43 free things to do in Calgary this fall

Sep 23 2019, 12:00 pm

There are many fun and free things to do in Calgary this fall! From East Side Studio Crawl to Remembrance Day, here are 43 free things to do in and around the city this season.

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

Explore the city

Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival

What: Just 45 minutes south of Calgary, High River is home to the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival, a celebration of hot air balloons and the opportunity to see the big balloons in action. On Friday, September 27, attendees can experience Balloon Night Glow from 5 to 9 pm, when hot air balloons will be lit up against the night sky. Food trucks will also be on scene for the festival.

When: September 25 to September 29, 2019
Time: A full schedule of the festival can be found here
Where: Heritage Inn – 1104 11th Avenue SE, High River
Launch site – 917 Macleod Trail SW
Balloon Night Glow – Spitzee Elementary School field – 409 Macleod Trail SW, High River
Admission: Free for spectators, and balloon flights are $275 per passenger, reservations available online

Doors Open YYC

What: Calgary businesses are opening their doors to the general public for the eighth year in a row as Doors Open YYC returns for 2019. The event allows Calgarians to play tourist in their own city for free as local businesses let the public take a look at what goes on in their operations.

When: September 28 and 29, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free

Bingo at The Mustard Seed

What: Enjoy an hour of Bingo at The Mustard Seed for a chance to win prizes.

When: September 30, October 14, October 28, November 11 and November 25, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: The Mustard Seed Neighbour Centre – 6060 Memorial Drive, NE Calgary
Admission: Free

Who’s in the Hall Wednesdays

What: Enjoy a free night at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. For the first time, the hall will be opening their doors on the first Wednesday of every month featuring free admission, cash bar, fun interactives, and a speakers series.

When: The first Wednesday of every month – October 2, November 6, December 4, 2019
Times: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame – 169 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary
Admission: Free

Free First Thursday at Glenbow Museum

What: Explore the Glenbow Museum at your leisure for FREE on the first Thursday of every month.

When: The first Thursday of every month – October 3, November 7, December 5, 2019
Time: 5 pm to close
Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE
Admission: Free

Print(ed) Word Salon Series

What: Print(ed) Word is a collection of 12 handmade artist books now on permanent display at Calgary’s Central Library. Each month, a different team of authors and artists present a talk on their process of collaboration.

When: October 8, November 12 and December 10, 2019
Time: 7 to 8 pm
Where: Central Library – Level 4 – Simons-Harvie Community Reading Room – 800 3 St SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Monthly Open House at AVRO Museum

What: Learn more about Avro Canada and its contributions to Canada’s aviation and aerospace legacy, plus see the latest progress on the Arrow II project. There will be a flight simulator on-site, used in AVRO’s design and testing, which will be open for the public to take for a spin.

When: The Second Sunday of every month – October 13, November 10, December 8, 2019
Time: 12 to 3 pm
Where: AVRO Museum – 229 Avro Lane, Calgary
Admission: Free. Small donation when using the flight simulator to help maintain its operation

Protospace Open House

What: Check out Protospace’s open house every Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm. Furniture, bikes, robots, electronics — no matter what your jam is, you can make it here.

When: Every Tuesday
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Protospace – Bays 110 & 108, 1530 27 Avenue NE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Esker Foundation

What: Esker Foundation connects the public to contemporary art through relevant, accessible, and educational exhibitions, programs, and publications. The gallery reflects on current developments in local, regional, and international culture; creates opportunities for public dialogue; and supports the production of groundbreaking new work, ideas, and research. Admission is free. The gallery is barrier-free.

When: Open Tuesdays to Sundays. Closed Mondays
Time: Various times
Where: Esker Foundation – 4th Floor – 1011 9th Ave SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Spotlight YYC – Salty Sea Dog Designs

Salty Sea Dog Designs

What: Alberta Craft Council presents a spotlight on Salty Sea Dog Designs, whimsy ceramic creations by Sarah and Blair Dawes. All work is available for sale. There will also be a reception on September 12 from 5 to 8 pm.

When: Wednesdays to Saturday until October 5, 2019
Time: 11 am to 5 pm (Wednesdays to Friday), 10 am to 5 pm (Saturdays)
Where: Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary – #280, 1721 – 29 Avenue SW, cSPACE King Edward, Calgary
Admission: Free

Roasterie Tour – Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters

What: This 20-minute tour gives attendees a look at Phil & Sebastian’s vintage retro-fitted roaster and operations, plus learn about their green coffee sourcing strategies.

