Free Things to Do in Calgary
Discover Calgary's wealth of free attractions, tours, events, and outdoor activities.
Central Library (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Colin Way)
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.
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Free attractions 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.
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.
Devonian Gardens (Credit: Tourism Calgary/ROAM Creative)
Esker Foundation (Credit: Jill Henderson)
Free tours in Calgary
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 .
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.
Central Library (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Colin Way)
Free parks and outdoor activities in Calgary
Explore the great outdoors with splash pads, skate parks, and trails 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: 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
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 .
Free festivals and events in Calgary
Add these free festival 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.
Day of the Dog
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 Race + Festival
Details: Celebrate the neighbourhood of Bowness with this free festival and bike race that includes food vendors and live music.
St. Patrick’s Island (Credit: Travel Alberta/Roth & Ramberg)
