Are there any free or cheap entertainment options in Calgary?

Calgary offers a huge number of free and affordable entertainment options for residents and visitors alike. With over a million residents, this city is renowned for its quality of life and wealth of leisure opportunities that won't break the family budget.

Free parks and nature reserves

Prince's Island Park

Prince's Island Park is a true oasis in the heart of Calgary. This park offers over 20 acres of trails, wetlands, forests, and open spaces. The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is free of charge. In winter, there is a free skating rink on the lagoon from mid-December to mid-March.

Park features:

  • Chevron Learning Pathway — an educational trail with interpretive signs
  • Playgrounds and picnic areas
  • Festival events throughout the year
  • River Café restaurant for special occasions

Fish Creek Provincial Park

Fish Creek Provincial Park is the second largest urban park in Canada. The park offers a huge variety of wildlife and stunning scenery, as well as numerous trails for walking and hiking.

Nose Hill Park

Nose Hill Park is impressive for its size and opportunities for exploration. It is one of the best places to walk your dog, as most of the park allows dogs to run freely.

Free city events and programs

Calgary Recreation Programs

The City of Calgary offers a wide range of free programs for all ages:

For children:

  • Mobile Adventure Playground — a mobile adventure playground that travels between city parks during the summer
  • Park n' Play (ages 6–12) — a free outdoor program from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Stay n' Play (ages 3–5 + adult) — a program for younger children with mandatory parental participation

For all ages:

  • Birding Breaks — guided walks in Inglewood Bird Sanctuary on Tuesdays
  • Mobile Skate and Scoot — free skateboarding, scooter, and rollerblading lessons
  • Wetland Wonders — learn about wetland ecosystems at Ralph Klein Park

Calgary Public Library Programs

The Calgary Public Library offers completely free programs for all age groups:

  • Storytime for children ages 6 months to 5 years
  • Summer Reading Programs
  • Reading Buddies — teen volunteers help students in grades 1–3
  • Computer Buddies — computer literacy for children in grades 1–6
  • ESL programs for teens

13 early learning centers in city libraries provide play spaces with different themes, including mazes, wooden structures, and interactive areas.

Free museums and cultural institutions

Free museum days

  • Contemporary Calgary Art Gallery — free admission on the first Thursday of every month
  • Studio Bell (National Music Centre) — pay-what-you-can option
  • Glenbow Museum — will be completely free after renovation thanks to a donation from the Shaw Family

Devonian Gardens

A unique, free, one-hectare indoor botanical garden located on the fourth floor of the CORE shopping center.

Highlights:

  • Over 500 trees and 50 species of plants
  • 900-square-foot living wall
  • Fountains, fish ponds, and a playground
  • Space for corporate events and weddings

Free winter activities

Olympic Plaza

  • Free ice skating in winter
  • Skate rental
  • Christmas tree during the winter season

Prince's Island Park (winter)

  • Free skating rink on the lagoon
  • Cross-country skiing

Summer festivals and events

Free summer festivals:

  • Calgary Stampede Value Days
  • 4th Street Lilac Festival
  • BUMP Festival (August 1–31)
  • Inglewood Sunfest (July 27)
  • Calgary Dragon Boat Festival (August 8–10)
  • Pet-A-Palooza

Night markets and community events

  • Inglewood Night Markets — free admission
  • Marda Loop Saturday Market
  • 17th Avenue concerts at Tompkins Park

Walking trails and hikes

Calgary has over 1,000 km of urban trails.

Central trails:

  • RiverWalk East — St. Patrick's Island Loop (3 km)
  • Peace Bridge and surrounding area
  • Elbow River Pathway (up to 17.2 km)

Nature trails:

  • Weaselhead Flats
  • Nose Hill Park
  • Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area

Accessible facilities and programs

Fair Entry Program

75% discount on:

  • Recreation centers
  • Swimming pools
  • Cultural events

Genesis Centre

  • YouthPlay — youth under 18 (Mon–Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.)
  • Toddler Time — trampoline and toys (Mon–Thu, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.)
  • Active Adults — fitness programs
  • Emergency Food Hampers from the Calgary Food Bank

YMCA Calgary

  • Free 13-month membership for all Grade 6 students

Seasonal activities

Spring and summer:

  • Concerts in the parks
  • Splash parks
  • Community gardens
  • Outdoor yoga

Fall and winter:

  • Ice skating
  • Ski trails
  • Indoor activities at libraries
  • Winter festivals

Practical money-saving tips

Transportation:

  • Public transportation
  • Free parking in parks
  • Bike rides

Food:

  • Packed picnics
  • Water fountains
  • Free breakfasts at the Calgary Stampede

Planning:

  • Register for programs in advance
  • Follow event calendars
  • Facebook groups

Information resources

Websites:

Mobile apps:

  • Calgary Public Library — for programs and events
  • IndigiTRAILS — for cultural trails

Calgary offers a wealth of free and affordable leisure opportunities. From natural parks and cultural events to educational programs and seasonal activities, there is something for everyone. Plan ahead and take advantage of the city's resources to get the most out of your visit.