Festival & Event Planning
Festivals and events create a keen sense of community, bring vibrancy and economic benefit to our city, and form a foundation of memories for residents of Medicine Hat.
In 2026, the City is launching a new festival and event application process to make it easier to plan a new or returning festivals and events. Please take time to review the information found on this page and in our Festivals and Events Information Package.
Our event liaison team is available to assist in navigating the various applications, permits and approvals your festival or event may require, once your pre-approval form is submitted.
Please note that it takes a minimum of 30-days to issue the permits and approvals you may require for your event. You are required to have an approved event permit prior to advertising and hosting an event. We recommend starting this process 90-days prior to your event.
To get started with your event planning
- Review the Festivals and Events Information Package available below.
Note that organizers of NEW festivals and events must receive written approval from a minimum of 80% of businesses and residents who will be impacted by all planned activities and related activities, including parking, staging and assembly areas. A proof of support template is available below. - Gather the required information outlined in the Festivals and Events Information Package and submit your pre-approval application using the online form link below.
- If your event will impact traffic or require a road closure of any kind, please complete the Temporary Traffic Control form and attach it to your event application for pre-approval.
- For additional support, work with your City Event Liaison to help guide you through the process of obtaining the necessary information, approvals, and permits.
- Examine Grant and Funding Opportunities
Note that grants and funding may have separate application timelines and deadlines. - Once your event is approved, get the word out! Event Calendars are available on Stay In Medicine Hat and Tourism Medicine Hat
For inquiries, please contact City Clerk at 403-529-8221 or festivals@medicinehat.ca
Proof Of Support Fillable Form Festivals and Events Information Package Events Application Form Pre-Approval
Parks
88 Kipling Street SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 1Y3
P: 403-529-8333
F: 403-529-8254
Email us
Recreation
2000 Division Ave N
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1C 1X9
403-502-8566
Email us
The City of Medicine Hat acknowledges that we live and work on treaty territory. The City pays respect to all Indigenous Peoples and honours their past, present and future. We recognize and respect their cultural heritages and relationships to the land. Medicine Hat is situated on Treaty 7 and neighbour to Treaty 4 territory, traditional lands of the Siksika (Blackfoot), Kainai (Blood), Piikani (Peigan), Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina (Sarcee) as well as the Cree, Sioux, and the Saulteaux bands of the Ojibwa peoples, and homelands of the Métis Nation District 2 Battle River Territory. Learn more.