11 Things To Do In Saskatoon If You're Way Too Broke To Travel This Summer
Being broke sucks, but it doesn’t mean you have to just Netflix & chill all summer. If you’re up for a little adventure and excitement, there’s plenty of things going on in Saskatoon this summer to help you make the most of your situation.
READ ALSO: 6 Food And Drink Festivals You Must Go To This Summer In Saskatchewan
If you like food and free events (who doesn’t??), then all you need to do is grab your squad or significant other, and you’re set. Although 2017 might not be the summer you travel to your dream destination, it can still be the summer where you discover what’s just outside your door.
It always feels like Saskatoon comes alive in the summer, so you're in the perfect season here for being broke. With no shortage of things to do each week, you'll soon forget you aren't in Rome. Now, what to do first?
Celebrate Saskatoon Pride // Downtown Saskatoon
Saskatoon’s Pride Festival is June 9 to 25, and it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of that Saskatoon community we all love. Make sure the parade and dancing the night away at Divas are on your list for this festival.
Cost: Free for most events.
Foodtruck Wars // 141 Jessop Avenue
Perogies, grilled cheese, samosas, ice-cream... omnomnom. The ultimate food festival is happening in the city on the weekends of June 16 and 23. It’s a great way to try a little bit of everything the city’s foodtruck scene has to offer — all in one place.
Cost: Varies for food.
Saskatchewan Jazz Festival Free Stage // Kiwanis Memorial Park
With free shows happening every evening from June 23 to July 2, there’s sure to be one that catches your eye. You can grab a drink at the beer gardens, or at the nearby Hudsons after a show. If music isn’t your thing, there’s a free showing of the movie Grease on June 26 in the Bess Gardens that’s a must-see!
Cost: Free.
Paradise Beach // Range Rd 3063
This Saskatoon beach will make your lack of vacation seem not so bad. More commonly known as Bareass Beach (if you don't mind shedding your suit), it's a 20 minute drive, but is the perfect way to escape the city.
Cost: Free.
Canada Day Fireworks // Diefenbaker Park
Celebrate Canada's 150th birthday this year with a little light display. Don’t forget a thermos of coffee, a blanket to sit on & someone to snuggle up with.
Cost: Free.
2nd Avenue Sidewalk Sale // 2nd Avenue
July 6 -8 is your time to get some great deals on local products and check out new businesses. If you don’t want to spend any money, it still makes for a great stroll, fun atmosphere, and people watching.
Cost: Free
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan // Meewasin Trail by 25th Street Bridge
If you need a little drama in your life, then check out Saskatoon's annual Shakespeare theatre festival, running all July and August. This year you can see Twelfth Night or Richard III, and as always, there will be some theatrical surprises in store.
Cost: $24 and up.
Taste of Saskatchewan // Kiwanis Memorial Park
Sooo muchhh fooooood. This festival is great for sampling a little bit of everything Saskatoon's food scene has to offer. You can also enjoy some live and local entertainment in the downtown area.
Cost: Varies for food.
Fringe Theatre and Street Festival // Broadway Avenue
Food, local crafts and goods, music, and street performances all in one place! The Fringe is happening from August 3-12, and is the perfect place to spend a summer day or evening, right along that beautiful South Saskatchewan River.
Cost: Free.
Visit Cranberry Flats // Range Rd 3055
Head out to Cranberry Flats this summer to get your nature fix. You can make a day trip out of it too by packing a picnic filled with local goodies from the Saskatoon Farmers' Market.
Cost: Free.
Saskatoon Folkfest // Various locations
Folkfest is your chance to feel like you travelled this summer. From August 17-19, see how many countries you can cross off of your Folkfest bucket list. There's plenty of culture to be enjoyed here!
Cost: $16 for weekend pass.