16 FREE things to do in Calgary this March

Feb 28 2020, 2:03 am

Kudos to anyone who is still holding true to their New Years Resolution of spending less in 2020 — we’ve got just the events you’re looking for!

National Adoption Weekend Calgary PetSmart

What: It’s National Adoption Weekend in Canada, and PetSmarts across the country are hoping to find homes for their furry friends. Calgary’s own Chinook PetSmart will be taking part, with the hope of seeing at least 30 animals adopted into forever homes by the end of the weekend-long event.

When: Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 1
Time: 9 am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm on Sunday. ARF will be on scene 1 to 3 pm on Saturday.
Where: Chinook PetSmart — 321 61st Avenue SW #7
Admission: Free! Though adoption fees vary

Free First Thursday at Glenbow Museum

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

When: March 5, 2020
Time: 5 pm to close
Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE
Admission: Free

International Women’s Day

What: Each year, the Women’s Centre celebrates International Women’s Day with a potluck where community members gather for a special celebration. All genders and ages are welcome to this event. 

When: March 8, 2020
Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Women’s Centre of Calgary – 39 4 Street NE, Calgary
Admission: Free

International Women’s Day Celebration at Westbrook Mall

westbrook mall

Women supporting women (Shutterstock)

What: Anyone in Calgary hoping to celebrate the women in their lives this International Women’s Day can head over to an event hosted by Westbrook Mall.

When: March 8, 2020
Time: 1 to 5 pm
Where: Centre Court, Westbrook Mall — 1200 37th Street SW
Admission: Free, clothes donations will be accepted

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 – March 2, 2020
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Ship & Anchor Pub – 534 17 Avenue SW, Calgary
Sign-up: email [email protected]

Crescent Heights Community Potluck

What: Crescent Heights Community Association presents a free potluck for members of the community.

When: March 14, 2020
Time: Noon to 2 pm
Where: Crescent Heights Community Association — 1101 2nd Street NW
Admission: Free

The Rock-A-Palooza Gem & Mineral Show 2019

What: Silver Cove is partnering with Spruce Meadows Congress Hall to present Rock-A-Palooza Gem & Mineral Show. Family-friendly and free admission.

When: March 26 to 29, 2020
Time: 10 am to 8 pm (Saturday), 10 am to 5 pm (Sunday)
Where: Spruce Meadows Congress Hall – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, De Winton
Admission: Free

Roasterie Tour – Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters

coffee favourite coffee

Coffee/Shutterstock

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

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.

When: Open Tuesdays to Sundays. Closed Mondays
Time: Various times
Where: Esker Foundation – 4th Floor – 1011 9th Avenue SE, Calgary
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 1 pm (Now until to May 2020)
Where: cSPACE King Edward – 1721 29th Avenue SW, Calgary
Admission: Free

Calgary Farmers’ Market

What: Explore over 80 vendors supplying customers with fresh local produce, meat, poultry, international food, organic goods, jewellery, 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, Calgary
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

things to do seattle

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 lots of unique finds from the large variety of vendors.

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

Winter ice skating at Olympic Plaza

What: Built in 1988 for the Olympic Winter Games, Olympic Plaza has the only refrigerated outdoor ice surface in the city. You can rent skates down at the plaza if you don’t have a pair of your own. Helmets are strongly encouraged.

When: Open daily until mid-March
Time: 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Olympic Plaza — 228 8th Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free. Skates are also available to rent

Sunday Fundays at Devonian Gardens

What: Enjoy family-friendly events at Devonian Gardens including painting, puzzles, and learning about nature.

When: Sundays
Time: Noon
Where: Devonian Gardens — CORE Shopping Centre, 333 7 Avenue SW 4th floor, Calgary
Admission: Free

DH Calgary StaffDH Calgary Staff

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