Calgary’s Curbside Treasure Hunt is back, which means one person’s clutter could become your next great find. For one weekend this September, the entire city will turn into a giant free-for-all of furniture, books, toys, electronics, home decor, and plenty of other goodies that Calgarians no longer want.
There’s no telling what you’ll find tucked away in neighbourhoods across the city, so it might be worth making a little room in the car.
Here’s everything you need to know before you head out.
What to expect at the Curbside Treasure Hunt
What is Calgary’s Curbside Treasure Hunt?
Calgary’s Curbside Treasure Hunt is a city-wide weekend dedicated to giving unwanted items a second life. Instead of tossing perfectly usable items, you can put them out on your curbside for someone else to take for free.
According to the City of Calgary, the event was introduced in 2024 to reduce waste by keeping items you no longer need out of the landfill.
What can you put out for the Curbside Treasure Hunt?
If you have something at home that you no longer need but it’s still in good, usable condition, it could be worth putting it out for someone else to find.
Some of the items you can put out include:
- Books
- CDs and DVDs
- Small furniture
- Electronics
- Artwork
- Sports Equipment
- Toys
- Yard and gardening tools
- Small appliances
- Kitchen gadgets, dishes, cutlery, pots and pans
Where do I put the items that I want to give away?
Once you’ve picked out the things you want to pass along to a new owner, label them clearly with a “Free” sign so there’s no confusion about whether they’re up for grabs. Then, place your items next to the sidewalk or curb outside your home during the Treasure Hunt.
After you’ve placed your items on the curb, you can add your location to the City of Calgary’s online Treasure Hunt map using the registration form, which will make it easier for people to find your items while they’re out hunting for treasures.
What if I live in a multifamily complex?
If you live in an apartment or condo building, work with your property manager to coordinate your complex’s participation and figure out where items can be placed.
Are there any items I can’t give away?
According to the City of Calgary, keep a few safety guidelines in mind when deciding what to give away. The City recommends checking Health Canada’s guide for second-hand products, which outlines items that shouldn’t be sold or given away if they could pose a risk to someone’s health and safety.
The guide covers cribs, car seats and booster seats, playpens, helmets, and certain children’s toys. So if you’re unsure about something you want to give away, it’s worth checking Health Canada’s guide beforehand.
What happens to the stuff nobody takes?
Not everything is guaranteed to find a new home, so you’re responsible for anything that is left behind on your property. If nobody takes your items during the weekend, you’ll need to bring them back inside once the event wraps up.
If you’d rather pass them along somewhere else, you can also donate items to local charities such as Diabetes Canada, Cerebral Palsy, Goodwill Canada, Kidney Clothes, the Calgary Drop-In Centre, and WINS. Just be sure to contact your preferred charity first to confirm what types of donations they’re accepting.
Do I need to register to participate?
No, you don’t need to register to participate in the Treasure Hunt. You can head out and look for free items around the city during the event, or put out some of your own unwanted things for others to discover.
When is Calgary’s Curbside Treasure Hunt?
The 2026 Curbside Treasure Hunt is happening on Saturday, Sept. 12 and Sunday, Sept. 13, so you have the entire weekend to put out your unwanted items and head out around the city to see what you can find.
The Treasure Hunt will wrap up at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, when everything must be cleared away. If you plan to put out a few things of your own, make sure you can bring anything that doesn’t find a new home back inside before the deadline.
When: Saturday, Sept. 12, to Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
Time: All weekend long (items must be removed from the curb by 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026)
Where: City-wide
Cost: Free (no buying or selling allowed; items are placed at the curb for free pickup)
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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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