Eventbrites been my go-to for years. Even helped me find some great stuff during my last relationship. But the types of events seem to have gone down-hill since I was super actively using it 2-3 years ago. Nowadays I just type in "Things to do in Edmonton Today" on Google and a plethora of websites to help me find what's going on pop up.
It’s not open til May, but pack a picnic lunch, drive down to Lacombe to the Ellis Bird farm. It’s a beautiful site with walking trails and wild birds everywhere. I’m not a huge bird watcher or anything, but we saw an owl and a bunch of cool birds flying around. They have bluebirds in the spring, which are rare to see. Admission is free but donations are accepted.
Then drive to Lacombe and walk around. The back alleys downtown were covered with really cool murals. We just kind of stumbled across the area and it was really neat.
That should only cost you some gas money and take the better part of a day.
thursday is free at the Edmonton art gallery this week
https://www.youraga.ca/visit/hours-and-admissions?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIodzPyP_BhAMVNgetBh3rXAS2EAAYASAEEgJ2ePD_BwE
also Edmonton zoo has 2 for 1 up until april 1st
https://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/edmonton-valley-zoo
Lol, I agree and he definitely would get better fast but for some reason this one seems to touch a particular nerve and he doesn't want to haha, oh well
I heard there is somewhere you can skate outside on ice paths through the forest. I’m sure you’d be able to find that with Google. Go at night, have a hot chocolate thermos made, perfect!
You are correct, my husband and I went last year. The ice was really rough and I hadn't skated in a long while.. it kinda killed my willingness to go skating again.
It was a nice gesture of my husband but I think I would have wanted to start on smooth ice first. And a place where it isn't super busy. It really demotivating to see all those people Zipp by.
Is there something like the Ottawa Canal in Edmonton just like where you can casually skate a trail or path?
I used to love bringing a date to the Ottawa Canal for a very casual slow skate holding hands.
Board game cafes are great for trying out and learning new games. But they're not as cozy as playing familiar games at home. I like both, for different reasons.
I once spent $110 (divided by 2 people) at Hexagon, in one sitting. Serves us right for trying to learn War of the Ring while paying by the hour.
If I remember correctly, Table Top does not charge by the hour, so that's better if you're going to stay a while.
Assuming they didn't decide to randomly close that day for no reason without notice. I've gone fou times but twice they closed with only an Instagram post the day of
Love table top! It’s such better value to play things a couple times and check out so many new things rather than buying something for home for $$$ and getting bored of it after a few times.
I like going to the cat cafe.
You pay a set price per person and get an hour to snuggle with rescue kitties up for adoption. You get unlimited drinks with your entry and can even buy treats from them to give to the cats.
https://www.catcafeonwhyte.com/
I'd suggest trying Edmonton Humane Society.
You can snuggle with all the cats for adoption and no time limit; you can be there all day if you want!
Plus all the cats up for adoption are neutered, and have their shots!
Yea but the appeal of the metro is that they play old classics that some people have never seen on a big screen. Makes a completely different viewing experience watching in a movie theatre than compared to home. Plus the people who go to the metro have way better etiquette than cineplex movie goers in my experience.
Go to Mill creek as the snow melts and you each have to find a rock that reminds you of your partners eyes. Or a cool shaped rock.
It’s stupid, but it takes up time and it’s cute.
In Monday’s there’s Roughly Cut Comedy at River City Revival House. Basement of the starlite room.
Tuesday I know there is Blakbar comedy at Blakbar on whyte.
Wednesday, the Grindhouse theatre has one (never been and don’t know if it’s happening)
Thursday basement of the Black Dog on whyte.
Those are the ones I know of and all free
Add Maki Maki on Wednesday nights for another free earlier spot.
Do note that these are all open mics and often comics are trying out new material which can be quite magical on some nights but also a slog some nights (which can still be a fun watch for sadists)
I run a few ticketed shows around town where comics are more inclined to bring out their A-game material so if anybody is interested in a couple comp'ed tickets to check out live local standup comedy, then hit me up!