When: Every Wednesday
Time: 12:15 to 12:35 pm
Where: Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters – 618 Confluence Way Southeast, Calgary
Tickets: Online, Free

Free Brewery Tours at Red Bison Brewery

What: The tour starts off with an explanation of Red Bison’s name and why founder Steve started the brewery. Attendees will then see the homebrew system Steve used to brew beer on the balcony of his downtown Calgary condo, and talk about malt and how each of the flavours impact the recipes. After this, it’s a walk through the processes for the brew day and the fermentation process. Once the tour is complete, guests will be able to buy flights to try out beer and the kitchen is also open.

When: Every Sunday
Time: 1 pm
Where: Red Bison Brewery – 111, 3016 10 Ave NE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, Free

Commemorate Remembrance Day

Field of Crosses

What: At sunrise each morning from November 1 to November 11 members of the public are invited to attend a formal flag raising ceremony at the Field of Crosses,where over 3,400 white crosses are displayed each year on November 1st and removed November 12. Each cross is inscribed with the name, rank, regiment, date of death and age at death of a Southern Alberta soldier killed in action. A special Remembrance Day ceremony will be held on November 11.

When: November 1 to November 11, 2019
Time: Remembrance Day ceremony at 10:30 am on November 11, flag raising ceremonies at sunrise and sunset.
Where: Memorial Drive between 3rd Street NW and Centre Street
Admission: Free

The Hangar Flight Museum – Ceremony

What: The annual ceremony will be held outdoors if weather permitting, and it’s recommended to arrive early and dress warmly. Non-perishable food donations to the Veterans Food Bank will be accepted.

When: November 11, 2019
Time: 10:30 am
Where: 
The Hangar Flight Museum — 4629 McCall Way NE
Admission: 
Free, donations accepted for the Veteran’s Food Bank

Jubilee Auditorium Remembrance Day Service

Victoria

Remembrance Day/ Shutterstock

What: Political, Veterans, Military, Civic and community organizations will lay wreaths during the Jubilee Auditorium Rembrance Day Service, Anyone who would like to lay a private wreath is also welcome. Seating is assigned.

When: November 11, 2019
Time: 9:30 to 11:45 am
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 – 14th Avenue NW, Calgary
Admission: Free

Burnsland Cemetery Remembrance Day tour

What: Many heroes representing the Canadian Military and Royal Canadian Mounted Police have been laid to rest at the Burnsland Cemetery. Head there for a free walking tour at 2 pm to explore the history and stories behind some of the non-Canadian units whose members are buried in the Burnsland Field of Honour.

When: November 11, 2019
Time: 2 to 3:30 pm
Where: 27th Avenue and Spiller Road SE
Admission: Free

Battalion Park

What: Hosted by the Kings Own Calgary Regiment, the Annual Battalion Park Remembrance Day Ceremony will feature speeches, a public address, wreath-laying, and a short ceremony.

When: November 11, 2019
Time: 10:30 am
Where: 3001 Signal Hill Drive SW
Admission: Free

Canadian Pacific Ogden Memorial

What: Canadian Pacific pays tribute to the more than 33,000 CP employees who served in World War I and World War II during the Remembrance and Veterans Day ceremony. Members of the public are welcome, and light refreshments will be served at the Royal Canadian Pacific Pavilion afterwards.

When: November 11, 2019
Time: 10:40 am
Where: CP Memorial Square – adjacent to the top parking lot by the 69th Avenue SE and Ogden Dale Road SE entrance.
Admission: Free

Fort Calgary

What: Fort Calgary is hosting a Remembrance Day service facilitated by the RCMP Veterans’ Association of Calgary. The service will take place at 10:30 am with the annual holiday Artisan’s Fair happening from 11:30 am to 5 pm. Admission to the fair is free if you bring along a non-perishable food item for the Veteran’s Food Bank.

When: November 11, 2019
Time: service at 10:30 pm, artisan’s fair from 11:30 am to 5 pm
Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9th Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Military Museums

What: The Military Museums will hold their annual Remembrance Day service with VIPs, guests of honour, Act of Remembrance and laying of wreaths. Bring a non-perishable food item with you to the museums to donate to the Veterans’ Food Bank. The museum will be open after the service with admission by donation.

When: November 11, 2019
Time: 10:30 am
Where: 4520 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary
Admission: Free, donations accepted for the Veteran’s Food Bank

You can also support veterans by donating to the Calgary Poppy Fund annual fundraising campaign and to the Canadian Legacy Project’s Veterans Food Drive.

