EE_VisitorGuide_2024_2025

FREE THINGS TO DO

FREE THINGS TO DO

Farmers’ Markets Galore The Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market, The Edmonton Downtown Farmers’ Market, and the 124 Grand Market are great places to spend a morning or afternoon, even if you don’t plan on making a purchase. Fresh produce, handmade jewelry, clothing, art and unique home goods are all worth perusing, and you can experience free entertainment like street performers and live musicians. Plus, the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market moves indoors for the chillier months, so you can enjoy it year-round! Paint the Town Add a little colour to your world when you discover Edmonton’s iconic street art. Rust Magic represents spray-paint culture at its finest by showcasing high-quality pieces and educating the public on this often misunderstood art form. Peruse their virtual mural map and plan your drive or walk around the city where you’ll discover incredible large-scale works by international and local artists. Visit their Instagram page for some visual inspiration, and be sure to pack a camera so you can capture the moment yourself! You can also check out the District Whyte Mural Map to help you spot all the magical murals of Old Strathcona!

FReE THINGS TO DO IN EDMONTON

While not completely free, the Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) does offer free admission to minors under the age of 18 and Alberta students with valid identification. The AGA is a mecca for visual art and architecture lovers. In fact, the exterior of the building is a work of art in itself. The swirling zinc is representative of the Aurora Borealis, a natural light display that can often be seen in Edmonton. You can also head to 124 Street and take yourself on a free self-guided art walk. Independent galleries like the Bearclaw Gallery, Scott Gallery and Peter Robertson Gallery will make your inner art lover jump for joy. Looking for more contemporary and experimental art? Make sure to stop into Edmonton’s Artist-run centres Latitude 53 and Harcourt House.

Rent, car insurance, groceries, a new tiny outfit for your dog... you’ve got enough to spend your money on. And hey, you work hard for your paycheck. We get it. Lucky for you, the best things in life really are free. Skip smashing your piggy bank and check out this list of the best things to do in Edmonton for free.

124 Street Grand Market

Step back in time without spending a dime

Keep Calm and Picnic On A picnic in a beautiful local park is a great way to connect with nature while enjoying some tasty treats al fresco. Scour the fridge and make yourself a basket, grab a blanket, pack a Frisbee then head off to Sir Wilfred Laurier Park, Emily Murphy Park, or Hawrelak Park. If you’re up for spending a few hard-earned dollars, stop in and pick up some grub at local watering holes like Culina on the Lake, Woodshed Burgers, Tres Carnales, Farrow, or Iconoclast Koffiehuis. Discover our guide to the city’s best picnic spots for more picture-perfect locations.

Experience a taste of Alberta’s history as you explore the Alberta Legislature grounds. Set atop the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, the Alberta Legislature Building is a marvel of beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture and the perfect backdrop for a stroll. Pack a lunch, or stop in at one of Edmonton’s legendary downtown restaurants and pick-up a meal to-go — you can even save your pennies with the Explore Edmonton Downtown Dining Pass. With plenty of benches and landscaped areas, the Legislature Grounds are the perfect place for a picturesque picnic!

Edmonton Explored: Free Things To Do Let the editor-in-chief of The Gateway, Mitchell Pawluk, be your guide to the best free things to do in Edmonton.

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EDMONTON VISITOR GUIDE

EDMONTON VISITOR GUIDE

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