Music Festival | Youthink
Image credit:  iStock | Going to a local music festival is a great way of having fun this summer without having to spend a ton of money.

Fun and Affordable Summer Activities

by Sophie Yan - Crofton House School, Vancouver BC Jul 18, 2011

There are lots of things to do this summer that don't cost a lot of money.

Summer: two months away from school to relax and hang out with friends. It truly is a wonderful time of the year that should be filled with fun and discovery. But these days, fun can cost a lot of money. However, there’s no need to worry! Here’s a guide to some fun and, most importantly, affordable summer activities.
 

Local Night Markets, Farmers' Markets and Flea Markets

Special markets are catered towards low-budget spenders and happen all summer long. These flea markets, farmers' markets and night markets are often outdoors and contain an assortment of items for sale including second-hand clothing, unique jewellery, household items and things for your technological gadgets, such as iPod covers or accessories for your cellphone. All the items are modestly priced that it wouldn’t be a problem for someone who only had, say, $10, to find something special to take home. So grab a couple of friends and go for a little treasure hunt.

Markets in Greater Vancouver:

Vancouver Flea Market, Chinatown Night Market Vancouver, Richmond Night Market, Vancouver Farmers Markets (Kits, West End, Main Street Station, Trout Lake)

Markets in Calgary and Edmonton:

Calgary Farmers' Market, Kingsland Farmers' Market in Calgary, Crossroads Market in Calgary, City Market in Edmonton, Callingwood Farmers' Market in Edmonton, Market Collective in Calgary

 

Bowling

Bowling is a really affordable activity. With a large group of friends, it’s even more affordable as some bowling alleys will have special rates for groups. Hitting the lanes is a great option for a fun night out with your pals. And to spice things up, break your friends up into teams and have a competition with the losing team having to do something embarrassing – a song and dance performance in the bowling alley is always an option!

Bowling alleys in Greater Vancouver:

Grandview Lanes in Vancouver, Commodore Lanes in Vancouver, Revs in Burnaby, Zone in Richmond, Blasters in Surrey, Willowbrook Lanes in Langley

Bowling alleys in Calgary and Edmonton:

Chinook Bowladrome in Calgary, Mountain View Bowling in Calgary, Century Bowling in Calgary, Callingwood Lanes in Edmonton, Gateway Entertainment Centre in Edmonton

 

Music and Community Festivals

Music and community festivals are a great way to have fun without breaking the bank. These events, which sometimes are even free, feature local bands and musicians, have food vendors selling delicious and cheap snacks and are filled with great activities for all ages. Festivals can last for days making it easier to fit at least one day into your schedule, and what’s more fun than listening to great music surrounded by energetic and enthusiastic people?

Summer festivals in Greater Vancouver:

Caribbean Days Festival in North Vancouver (July 23-24, 2011), Powell Street Festival in Vancouver (July 30-31, 2011), Richmond Maritime Festival (August 5-7, 2011), MusicFest Vancouver (August 5-14, 2011), Cates Park Concert Series in North Vancouver (runs now until August 27, 2011)

Summer festivals in Calgary and Edmonton:

Kensington Sun and Salsa Festival in Calgary (July 24, 2011), Calgary Fringe Festival (July 29-August 6, 2011), Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival in Edmonton (August 5-7, 2011), Marda Gras Street Festival in Calgary (August 7), Expo Latino in Calgary (August 26-28, 2011), Heritage Festival in Edmonton (July 30-August 1, 2011)

 

Camping in Your Backyard

Have you always wanted to experience roughing it in a tent in the wilderness? Well, although not quite as rough, camping in your backyard is a great way to get a taste of camping without having to spend money on gas or paying to rent a space on the campground. Not to mention, you avoid sleeping too far from home or having to dig a hole in the ground when nature calls! It's really easy to organize. All you need is a couple of willing friends and/or siblings, a flashlight, a sleeping bag, a tent, some snacks and some scary stories to tell!
 

Host a BBQ

BBQs are a summer classic. Somehow, when it gets warmer out and everybody begins to complain about the endless dog days of July and August, nothing cheers people up like a good barbeque. Juicy hamburgers, succulent hot dogs and ice cold drinks combined with a great afternoon spent with friends are the ultimate summer pick-me-ups. If you plan smart and everyone's willing to split the cost of the food, planning a barbeque can be a very affordable way of spending time with family and friends. It's the perfect way to begin or end what hopefully will be a scorching hot afternoon.
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