Image via Tourism Calgary Facebook
Tomorrow is the official first day of spring, and rather than treat it like any other Thursday, we’ve rounded up some free things to do around Calgary to celebrate.
Spring descends on our fair city this Thursday, March 20, 2025. The sun will cross the celestial equator, the season will shift, and Calgary can look forward to longer and warmer days — hopefully soon! According to Environment Canada, Calgary can expect sunny weather with a few clouds and a high of 9°C tomorrow. Almost… dare we even say it, springlike?
Here are a few free things to do around Calgary tomorrow to celebrate the first day of spring.
Calgary is home to many free public art installations. The secret is knowing where to find them! Luckily, the Calgary Public Art Trail makes it easy! This self-directed tour guides you to neighbourhoods throughout the city to discover unique public art installations. Learn the stories behind vibrant murals and sculptures, and snap some photos along the way. It’s like a treasure hunt you can do at your own pace.
The mobile guide is instantly delivered to your device via text and email when you sign up, with no app to download. Check in, earn points, and collect prizes. Post your selfie with the hashtag #CalgaryArtTrail to share your pics.
Where: Various locations in Calgary
What better way to enjoy the sunshine and ponder a new season? Start your trek in the historic neighbourhood of Inglewood, beloved for its local boutiques and heritage feel. While any shopping you might do will be on your own dime, a walk westwards along the river is one of the best free things to do in Calgary on a nice day. Enjoy the fresh air and people-watching!
Where: Suggested start in Inglewood, SE Calgary
The Esker Foundation is a free contemporary art gallery in Inglewood, with 10,000 square feet to explore. Exhibits change a few times a year, so go see what’s currently on display. This activity pairs great with the river walk since you’re already in the neighbourhood.
Where: Fourth floor, 1011 9 Ave. SE, Calgary
If the Calgary Public Art Trail whetted your appetite, there are a few free museums and galleries to check out on a lovely spring day. Take a stroll through the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre and Sculpture Park, a year-round, sustainable, art-in-nature destination. Self-guided tours are free, with donations welcome.
Where: 244034 Horizon View Rd., Calgary
Finally, the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre Museum is free to the public for non-guided visits. Learn about the history of the Chinese community in Calgary through first-hand accounts, artifacts, and personal items. Be sure to check out the rotating artist exhibit while you’re there to see some local works!
Where: 197 1 St. SW, Calgary
The Festival of Animated Objects is happening right now across the city, with many different events, exhibits, and live performances. You can check out two free exhibits on Thursday, March 20, 2025, as a part of this lineup!
Retrospect: Meet the makers and view more than two dozen portraits of artists and performers captured during the Festival of Animated Objects over its 23-year history.
Where: YMCA Rocky Ridge, 1300 Rocky Ridge Rd. NW, Calgary
I Dream In Shapes and Shadows: This visual art exhibition is inspired by local scenery and combines intricate paper sculptures with their shadows – with each element originally drawn by hand!
Where: NVRLND Boutique 1048 21 Ave. SE, Calgary
When the sun’s out, you’ll spot many Calgarians sporting shorts and t-shirts, no matter the temperature. If you’re more of the snowbirding type, this idea keeps you in the toasty, climate-controlled indoors. The Devonian Gardens is located on the top floor of the CORE Shopping Centre downtown. This botanical escape feels tropical year-round, so there’s no better place to dream of warmer days. Stroll among the foliage, bring your laptop to get some work done, or enjoy a quiet meal by yourself. If you’re working downtown tomorrow, this is a great way to make the first day of spring a little more special.
Where: Fourth floor of CORE Shopping Centre, 400, 317 7 Ave. SW, Calgary
There are plenty of free things to do in Calgary to enjoy the first day of spring. Have fun out there!
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