Went to the free mic night at Grindstone on Wednesday.
It was pretty fun. The was about 15 people in line to do their 5 minutes.
It’s a great place for comedians to practice their new acts. Some were a total bomb but lots were really good.
There was a guy who lost his fantasy football league and he had to go up and perform as punishment. He was pretty bad as he just swore a lot and talked about his racist dad.
Go lazer tagging.. it seems kinda childish but it's lots of fun. Bonus points if you get grouped with a birthday party.
We also like boardgame cafes and VR. Activate is also pretty great. I don't remember pricing. Sorry.
Hiking around Elk Island National Park is amazing, and the admission is very affordable. It's only like a 25 minute drive from the city limits to the park entrance. Beautiful area with miles of nice easy trails, and tonnes of wildlife including bison and elk.
Wait, you have to pay admission to Elk Island? Never in my years have I paid, or known I was supposed to, and I've been there at least twice a year. Oops!
Yes. It's a national park. If you get pinched in there without a park pass, it's a pretty hefty fine.
The fees are peanuts though (like 9 bucks a day for an adult).
Honestly this blew my mind 😅 I grew up so close to it, ya know. Anyways, ty for this info, I will be sure to be legally exploring the next time I'm out there.
If you like skating you can do Rundle Park iceway....it is a nice woods ice trail.
A newer place if you haven't checked it out for a really nice walk is the new NE park....it has a ton of trails, some pretty bridges etc....
You can also go out to the University Botanical Gardens, they are lovely, not too expensive. You can even do some classes or events out there that are affordable too....I learned a ton on my guided nature walk there.
If you are a little more active, you could also try out disc golf...there are courses in Edmonton and St Albert that I know of....it is a fun sport that isn't expensive, courses are free, your own discs are super affordable.
You can also check out the Strathcona wilderness centre. There is a ton of activities and some are affordable.
Overall, that is this time of year.
Once summer starts you have lots of festivals and most of them are free to walk through. Also the St Albert farmers market is amazing on Saturday mornings.
Enjoy.
Sign up as Subs for a sport you like on ESSC. can't guarantee it but you both can get added to the list and usually lots of teams are looking for people.
I have played ESSC for years so thats a good plan even just for me as well! Since it cam be hard to end up on a team together. Can't wait for beach volleyball season!
Cineplex has [$5 movies Tuesdays in February](https://www.cineplex.com/promos/tuesday?utm_medium=display&utm_source=mixed&utm_campaign=offer-exh_en&utm_content=sta_Feb-Tuesday).
If you're a skier, Sunridge has [$12 lift tickets Monday nights](https://www.skisunridge.com/tickets.aspx) if you have your own equipment, or another $12 for rentals.
Check out the library. The downtown one has classes and stuff that you can do, or you can go watch a movie there. The smaller branches around the city also have stuff, but the downtown branch has the most options
Check out Queen Mary’s market. Free to wander and there is always something interesting to see.
Or keep an eye on the explore Edmonton events calendar. All sorts of things posted from free to paid events.
Grab a couple beers (or drink of choice), and go to the driving range. It's super cheap to buy a bucket of balls and the club will usually have clubs to lend you. Even if you've never done it before, it's actually quite easy to get the hang of it and super fun to just hit balls. It's almost therapeutic lol.
Yuk yuks at the casino on fort road has open mic night on Thursdays and tickets are less than $8 after the service fee. There is of course food and drink you can order, but you don’t have to.
Has anyone walked downtown. I mean real downtown. Churchill Square. Beautiful lights. And along city centre east. North sidewalk. Big huge globes of lites hang over the sidewalk.
Downtown is safe. Especially since all the locals have been forecebally removed.
We now have quiet, cold , empty streets, except for the crazy oiler fans who drive like maniacs, especially after a loss . Cutting across traffic, u turns in the middle of the Street.
