Keep your wallet in your pocket this November with our list of 27 FREE events happening in Calgary this month. Enjoy Vegan Market, Remembrance Day, and more.
For more things happening around town, check out our events section.
Explore the city
The Little Market YYC – Vegan Market
@thelittleveganyyc/Instagram
What: Whether you’re completely vegan or vegan-curious, this market presented by The Little Market YYC has a wide variety of vendors and food and local beverage purveyors to explore.
When: November 2 and November 9, 2019
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Marda Loop Communities Association – 3130 16 St, Calgary
Admission: Free
Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival
What: The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is an annual event filled with adventure, expeditions, and amazing stories from around the world. The festival includes workshops, film screenings, book talks and signings, and more.
When: Now until November 3, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Online, ticketed and free events
Making Treaty 7 Cultural Society’s 2nd Annual Indigenous Art Exhibition
What: Making Treaty 7 Cultural Society’s second annual Indigenous Art Exhibition is being showcased at a number of venues around Calgary this fall and winter. The exhibition features work from 17 artists.
When: Now until November 29, December 2, 2019 to January 18, 2020
Time: Various times
Address: Arts Commons — 205 8 Ave SE, Calgary; Calgary Central Library — 800 3 St SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Bingo at The Mustard Seed
What: Enjoy an hour of Bingo at The Mustard Seed for a chance to win prizes.
When: November 11 and November 25, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: The Mustard Seed Neighbour Centre — 6060 Memorial Dr, NE Calgary
Admission: Free
Who’s in the Hall Wednesdays
What: Enjoy a free night at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. For the first time, the hall will be opening their doors on the first Wednesday of every month featuring free admission, cash bar, fun interactives, and a speakers series.
When: The first Wednesday of every month — November 6, December 4, 2019
Times: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame — 169 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Print(ed) Word Salon Series
What: Print(ed) Word is a collection of 12 handmade artist books now on permanent display at Calgary’s Central Library. Each month, a different team of authors and artists present a talk on their process of collaboration.
When: November 12 and December 10, 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 the 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 — November 10, December 8, 2019
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
Winter ice skating at Olympic Plaza
Skating at Olympic Plaza (danielaislas/Instagram)
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 from mid-November to mid-March
Time: 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8th Ave SE, Calgary
Admission: Free. Skates are also available to rent
Protospace Open House
What: Check out Protospace’s open house every Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm. Furniture, bikes, robots, electronics — no matter what your jam is, you can make it here.
When: Every Tuesday
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Protospace — Bays 110 & 108, 1530 27 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
Open Mic Night at Crafted Burgers & Beer
What: Crafted Burgers & Beer welcome musicians, comedians, and singers every Monday for an open mic night.
When: Every Monday until December 30, 2019
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Crafted Burgers & Beer – 3975 17 Ave 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. You can also 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 home-brew system Steve used to brew beer on the balcony of his downtown Calgary condo, and his hear 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 fermentation. 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
Commemorate Remembrance Day
The Hangar Flight Museum – Ceremony
What: The annual ceremony will be held outdoors, weather permitting, and it’s recommended to arrive early and dress warmly. Non-perishable food donations to the Veterans Food Bank will be accepted.
When: November 11, 2019
Time: 10:30 am
Where: The Hangar Flight Museum — 4629 McCall Way NE, Calgary
Admission: Free, donations accepted for the Veteran’s Food Bank
Jubilee Auditorium Remembrance Day Service
Remembrance Day poppies (Sergii Votit/Shutterstock)
What: Political, Veterans, Military, Civic and community organizations will lay wreaths during the Jubilee Auditorium Remembrance Day Service. Anyone who would like to lay a private wreath is also welcome. Seating is assigned.
When: November 11, 2019
Time: 9:30 to 11:45 am
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 – 14th Avenue NW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Burnsland Cemetery Remembrance Day Tour
What: Many heroes representing the Canadian Military and Royal Canadian Mounted Police have been laid to rest at the Burnsland Cemetery. Head there for a free walking tour at 2 pm to explore the history and stories behind some of the non-Canadian units whose members are buried in the Burnsland Field of Honour.
When: November 11, 2019
Time: 2 to 3:30 pm
Where: 27th Avenue and Spiller Road SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Battalion Park
What: Hosted by the Kings Own Calgary Regiment, the Annual Battalion Park Remembrance Day Ceremony will feature speeches, a public address, wreath laying, and a short ceremony.
When: November 11, 2019
Time: 10:30 am
Where: 3001 Signal Hill Drive SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Canadian Pacific Ogden Memorial
What: Canadian Pacific pays tribute to the more than 33,000 CP employees who served in World War I and World War II during the Remembrance and Veterans Day ceremony. Members of the public are welcome, and light refreshments will be served at the Royal Canadian Pacific Pavilion afterwards.
When: November 11, 2019
Time: 10:40 am
Where: CP Memorial Square – adjacent to the top parking lot by the 69th Avenue SE and Ogden Dale Road SE entrance
Admission: Free
Fort Calgary
Canada Panda/Shutterstock
What: Fort Calgary is hosting a Remembrance Day service facilitated by the RCMP Veterans’ Association of Calgary. The service will take place at 10:30 am with the annual holiday Artisan’s Fair happening from 11:30 am to 5 pm. Admission to the fair is free if you bring along a non-perishable food item for the Veteran’s Food Bank.
When: November 11, 2019
Time: Service at 10:30 pm, artisan’s fair from 11:30 am to 5 pm
Where: Fort Calgary — 750 9th Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Military Museums
What: The Military Museums will hold their annual Remembrance Day service with VIPs, guests of honour, Act of Remembrance, and laying of wreaths. Bring a non-perishable food with you to the museums to donate to the Veterans’ Food Bank. The museum will be open after the service with admission by donation.
When: November 11, 2019
Time: 10:30 am
Where: 4520 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary
Admission: Free, donations accepted for the Veteran’s Food Bank
You can also support veterans by donating to the Calgary Poppy Fund annual fundraising campaign and to the Canadian Legacy Project’s Veterans Food Drive.
Eat fresh at farmers’ markets
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 3 pm (June to October 12, 2019), 10 am to 1 pm (October 19, 2019, to May 2020)
Where: cSPACE King Edward – 1721 29th Ave SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Calgary Farmers’ Market
What: Explore over 80 vendors supplying customers with fresh local produce, meat, poultry, international food, organic goods, jewelry, 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 Ave 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 St West, Foothills No. 31
Admission: Free
Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market
Maram/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 Ave SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
The Mercantile at Symons Valley Ranch
What: The Mercantile at Symons Valley Ranch features over 35 vendors under one roof over one counter. Crafts, food vendors, and more.
When: Fridays to Sundays
Time: 10 am to 6 pm (Fridays), 10 am to 5 pm (Saturday to Sunday)
Where: Symons Valley Ranch – 14555 Symons Valley Road, Calgary
Admission: Free
DJ Market
What: With three generations of produce experience, DJ Market is a family-owned and -operated business that was established in 1991 and has been operating for over 20 years. We began as a small weekend fruit stand that consisted of three display tables, but have since grown to become an independent produce market that is open seven days a week in the spring, summer and fall months.
When: Seven days a week in the spring, summer, and fall
Time: 9 am to 6 pm (Monday to Saturday), 10 am to 5 pm (Sundays and holidays)
Where: DJ Market – 4645 12th Street S.E., Calgary
Admission: Free
