April is almost here, and that means that we're almost ready to leave behind the snow storms and layers. Alberta is infamous for it's long, dreadful winters, and this year in particular seems like it won't stop snowing down on us. Let's keep our fingers crossed that by the time the new month begins, we'll have no snow!
Apart from changes in weather, a new month also means that there's plenty of new things to be excited about! Sure, Edmonton always has a lot going on, but how often are those things out of your price range? Way too often, if you ask us! As a struggling student myself, I'm always on the lookout for free, fun things so I'm not stuck at home all the time.
As it turns out, there's some pretty cool, totally free stuff happening around the city this April! Celebrate the holidays at a vegan Easter Egg hunt, or enhance your writing skills at a poetry workshop! Let this month be the perfect opportunity for you to try something totally new and outside of your comfort zone.
At the end of the day, all we want is for you to enjoy every minute of your April, no matter what you end up doing! This list is full of suggestions, perfect for a Wednesday evening when you're broke and looking for something to do, planning a date with your new boo, or trying to convince your friends to stop binge-watching Netflix and go on an adventure with you.
@bebeandmommyblog30. Partake in a vegan Easter Egg hunt
Everyone knows that Easter is the perfect time to indulge in some treats, but this hunt wants to ensure even vegans can get in on the fun! On April 1st, from 10 a.m. until noon, head to Borden Park with your friends and family and see who can find the most eggs!
@rockin4dollarsyeg29. Support local bands at Rockin' 4 Dollars
This event originated in Halifax, and is pretty cool. Every Monday, 8-10 random local bands are booked to perform at the Buckingham, all you have to do is go out and support them! Bands that play win prizes at the end of the night, and you're getting some free, live entertainment! The first session in April will start at 7 p.m. on the 2nd!
@yegpridecentre28. Check out the opening of the Pride Centre of Edmonton
The Edmonton Pride Centre has been newly renovated, and on April 4th from 3 - 5 p.m., you can head over and check it out! The Pride Centre offers information on the LGBTQ2S+ community, support services, and space for other community groups.
@jequarterman_27. Play Tipsy 90's Trivia at BLAKBAR
Do you know all there is to know about the 90's? If so, odds are pretty good that you'll kill it at this trivia night! Tipsy Trivia is holding a 90's themed game on April 5th from 8 - 10 p.m. at BLAKBAR. If you plan on drinking, you'll obviously spend some cash, but if you're cool with staying sober, you'll be fine!
@sxpoetry26. Learn more about writing at this Poetry Workshop with Nisha Patel
Writing is something that doesn't come easy to everyone, but lucky for anyone in Edmonton, local Nisha Patel is holding a free workshop to teach you a thing or two. At the ATB Branch for Arts and Culture on April 5th from 6 - 8 p.m., you can learn a thing or two about how to write captivating poetry, no matter what level of experience you have!
@angelicaj.art25. Support local artists at SpotlightYEG
This event is all about exhibiting art pieces surrounding mental health. All works shown were created by young Edmontonians and come in all forms, including painting, film, poetry, dance, and many more. There will also be free workshops for attendees to check out! The event is being held on April 8th at City Hall from 1 - 3 p.m.
@vivianmanasc24. Check out the opening of Pearl Westfall's exhibit, ROCK WATER WIND
Pearl Westfall, a local Edmonton artist, creates work that depicts sculpted abstracts on canvas, all of which are inspired by the rocky scapes of Alberta, and the stony beaches of B.C. The opening reception will be held at Enterprise Square on April 12th from 6:30 - 9 p.m.
@shelfallure23. Try your hand at a Pinterest Craft
Every month at the Redwater Public Library, you can try out a new, fun Pinterest craft, totally free! April's craft night will be held on the 10th from 7 - 9 p.m. Text your friends, and start placing bets on whose final project will look closest to the original!
@thedressloungeyeg22. See what's in style at The Dress Lounge Grand Opening Gala & Trunk Show
Maybe you can't afford to splurge on a brand new fancy dress, but there's never any harm in looking! The Dress Lounge will be holding their Grand Opening Gala & Trunk Show on April 13th from 6 - 9 p.m. Bring your girlfriends and you all can admire the gorgeous dresses together!
@actatbaronbrown21. Work on your acting skills with River Valley Free School
River Valley Free School is an organization that hosts free workshops around Edmonton, and on April 14th, they want to teach you a few tricks on how to interact with the world without thinking. This workshop follows some of the same techniques clowns use when performing, and even if you aren't an actor, you could pick up some beneficial skills!
@planetmusicschool20. Check out some local talent at the Planet Music Spring Coffee House
It's no secret that big entertainers rarely come to Edmonton, but that doesn't mean you can't get your live music fix. There's plenty of local talent to be admired, and this event, being held at Planet Music School on April 21st at 5 p.m. will showcase some of that!