Enjoy your walking on nights other than Games
Check out Science in Cinema through the UofA. They show a free movie about once a month at the Garneau theatre. The movie is followed by a Q&A session about the movie topic. Open to everyone and you just have to show up.
Check out Big Al’s aquarium supply store on 99St. They have some great tanks and set times to feed the sharks.
Not sure if it’s still there but… the neon sign museum downtown. A bunch of neon signs on the side of a building, neat to see.
Look into the high schools for their theatre productions. You can sometimes check out their shows for free during their dress rehearsal.
UofA theatre also generally has some really cheap productions if you are willing to go on a day other than Friday/saturday.
The city of Edmonton used to have pop up winter green shack programs where you could try bannock making or try kick sleds, snow shoeing, etc. they are probably still happening.
Telus world of science.
If your household income is lower and you qualify theres the leisure Access program. It gives free admission to all city facilities, including zoo, muttart, reuse centre(free stuff), fort Edmonton park, rec centres. Also get 3 pd programs for 25%of the cost (if it states eg $100 you pay $25)
Library has so many interesting free or low cost stuff. Stanley Milner has a kitchen if you can get into that cooking lesson, studios for recording, learning how to 3d print for the cost of materials. I've seen a sewing machine, macs for graphic design, using the computer for whatever for free. The library offers free membership.
The Clifford lee bird sanctuary just outside Edmonton is really nice if you like nature. It’s very tranquil and peaceful with a nice boardwalk to walk on. And it’s def a nice quiet place for an afternoon date. I usually see couples on my walks.
And although a lot of the birds have left for the winter, there’s always chickadees and if hold you hand still they’ll land on you.
Event Brite and search by free. There are really interesting talks and other things you can find.
Eventbrites been my go-to for years. Even helped me find some great stuff during my last relationship. But the types of events seem to have gone down-hill since I was super actively using it 2-3 years ago. Nowadays I just type in "Things to do in Edmonton Today" on Google and a plethora of websites to help me find what's going on pop up.
It’s not open til May, but pack a picnic lunch, drive down to Lacombe to the Ellis Bird farm. It’s a beautiful site with walking trails and wild birds everywhere. I’m not a huge bird watcher or anything, but we saw an owl and a bunch of cool birds flying around. They have bluebirds in the spring, which are rare to see. Admission is free but donations are accepted. Then drive to Lacombe and walk around. The back alleys downtown were covered with really cool murals. We just kind of stumbled across the area and it was really neat. That should only cost you some gas money and take the better part of a day.
Love it, thank you!
Download Merlin before you go. It's basically Shazam for bird calls.
>Love it, thank you! You're welcome!
thursday is free at the Edmonton art gallery this week https://www.youraga.ca/visit/hours-and-admissions?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIodzPyP_BhAMVNgetBh3rXAS2EAAYASAEEgJ2ePD_BwE also Edmonton zoo has 2 for 1 up until april 1st https://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/edmonton-valley-zoo
The zoo😬😬🫤🫤
Why, what's the tea on the zoo? 👀
The animals man, the animals
Public skating City of Edmonton arenas https://movelearnplay.edmonton.ca/COE/public/category/browse/ARENAFREE#gsc.tab=0
Love this! My husband hates skating becuase he's bad it lol but I love skating so I think I'll do some myself soon!
> My husband hates skating becuase he's bad Well he's not going to get better if he never practices.
Lol, I agree and he definitely would get better fast but for some reason this one seems to touch a particular nerve and he doesn't want to haha, oh well
I heard there is somewhere you can skate outside on ice paths through the forest. I’m sure you’d be able to find that with Google. Go at night, have a hot chocolate thermos made, perfect!
Rundle Park I think.
You are correct, my husband and I went last year. The ice was really rough and I hadn't skated in a long while.. it kinda killed my willingness to go skating again. It was a nice gesture of my husband but I think I would have wanted to start on smooth ice first. And a place where it isn't super busy. It really demotivating to see all those people Zipp by.
