23 free things to do in Calgary this spring

Explore the city

City of Calgary Youth Hiring Fair 2019

What: The city will be hosting a hiring fair for job-seekers aged 15 to 24 in the Big Four building in Stampede Park. Dress to impress, bring a pen in case you have to complete any forms, and be ready to provide plenty of copies of your resume. Some of the employers present will be hiring from different people of minimum ages.

When: Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Time: TBA
Where: Big Four Building, Stampede Park – 1801 Big Four Trail SE
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 our 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 – April 14, May 12 and June 9
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.

Easter at the Market

What: Hop on over to the Calgary Farmers Market for Easter fun! Get your photo taken with the Easter Bunny, decorate Easter cookies, and give a donation to the Calgary Food Bank to ensure that no one goes hungry this Easter. There is no better way to put a little spring in your step and enjoy some quality time with the whole family. Don’t forget to pick up some fresh produce for your Easter feast!

When: April 18, April 19 and April 20, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Calgary Farmers Market – 510 77th Avenue SE
Admission: Free

Marda Egg Fest

What: The Easter Bunny is coming to Marda Loop to hide chocolates all around for your little bunnies to find. Bring your baskets down to Marda Loop for one of their most popular free family events.

When: Saturday, April 20, 2019
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Marda Loop – 33rd Avenue SW
Admission: Free

Vaisakhi Mela

What: Celebrate the Indian New Year with this cultural event open for everyone, featuring dances, entertainment, food, and more.

When: April 20 to 21, 2019
Time: 2 to 6 pm
Where: Genesis Centre Feature Gymnasium – 7555 Falconridge Boulevard NE
Admission: Free

YYC Rhubarb Fest

What: Rhubarb Fest is a community festival that takes place in south Calgary, in the community of Southwood. Enjoy Village Brewery Beer Garden, live music, a marketplace with various vendors, artists, businesses, organizations and City of Calgary departments, children activities and more!

When: Saturday, June 1, 2019
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Southwood Community Hall – 11 Sackville Drive SW
Admission: Free, donations for Calgary Food Bank are being collected

Lilac Festival

What: A pedestrian-only event, the Lilac Festival showcases an array of musical talent, vendors, and a perfect opportunity to people watching. There are six stages hosting over 30 performances throughout the day, offering artists exposure to an often brand new audience. 4th Street will also feature over 500 vendors that vary from artisan crafts, to imported wares, to community organizations and more.

When: Sunday, June 5, 2019
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: 4th Street SW – between 13 Avenue and Elbow Dr.
Admission: Free

Father’s Day BBQ

What: Panorama Hills Community Centre hosts a Father’s Day BBQ. In addition to the BBQ, there will be lots of games and a photo booth to remember your special day with Dad.

When: Sunday, June 16, 2019
Time: 4 to 6 pm
Where: Panorama Hills Community Centre – 88 Panamount Hill NW, 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

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 – April 4, May 2 and June 6
Time: 5 pm to close
Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE
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