Another month has come and gone – but before we get into the pumpkin spice of things, August is here with plenty to see and do! Not sure what’s happening around the city this time around or how to save your money ahead of the spooky season? Here are 20 of the best FREE and cheap things to do in Calgary when July 2023 comes to an end.
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CATCH A SHOW AT THE FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL
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Featuring an “anything goes” series of plays, Calgary’s Fringe Festival returns in support of local creators, and up and coming legends. Tickets are on sale now so check out the link above for more information!
When: Friday, August 4th – 12th, 2023
Where: Various locations
Time: Various times
Cost: $10+
SEE A MOVIE IN THE PARK
Showing a variety of movies this sunny season, Calgarians are encouraged to bring a chair to Tomkins Park for a FREE experience that’ll make your summer. Don’t miss it!
When: Friday, August 11th-13th and September 8th-10th, 2023
Where: 17 Avenue and 8 Street SW, Calgary
Cost: FREE
GET A TASTE OF CALGARY
It’s here! From August 3rd to 7th explore global cuisines from a unique mix of restaurants and beverage companies. This year, Taste of Calgary will be celebrating the finest food, drink, and entertainment the city has to offer, so don’t miss it. It’s gonna be a good one, friends!
When: Thursday, August 3rd – 7th, 2023
Where: 311, 8 Street SW
Time: 11 am to 10 pm
Cost: FREE Admission
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, 2023
Where: 10th Ave and 10th Street SE
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE Admission
OR HERITAGE PARK AFTER DARK
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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
SKATE A RETRO ROLLER RINK
With sun in the sky, Calgary’s Deerfoot City wants to let the good times roll! This summer, lace into a pair of skates and glide the new retro roller rink at the third annual Block Party in partnership with the art-forward organization, PARK.
When: Until September 10th, 2023
Where: 901 64 Ave NE, Calgary
Cost: FREE
HAVE FUN IN THE SUN AT BEACH FEST
This August, check out Beach Fest, a bright and colourful shindig held on the shores of Lesser Slave Lake. Described as “fun for the whole family,” Devonshire Beach will be buzzing with food, music and games.
When: Saturday, August 12th and 13th, 2023
Where: Devonshire Beach, Range Road 55, Slave Lake, AB
Cost: FREE
DO YOGA IN THE PARK
There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than by winding down and breathing in some fresh air with your toes in the grass! This month, Inhale, exhale, stretch and sweat at an all-ages free Yoga class in the fields of some of Calgary’s most beautiful green spaces.
When: Every Sunday
Where: 1300 12 Street Northeast
Time: 1 pm
Cost: Pay-what-you-can
STROLL THE 4TH STREET NIGHT MARKET
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, August 12th & September 16th, 2023
Where: 4th Street at Elbow Drive SW
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
FLOAT THE BOW
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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+
VISIT THE CALGARY OPEN MARKET
Fresh veggies and fruit shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg – luckily this month, those in a bind will have one more place where they can eat better and spend less. Set to reopen every Thursday, the Calgary Open Market will sell fresh produce and desserts, eggs, bread coffee and more for pay-what-you-can prices.
When: Every Thursday
Where: Meadowlark Park Community Association – 623 58 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB
Time: 5 pm – 8 pm
Cost: FREE to attend
EARN BEADS AT MARDA GRAS
Get ready to party, Calgary! Marda Loop’s big Marda Gras event returns this year with vendors, live music, performances and of course, their annual pet pageant. This is the area’s longest-running street festival so you can bet it’s going to be a ton of fun. They know what they’re doing!
When: Sunday, August 13th, 2023
Where: 33rd Avenue SW between 19th and 22nd Street
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: FREE
OR FLOAT DISCOVERY 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
PET THE KANGAROOS AT COBB’S ADVENTURE PARK
This August, 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+
ENJOY GLOBALFEST
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Get ready! The city’s most explosive festival is back 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. It really is magical.
When: Thursday, August 17th, 19th, 22nd, 24th and 26th 2023
Where: 1827 68 St SE, Calgary
Cost: $21+
OR THE PERSEID METEOR SHOWER
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 and an original way to chill with your friends. This August, check out one of the many dark sky reserves in and around the city and take in the year’s most magical meteor shower.
When: Until August 24th, 2023 (peak on August 12-13th)
Time: After sunset
Cost: FREE
HIT NIKKA YUKO GARDEN
Lethbridge’s Iconic Japanese Garden is one of the most beautiful places in not just Alberta, but all of North America. This August, 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+
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+
TAKE A HIKE
In need of a little fresh air? As long as the weather continues to cooperate, why not treat yourself to a stunning hike in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains this August? Check the link above for our favourites and enjoy!
OR MAKE A SPLASH AT SYLVAN LAKE
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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
And here you have it! 20 free and cheap things to do in Calgary this August. What will you check out first?
