With the holiday season just around the corner, November can be an expensive time of year. Between buying gifts, planning holiday outings and getting ready for one of the busiest times of the year, it’s nice to find a few things to do that are easy on your wallet. And luckily, Calgary has quite a few events happening this month, including festive markets, workshops, film festivals and concerts that won’t cost you a thing.
So if you’re looking to make the most of November without spending a fortune, we’ve rounded up 10 events around the city worth adding to your calendar.
The Calgary Justice Film Festival is returning this month with a lineup of free documentaries and films exploring human rights, justice, and social issues. After each screening, you can join conversations about the film and connect with others.
When: Thursday, Nov. 5 to Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
Time: 6 to 11 p.m.
Where: The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland — 750 9th Ave. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free
Blue Grass Garden Centre is kicking off the holiday season early with its Jingle and Mingle Christmas Unveiling event. The evening will feature festive shopping, live music, food and family-friendly activities, along with 20 per cent off holiday decor.
When: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Blue Grass Nursery — 260130 B Writing Creek Cres., Rocky View County, Alta.
Cost: Free to attend
Contemporary Calgary’s Free First Thursday is back this month in partnership with Springboard Performance, bringing an evening of dance performance, art experience and workshops to the galleries. You can try seated ballet, explore activities inspired by memory and connection, and enjoy some free popcorn.
When: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Where: Contemporary Calgary — 701 11th St. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free (registration required)
Supermarché de l’Art is bringing more than 1,500 pieces of artwork by local artists to cSPACE Marda Loop. You can flip through boxes of paintings, drawings, photographs and illustrations, with pieces priced between $30 and $300. It’s a great place to find a new piece for your home without spending a fortune.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Studio Theatre at cSPACE Marda Loop — 1721 29th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free admission
Beakerhead is hosting an all-ages day at the Telus Spark Science Centre, where you can explore exhibits, watch live science demonstrations and get hands-on with experiments. The event will run throughout the centre, and tickets will be available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Telus Spark Science Centre – 220 St. George’s Dr. NE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free (first-come, first-served)
The Grey Cup Festival will be hosting a full lineup of events ahead of the 113th Grey Cup on Sunday, Nov. 15. You can check out the Suncor Street Festival at Stampede Park, which will include live entertainment and a family zone at the BMO Centre. You can also grab a free pancake breakfast, enjoy a nightly drone show and a game-day tailgate at McMahon Stadium.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 11 to Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026
Time: Times vary based on event
Where: Stampede Park – 650 25th Ave. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free
Need something to do on your lunch break? The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is bringing a little holiday cheer to Brookfield Place with a noon-hour concert on Wednesday, Nov. 17. The orchestra will perform classic Christmas carols, making it a great way to step away from your desk for a bit and get into the holiday spirit.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2026
Time: Noon
Where: Brookfield Place – 225 6th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta
Cost: Free admission
The Farmers and Makers Christmas Market is taking over cSPACE Marda Loop for a weekend of local shopping, and admission is completely free. You can browse more than 70 local vendors spread across all four floors, with handmade gifts, holiday treats and more to discover.
When: Friday, Nov. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: cSPACE Marda Loop – 1721 29th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free admission
The Lions Festival of Lights is returning to the Confederation Park Golf Course for its 40th anniversary, and it’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit without spending a dime. The display features thousands of twinkling lights in festive scenes, turning the park into a glowing holiday wonderland you can explore after dark.
When: Saturday, Nov. 21 to Friday, Jan. 8, 2027
Time: 5:30 p.m. to midnight
Where: Confederation Park Golf Course – 3204 Collingwood Dr. NW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free
The Holiday Market is taking over the Deerfoot Inn and Casino and bringing more than 90 vendors under one roof for a day of Christmas shopping. You can browse the ballroom for gifts, take a horse-and-wagon ride, and enjoy a festive day out with the family without spending anything.
When: Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 1000, 1400 – 35th St. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free
Which event are you checking out first?
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Kaiya Williams
Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.
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