Calgary is full of things to do, but sometimes it can get a bit pricey. Luckily, there are plenty of options that let you get out and enjoy the city without spending a lot of money.
From big events to fun activities, we’ve rounded up eight things to do for $20 or under in Calgary this April.
What: Smut Slam is an adults-only open mic night where anyone can sign up to share a dirty story, based on real life. One person will win the best story of the night and bring home the prize.
When: Wednesday, April 1, 2026; 8 p.m.
Where: Gulbar – 636 10th Ave. SW
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Butterfield Acres/Facebook
What: Spring is here, and that means Butterfield Acres’ baby animals have arrived. You’ll have the opportunity to snuggle with baby goats and lambs, and check out chicklets and baby pigs. You’ll also find pony rides for kids, tractor-pulled wagon rides, tons of photo opportunities and more!
When: April 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 2026
Where: Butterfield Acres – 254077 Rocky Ridge Rd. NW
Cost: $16.49 for kids and $19.49 for adults
What: The ultimate girls’ day out is coming to Calgary. You can shop through over 200 vendors and find free makeovers, goodie bags, paint workshops, live music, and much more!
When: April 11 to 12, 2026
Where: BMO Centre – 1912 Flores Ladue Parade SE
Cost: Starting at $12.80
Go on a spring day trip
Jeff Whyte/Shutterstock
What: Sometimes getting out of the city can be an awesome and refreshing activity. We rounded up a few spots near the city that won’t take too much gas to get to this spring.
Calgary Stampede/Facebook
What: This free, family-friendly event hosted by the Calgary Stampede gives you the chance to explore animal exhibits and discover agriculture in fun and interactive ways.
When: April 18 and 19, 2026; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Nutrien Western Event Centre – 2050 Stampede Trail SE
Cost: Free
Western Canadian Reptile Expo/Facebook
What: Reptiles are coming to Calgary! This two-day expo has everything from reptiles, exotic plants, expert breeders, and top-tier vendors to face painting, animatronic dinosaurs, and roaming dinosaur characters throughout the venue.
When: April 18 to 19, 2026
Where: Acadia Recreation Complex – 240 90th Ave. SE
Cost: Starting at $15
What: Grab your crafting materials and head over to the Confluence this April for their craft club. It’s a great place to connect with other crafters and work on any project you might have lying around.
When: Sunday, April 19, 2026; 1 p.m.
Where: The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland — 750 9th Ave. SE
Cost: $8
Go on a nice spring walk
Rush Photography Calgary/Shutterstock
What: While the weather can be up and down in March, on the days it’s nice out, there is nothing like a nice Calgary walk to pass some time. We rounded up some of the top spots in Calgary to go for a spring walk.
Where:Â Various locations across Calgary
Cost:Â Free