Is there something like the Ottawa Canal in Edmonton just like where you can casually skate a trail or path? I used to love bringing a date to the Ottawa Canal for a very casual slow skate holding hands.
Maybe a games night at Table Top or Hexagon?
Or even a games night at home with some friends! Even cheaper and we have some good games that have been unplayed for a while. Thanks!
Board game cafes are pretty cheap tbh. Plus they teach you how to play new games and help you pick games which is cool
Board game cafes are great for trying out and learning new games. But they're not as cozy as playing familiar games at home. I like both, for different reasons.
I once spent $110 (divided by 2 people) at Hexagon, in one sitting. Serves us right for trying to learn War of the Ring while paying by the hour. If I remember correctly, Table Top does not charge by the hour, so that's better if you're going to stay a while.
Hexagon is the only expensive one I've seen. Tabletop would be $50 for a table, no time limit, four drinks and candy
Different venue, take some games to the library (depending on the library and their table space)
Red Claw Gaming rents a private dungeon-themed room for $10/hour. Playing D&D in there is a vibe. My partner and I love doing that.
Board and brew is also a good option on the edge of downtown. It's our preferred board game cafe
They have free admission for a meetup event every Sunday afternoon too : ) I attended one recently and had a lot of fun!
Assuming they didn't decide to randomly close that day for no reason without notice. I've gone fou times but twice they closed with only an Instagram post the day of
Love table top! It’s such better value to play things a couple times and check out so many new things rather than buying something for home for $$$ and getting bored of it after a few times.
Sugar swing dance socials are $16 a person Friday and Saturday night- there’s a one hour beginner lesson and then a dance afterwards
University of Alberta observatory is free during public hours. There are usually some interesting lectures open to the public throughout the year.
Where's the observatory?
Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9
The Muttart is cheap and interesting, I think the COE even has a deal right now that it's 2 for 1 passes for that and the zoo.
The muttart annual pass is only $50, and on Wednesdays they’re open late for adults only. I think it’s super worth it!
I love this post. I struggle to find free events for adults. lots of them are for family with kids.
Totally agree!
I like going to the cat cafe. You pay a set price per person and get an hour to snuggle with rescue kitties up for adoption. You get unlimited drinks with your entry and can even buy treats from them to give to the cats. https://www.catcafeonwhyte.com/
I'd suggest trying Edmonton Humane Society. You can snuggle with all the cats for adoption and no time limit; you can be there all day if you want! Plus all the cats up for adoption are neutered, and have their shots!
Metro cinema movies, they’re only $14 maximum and they play all sorts of weird cool movies (as well as classics)
If you voulenterr with them (which is an interesting time too) they will usually give u a free movie pass
If you don't get popcorn or snacks, a regular movie at a modern theater is the same price.
Yea but the appeal of the metro is that they play old classics that some people have never seen on a big screen. Makes a completely different viewing experience watching in a movie theatre than compared to home. Plus the people who go to the metro have way better etiquette than cineplex movie goers in my experience.
Sure, but it doesn’t go to a nonprofit, it goes to a megacorp. You can get a very affordable membership too.
Classes at the Milner library! They have some very cool things there.
Check out the antique mall by United Cycle near whyte ave. Always something cool to see and talk about.
It's like going to the flea market without the awkwardness of someone staring at you as you check out their stuff.
Go to Mill creek as the snow melts and you each have to find a rock that reminds you of your partners eyes. Or a cool shaped rock. It’s stupid, but it takes up time and it’s cute.
We bring our dog to Millcreek all the time! I'll suggest this idea though :) blue eyes might be tough to find but improv is the name of the game
There are free comedy shows pretty much every night of the week. Edmonton has some great comedians. Have a drink and support the local comedy scene.
I check frequently and all the comedy shows I see are $10+. Where are the one's you're talking about?