@fashionrevolutionswitzerland19. Attend a seminar about Ethical Fashion
If you didn't already know, April 19th - 23rd is Fashion Revolution Week, a week dedicated to educating the public about ethical fashion choices, and how to be more conscious buyers. This particular seminar is being held at Publicity Room on April 24th at 5 p.m., and will include panelists like Alyssa Lau and Lyndsey Smith.
@juliecperich18. Do some exploring at the Art Gallery of Alberta
If you haven't already heard, the Art Gallery of Alberta offers free admission every Tuesday and Wednesday night from 5 - 8 p.m. This is the perfect opportunity to admire some gorgeous works for anyone who's struggling financially, like students!
@educational_advisors17. Take your pup through a walk in Mactaggart Sanctuary
This is easily one of the most picturesque spots in Edmonton, so not only will your pup love it, but your IG followers will too! If you want to make it look like you've gone on a super cool adventure in the woods lately, be sure to take some pictures.
@adelinesattic16. See how many cool pictures you can get of the Neon Sign Museum
This is one of those spots that every Edmontonian needs on their IG feed. I personally love neon signs and think that they bring a very cool aesthetic to a photo, and this totally free, outdoor museum gives you plenty of cool photo subjects.
@nikta137615. Go on an Art Walk down Whyte Ave
Everyone knows how trendy Whyte Ave is, not only because of the shops and people that hangout there, but also because it's a prime place to find unique street art. Go for a walk around, and see how many interesting artworks you can find!
@erinisfeld14. Learn more about our government at the Alberta Legislature Building
Not only is this building super beautiful, you can also pick up a lot of knowledge during a tour there! Guided tours are totally free, or if that's not your style, you can take a tour by yourself and see what you discover!
@ltheroux9413. Explore the abandoned Edmonton General Hospital B-Wing
Rumor has it that the abandoned B-Wing of this hospital possesses the spirit of a mother searching for her children, and do this day it still reeks of death! People have also heard children crying and other creepy noises. If ghosts are your thing, you'll want to investigate ASAP.
@darth_dizzy12. Go stargazing at the U of A Observatory
Thursday evenings offer a free stargazing session at the Observatory. Bring a date or roll solo; either way, you'll definitely see some gorgeous Edmonton nighttime sights.
@gum_shoe_11. Snap some pictures outside of the Muttart
If you don't want to pay to get inside the Muttart, you can still take some super cool pictures from outside, especially at night. Some of the best views of the downtown skyline can be seen from here!
@mokurinzu10. Go window shopping in West Ed
A day at the mall doesn't always require spending money. It can be a lot of fun to simply go window shopping and try on all the clothes that you wish you could afford! And if you're a shopaholic like me, serious props if you can make it through the day without spending anything.
@miss.lina.s9. Get out of the city with a drive to Elk Island National Park
Banff and Jasper are overrated. Instead of driving to one of the touristy, popular National Parks, take a trip off the beaten path and spend a day at Elk Island National Park! You can do some exploring, take some pictures, and pack a picnic.
@skyler_cardinal8. Have a picnic in Rundle Park
Going out for dinner all the time can get expensive, and a romantic picnic in the park with a loved one can be just as special! Pack all your favourite foods in a basket, grab a blanket, and sit down in your favourite park to enjoy a meal together.
@kaiwiebe7. Go for a walk in Hawrelak Park
If you're hoping to get outside more this month, Hawrelak Park is the perfect place to start. Put in your headphones and blast some music while you go for a walk! It's a great way to clear your head and get some exercise.
@ekpattz_6. Play a game of giant checkers in Churchill Square
Sure, board games are fun! But playing a life-sized version is even more entertaining. Head down to Churchill Square and spend a day competing against all your favourite people in a game of checkers; winner buys a treat afterwards!
@laceandleavesyeg5. Take a stroll through the Edmonton Farmer's Market
If you're looking for something to do on a Saturday morning, head down to the Edmonton Farmer's Market! There's plenty to see and do every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Although you may be tempted to, you don't need to purchase anything! Local vendors love support of all kinds.
@myawesometrip4. If the weather is warm enough, go for a walk by the Pembina River
We all know that April in Alberta either feels like winter or summer, but if the weather's warm enough then you'll deffs want to take advantage of it. The Pembina River is a great place to go for a stroll or spend a day laying in the sun with friends!
@exploreedmonton3. Join the Edmonton Public Library
Reading is something that a lot of us want to do more of, but after finishing a ton of assignments and readings for school, reading for pleasure is probably the last thing on your mind. It can actually be very relaxing, though! Get yourself a membership to the Edmonton Public Library and see what books will become your new favourites.
@ruby_doomsday2. Spend a day exploring Chinatown
Chinatown is an area of Edmonton that's full of history and culture. Spend a day exploring the gorgeous architecture and see what else you can learn about our cities' Chinese population.
@brookewillson1. Take a road trip to Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake is ideal, no matter what time of year. In the warmer months, you can spend the day beaching and soaking up the sun, and in the cooler months, you can enjoy the gorgeous views.