Work all day, get home, make supper, doomscroll or watch TV, and go to bed. Chances are, at least a few of your weekdays have this format. As a working adult, it’s an easy habit to fall into, especially as the cost of living continues to rise, working from home becomes more commonplace, and your overall mood begins to drop.
If you find yourself living for the weekend — AKA, waiting for Saturday and Sunday to do the things you enjoy — perhaps it’s time to reconsider your five-to-nine after your nine-to-five. Here are nine low-cost ways to fill your free time in Calgary and make every day count.
Read at a coffee shop
Do you say you’d like to read more, but just never get around to it? Like every hobby, you actually have to carve out the time to do it. If your home has too many distractions, consider bringing your current read to a coffee shop. Element Cafe, Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co., Kawa Espresso Bar, and Caffe Levant are just a few Calgary spots open late on weekdays, so go ahead and squeeze in one last chapter.
Do crafts in the park
Crafts aren’t just for kids. They’re a fulfilling and stimulating way to spend your free time, no matter your age. Add some Vitamin D to the mix by bringing your supplies to a park near you and crafting beneath the summer sun. Sketching, embroidery, crochet, and needle punching are easy enough to take on the go, but even something as simple as markers in a colouring book can be a real mood-booster.
Check out a museum
Many museums close before 5 p.m., but not all of them! Broaden your horizons by checking out the rotating exhibits at Contemporary Calgary, The Esker Foundation, and Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre and Sculpture Park. Or, embark on a self-guided tour of Calgary’s gorgeous downtown murals and do a bit of people watching in the process.
Hit up a happy hour
Just because your workday is done doesn’t mean you have to head straight home. Most restaurants and pubs host weekday happy hours where you can get drinks or snacks for a discounted price. Meet up with friends or take your coworkers to enjoy some post-shift nourishment, chit-chat, and to decompress from the day.
Take a walk
An oldie, but a goodie. Get your steps in by taking a walk, whether it be through your neighbourhood, a designated path, or somewhere new. Not keen on being alone with your thoughts for that long? Listen to a podcast or audiobook while you stroll, or better yet, call your mom — she’d probably love to hear from you!
Host a dinner
Once a week for the last three years, my three friends and I take turns cooking and hosting dinner for each other. It gives us an inexpensive setting to catch up with each other, and as a bonus, we each get to cook one less meal for ourselves each week. Find what works for you and your friends, and make dinner an occasion rather than just a solitary meal.
Catch some live music
Calgary has so many venues that host local artists throughout the week, including Ironwood Stage & Grill, The Blues Can, Dickens, Modern Love, King Eddy, and more. Enjoy a drink and take in some live music — you might even discover your new favourite underground band!
Play a game
And I mean any game. There are plenty of bookable pickleball courts across the city, or you can join a recreation centre. If tabletop games are more your speed, you can play at Sentry Box for free when you book your spot online, or try a game at D6 Tabletop Cafe. And if your heart is stuck in the ’80s, you can play free arcade games at Boogies Burgers on Mondays and free pinball at Pinbar on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Learn something new
You’re never too old to learn something new. In fact, learning is a lot of fun when you aren’t riddled with deadlines and grades! The Calgary Public Library has tons of events and speakers on weekdays at all of its locations, so there’s sure to be something that piques your interest. If you’re looking for a crowd that’s a little more on the social side, Boozy Lectures Social Club is a new Calgary organization that hosts monthly lectures at Civic Tavern.
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