After months of anticipation, summer is finally here – and so are more festivals, concerts, markets and reasons to get outside than we can count – but never fear. This doesn’t mean that you’ll have to spend some serious cash to have fun! Here are 20 cheap and free things to do this July in Calgary.
GET THE SCOOP AT AN ICE CREAM FESTIVAL
View this post on Instagram
From the folks who brought us YYC Hot Chocolate Fest comes a 9-day event of unique creations, fantastic flavours, and tasty toppings. For the first time ever, the 2022 Summer Scoop Fest will take Calgary by the cone – all in the name of a good cause.
When: Saturday, June 25th – July 3rd
Where: See locations here
CELEBRATE THE GREAT NORTH AT STUDIO BELL
An instrument petting zoo, an all-request duelling piano show AND an afterparty hosted by The King Eddy? Canada Day is going to be action-packed at the National Music Centre this year – plus they’ll offering ‘pay-what-you-can’ admission! Check out the link above for more information and have fun, Calgary!
When: Friday, July 1st
Where: 300-851 4 Street SE, Calgary
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: Pay-what-you-can
WATCH THE CANADA DAY FIREWORKS
Don’t want to stay in one place for too long? The city of Calgary will have a ton of events happening all over the city this year. Kicking off at 11 am, check out Fort Calgary for an artisan market, food trucks, Metis jigging, open prayer, dancing, and resting of the flags. At 3 pm visit Olympic Plaza or St. Patrick’s island for live music, food trucks and more before they set the fireworks off at 9 pm.
When: Friday, July 1st
Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9 Ave. SE | Olympic Plaza – 228 8 Ave. SW | St. Patrick’s Island Park -1300 Zoo Rd. NE
Time: 11 am – late
Cost: FREE
HAVE A POOL PARTY AT HOTEL ARTS
This summer, hit Calgary’s ultimate pool party destinations for sun, fun, and on occasion – live music! Re-opening to the public this summer (without its winterized top), Hotel Arts will be THE place to wind down and catch a tan on the weekends.
Where: 119 12 Ave SW Calgary, AB
Cost: $20
CHECK OUT A RETRO ROLLER RINK
View this post on Instagram
With the sun in the sky, Calgary’s Deerfoot city wants to let the good times roll – in the literal sense! 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: Friday, July 1st
Where: 901 64 Ave NE, Calgary
Cost: FREE
CELEBRATE DEFEAT AT THE MUSEUM OF FAILURE
If you don’t succeed, try, try, try again. Filled with everything from board games and skin care products, to vehicles and foods – browse and oggle flops from all over the world at the up-and-coming Museum of Failure.
When: Friday, July 1st to August 31st
Where: Southcentre Mall – 100 Anderson Rd SE
Cost: $18.99+
HAVE A PICNIC
Food and fresh air? Sounds like a plan to us! This month – pack a basket full of goodies, hit the link above link, and enjoy a bite to eat in one of our picks for Calgary’s best picnic-friendly gardens.
CHECK OUT GLENBOW MUSEUM’S TEMPORARY GALLERY
Take a leisurely walk and support talented artists. This July check out Calgary’s FREE Glenbow Museum popup exhibition space at the Edison for Here to Tell: Faces of Holocaust Survivors, a commemorative photography exhibit that you won’t want to miss.
Where: 150 9th Avenue SW, Calgary
Cost: FREE
CHECK OUT THE SUMMER EVENT SERIES ON 17TH
View this post on Instagram
From still walkers and aerialists, to drag royalty and local musicians – 17th Avenue will kick off its 2022 summer series with a ton of Canada Day events – then continue on throughout the summer with movies in the park, fitness classes and more. For a full itinerary, check out the link above and enjoy!
When: Friday, July 1st – September 21st
Where: 17 Ave. & 8 St. S.W, Calgary
Cost: FREE
SHOP THE 4TH STREET NIGHT MARKET
Another day, another market! This month, guests from all over the city are encouraged to head over to the community of Mission to shop, eat, drink and explore an iconic Calgary hot spot. Enjoy!
When: Saturday, July 9th
Where: 4th Street at Elbow Drive SW
Time: 4 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
SHOP THE INGLEWOOD NIGHT MARKET
The days are getting longer the nights are getting a little warmer, which can only mean one thing! Get ready, Calgary, because the Inglewood Night Market is back for another month of fun, food and friends. As always this annual after-hours event will feature everything from handmade goods, crafts, vintage clothing, collectables and a ton more – so don’t miss it!
When: Friday, July 8th
Where: 10 Avenue & and 10th Street – 11th Avenue & 11th street
Time: 5 pm – 11 pm
Cost: FREE
WATCH THE CALGARY STAMPEDE PARADE
What better way to kick off a major event than with a parade! This July, in order to celebrate the first day of the Greatest Show On Earth, check out the annual Calgary Stampede Parade – a must-see even featuring floats, performers and crowds of people.
When: Friday, July 8th
Where: See parade route above
Time: 9 am
Cost: FREE
HAVE FUN IN THE SUN AT THE PET-A-PALOOZA
View this post on Instagram
Described as “THE social event for dogs and their people,” Pet-a-palooza has become a west-coast sensation with it taking over city streets in Vancouver, Victoria, and Calgary year after year. This summer, of course, is no exception, with organizers announcing the return of the furry shindig this sunny season.
When: July 23rd – 24th
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW #202, Calgary
Cost: FREE
VISIT WITH THE ANIMALS AT COBB’S ADVENTURE PARK
This summer snuggle a kangaroo or two, go axe throwing and place a bet on a round of minigolf! 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: $19.75+
THEN SHOP THE EASY DAYS SPRING POP-UP
It’s back! Set to take place again along the stunning East Village Riverwalk, the Easy Days pop-up market will not only shed some well-deserved light on Calgary artists and various artisan vendors, but it’ll also bring several performances by musicians and performers in every genre to the streets of Calgary, so save the date!
When: Saturday, July 30th
Where: 1300 12 St NE, Calgary
Time: 12 pm – 6 pm
Cost: FREE
CHASE SOME WATERFALLS
There’s nothing like a waterfall to stop you dead in your tracks. This summer, head to the mountains and ogle at some of the most beautiful – not just in the province, but in the entire country! Hit the link above for our favourites.
TAKE IN A FILM OR TWO DURING THE FRINGE FESTIVAL
Featuring a series of Indie Films, Calgary’s Fring Festival returns in support of lesser know creators, and up and coming legends. Tickets go on sale on July 11th – so stay tuned for more information.
When: Friday, July 29th – August 6th
Where: Various locations
Time: Various times
FIESTAVAL LATIN FESTIVAL
View this post on Instagram
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 22rd – 24th
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8 Ave SE, Calgary
Cost: Free
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 over 200 vendors and artists) to the streets of Calgary. Talk about the perfect summer day in one of Calgary’s hottest neighbourhoods.
Date: Saturday, July 30th
Location: 9th Avenue SE from 11th to 14th Street
Cost: Free
FLOAT THE BOW
What’s the best way to cool off this July? Well by floating the Bow or the Elbow, of course! Grab your pals, a dingy, and some snacks then hit either of Calgary’s winding rivers. Kick back and enjoy the warmth on your face and the water on your toes on an obligatory springtime adventure.
And there you have it friends, 20 FREE or cheap things to do in Calgary this July. Enjoy yourselves out there!
