 25th – 29th, 2024
Where: MacLeod Tr SW, High River
Time: See times above
Cost: Free

The Calgary Stampeders

Grab a beer and a jersey and cheer the Calgary Stampeders to victory at McMahon Stadium! For more information or to snag some tickets, head over to the link above!

When: Monday, September 2nd, 14th and 20th, 2024
Where: 1817 Crowchild Trail NW
Time: See times above
Cost: $21+

Harvest Lights

Are you a night owl? This September, check out the Calgary Farmyard’s Harvest Lights, a magical event with a corn maze, mini-golf, rat rollers, and a petting zoo.

When: Weekends starting September 15th, 2024
Where: 284022 Township Rd 224, Rocky Mountain Couty
Time: until 9:30 pm
Cost:: $22+

Bowden Sunmaze

This summer, visit the Bowden Sunmaze and wander their flower fields, get some fresh air, and snap a few pics in celebration of the warmer season.

When: Now open
Where: 34530 RR#14 Red Deer County, Alberta
Cost: $15+

And there you have it, folks! 12 free and cheap things to do in Calgary this September. Enjoy!

Cassandra Stefanic

Regional Editor, Prairies –Cassandra is a Calgary-based journalist with a deep appreciation for music, film, food, travelling, and storytelling. When she’s not chasing a story, writing, or editing, you’ll likely find her in the mountains, binge-watching a new series, at a speakeasy, cooking, or getting lost in a Taylor Swift re-record.

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