August has nearly come and gone and with a new month (and season) just around the corner, there are plenty of things happening in and around the city! The best part? Many of them will cost you less than $25! Not sure what’s happening? Here are 15 of the best FREE and cheap things to do in Calgary this September!
Sink your teeth into the Le Burger Festival
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Get ready, friends, because Canada’s tastiest festival, Le Burger Week, is back! From local bars to cafes Calgary is in 14 days of wildly tasty creations and we couldn’t be more excited. Bon Appetit, friends!
When: Friday, September 1st – 14th, 2023
Cost: Prices vary
Float Discover Canyon
Located in Red Deer Alberta, this unique tube park is another perfect-for-summer destination. Rent or bring your own inflatable donut, hop on in and sail the lazy river, lounge about on their “beach” or go golfing on their course. There’s an entire day’s worth of fun stuff to do – for less.
Where: 3800 River Bend Drive Red Deer County, Alberta
Cost: FREE + $6 tube rentals
Catch the Labour Day Parade
Floats, performers and more! This Labour Day check head over to Cochrane for their annual Parade, which kicks off at 10 am sharp. Bring your fold-out chairs, your families and a smile and enjoy a colourful morning in the streets!
When: Monday, September 4th, 2023
Where: See the route here
Time: Pre-parade 9 am | Main event 10 am
Cost: FREE
Be YOU at Calgary Pride
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: Saturday, August 26th – September 4th, 2023
Where: Various locations
Cost: FREE+
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 month, 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+
Wander an after-dark pumpkin display
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It’s back! Halloween is just over a month away and this season Calgary is kicking things off with Pumpkins After Dark – a one-of-a-kind event featuring more gourds that you could bake, carve or bash in an entire lifetime.
When: Friday, September 22nd – October 31st, 2023
Where: 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary
Time: See times above
Cost: $18+
Check out Beakerhead
A celebration of art, science and engineering. Beakerhead is back and admission is FREE. This will be the event’s 10th anniversary so you know it’s going to be bigger than ever. Don’t miss it!
When: Thursday, September 14th-17th, 2023
Where: Contemporary Calgary, Millennium Park, and TELUS Spark.
Cost: FREE+
Pop some corn at CIFF
This month, pop some corn, settle in and check out a flick or two that aren’t on your favourite streaming service. The Calgary International Film Festival is nearly here and this year’s lineup is just as impressive as you’d expect. Check it out at the link above!
When: Thursday, September 21st to October 1st, 2023
Time: See times above
Cost: $17+
Check out Fiesta Filipino
The first-ever cultural festival representing the Filipino community in all of Alberta Calgary’s Fiesta Filipino will showcase food, vendors, performers and more. You won’t want to miss it especially because it’s actually FREE to attend!
When: Friday, September 1st – 3rd, 2023
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8 Ave SE, Calgary
Cost: Free
Hit Heritage Park after dark
Shop until you drop! Every Saturday until September 2nd, Calgarians can spend an evening under the stars filling their bags with artisan goods and their stomachs with food and drinks from one of the attraction’s tasty eateries. From clothing to art, Heritage Park’s Night Market will practically have it all, making it what we can only describe as a ‘one-size fits all event,’ and it’s totally FREE!
When: Every Saturday until September 2nd, 2023
Where: 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., Calgary
Time: 3 pm – 9 pm
Cost: FREE Admission
Stroll the 4th Street Market
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Looking to shop local and have some fun? Guests from all over the city will be able to head over to the community of Mission to shop, eat, drink and explore at the 4th Street Market.
When: Saturday, September 16th, 2023
Where: 4th Street at Elbow Drive SW
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
Play a round of Haunted Mini Golf
Things are about to get scary competitive! This month, ghouls and goblins alike are encouraged to check out this adorable 18-hole course of frights and fun. Good luck and enjoy.
When: Thursday, September 21st – October 31st, 2023
Where: 168 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary
Cost: $15+
Stroll through a pumpkin patch
What’s more quintessentially fall than a pumpkin patch?! This weekend, toss on your autumn best, grab a hot chocolate, pick the perfect gourd and go home and make a pie or something. It doesn’t get any better (or cheaper) than that! Check the link above for our favourite spots in and around the city limits!
Fly high at the 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 27th – October 1st, 2023
Where: MacLeod Tr SW, High River
Cost: FREE
Have a stinking good time at Garlic Festival
With a clove in every colour, sink your teeth into everything from garlic bread to garlic pizza at this deliciously potent food festival! No, it’s probably not the BEST first-date destination, but it will be pretty interesting, especially if you like to cook.
When: Saturday, September 16th-17th, 2023
Where: 226066 112 Street W, Foothills No. 31, AB
Cost: $15.95
And here you have it! 15 free and cheap things to do in Calgary this August. What will you check out first?