Eat fresh at farmers’ markets

Grassroots Deerfoot Farmers’ Market

What: For the past 27 years, Grassroots Deerfoot Farmers’ Market has provided Calgarians with a wonderful variety of locally grown, baked, and produced goods. Enjoy fresh fruit and veggies, meats, plants, soups, baked goods, honey, wine, pizza, breads, and crafts.

When: Every Tuesday until September 24, 2019
Time: 3:30 to 7 pm
Address: Deerfoot City – 1120 64 Ave NE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market

Whole Grain Bread / Shutterstock

What: Enjoy local food, live entertainment, and shop for artisan-inspired products at Bridgeland Riverside Farmer’s Market this summer. From bread to beer, frommage to fresh cut flowers, the market hosts diverse and high-quality vendors to meet all of your local shopping needs.

When: Every Thursday until October 3, 2019
Time: 3:30 to 7:30 pm
Address: BRCA Hall – 917 Centre Ave, NE., Calgary
Admission: Free

High River Farmers’ Market

What: Located in High River’s beautiful downtown, the outdoor farmers’ market features over 50 vendors on Thursday afternoons until September 12, 2019. You can expect to find everything from locally grown fresh produce, home-baked breads, pies, fudge, and smoked meats, as well as unique and handcrafted housewares, jewelry, and clothing. There is also always a variety of food trucks selling everything from wood-fired pizzas, hand-made perogies and more.

When: Every Thursday until September 12, 2019
Time: 3:30 to 6:30 pm
Address: High River Downtown – 4 Avenue S.W. and 1 Street S.W.
Admission: Free

Millarville Farmers’ Market

What: Meet and shop at growers, farmers, makers, bakers, and artists at Millarville Farmers’ Market. Children five to 12 years can also join the Market Buds program. Participants will learn where their food comes from, gain confidence in conversation with Alberta Produce farmers and BC Fruit farmers, make healthy food choices, and hold sole responsibility for maintaining their own punch card and tokens. Tokens for spending on vegetables and fruit are earned by completing a weekly activity in the Market Buds area located in the garden.

When: Every Saturday until October 12, 2019
Time: 9 am to 2 pm
Address: 306097 192 Street West, Millarville
Admission: $3, with proceeds going to support programming at the Millarville Racetrack.

Crossfield Farmers’ Market

What: Explore Crossfield’s fast-growing rural market for the best local produce. Enjoy make it, bake it and grow it vendors and plan to stay for dinner. Crossfield Farmers’ Market is a member of the Alberta Farmers Market Association.

When: Every Thursday until September 26, 2019
Time: 3:30 to 7:30 pm
Address: Crossfield Community Center – 900 Mountain Ave, Crossfield
Admission: Free

Robert McClure Farmers’ Market

What: Enjoy live music, food vendors, activities for the family and a wide variety of vendors selling their goods.

When: Every Friday until September 27, 2019
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Address: Robert McClure United Church – 5510 – 26 Avenue NE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Triwood Farmers’ Market

farmers market

Shutterstock

What: Check out the weekly Triwood Farmers’ Market running from July 2 to October 15. Grab some food and explore the various vendors, including produce, bath and body, jewelry, and more.

When: Every Tuesday until October 15, 2019
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Address: Triwood Community Association – 2244 Chicoutimi Drive NW, Calgary
Admission: Free

Strathmore Farmers’ Market

What: The Strathmore Farmers’ Market was established in 1997 and is an Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market. Vendors include dairy products, baked goods, crafts, and more.

When: Every Friday until September 20, 2019
Time: 3 to 6:30 pm
Address: Strathmore Kinsmen Park – Lakeside Blvd, Strathmore
Admission: Free

Airdrie Farmers’ Market

What: Come out and find the finest local purveyors and producers of local goods. Everything from original quilts, handcrafted art, to natural soaps and lotions, food trucks and more – discover a unique gift, or a personal treasure.

When: Every Wednesday until October 9, 2019
Time: 3:30 to 7 pm
Address: Jensen Park – 320 Centre Avenue East, Airdrie
Admission: Free

Lions Club of Bearspaw Farmers’ Market

What: Check out over 120 vendors at Lions Club of Bearspaw Farmers’ Market. During the market, a caterer inside the Lions Hall provides breakfast and brunch/lunch from about 9 am to 2 pm.  Several of the outside food vendors also sell food you can eat at the market.

