Free Things to Do in Calgary in May – 2026

A list of FREE and cheap fun things to do in Calgary during May.

Contents: 

  • Free Events
  • Free Activities

 

1. Free Events

30 Apr

Crossroads Market, 1235 26 Ave SE,  Calgary

April 30, 2026 To May 10, 2026

4032378477

Free - $2

The Calgary Book Sale boasts an inventory of 100,000+ books that have been carefully sorted, including rare, collectibles, and miscellaneous gems. All of the books that are donated ...  »

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01 May

Various Locations, Calgary

May 1, 2026 To May 3, 2026

free

Your city. Your stories. Jane’s Walk is an annual festival of free, community-led walking tours inspired by Jane Jacobs. Explore your city, share stories about your ...  »

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01 May

Tops Pizza South, 9919 Fairmount Dr. SE, Calgary

May 1, 2026 To May 31, 2026

403-278-1511

Free to attend

MINI MEXICO VACAY without leaving Calgary! La Tequila Cantina is taking over TOPS with brightly coloured tables and chairs, fiesta backdrops, cactus, chili peppers and sombreros hanging ...  »

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02 May

Comic Book Stores, Canada

May 2, 2026

Free

Get a free comic and swag on Free Comic Book Day 2026 from your local comic shop. Free Comic Book Day is a single day – the first Saturday ...  »

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02 May

Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, 260 Century Downs Drive, Rocky View

May 2, 2026

587-349-7777

Free

We’re celebrating the 10th running of the Century Downs Chihuahua Races! Join us on the track on May 2, 2026 for live harness racing, the 152nd Kentucky Derby &...  »

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02 May

Glamorgan Community Hall, 4207 41 Avenue SW, Calgary

May 2, 2026

403 273 6883

Free

We offer a variety of unique, handmade items, including jewelry, singing bowls, bags, shawls, hats, gloves, scarves, hoodies, and more—perfect gifts for everyone! Admission is free, ...  »

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02 May

Electronic Recycling Association Calgary Depot, 1315 73 Ave SE, Calgary

May 2, 2026

403-262-4488

Free

The Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) invites youth ages 12 to 15 to join Parts to PC, a free hands-on workshop in Calgary. Participants will learn how to build a ...  »

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02 May

Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Rd SE, Calgary

May 2, 2026

(403) 271-7670

Free

Calgary is getting its first in-city SUKOSHI location as the popular Asian beauty retailer opens at Southcentre Mall on May 2. Known for its curated mix of Korean ...  »

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02 May

Alexandra Centre Society, 922 – 9 Avenue SE, Calgary

May 2, 2026 To May 3, 2026

4039689312

Free

Handmade Here Spring Show & Sale is a curated showcase of Calgary-based artists and makers, featuring a wide range of high-quality, handmade work including ceramics, jewellery, woodworking, ...  »

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06 May

Spruce Meadows, Spruce Meadows Way Southwest, Calgary

May 6, 2026 To May 10, 2026

Free

The May Classic at Spruce Meadows marks the inaugural outdoor tournament of the season at Spruce Meadows. Featuring competitions ranging from 0.80 meters to 1.30 meters in height, this ...  »

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07 May

Main Hub at Delta Gardens, 1st ave and, 6 St SW, Calgary

May 7, 2026

403-269-7300

Free

The program includes a complimentary breakfast for participants and exciting bike giveaways generously provided by local bike shops.  »

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07 May

Alt Hotel Calgary East Village, 635 Confluence Way SE,  Calgary

May 7, 2026

Free

This spring, join Vancouver Film School to find out how our 1 year production model gets you industry-ready faster. Are you ready, Canada? VFS is hitting the road ...  »

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08 May

Calgary Curling Club, 720 3rd Street NW, Calgary

May 8, 2026 To May 17, 2026

Free to $5

Shop more than 150,000+ gently used books at the 19th Calgary Reads Big Book Sale! Learn all about our special BOGO, fill-a-box and free book days + details about ...  »

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08 May

Alt Hotel Calgary East Village, 635 Confluence Way SE, Calgary

May 8, 2026

6046855808

Free

Audition in-person for VFS faculty and fast-track your entry into our Acting programs. This winter, we’re making our way across Canada, in search the next wave ...  »

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09 May

Prairie Winds Park, 223 Castleridge Blvd NE, Calgary

May 9, 2026

Free

Celebration of Sikh Festival Vaisakhi. Hosted by the Sikh Community every year to celebrate sense of community and equality This is an excellent opportunity for people to ...  »

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09 May

North Haven Community, 5003 North Haven Dr. NW, Calgary

May 9, 2026

Free

The community of North Haven in NW Calgary will be holding our annual Parade of Garage Sales. Come check out over 25 sales around our neighbourhood, all on ...  »

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09 May

Airdrie City Hall, 400 Main St N, Airdrie

May 9, 2026

FREE

Welcome to the Mother’s Day Market! Join us at 400 Main St N for a day filled with shopping, food, and fun. Treat your mom to a ...  »

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09 May

Bowness Community Association, 7904 43 Ave NW, Calgary

May 9, 2026 To May 10, 2026

Free!

