Hoping to save some money for the true start of spring? Don’t worry friends, we’re right there with you. So, we’ve rounded up some of the best cheap and free things to do in Edmonton this March. After all, fun on a budget is easily had in this city, you just gotta know where to look.

Here are the best cheap and free things to do in Edmonton this March.

Outdoors

FLYING CANOE VOLANT

One of the city’s most well known festivals is back to kick off March! Enjoy some live entertainment, eat delicious food, and of course, make sure to check out the canoe races.

When: March 1st to 5th
Where: 9613 96 Avenue NW
Cost: Free to attend

ELK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK

Elk Island National Park is a wonderland any time of year. Enjoy some hiking and exploring during the day, then kick back for some stargazing afterwards before you head home.

When: Open throughout March
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: $7.90 for admissions

GO SKATING

Ah yes, the last of the local winter activities. Edmonton has no shortage of great skating options, and of course, our top pick is the Victoria Park IceWay.

When: Open throughout March
Where: All around Edmonton

Arts & Culture

ST.ARNAUD

A couple of cheap concerts, AND showcasing local talent? Count us in. First up is the indie(ish) singer-songwriter St.Arnaud, who pairs upbeat production with, well, less than upbeat lyrics.

When: Wednesday, March 23rd
Where: 10030 – 102 Street
Cost: $10+

THE BOBBY TENDERLOIN UNIVERSE

Meanwhile, The Bobby Tenderloin Universe is what we’ll call ‘post-country’, combining classic sounds from the genre with a more contemporary attention to detail.

When: Thursday, March 24th
Where: 10030 – 102 Street
Cost: $10+

WINTERRUPTION

Showcasing dozens of locals bands, singers, and comedians, this concert kicks off at the end of March and will run for over a week! There are too many good names to count, and what’s more, a fair number of them are free to see.

When: Starts Sunday, March 27th
Where: Venues around Edmonton
Cost: Varies

SKIRTS ON WHYTE

Here’s another must-see festival. Returning to venues around Whyte Ave, this option combines a variety of art with live events like comedy shows, concerts, and more.

When: March 3rd to 13th
Where: Venues around Edmonton
Cost: Varies

ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA

On the flipside, the AGA just got two new exhibitions to check out! Byron Samson (Mistikonâpêw) does incredible portraits of Indigenous leaders, while Maud Lewis is recognized as one of the most prominent folk artists in Canadian history. Pay full price, or head there on the last Thursday of the month for free admission!

When: Open throughout March
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $14

Miscellaneous

METRO CINEMA

Slip into film buff mode and support a local business at the same time! Metro Cinema shows a wide range of options, from new blockbusters to cult classics from decades past and even some live events. And lucky for us, most of it is very cheap to see.

When: Showtimes throughout March
Where: 8712 109 Street
Cost: $13+

EDMONTON VALLEY ZOO

With the weather hopefully getting nicer, it could be time to head back to the zoo! Watching some animals lay around, play, and just vibe is weirdly therapeutic for us, and it’s fun for all ages.

When: Open throughout March
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $10.95

Those are our picks for the best cheap and free things to do in Edmonton this March! Have fun out there, and stretch those dollars.