Local Stories
Medicine Hat Summers Experiences
Make memories at annual festivals, events, and local artisan workshops in Medicine Hat this summer.
Make memories at annual festivals, events, and local artisan workshops in Medicine Hat this summer.
Western Canada’s largest skateboard competition happens alongside Medicine Hat Canada Day Festival. Skaters from across the country compete in the Olympic-sanctioned event on July 1, 2026.
A recreational space for families to spend time together during the free events, at the swimming pool and waterslide, or at the outdoor Pickleball courts.
A two day festival featuring the cultural stage and event, Glow Up the Globe, food trucks, live entertainment, fireworks, and more.
Entertainment is hosted year-round, from live music to comedians, rodeos, monster trucks, and more. Find tickets at Tixx.ca.
Join a pottery workshop, from using the pottery wheel, to hand building. The workshops are beginner friendly for those wanting to experience the craft.
A brick, quonset-style bed and breakfast sharing the rustic life with chickens, farm fresh eggs, in-season raspberry picking, and more, located just outside of Medicine Hat.
From painting ceramics, to renting a pottery reel, and smashing dishes in the “smash” room, Creative Freedom Art Hub is a space that encourages creativity and trying new things. On Tuesday, they feature “Toonie Tuesdays” where you can paint a ceramic for $2 between 10a.m. to 2p.m.
Amateur Astronomer Rod DeVries hosts a night sky experience in Cypress Hills, a dark sky preserve. Every Saturday in the summer at the Learning Centre in Elkwater, Cypress Hills, he starts with an engaging presentation, and then brings the group outside to view the stars with his knowledge.
Indigenous culture and Western heritage is showcased through rodeo, artisan market, Powwow demonstrations, and heritage workshops. With exceptional contestants and spectators, the inclusive event inspires people to honour and celebrate Indigenous, Albertan, and Canadian heritage.
Echo Dale Campground location is immersed in relaxation, activity, and nature. The South Saskatchewan River and fishing pond offer paddling. The lake has swimming and beach suntanning. The paved trails bring strolling in the coulees. The mountain bike trails invite adventure in the wild. And the campground is quiet, relaxing, and perfect for camping away from the noise.
Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre has exhibitions, performing arts, a Hands On! Discovery Zone, and hosts Historic Walking Tours and more. It’s a hub for history, activity, performances, and tours.
Perfectly located beside the Esplanade, and listed after it, this is Alberta’s oldest brick residence. Ewart Duggan Open House Days are hosted until the end of June. Every Saturday you have the opportunity to tour the historic house.
Located close to the city, this campground is surrounded by trees that make you feel you’re in the middle of nature. Next door in a pump track, off-leash, fenced dog park, and a paved trail that leads all the way to Echo Dale Regional Park, and brings beautiful views of the South Saskatchewan River valley.
An 18-hole miniature golf course that’s fun for families of all ages. There’s a clubhouse that offers snacks and a meeting room for birthday parties and special events. After time on the course, stop in the grab hard ice cream, soft serve, and ice cream cookie sandwiches.
John’s Butterfly House is located inside Windmill Garden Centre. This tropical paradise has hundreds of butterflies. Relax on the deck and read about the life cycle and habits of the beautiful insects. Stroll the walkway to observe the red-eared turtles and swimming Koi.
Based in beautiful Police Point Park in Medicine Hat, the Medicine Hat Interpretive Program offers nature walks throughout the city for the public, school groups, community groups, and visitor groups all year long, like river walks, art in the park, fluttering butterflies, and more.
Mi Gente YXH is hosting Medicine Hat’s first free Latin Festival. They’ve invited live performers and world-class dancers. Manny V. y su Esquina Latina will fill the main stage with high-energy sounds of salsa, merengue, and bachata. And there will be a live DJ and Mariachi.
This local organization hosts markets throughout the summer, including the Grain to Glory Festival on August 8, 2026. They feature locals and create a space for local makers, creators, and artisans.
The paved course has two tracks, one for youth and beginners and the other for advanced skill sets. The circuits are designed to be ridden completely by “pumping”, moving up and down to generate momentum and are a fun activity in the summer.
Shop local this summer at the Something for Everyone Market, a local initiative that’s been in Medicine Hat for over a handful of years. Find jewelry, food and drink, art, and more.
A flower farm located just outside of Medicine Hat. This beautiful garden opens in August and takes online bookings for flower picking. Put together your very own bouquet of flowers. In the fall, the farm plans to host a pumpkin patch.
