It’s here! One of the year’s most exciting months has arrived and with it – a ton of affordable events! Hoping to save a few dollars while you enjoy some fun in the sun? Here are 20 free and cheap things to do in Calgary this July.
ENJOY THE YYC SUMMER SCOOP FESTIVAL
Featuring unique creations, fantastic flavours, and tasty toppings the YYC Summer Scoop Festival will continue into July, all in the name of a good cause.
When: Until July 7th, 2023
Where: See locations above
Cost; Costs vary
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FLOAT THE BOW
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Grab your pals, a dingy, and some snacks then hit one of Calgary’s winding rivers! This July, kick back and enjoy the warmth on your face and the water on your toes on an obligatory summertime adventure – for cheap!
CELEBRATE CANADA DAY AT STUDIO BELL
Live music, new exhibits and more! Canada Day is going to be action-packed at the National Music Centre this year – plus they’ll offering FREE admission! Check out the link above for more information and have fun, Calgary!
When: Saturday, July 1st, 2023
Where: 300-851 4 Street SE, Calgary
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: FREE
OR WATCH THE FIREWORKS
This upcoming Canada Day, check out Calgary’s annual fireworks display happening at Stampede Park. Bring lawn chairs, snacks and your loved ones, then get ready to celebrate!
When: Saturday, July 1st, 2023
Where: Stampede Park – 650 25 Ave SE, Calgary
Time: 11 pm
Cost: FREE
CHECK OUT 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
WATCH THE CALGARY STAMPEDE PARADE
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It’s back! In order to celebrate the first day of the Greatest Show On Earth, check out the annual Calgary Stampede Parade – a must-see event featuring floats, performers and crowds of people.
When: Friday, July 7th, 2023
Where: See the parade route above
Time: 9 am
Cost: FREE
ATTEND THE STAMPEDE FOR FREE
YAHOOO! The midway, food, music, and the rodeo of the Calgary Stampede are back in action and if you plan it right, you can enjoy it for FREE. This summer giddy up and hit the Stampede grounds on one of the days listed above and enjoy an affordable day outside.
When: See dates above
Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE
Cost: FREE
PINK PANCAKE BREAKFAST
While midway games and corporate parties are a ton of fun, nothing beats the sweet smell of maple in the morning and this July, you can kick off a season’s worth of parking lot parties at Southcentre where they’ll be hosting their Pink Pancake Breakfast. Enjoy!
When: Wednesday, July 12th, 2023
Where: 100 Anderson Rd SE, Calgary, AB
Time: 9 am – 12 pm
Cost: FREE
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 walking through the area. Have fun!
When: Friday, July 14th, 2023
Where: 10th Ave and 10th Street SE
Time: 4 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
HAVE FUN IN THE SUN AT THE PET-A-PALOOZA
Described as “THE social event for dogs and their people,” Pet-a-palooza is back and it’s totally FREE to attend. Hit the link above for more information on this year’s event.
When: Saturday, July 29th and 30th, 2023
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW #202, Calgary
Cost: FREE
FIESTAVAL LATIN FESTIVAL
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From salsa lessons, a kid’s area, and 25 authentic Latin food vendors, to their 70 artisan and community vendors and beer garden, Calgary’s annual Fiestaval will be one you won’t want to miss, especially because it’s actually FREE to attend!
When: Friday, July 21st – 23rd, 2023
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8 Ave SE, Calgary
Cost: Free
VISIT COBB’S ADVENTURE PARK
This month, snuggle a kangaroo or two, go axe throwing, and place a bet on a round of minigolf for less than $25! Cobb’s Adventure Park is set to open for the season and in our opinion, there’s really no better way to get outdoors than this.
Where: 1500 84th Street NE, Calgary
Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Tickets: $21+
ENJOY THE INGLEWOOD SUNFEST
Bouncy castles, local bands and street performances? This year’s Inglewood Sunfest will bring drinks, live entertainment and fun (along with a ton of vendors and artists) to the streets of Calgary. Talk about the perfect summer day in one of Calgary’s hottest neighbourhoods!
Date: Saturday, July 29th, 2023
Location: 9th Avenue SE from 11th to 14th Street
Cost: Free
HAVE A BEER ON A CALGARY PATIO
Finally, the warmer weather is here! If you’re like us, then you’re beyond ready to hit one of the many incredible patios in and around the city. Check out the link above for 10 of our favourite spots and enjoy!
PLAY A ROUND OF MINI GOLF AT WINSPORT
A little competition never hurt anyone right? This month those looking for a day of fun and sun are encouraged to check out Winsport’s 18-hole course. The best part? It’s totally affordable to do so!
Where: 168 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary
Cost: $13+
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
CHECK OUT SYLVAN LAKE AQUA SPLASH
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We’re in for a long hot summer and there’s no better place to escape it all than by taking a trip to the Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash Park – a giant inflatable on-water park with obstacles, trampolines, and launch pads.
When: Opens July 1st, 2023
Where: 5104 Lakeshore Drive, Sylvan Lake
Cost: $18 for one hour
OR 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: $5 tube rentals
RE-CENTER WITH AN OUTDOOR YOGA CLASS
Inhale, exhale, stretch and sweat at an all-ages free Yoga class in Stanley Park for FREE every Sunday – after all, there’s really a no better way to spend an afternoon than by winding down and breathing in some fresh air with your toes in the grass.
When: Every Sunday
Where: 1300 12 Street Northeast
Time: 1 pm
Cost: FREE
SHOP HERITAGE PARK AFTER DARK
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
And here you have it! 20 free and cheap things to do in Calgary this July. What will you check out first?
