Free Things to Do in Calgary

Everybody loves a free activity and there are plenty of options in Calgary. There are so many free attractions, tours, parks, and festivals to explore whether you are visiting the city or a local hosting friends and family. It’s a great way to save money and find family-friendly fun in the city.

Ready to discover the best free things to do in Calgary?

Find free admission and activities at some of the top attractions and public spaces in Calgary.

• Alberta University of the Arts - World-class gallery spaces on campus featuring work from students and international artists.

• Devonian Gardens - One hectare of botanical gardens with over 500 trees, 50 varieties of plants, 900 square foot living wall, fountains, fishponds, and a playground.

• Esker Foundation - Admission is free to this contemporary art gallery in the historic neighbourhood of Inglewood.

• Rocky Mountain Show Jumping - Free admission and parking to international horse-riding events for all ages and skill levels.

• YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre - Admission is free to Calgary’s police museum with interactive displays and photo opportunities for all ages.

Dig deeper into the history and culture of Calgary through a guided or self-guided tour.

• Calgary Walking Tour - A 1.5 hour guided walking tour of Calgary's history through two central neighborhoods.

• Central Library Tours - Volunteer-run tours that show off the art and architecture of the incredible building.

• Scotiabank Saddledome Tours - Guided tours of the Scotiabank Saddledome on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on non-event days in June, July, and August.

• Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre Museum - The history of the Chinese community in Calgary is on display with a free self-guided tour .

• BUMP Mural Tours - Dozens of incredible murals are waiting to be discovered on this self-guided tour through downtown.

Explore the great outdoors with wading pools, skate parks, gardens, and trails in Calgary.

Parks and gardens

• St. Patrick’s Island - Boardwalks, scenic viewpoints, and a sheltered beach area in this popular East Village park .

• Fish Creek Provincial Park - One of the largest urban parks in North America features a visitor centre, restaurant, and over 100 kilometres of walking, hiking, and biking trails.

• Inglewood Bird Sanctuary - A birder's paradise in the middle of the city, with winding trails, interpretive signage, a forest-bathing trail, and a Nature Centre.

• Prince’s Island Park - An oasis in the heart of downtown with picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking trails, flower gardens, and outdoor skating.

• Ralph Klein Park - Free drop-in programs in the summer make this man-made wetland a perfect outdoor activity for families.

• Reader Rock Garden - A Provincial Historic Site and internationally acclaimed garden in bloom from mid-March to mid-November.

Outdoor recreation

• Harvie Passage - A purpose-built channel along the Bow River where kayakers and river surfers tackle whitewater waves and everyone else just enjoys the sun.

• Cowboys Park - Home to Canada’s largest free outdoor skatepark along with basketball courts, beach volleyball courts, and climbing boulders.

• Disc golf courses - Several Calgary parks feature beautiful tree-lined fairways and open greens providing a fun challenge for beginners and experienced players alike.

• Cross-country ski trails - In the winter, groomed trails weave through Calgary parks and golf courses, like Shaganappi Point and Confederation Park.

• Spray parks - Free city-run wading pools and spray parks are open from June until fall and are a great way to beat the heat.

Add these free festival experiences to your calendar.

Calgary Stampede

• Calgary Stampede Value Days - Free admission to the Calgary Stampede on special Value Days for The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

• Calgary Stampede pancake breakfasts - Dozens of free pancake breakfasts take place in parks and parking lots throughout the city during Stampede.

Community events

• 4th Street Lilac Festival - One-day street festival in June with musical performances, artisan vendors, and entertainment for all ages.

• Inglewood Night Market - A free outdoor night market with live entertainment and an eclectic collection of local vendors.

• Inglewood Sunfest - Free admission to this popular summer festival with 200 vendors, live entertainment, and activities for all ages.

• Tour de Bowness Race + Festival - Free community festival and bike race that celebrates the neighbourhood of Bowness with food vendors and live music.

• Marda Gras Street Festival - This family-friendly street festival attracts over 35,000 visitors from around Calgary.

Cultural events

• BUMP Festival - Free mural tours, live DJs, and graffiti jams in the Beltline neighbourhood.

• Calgary Pride - Celebrate love with the Calgary Pride Parade and other free events throughout the city.

• Chinatown Street Festival - Free admission to the Chinatown Street Festival with live entertainment, dancers, and music.

• Taste of Calgary - Free admission to this food & beverage sampling festival with live music and marketplace vendors. Sampling tickets are $1 each.

• Doors Open YYC - Free access to Calgary and area locations with behind-the-scenes experiences and tours.