Presenting Tenille Townes, Aaron Goodvin, Montgomery Gentry, Phil Vassar, and more Canadian artists in a Southeast Alberta farmland setting. A full weekend of live music, food trucks, beer gardens, and classic Quonset Days food, like the “Quonset Dog”. All profits are donated towards ALS Society of Alberta.
Summers are busy. Give yourself some extra time and movement in Medicine Hat.
Find unlimited daily classes, personal and group coaching, and structured programs for all fitness levels. The approach combines strength training, conditioning, boxing, yoga, Pilates, and functional fitness, all under one roof.
MEDICINE HAT SUMMERS FEATURE: Family Rock Climbing
Kure Waters Infusion Clinic offers customized IV and injectable therapies, delivering essential vitamins, nutrients, minerals, and enzymes tailored to your wellness goals.
MEDICINE HAT SUMMERS FEATURE: Vitamin B12 Shot
All the instructors believe in a range of interests and passions in teaching yoga, from grit and sweat, to chill and soothing practices. Their team members seamlessly blend with one another in order to make a meaningful and positive impact with members.
A space designed to prioritize connection, community, and coaching that meets you where you’re at. The studio offers a variety of classes, from bungee fitness, aerial yoga, zumba, baby and me, mini trampoline, and more.
From transformative hot and warm yoga classes to individualized attention in small groups or private sessions, they’ve built a space where everyone is supported to grow, breathe, and heal, no matter where they start.
Yoga You4is is a sanctuary of serenity, inviting members to discover the power of movement and mindfulness. At Yoga You4is, they believe in the profound simplicity of “Just Breathe”, a mantra that echoes through each class.
Beat the heat in an indoor dining room, or sit in the sun on a warm patio, either way you're in for a delicious treat.
With a “build-your-style” style menu, choose the pasta, sauce, protein, and vegetables to create your very own delicious dish. The Caesar salad is drizzled with the guest-loved housemade dressing, and it pairs nicely with the complementary bread.
MEDICINE HAT SUMMERS FEATURE: Seafood Gnocchi and Dirty Sodas
Step inside this new speakeasy lounge in Medicine Hat, using the secret password to enter. Find a full drink menu with specialty highballs to extravagant cocktails. A food menu with delicious shareables and made-from-scratch flatbreads is made with Grit City Distillery’s liquor highlighted throughout the menu. Spot the telephone door, and step into the prohibition era, where every spirit has a story. *This location has a patio.
Have a seat near the window for a clear view of the Historic Canadian Pacific Railway, while dining upscale comfort dishes and elevated brunch, with local ingredients sprinkled throughout the menu. Sip premium cocktails, mocktails, and local craft beer. *This location has a patio.
MEDICINE HAT SUMMERS FEATURE: Urgent Plant Exorcism, with rose, chambord, triple sec, watermelon and maraschino syrups, 7-Up, garnished with lemon
With a giant patio with spots in the shade and the sun, the menu has a variety of options to suit any craving. The outside seating is bright and sunny, where the indoor seating brings a dark, intimate, moodier vibe. Both delicious settings in downtown Medicine Hat. *This location has a patio.
MEDICINE HAT SUMMERS FEATURE: Chips, Dips & Crudite and Anna De Codorniu Sparkling Wine
A Filipino restaurant snug on third street in downtown Medicine Hat, serving rice bowls, merienda, bread and pastries, and weekend brunch, with all their sauces made from scratch and in-house. *This location has a patio.
Located on the Southwest Hill, this neighbourhood brunch and bakery spot celebrates the magic of being human, whether seated in the colourful indoors surrounded by local art, or on the beautiful sunny patio with a crafted beverage in hand. *This location has a patio.
Inside the historic Hargrave-Sissons Block, this thoughtful eatery serves dishes with an abundance of Alberta and Canadian ingredients, and hosts live music in an intimate setting year-round. Order a drink to pair from the elegant wine list or crafted cocktail menu.
Nosh. is a modern coffee shop located in the Kolab+ building along Second Street. Try their latte of the day or a curated cocktail, with one of the menu’s staples, or a curated cocktail.
Serving refined dishes inside a romantic setting, Sammy’s Kitchen + Bar features hearty dinners, with the main event being seafood boil, steak, lamb, chicken, sirloin and shortrib. The final course brings dessert options of salted caramel dome cake, apple pie, and more.
A hub for live music throughout the summer, this outdoor eatery invites the sunshine and brings the energy from May to October. The lively family-friendly patio serves locally crafted beverages and a full brunch and dinner menu, featuring chicken and waffles and steak sandwiches. *This location is a patio.
