10 cheap things to do around Calgary this summer if you're broke
Summer is a season that begs you to make the most of it. The weather is warm, the days are long, and everything feels better when you’re not bogged down by winter layers. But all that fun can tally up in your bank account fast. Luckily, there are loads of things to do in Calgary on the cheap.
From free summer festivals to unique attractions that won’t break the bank, there’s really no excuse to be stuck inside this summer. Here are ten free and cheap things to do in Calgary this summer.
Bring your best friend to the Pet-A-Palooza
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What: Bring your pet along and enjoy free pet-centred events, a market, and loads of adorable pups.
When: Saturday, July 26 to Sunday, July 27, 2025
Where: East Village, 8th Avenue, SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Don’t miss the Chinatown Street Festival
What: Enjoy free multicultural performances, food and retail booths, and family fun activities and entertainment.
When: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025
Where: 1st Street SE and 3rd Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Attend Inglewood Sunfest
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What: Enjoy a free summer festival in Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood. There will be street performers, market stalls, food trucks, and more.
When: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Where: 9th Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Visit the World-Famous Gopher Hole Museum
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What: Take a short drive from Calgary and visit one of Alberta’s most unique tourist attractions. Stuffed gophers in dioramas depicting everything from history to hilarity.
When: Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the season (June 26 to Sept. 1)
Where: 208 1st St. S., Torrington
Admission: By donation
Check out the Chinese Cultural Centre
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What: The Chinese Cultural Centre provides cultural and educational events and programs for everyone.
When: Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 197 1st St. SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Wander through the Esker Foundation
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What: A privately funded contemporary art gallery, the Esker Foundation connects people with art through relevant, accessible, and educational exhibits and programs.
When: Wednesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Fourth Floor, 1011 – 9th Ave. SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Sway to the beat of the Calgary Folk Music Festival
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What: Take in live outdoor performances from 70+ artists, featuring everything from folk to funk to global sounds and fresh hip hop.
When: Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27, 2025
Where: Prince’s Island Park, downtown Calgary
Admission: $10 donation to the Folk Festival Society of Calgary
Check out free events at the Mush Love Festival
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What: Stop by for free events at this weird and wonderful festival celebrating a love for fungi, the arts, and consciously curated community events
When: Friday, July 18 to Saturday, July 26, 2025
Where: NVRLND Arts Foundation — 1048 21st Ave. SE, Calgary
Admission: Free for the market and exhibition
Learn something at Historic Calgary Week
What: This free annual festival explores Calgary’s history through walks, talks, tours, exhibits, and presentations.
When: Monday, July 28 to Monday, Aug. 4, 2025
Where: Locations throughout Calgary
Admission: Free, but some events require RSVP
Attend an Alberta Open Farm Day
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What: Explore various Alberta farms with free open-house experiences each summer.
When: Saturday, Aug. 16 to Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025
Where: Participating farms around Alberta
Admission: Free