24 FREE things to do in Calgary this April

Keep the springtime fun going without busting your wallet! Here is our checklist of 24 FREE events happening in Calgary this April, including Heritage Park 10th Anniversary, Easter, and more.

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

See also

• RuPaul's Drag Race "Werq The World" tour is coming to Calgary on September 30
• Calgary is getting a new vintage market this May
• lululemon's 10k race returns to Alberta this July (PHOTOS)

Explore the city

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, 2019
Time: 5 pm to close
Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE
Admission: Free

YYC Alternative Market

What: Support your local makers, artisans, designers, artists and small business owners at YYC Alternative Market. Creators involved include GF Crochet, The ol Factory Shop, Jewel Vibes, SCD Orginals, Chocco Apple Shop, Pura Vida Apothecary, KLG Knits, Seven Spice Ltd, Shawz Chocolate and many more.

When: April 6, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Inglewood Community Association Hall – 1740 24 Avenue Southeast, Calgary
Admission: Free

Heritage Park 10th Anniversary Celebration

What: Enjoy unique activities for all ages throughout the museum. There will be live music, outdoor family games and fire pits at Heritage Town Square. Plus visit the cookie decorating station, try some anniversary cake, and sample Big Rock beer in the Interpretive Micro Brewery.

When: Saturday, April 6, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
Admission: Free

Aggie Days – Family Days

What: Aggie Days’ Family Days are a free educational experience for families. Come and see real farm animals, and find out where your food comes from. Plus take in a Stock Dog Competition on Saturday and an Extreme Cowboy Race on Sunday.

When: April 6 to 7, 2019
Time: 10am to 4pm
Where: Nutrien Western Event Centre at the Stampede Park
Admission: Free, food bank donations appreciated

Law Day

What: Celebrate this national event that commemorates the signing of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Go through mock trials, courthouse tours public speaking and trail contests in order to learn and educate everyone more about the legal profession.

When: Saturday, April 13, 2019
Time: 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Calgary Courts Centre – 601- 5 Street 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

Community Yoga at Sunalta

What: Community Yoga at Sunalta Community Hall aims to help people be conscious in their moments and capable in their bodies. Bring your own mat and any required props for assistance.

When: Every Monday
Time: Doors 5:30 pm, yoga from 5:45 to 6:45 pm.
Where: Sunalta Community Centre – 1627 10 Ave SW, Calgary
Admission: Free

Dungeons & Dragons at the Ship

What: Learn all about Dungeons & Dragons on the first Monday of the month at The Ship & Anchor. These nights are specifically designed for anyone who has no experience with the world of ‘tabletop role-playing games’ such as D&D, Pathfinder, or any of the others out there. The evening will begin with a first-come-first-served selection of a character to play, followed by a quick Q&A, then diving right into the adventure.

When: The first Monday of every month – April 1
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Ship & Anchor Pub – 534 17 Ave SW, Calgary
Sign-up: email [email protected]

Print(ed) Word Salon Series: Carolyn Qualle & Rona Altrows

What: Every month, a different artist-writer pair and their collaborative artist books included in Print(ed) Word, on permanent display at Calgary’s new Central Library will be highlighted. This April, join artist Carolyn Qualle and writer Rona Altrows as they discuss their artist book, Roulleauville.

When: Tuesday, April 9, 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 our Arrow II project.

When: The Second Sunday of every month – April 14, 2019
Time: 12 to 3 pm
Where: AVRO Museum – 229 Avro Lane, Calgary
Admission: Free

The Hangover – HUMPDay HOUSE Party

What: A night of House music at Habitat Living Sound with OH FUNK and featuring Prairie Chola Ayatollah and Dj Dramatik. Hosted by J9Productions.

When: Every Wednesday night
Time: 9 pm to 2:15 am
Where: Habitat Living Sound – 1217 1st Street SW, 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

Beacon Original Art Spring Show & Sale

What: Over 30 artists display and sell high-quality art from a variety of disciplines. Artists have the opportunity to share their inspirations and techniques with each other and the viewing public. Free parking, free admission plus prize draws.

When: April 27 and October 12, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association – 917 Centre Ave 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

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

Happy Easter

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

Cardboard Box Downhill Derby

What: Get creative with cardboard for the annual Cardboard Box Downhill Derby – Easter Sunday Edition. Using only cardboard, string, tape and glue, prove your cardboard carpentry by building the fastest sled in town! Prizes will be given for top three times and the best three designs. Get your teams of 1-4 people together and challenge your neighbors and friends to out-design, out-wit and out-sled your creation.

When: April 21, 2019
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Lake Louise – 1 Whitehorn Road, Lake Louise Alberta
Admission: Free

Shake the Lake 2019

What: Apres ski at Lake Louise on Kokanee Kabin deck, where you will hear some sweet tunes by Buffalo Child, Burchill & Troo Knot, while you sip on glacier fresh beer. Plus take part in Pond Skimming and Kokanee Kup, then watch Bikinis for Breast Cancer raising funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Afterwards, take in the afterparty featuring The Dudes with The Pistolwhips.

When: April 27, 2019
Time: All Day. Doors to Concert at 8:30 pm
Where: Lake Louise – 1 Whitehorn Road, Lake Louise Alberta
Admission: Free for Shake the Lake. Afterparty Concert tickets online