Arts and Culture

So Fun City: 8 Cheap and Cheerful Ways to Have Fun on a Budget

Eight ways to have a good time on a dime.

By Alyssa Hirose /

In honour of our So Fun City Issue, we thought we should prove that you don’t need a pocket full of cash to have a good time. Presenting our list of cheap and cheerful activities for when you’re tired of drinking in the park.

1. Music on Main

Much of this classical and contemporary live music program’s concerts are free (the upcoming Modulus Festival in November has a free family concert on November 5, for example). musiconmain.ca

2. The Polygon Gallery

This by-donation seaside art gallery in Lonsdale Quay offers poignant, accessible exhibitions and the best gift shop in the Lower Mainland (trust us). thepolygon.ca

3. The Cultch

For affordably priced local theatre, check out the East Van Cultural Centre: pay-what-you-can tickets start at $10. thecultch.com

4. The Heart of the City Festival

On from October 25 to November 5, this DTES festival celebrates music, poetry, films, dance, gallery exhibits and more—and many of the events are free to attend. heartofthecityfestival.com

5. The Bloedel Conservatory

Adult admission to this tropical bird and plant paradise is less than $8—it’s a deal you’ll be parroting back to all your friends. vandusengarden.org

6. Secret Saunas

Did you know that 11 City of Vancouver community fitness centres have saunas? (And it’s not just the ones with swimming pools.) If you’re not picky about where you get your sweat on, this $7 hot box is as affordable as it gets. vancouver.ca

7. The Driving Range

Golf games add up—but the practice range is wallet-friendly, baby. McCleery and Fraserview golf courses offer 60+ balls for $8, and the University Golf Club has the same for $8.50. Just fore fun.

8. Spanish Banks Dog Park

We’ll see your beach and raise you a beach filled with gallivanting dogs of all shapes and sizes: it’s off-leash paradise for canines and any dog-lover in need of some extra serotonin.

More from our So Fun City issue here >>

Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose is a Vancouver-based writer, editor, illustrator and comic artist. Her work has been featured in Vancouver magazine, Western Living, BCBusiness, Avenue, Serviette, Geist, BCLiving, Nuvo, Montecristo, The Georgia Straight and more. Her beats are food, travel, arts and culture, style, interior design and anything dog-related. She publishes a daily autobiographical comic on Instagram at @hialyssacomics.