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?

Save money at some of Calgary's top attractions with the FREE Calgary Attractions Pass. Check in at participating locations for great deals & discounts and to earn entries for a 2-night ultimate Calgary staycation!

Free Attractions in Calgary

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

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.

Glenbow at The Edison

Details: Free admission to the downtown satellite gallery, The Edison, with touring exhibitions at the museum. Advance online ticket reservation is required.

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.

Free Tours in Calgary

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

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.

Walk the YYC

Details: Calgary’s only pay-what-you can free walking tour company.

Wild Rose Adventures Self-Guided Cycling Adventures

Details: Explore the longest street pathway network in North America with Wild Rose Adventures free bike route collection.

Free Parks & Outdoor Activities in Calgary

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.

Shaw Millennium Park

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

Free Festivals & Events in Calgary

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.

Beakerhead

Details: Free admission to this popular multi-day fall festival combining science, creativity, and the arts.

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.

Shakespeare on the Go

Details: Free live theatre in various parks & neighbourhoods throughout the city each summer from Theatre Calgary.

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. 

Find more great local events with the Tourism Calgary Events Calendar.