Don’t take Mom to another boring brunch.  Take her somewhere she’ll actually enjoy herself! Food trucks! Face painting! Crafting workshops! Miniature horses & baby goats! 75 ...  »

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09 May

Chestermere Regional Community Association, 201 West Chestermere Drive, Chestermere

May 9, 2026

4036060740

free

Chestermere Fine Art Guild presents: Browse original art by local artists and choose the perfect Mothers’ Day gift! Or find just the right piece for your home ...  »

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09 May

Holy Cross Anglican Church Parking Lot, 2828 19 Street Northwest, Calgary

May 9, 2026

free

Have some past season clothing collecting dust or need to suit up your grom for the upcoming season? Join us at the MMBTS Gear Swap and Shop ...  »

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14 May

BMO Centre - Stampede Park, 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary

May 14, 2026

free

Attention Opportunity Seekers! Career Fair Canada is back and better than ever, helping you advance your career in the right direction! Get in front of hiring managers, ...  »

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15 May

High River Rodeo Grounds, Foothills No. 31

May 15, 2026 To May 16, 2026

By Donation

Round up your cow pokes and come-on-down to enjoy one of Canada’s most unique rodeos, plus a jam-packed roster of events. The Little Britches rodeo is ...  »

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16 May

Kincora, Calgary

May 16, 2026

Free

Garage, driveway, yard...drag your stuff out and clean out the house like your spouse has been asking since late March!  »

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16 May

Genesis Centre, 7555 Falconridge Boulevard NE, Calgary

May 16, 2026

Free

Join us for an unforgettable day of cultural celebration, vibrant performances, and community togetherness at Vaisakhi Mela.  »

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16 May

Lougheed House, 707 13 Ave SW, Calgary

May 16, 2026

Free

Bring the past to life through traditional hand sketching using photography as a reference! This workshop, led by artist Karen Jeane Mills, will guide you through the ...  »

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16 May

Knifewear Calgary, 1316-9th Avenue SE, Calgary

May 16, 2026

+14035140577

Free

Join prolific Calgary food journalist & cookbook author Julie Van Rosendaal on Saturday, May 16 from 1–3 PM at Knifewear Calgary for a special signing event celebrating her new ...  »

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16 May

Studio Bell, 850 4 Street SE, Calgary

May 16, 2026 To September 5, 2026

4035435115

Free

In PlayLab, young participants become sound scientists as they create simple DIY instruments like shakers and “sound sandwiches” using everyday materials. Through play and experimentation, kids explore ...  »

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18 May

Various Pools, Calgary

May 18, 2026

311

Free

Enjoy free public swims at selected City pools. An opportunity for individuals or families to play in a water environment freely. Due to the popularity of our ...  »

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18 May

Various Arenas, Calgary

May 18, 2026

311

Free

Free Public Skating at select City arenas. Bring your own skates & helmets to participate.  »

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22 May

Alberta, Anywhere

May 22, 2026 To May 24, 2026

Free

We are very excited to be hosting our annual 48hr Mobile Device Filmmaking Challenge. This event is open to all Alberta Residents. You must pre-register to have 3 ...  »

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23 May

Nose Creek Regional Park,  Airdrie

May 23, 2026 To May 24, 2026

Free

Join for the annual festival hosted by Airdrie Children’s Festival Society (ACFS). The event  will feature a Children’s Village play area, children’s entertainment, and ...  »

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23 May

Serbian Orthodox Church St Simeon, 16025 243 Ave E, Calgary

May 23, 2026 To May 24, 2026

Free

Celebrate and experience the rich history of the Serbian culture featuring live traditional folklore dances and music performances, delicious authentic Serbian food, cultural exhibits and various sporting ...  »

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23 May

McMahon Stadium,  1817 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary

May 23, 2026

Free

The highly anticipated Annual Stamps Fan Fest is back and it’s going to be epic! Join us _ for free and experience the feeling of being back ...  »

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23 May

Genesis Centre, Calgary

May 23, 2026

FREE

The second annual Powwow will be a place for all nations and community members to gather, celebrate, participate, and learn about Indigenous culture and traditions.  »

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23 May

cSPACE Marda Loop , 1721 29 AVE SW, Calgary

May 23, 2026 To October 17, 2026

FREE

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of a community gathering where local talent, passion, and creativity come to life. Discover over 50 farms, food artisans, craft vendors, and food trucks ...  »

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23 May

Seaman Stadium, 256 Don Seaman Way, Okotoks

May 23, 2026

403-262-3294

Free

The Dawgs are opening up their doors for Fan Fest! Attendees can step on the field for autographs, yard games, face painting and dunking some of their ...  »

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23 May

Mustard Seed Neighbour Centre, 5757 2 St SW, Calgary

May 23, 2026

Free

Come join us at the Manchester Yard Sale and Free Repair! There will be clothes, knick-knacks, and all sorts of things available! Bring any of your items ...  »

