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 for the first time or 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 the top attractions and public spaces in Calgary.

Alberta University of the Arts

Details: Discover world-class gallery spaces on campus at Alberta University of the Arts

Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre

Details: Learn the history of the Chinese community in Calgary with a free self-guided tour .

Central Library

Details: Explore four floors of the beautiful Central Library in the East Village.

Devonian Gardens

Details: 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

Details: Admission is free to this contemporary art gallery in the neighbourhood of Inglewood.

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

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

Rocky Mountain Show Jumping

Details: Free admission and parking to international horse-riding events for all ages and skill levels.

YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre

Details: Admission is free to Calgary’s police museum with interactive displays and photo opportunities for all ages.

Book a free tour with local guides and learn more about the history of Calgary.

Calgary Walking Tour

Details: Learn a piece of Calgary's history on a guided walking tour of two central neighborhoods in the city.

Central Library Tours

Details: Join free daily general or free architectural tours of the Central Library .

Baitun Nur Mosque Tours

Details: Book a free tour of Western Canada’s largest Ahmadiyya Mosque .

Scotiabank Saddledome Tours

Details: Book a free tour of the Scotiabank Saddledome on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on non-event days in June, July, and August.

Explore the great outdoors with splash pads, skate parks, and trails, for free family fun in Calgary.

St. Patrick’s Island

Details: Explore walking trails and natural play areas in this popular East Village park .

City of Calgary wading pools, spray parks, and outdoor pools

Details: Beat the heat with free wading pools, spray parks, and outdoor pools open from June until fall, open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Fish Creek Provincial Park

Details: Discover one of the largest urban parks in North America with a Visitor Centre and over 100 kilometres of walking, hiking, and biking trails.

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

Details: Discover over 270 species of birds, 21 mammals, 347 species of plants, and Nature Centre for free.

Prince’s Island Park

Details: Largest festival park in the heart of downtown Calgary with picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking trails, flower gardens, and outdoor skating.

Ralph Klein Park

Details: Free family drop-in programs in the summer make this man-made wetland a family friendly natural area.

Reader Rock Garden

Details: Provincial Historic Site and internationally acclaimed garden in bloom from March to November with free parking.

Cowboys Park

Details: Home to Canada’s largest free outdoor skatepark, basketball courts, beach volleyball courts, and climbing boulders .

Add these free festival season experiences in Calgary to your calendar.

Calgary Stampede Value Days

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

4th Street Lilac Festival

Details: Free one day event in June with musical talent, artisan vendors, and entertainment for all ages.

Alberta Open Farm Days

Details: Explore Alberta farms with free open house experiences each summer.

BUMP Festival

Details: Free mural tours, live DJs, and graffiti jams in the Beltline neighbourhood.

Calgary Pride

Details: Celebrate love with the Calgary Pride Parade and festival events throughout the city.

Alberta Culture Days

Details: Free 30 days of arts and culture experiences, local events and activities across the province.

Calgary Stampede Pancake Breakfasts

Details: Celebrate the Calgary Stampede with free Stampede pancake breakfasts in and around the city.

Chinatown Street Festival

Details: Free admission to the Chinatown Street Festival with live entertainment, dancers, and music.

Doors Open YYC

Details: Free access to Calgary and area locations with behind-the-scenes experiences and tours.

Inglewood Night Market

Details: Free admission to this neighbourhood market with live entertainment and a collection of local vendors.

Inglewood Sunfest

Details: Free admission to this popular summer festival with 200 vendors, live entertainment, and activities for all ages.

Lions’ Festival of Lights

Details: Calgary’s largest free drive-by Christmas light showcase with 650,000 bulbs and 25,000 strings of lights.

Marda Gras Street Festival

Details: Free family friendly event that attracts over 35,000 visitors from around Calgary.

Pet-a-Palooza

Details: Free pet-friendly festival with vendors, live entertainment, and treats.

Taste of Calgary

Details: Free admission to this food & beverage sampling festival with live music and marketplace vendors. Sampling tickets are $1 each.

Tour de Bowness Street Festival and Bike Race

Details: Celebrate the neighbourhood of Bowness with this free festival and bike race that includes food vendors and live music.