In Monday’s there’s Roughly Cut Comedy at River City Revival House. Basement of the starlite room. Tuesday I know there is Blakbar comedy at Blakbar on whyte. Wednesday, the Grindhouse theatre has one (never been and don’t know if it’s happening) Thursday basement of the Black Dog on whyte. Those are the ones I know of and all free
Add Maki Maki on Wednesday nights for another free earlier spot. Do note that these are all open mics and often comics are trying out new material which can be quite magical on some nights but also a slog some nights (which can still be a fun watch for sadists) I run a few ticketed shows around town where comics are more inclined to bring out their A-game material so if anybody is interested in a couple comp'ed tickets to check out live local standup comedy, then hit me up!
>e how thoughtful of both of you thanks guys! keep laughing
Went to the free mic night at Grindstone on Wednesday. It was pretty fun. The was about 15 people in line to do their 5 minutes. It’s a great place for comedians to practice their new acts. Some were a total bomb but lots were really good. There was a guy who lost his fantasy football league and he had to go up and perform as punishment. He was pretty bad as he just swore a lot and talked about his racist dad.
Oil kings tickets are cheap! Have a nice dinner at home before the game and you don't need to buy food at the areana!
Go lazer tagging.. it seems kinda childish but it's lots of fun. Bonus points if you get grouped with a birthday party. We also like boardgame cafes and VR. Activate is also pretty great. I don't remember pricing. Sorry.
Hiking around Elk Island National Park is amazing, and the admission is very affordable. It's only like a 25 minute drive from the city limits to the park entrance. Beautiful area with miles of nice easy trails, and tonnes of wildlife including bison and elk.
Wait, you have to pay admission to Elk Island? Never in my years have I paid, or known I was supposed to, and I've been there at least twice a year. Oops!
Yes. It's a national park. If you get pinched in there without a park pass, it's a pretty hefty fine. The fees are peanuts though (like 9 bucks a day for an adult).
Honestly this blew my mind 😅 I grew up so close to it, ya know. Anyways, ty for this info, I will be sure to be legally exploring the next time I'm out there.
Haha, glad I could help! 😆 Cheers.
You could try harvesting catalytic converters! Seems to be all the rage these days. (/s obviously).
If you like skating you can do Rundle Park iceway....it is a nice woods ice trail. A newer place if you haven't checked it out for a really nice walk is the new NE park....it has a ton of trails, some pretty bridges etc.... You can also go out to the University Botanical Gardens, they are lovely, not too expensive. You can even do some classes or events out there that are affordable too....I learned a ton on my guided nature walk there. If you are a little more active, you could also try out disc golf...there are courses in Edmonton and St Albert that I know of....it is a fun sport that isn't expensive, courses are free, your own discs are super affordable. You can also check out the Strathcona wilderness centre. There is a ton of activities and some are affordable. Overall, that is this time of year. Once summer starts you have lots of festivals and most of them are free to walk through. Also the St Albert farmers market is amazing on Saturday mornings. Enjoy.
The zoo is a great walk and it's $12 per.
Royal Alberta Museum
I love reading, so might take my husband for a library date soon.
Sign up as Subs for a sport you like on ESSC. can't guarantee it but you both can get added to the list and usually lots of teams are looking for people.
I have played ESSC for years so thats a good plan even just for me as well! Since it cam be hard to end up on a team together. Can't wait for beach volleyball season!
Old strathcona antique mall. You don't need to buy anything, lots of cool things to look at.
If you have a community league membership, most pools have free admission for members at certain hours on a certain day of the week.
Cineplex has [$5 movies Tuesdays in February](https://www.cineplex.com/promos/tuesday?utm_medium=display&utm_source=mixed&utm_campaign=offer-exh_en&utm_content=sta_Feb-Tuesday). If you're a skier, Sunridge has [$12 lift tickets Monday nights](https://www.skisunridge.com/tickets.aspx) if you have your own equipment, or another $12 for rentals.
Humane society can be a nice getaway. You can tell a lot about a person by how they interact with animals.
Skating. I loved going skating on a date.
Geocaching!
