16 FREE things to do in Edmonton this March

Loads of free fun to be had in March! Check out these 16 free things to do in Edmonton this month, including Rock N’ Gem Show, Kingsway Kidspace, and more.

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

Explore the city and the great outdoors

Edmonton Outdoor Skating and Ice Rinks

What: Edmonton has a variety of outdoor skating and ice rinks to enjoy during the season. City-operated ice surfaces are monitored and maintained daily and will be closed if conditions are unsafe. Make sure to bring your skates and helmet, and check the rink status and conditions before heading out.

When: Open daily until the end of the season based on weather and ice conditions
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free

Edmonton Spring Rock N’ Gem Show

What: Search for new rocks and gems for your collection at the Edmonton Spring Rock N’ Gem Show, with 41,000 kilos of hand-selected pieces from around the world at the family-friendly event. Amethyst, quartz, saphhires and more to be found.

When: March 12 to 15, 2020
Time: 10 am to 8 pm (Thursday to Saturday), 10 am to 5 pm (Sunday)
Where: Mayfield Toyota Ice Palace – West Edmonton Mall – 8882 170 Street Northwest Edmonton
Tickets: Online, free

Wholly Handmade

What: Wholly Handmade showcases 120 artisans and crafters, with home decor, baby and children’s items, artwork, gourmet food, and more to shop for.

When: March 14 and 15, 2020
Times: 10 am to 5 pm (Saturday), 11 am to 4 pm (Sunday)
Where: Strathcona County Community Centre — 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park
Admission: Free

Edmonton Story Slam

What: Edmonton Story Slam is an uncensored, competitive storytelling event. Up to 10 storytellers will take the stage to tell fiction or non-fiction tales, with five random audience members acting as judges. The winner will receive money from a hat passed around after the show.

When: March 18, 2020 (Slam Off) ​April 15, 2020
Time: Sign-up 7 pm, show 7:30 pm
Where: 9910-109 Street, Edmonton
Admission: Free, donations collected for the winner after the show

Alt After Dark: Alternative Night Market

What: Alt After Dark is a showcase of over 40 alternative vendors, including artists, makers, designers, and businesses. There will also be food trucks, door prizes, and live entertainment throughout the evening.

When: March 20, 2020
Time: 7 to 11 pm
Where: Old Strathcona Arts Centre — 8426 Gateway Boulevard, Edmonton
Admission: Free

Kingsway Kidspace 2020

What: Kingsway Mall hosts free kids activities every Wednesday in COMMUNITY, located on the main level by Starbucks.

When: Every Wednesday until March 25, 2020
Time: 9 to 11 am
Where: Kingsway Mall — 1 Kingsway Garden Mall Northwest, Edmonton,
Admission: Free

John & Maggie Mitchell Art Gallery: Grasping at the Roots

What: Grasping at the Roots showcases work by Debbie Ebanks Schlums, Serena Lee, Eugenio Salas, Shawn Tse along with recent video by Scott Portingale. Curated by Christine Battle.

When: Tuesday to Saturday until March 28, 2020
Time: 12 to 5 pm,
Where: John & Maggie Mitchell Art Gallery – Room 11-121
Allard Hall – 11104 104 Avenue NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free

Traditional Arts & Crafts with the Canadian Native Friendship Centre

What: Learn a a variety of traditional crafts from Tanya Rushton from Driftpile First Nations. Attendees can try leatherwork, make dream catchers, and bead leather lanyards. Suitable for ages 7 and up.

When: Every Tuesday until April 28, 2020
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Where: Edmonton Public Library – Strathcona Branch — 8331 104 Street, Edmonton
Admission: Free

Wide Open Mic Wednesdays

What: A weekly open mic series at Grindstone Bistro, hosted by David Dempsy and showrunners Will Hannigan and Natasha Lyn Myles.

When: Every Wednesday
Times: 10 pm to midnight
Where: The Grindstone — 10019 – 81 Avenue NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free

Open Mic at Anvil

What: Anvil Coffee House hosts an open mic night every Friday. Poets, musicians, comedians, and more are all welcome to perform.

When: Every Friday
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Anvil Coffee House — 6148-90 Avenue, Edmonton
Admission: Free

Schmoozy Boozy Singy Thingy Sing-Along

What: The Schmoozy Boozy Singy Thingy is a weekly musical theatre open mic hosted and produced by Twin Flames Theatrical Productions at Grindstone Theatre. Attendees are welcome to bring sheet music, and accompanist Simon will sight read and accompany on piano.

When: Every Sunday
Time: Doors 8:30 pm, signup 9 pm, show 9:30 pm
Where: Grindstone Theatre — 10019 81 Avenue NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free

Eat fresh at farmers’ markets

Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market

What: The longest-running farmers market in Edmonton. Shop over 60 vendors at Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market indoor location, including fruit and vegetables, crafts, and more. There will also be entertainment and live music for the whole family to enjoy.

When: Every Saturday
Time: 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market — 10305 97 Street NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free

Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market

What: Edmonton’s first indoor farmer’s market. The Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market showcases over 130 vendors every Saturday, including vendors with locally grown produce, arts and crafts, specialty foods, clothing, and more.

When: Every Saturday
Time: 8 am to 3 pm
Where: 83rd Avenue and 103 Street NW (just off Whyte Ave), Edmonton
Admission: Free

Sherwood Park Farmer’s Market – Fall/Winter Season

What: Sherwood Park Farmer’s Market fall/winter season is held inside of Strathcona County Community Centre. Shop for fresh local produce, baking, meats, crafts from local artisans, and more while enjoying live music from buskers.

When: Every Wednesday until May 2020
Time: 4 to 8 pm
Where: Strathcona County Community Centre — 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park
Admission: Free

Salisbury Farmers’ Market

What: Shop for local fresh foods and arts and crafts every Thursday at Salisbury Farmers’ Market. Every week there is a new Feature Vendor. The first 20 customers to make a minimum $5 purchase at the Feature Vendor of the week will each receive $5 in Salisbury Market Bucks towards their next vendor purchase at the market that Thursday.

When: Every Thursday year-round
Time: 4 to 7:30 pm
Where: Salisbury Greenhouse — 52337 Range Road 232, one mile South of Wye Road, Sherwood Park
Admission: Free

Bountiful Farmers’ Market

What: Bountiful Farmers’ Market offers a wide variety of fresh goods, including local vegetables and meat, coffee roasters, and beer and wine. There is also an ethnic food hall, a children’s play area, live entertainment, and more!

When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: 3696 97 Street, Edmonton
Admission: Free