The first month of 2024 has come and gone and the fun is just getting started! From food festivals and hockey games to outrageous outdoor activities there is a ton to see and do, but you shouldn’t have to spend a lot to experience what the city has to offer! Ready to get into it? Here are 14 free and cheap things to do in Calgary this February!
La Poutine Week
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Feeling hungry, patriotic and a little more protective of your wallet? Check out La Poutine Week. This year’s event will delight Calgarian and will see a whole slew of restaurants whipping up their best poutine creations so don’t miss it!
When: Wednesday, February 1st-7th, 2024
Where: Participating Restaurants
YYC Hot Chocolate Fest
The sweetest festival of the year! The annual YYC Hot Chocolate Festival kicks off this February with a ton of restaurants and cafes around the city participating. You can hit one, hit a couple, or hit them all, the city is your oyster.
When: Thursday, February 1st-29th, 2024
Chinook Blast
Cold hands and warm hearts! Get ready, because the city is gearing up for Chinook Blast, a multi-week festival full of food, entertainment, lights, and community spirit in collaboration with local businesses. It’s going to be huge!
When: Friday, February 2nd-9th, 2024
Where: Downtown Calgary
Chinese New Year Festival 2024
One of the biggest celebrations in the city! Featuring dragon and lion dances, martial arts, demonstrations, singers and so much more – Calgary’s Chinese Cultural Centre is back with its huge Lunar New Year festival. Check it out and enjoy!
When: Saturday, February 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 2024
Where: 197 1 St SW, Calgary
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Cost: FREE
Calgary Hitmen
Let’s go! This February, cheer on the Calgary Hitmen as they take on various teams in the iconic Scotiabank Saddledome! The very best part? Tickets are affordable!
When: Various dates in January
Where: 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Cost: $17+
Banff SnowDays Festival
Celebrating the winter season, the Banff SnowDays Festival in Alberta will bring a series of ice-cold experiences to everyone’s favourite mountain town! This February guests should expect to see large crowds, enthusiastic visitors, and tons of powder, packed and used for everything from wacky sporting events to tobogganing.
When: Friday, January 19th-February 4th, 2024
Where: Banff, Alberta
Cost: FREE+
Olympic Plaza
There’s nothing better than an icy skating rink in the winter months! This month, hit Olympic Plaza and enjoy a lap or two in the inner city – for FREE! Enjoy!
When: Now Open
Where: 228 8 Ave. SE, Calgary
Cost: FREE
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Feeling stressed after the holidays? Banff’s upper hot springs overlook the tiny mountain town and are the best way to wind down this season. Adults can check it out for just $16.50!
Where: 1 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB
Cost: $16.50+
East Village Hygge Hut
Located just off River Walk Plaza in the East Village, Calgarians looking to wind down after a long day are encouraged to check out the Hygge Hut! This Scandinavian-style spot is fitted with a cozy fireplace and a warm atmosphere perfect for enjoying a cup of Joe or hot cocoa.
When: Until March 1st, 2024
Where: See location here
Cost: FREE
Block Heater Music Festival
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Featuring a ton of local and Canadian artists, The Block Heater Folk Festival will take over Calgary’s inner city this February. Interested in checking it out? Hit the link above for tickets!
When: Thursday, February 15th-17th, 2023
Where: See locations here
Cost: $0+
Chateau Lake Louise Ice Bar
This month, head to the mountains for a day of sipping and skating with your favourite people! Now open to the public, Chateau Lake Louise Ice Bar is a magical must-visit, so check it out!
When: Until Mid-April
Where: 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB
Glenbow at The Edison
Looking for something FREE and fun? This February you can check out ‘ᖃᓪᓗᓈᖅᑕᐃᑦ ᓯᑯᓯᓛᕐᒥᑦ Printed Textiles from Kinngait Studios,’ which tells the story of a group of artists who produced a collection of graphic textiles in Kinngait, Nunavut in the 1950s and ’60s.
When: Until March 3rd, 2024
Where: 150 9th Avenue SW, Calgary
Cost: FREE
Winsport
This month enjoy the cold air and fresh powder at Winsport! Every Friday bundle up and head out for an adrenaline-inducing activity that’ll only cost $18. You’re going to have a blast!
Where: 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary
Time: See times above
Cost: $18+ on Fridays
Ethnik Festival of Arts and Culture
Promoting leadership and inspiring younger generations to express more genuine versions of themselves, The Ehtnik Festival will feature Brick and Lace, Dr. Helen Paul, Shalli and more!
When: Friday February 9th-10th, 2024
Where: 136 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB Calgary
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: $25
Whew, there you have it, friends 14 free and cheap things to do in Calgary this February. What will you check out first?