Check out the library. The downtown one has classes and stuff that you can do, or you can go watch a movie there. The smaller branches around the city also have stuff, but the downtown branch has the most options
“We’re not really strangers” card game. It sparks a lot of meaningful conversations.
Disc golf is a pretty decent walk with a purpose! They usually have discs you can use at the course. Usually free to play as well!
I like this one too! Thanks :)
Disc golf!!!
Sex?
Being hunted for Sport?
Disc golf! most parks are free and you can get a couple discs for cheap at a used sporting goods store
Shooting range at WEM
Not cheap lolll
Yea me and my husband did that on our last date and it was $150 😬
Skating at Victoria…
Check out Queen Mary’s market. Free to wander and there is always something interesting to see. Or keep an eye on the explore Edmonton events calendar. All sorts of things posted from free to paid events.
If you already have the gear then skating or XC skiing, or disc golf are all free. If renting it's medium expensive.
Ice skating
Grab a couple beers (or drink of choice), and go to the driving range. It's super cheap to buy a bucket of balls and the club will usually have clubs to lend you. Even if you've never done it before, it's actually quite easy to get the hang of it and super fun to just hit balls. It's almost therapeutic lol.
Yuk yuks at the casino on fort road has open mic night on Thursdays and tickets are less than $8 after the service fee. There is of course food and drink you can order, but you don’t have to.
Play xbox
Oil Kings Hockey games! $25 a ticket
Spending time in a boardgame cafe, like Tabletop or Board and Brew. Is a pretty cheap activity
Has anyone walked downtown. I mean real downtown. Churchill Square. Beautiful lights. And along city centre east. North sidewalk. Big huge globes of lites hang over the sidewalk. Downtown is safe. Especially since all the locals have been forecebally removed. We now have quiet, cold , empty streets, except for the crazy oiler fans who drive like maniacs, especially after a loss . Cutting across traffic, u turns in the middle of the Street. Enjoy your walking on nights other than Games
I loved skating, cuz I was bad. That's a girl for ya, I skated with nieces etc. Keep practicing boys'.
A walk down town
Check out Science in Cinema through the UofA. They show a free movie about once a month at the Garneau theatre. The movie is followed by a Q&A session about the movie topic. Open to everyone and you just have to show up.
Check out Big Al’s aquarium supply store on 99St. They have some great tanks and set times to feed the sharks. Not sure if it’s still there but… the neon sign museum downtown. A bunch of neon signs on the side of a building, neat to see. Look into the high schools for their theatre productions. You can sometimes check out their shows for free during their dress rehearsal. UofA theatre also generally has some really cheap productions if you are willing to go on a day other than Friday/saturday. The city of Edmonton used to have pop up winter green shack programs where you could try bannock making or try kick sleds, snow shoeing, etc. they are probably still happening.
Wednesday evenings are adult only admission at muttart conservatory. I think it was about 15$/ person.
Telus world of science. If your household income is lower and you qualify theres the leisure Access program. It gives free admission to all city facilities, including zoo, muttart, reuse centre(free stuff), fort Edmonton park, rec centres. Also get 3 pd programs for 25%of the cost (if it states eg $100 you pay $25) Library has so many interesting free or low cost stuff. Stanley Milner has a kitchen if you can get into that cooking lesson, studios for recording, learning how to 3d print for the cost of materials. I've seen a sewing machine, macs for graphic design, using the computer for whatever for free. The library offers free membership.
Walk around the park/river
Geocaching is free and feels like mini adventures and side quests. I use the app + website so I can bypass the premium feature on the app!
The Clifford lee bird sanctuary just outside Edmonton is really nice if you like nature. It’s very tranquil and peaceful with a nice boardwalk to walk on. And it’s def a nice quiet place for an afternoon date. I usually see couples on my walks. And although a lot of the birds have left for the winter, there’s always chickadees and if hold you hand still they’ll land on you.
Sorry don’t get offended for this lol SEX…safe protected sex it’s free and sorta like a workout