When: Every Sunday until October 6, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Address: Lions Club of Bearspaw – 25240 Nagway Rd, Calgary
Admission: Free

Canmore Mountain Market

What: The Canmore Mountain Market is a summer tradition in Canmore for over twenty years operating every Thursday from May to October. Visitors and locals are treated to an excellent selection of locally and regionally produced items including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, jams, coffee and baked goods. The Market also offers unique crafts, clothing, jewellery, and other artisanal products. Patrons can experience the Market rain or shine, sip on a coffee, peruse the vendors, and enjoy the live local music – all with a beautiful mountain backdrop.

When: Every Thursday until October 3, 2019
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Address: Downtown Canmore next to the Canmore Civic Centre Plaza- 7th Avenue
Admission: Free

Cochrane Farmers’ Market – 2019 Market at the Ranche

What: The “Market at the Ranche” is open for its 21st Season. As an Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market, each and every week will showcase the perfect mix of vendors – full-time favourites alongside a wide range of new and unique products. Farmers, growers, brewers, distillers, artisans, and makers — an amazing variety every week.

When: Every Saturday until September 28, 2019
Time: 9:30 am to 1 pm
Address: Cochrane Ranche Historic Site 663 Bow Valley Trail, Cochrane
Admission: Free

Okotoks Farmers’ Market

What: Okotoks Farmers’ Market is an Alberta approved farmers’ market and they strive to have a diverse selection of local and Alberta grown and made products. Come and enjoy the sights and sounds of the unique market while supporting local vendors and bringing home something special to share with your friends and family.

When: Every Friday until September 27, 2019
Time: 3:30 to 6:30 pm
Address: 322041 15 St E, De Winton
Admission: Free

Farmers and Makers’ Market at cSPACE

What: Check out 60 local farms, food-makers, bakers, brewers, distillers, and artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, kids arts and cultural activities, and more every Saturday at the Farmers and Makers’ Market at cSPACE

When: Every Saturday, year-round
Time: 10 am to 3 pm (June to October 12, 2019), 10 am to 1 pm (October 19, 2019, to May 2020)
Where: cSPACE King Edward – 1721 29th Avenue SW
Admission: Free

Calgary Farmers’ Market

What: Explore over 80 vendors supplying customers with fresh local produce, meat, poultry, international food, organic goods, jewelry, art and more. Whether it’s the arrival of fresh produce or fun events, there’s always something happening at the market.

When: Open year-round from Thursday to Sunday
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Address: 510 77 Avenue SE
Admission: Free

Granary Road Public Market

What: Granary Road Public Market is open year-round and offers fresh produce, artisan cheeses, pizza, tacos, handcrafted home goods, and more.

When: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Time: 9:30 am to 5 pm
Where: Granary Road Market — 226066 112 Street West, Foothills No. 31
Admission: Free

Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market

farmers’ markets

Maram/Shutterstock

What: Grab your weekly haul of delicious produce, eggs, baked goods, meats, preserves, florals, and more, all grown and produced on farms right here in Alberta. You can enjoy live entertainment and other fun activities happening at this quaint community farmers’ market. The market will go on rain or shine, so come prepared.

When: Every Wednesday
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Where: 1320 5th Avenue NW, Calgary
Admission: Free

Crossroads Market

What: Enjoy farm-fresh produce and tasty treats plus lost of unique finds from the large variety of vendors.

When: Fridays to Sundays
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Crossroads Market – 1235 26 Ave SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

The Mercantile at Symons Valley Ranch

What: The Mercantile at Symons Valley Ranch features over 35 vendors under one roof over one counter. Crafts, food vendors, and more.

When: Fridays to Sundays
Time: 10 am to 6 pm (Fridays), 10 am to 5 pm (Saturday to Sunday)
Where: Symons Valley Ranch – 14555 Symons Valley Road
Admission: Free

DJ Market

What: With three generations of produce experience, DJ Market is a family-owned and operated business that was established in 1991 and has been operating for over 20 years. We began as a small weekend fruit stand that consisted of three display tables, but have since grown to become an independent produce market that is open seven days a week in the spring, summer and fall months

When: Seven days a week in the Spring, Summer and Fall
Time: 9 am to 6 pm (Monday to Saturday), 10 am to 5 pm (Sundays and Holidays)
Where: DJ Market – 4645 12th Street S.E., Calgary
Admission: Free

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