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23 May

Studio Bell, 850 4 Street SE, Calgary

May 23, 2026

4035435115

Free

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month in PlayLab with Mr. Rayz and the vibrant sounds of Indonesia’s angklung instrument. Through storytelling and performance, this program invites young visitors ...  »

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24 May

Shawnessy Barn, 224 Shawmeadows Rd SW, Calgary

May 24, 2026

Free

Come check out two floors of local vendors, featuring artisans, crafters, creators, makers, a baker and even a candlestick maker! 🙂 We'll also have a few select food ...  »

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29 May

Strathcona Community Centre, 277 Strathcona Drive SW,  Calgary

May 29, 2026 To May 30, 2026

4037030294

Free admission

Calgary Fine Art Show featuring a wide range of local artists who will be showcasing new artworks that will be for sale. There will be paintings, ceramics, ...  »

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29 May

Capitol Hill Community Association, 1531 21 Avenue NW, Calgary

May 29, 2026

free

Hit up Dino Park for a night of guaranteed fun in Capitol Hill on Friday, May 29. Open Mic will be hosted by Calgary favourite: The Kelly T ...  »

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30 May

Red & White Club, 1833 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary 

May 30, 2026

Donation

A modern + local pop up market is holding an online sale featuring a cool + modern environment for local makers to share their craft.  »

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30 May

City of Calgary Multi-Agency Training (MAT) Centre, 5705 23 Ave SE, Calgary

May 30, 2026

3037710604

Free

An interactive Career Fair with Police, Fire, EMS, Transit, Community Safety and Dispatch for those considering a career on the Front Line. Are you considering a career ...  »

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30 May

MaKami College,  1600 – 3800 Memorial Drive NE,  Calgary

May 30, 2026

403-474-0772

Free

MaKami College will hold its annual open house at its Calgary campus from 11AM – 2PM. This will be a great opportunity for anyone looking for a change ...  »

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31 May

City of Calgary Multi-Agency Training (MAT) Centre, 5705 23 ave SE Calgary

May 31, 2026

4037710604

Free

An interactive Career Fair with Police, Fire, EMS, Transit, Community Safety and Dispatch for those considering a career on the Front Line. Are you a woman considering ...  »

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31 May

Marlborough Park Community Centre, 6021 Madigan Dr NE, Calgary

May 31, 2026

Free

The Calgary Vietnamese Women’s Association and Vietnamese Village YYC warmly invite you to join us in celebrating Asian Heritage Month at our upcoming festival — a vibrant ...  »

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2. Free Activities

Go for a walk

Spring has sprung. It’s time to go out and enjoy the great outdoors. And lucky for us, Calgary has a lot to offer in that department. Check out one of these 25 Nature Attractions and Parks in and around Calgary. There are hiking and biking trails, picnic spots, off-leash dog parks, birding areas, and much more.

Explore some waterfalls

Warm spring temperature means, melting ice and thunderous waterfalls. Spend a sunny spring day outdoors and use the opportunity to see some of the most stunning melting waterfalls in and around Calgary (within 2 hours). Remember to bundle up and wear reliable hiking shoes when you go.

See some public art

Looking for something new to do in Calgary while keeping the recommended physical distance? Check out some of Calgary’s 25 Public art features! You can see many of them from your car or on a walk around the city. Look for local Calgarian artists’ work while you’re out and about. Downtown has also invited many guest artists from all over the world in recent years, so there’s a lot of amazing and inspiring pieces throughout.

See Calgary from up above

Calgary’s location in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains offers a unique opportunity for some great scenic lookouts. Whether it’s rolling farmlands to the east or majestic mountains to the west, Calgary has the scenic lookout you are craving. Not to mention, there are some pretty spectacular city views right in the middle. 

See Night Lights

When the sun sets, the night lights begin. From bridges to buildings, some of these art displays light up the night year-round for Calgarians. This April, check out the light displays, and you’ll be amazed at these hidden gems across the city.

Go Birding

With spring setting in, see whether you can spot baby birds on your day out!  This is also an awesome way to get to know your city and find some new parks in and around Calgary. Here is a list of 15 places to go birding in Calgary.

Plan Your Summer Garden

Get your kids to plant and maintain a summer garden this year. It’s time to start planting seeds indoors and planning what your summer will have in store. Visit Garden Centres in and around Calgary with kids and plant indoors.

Fun Things to Do with Kids Inside Your Home

Just because you’re stuck indoors, doesn’t mean you really have to be stuck indoors. There are a ton of things that you and your kids can still do to have a blast from morning until night. And, to top it all off, you can do all of these things without your TV or your phone, unless you’re watching a tutorial video.

Spring Clean & Donate

Do some spring cleaning this April and donate your clothes. Donating is a great way to give back, reduce waste, and get those feel-good vibes flowing.  Keep your good deeds on the straight and narrow with this list of 15 places where you can donate your goods in Calgary.

Explore Our Stunning National Parks

There is much to discover in Canada’s National Parks and not being able to get to them physically shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the fabulous natural areas our country has to offer.

Traverse the parks online and plan your trip to these wondrous places when restrictions-free travel is allowed across the country.

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Things to Do During May in Calgary

 

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