21 FREE things to do in Calgary this May

There’s many fantastic and free events happening around Calgary this month! Here is our checklist of 21 FREE events in May, including Free Comic Book Day, Free Yoga, and more.

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

See also

• Track down some treasure at the Inglewood Parade of Garage Sales
• Learn medieval sword fighting at this free Calgary renaissance fair in May
• Otafest 2019 anime festival will be in Calgary this May

Explore the city

Free Yoga Class in Central Library

What: Join Yoga with Rowena for Slow & Gentle free yoga classes in Central Library Calgary. Attendees will focus on building strength and confidence within ourselves through each asana and through each movement of our breaths.

When: Wednesday, May 1, Thursday, May 2, Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 18, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Central Library – 800 3 Street Southeast, Calgary
Register: Online, Free

Bike To Work Day

What: Bike to Work Day is celebrating its 13th year. There will be eight different bicycle pit stops along the route, where you can receive tune-ups, (for you and your bike) and free giveaways. Everyone will then gather at Eau Claire Market for a free pancake breakfast served by the Stampede Caravan, and lots of cool swag.

When: Friday, May 3, 2019
Time: 6 am to 9 am
Where: Eau Claire Market – Centre Court and North Plaza – 200 Barclay Road SW
Cost: Free

Jane’s Walk

What: On the first weekend of May every year, Jane’s Walk festivals take place in hundreds of cities around the world. Jane’s Walks encourage people to share stories about their neighbourhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use walking as a way to connect with their neighbours.

When: May 3 to 5, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various Locations
Admission: FREE

Free Comic Book Day

What: The annual event takes place at independent comic book shops all across North America, with thousands of comic shops giving out well-known titles like the Avengers, Captain America, Doctor Who, Pokemon, Riverdale, the Amazing Spiderman, and Star Wars, to name a few. In Calagary, several shops will be celebrating with free books and special events.

When: Saturday, May 4, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various Comic Shops across 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 their Arrow II project.

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

Calgary Medieval Faire and Artisan Market 2019

What: This year, the first annual Calgary Medieval Faire & Artisan Market is coming to Crossroads Market Grounds. Enjoy great food, exciting games, and even learn some swordplay. From artisan food and knight costumes to exciting games and roleplay, this faire is fun for the whole family.

When: Friday, May 24 to Sunday, May 26, 2019
Time: 11 am to 7 pm (Friday), 9 am to 5 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Crossroads Market Grounds, 1235 26th Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

The Inglewood Garage Sale 2019

What: On Saturday, May 25, Calgarians will be able to partake in the eighth Annual Inglewood Parade of Garage Sales, the one day a year that the Inglewood Community Association organizes the sale of used goods throughout the neighbourhood.

When: Saturday, May 25, 2019
Time: 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Throughout Inglewood, and at the Inglewood Community Association Hall — 1740 24 Avenue SE, Calgary
Price: Free (unless you find that hidden treasure you can’t say no to)

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 – May 6, 2019
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Ship & Anchor Pub – 534 17 Ave SW, Calgary
Sign-up: email [email protected]

Print(ed) Word Salon Series: Carole Bondaroff and Lee Kvern

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 May, join artist Carole Bondaroff and writer Lee Kvern as they discuss their artist book, How To Build A Street Girl.

When: Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Time: 7 to 8 pm
Where: Central Library – Level 4 – Simons-Harvie Community Reading Room – 800 3 St SE, 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

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 – May 2, 2019
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

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