Find Medicine Hat-made, Alberta-made, and Candian-made in Medicine Hat. Locally owned, locally curated, and locally loved.
Medicine Hat, Alberta, and Canadian vendors are found in this cozy boutique, from souvenirs, to home essentials, and self-care products. For a gift idea, the owner is always ready to put together a themed basket.
An art gallery where everything is for sale, the pieces are created by Southern Alberta and Southern Saskatchewan artists, with different mediums throughout the shop: painting, pottery, sculpting, and so much more.
Find plants big and small inside this sunny boutique, with the expertise to go along. There is also an assortment of hand picked products to compliment your home, from candles, to lunchboxes, and more. Botanicals is a host to workshops throughout the summer that are floral and plant themed.
A previously-loved boutique featuring brand names and quality items that are hand picked and prepped before hitting the floor. They even offer styling appointments where Shelley will spend time getting to know your style, and then picks out pieces just for you.
Everything in this shop is under $8, and features dresses, skirts, hats, jewelry, pants, shirts — everything outfit related. Once a month, they host a “Toonie Saturday” where everything is two dollars.
Featuring over 190 Canadian vendors, Homestead Market is just off Highway 3 and features a cafe with a drive through. Find artists, selfcare creators, bakers, distilleries, and so much more inside the year-round market with a drink in hand.
Gather the girls and visit Phanilla to smell the Canadian scents they have in store, and the Phanilla collection they make in house. The duo also hosts Fragrance Making Classes, where you can make your very own custom scent for the summer.
Always bringing in new, cool, and nostalgic candy and vinyl, this funky stop in downtown Medicine Hat features drinks, treats, and music all in one space. Sift through the records one by one, and pick up some sweet candy for the summer at Poprocks Candy & Vinyl.
Everything is Canadian made in this local store, and sustainable since it’s a refillery. From sunscreen to bug spray, hygiene products, and makeup. Stay safe in the sun and free from bugs, or fill your travel size hygiene products before camping or heading out on a road trip with Roots Refillery.
Bring your old antiques to Sewline Upholstery for an updated look. Whether it’s western chic or an authentic restoration, they can bring your vision back to life. Serving Medicine Hat and area for over 36 years, they are your one stop shop for all things upholstery related. From recreation vehicles, to truck seats, RV Cushion or kitchen chairs, they’ve got you covered.
Browse through staple summer clothing and accessories inside this boutique, featuring Canadian-made styles. Find summer outfits for an event or festival, date night, girls night out, or a casual hangout on the patio.
Vibrant flowers line the rows from annuals to perennials, and trees and bushes are an option to. With seeds, gardening accessories, and a gift shop to decorate your outdoor space, Windmill Garden Centre is a huge space to find what you need this year. Connected to the Garden Centre is John’s Butterfly House and an extra space for the goats, Bert & Ernie.
Finding sugar in the sunshine, these sweet spots are a must stop on a summer day.
Homemade chocolate and gelato is inside this chocolaterie. Find truffles filled with caramel, ginger, fruit, or flavoured ganache. The gelato scoops are so refreshing on the patio at Annegret's Chocolates. *This location has dairy-free and sugar-free options.
A stacked scoop on a cone or blended into a milkshake, Camp Ice Cream handcrafts every batch of ice cream. Find flavours from fruity, to chocolate, and the perfect mix of sweet and salty. *This location has dairy-free options.
MEDICINE HAT SUMMERS FEATURE: any ice scream scoop or milkshake of your choice.
Order a 90s themed dirty soda at the window, made with pop, flavoured syrup, and topped with cream. With over 20 flavours to choose, all with names inspired by hip hop songs and artists, this throwback space is serving up buckets of dirty soda. *This location has dairy-free and sugar-free options.
A neighbourhood candy and convenience stop that's local and full of unexpected flavours, rare imports, and nostalgic classics. The ice cream machine keeps the staff creative, making different dirty soda floats and "Tornados", where soft serve ice cream is mixed with sweet treats.
MEDICINE HAT SUMMERS FEATURE: Brookie-O Tornado, soft serve ice cream blended with Oreo, brownie, and cookie dough
A gluten-free bakery serving all the classic desserts without gluten. Cupcakes, savoury rolls, cakes, cinnamon buns, and more. Some sweets are even dairy-free. *This location has dairy-free and gluten-free options.
MEDICINE HAT SUMMERS FEATURE: Cinnamon buns
A nostalgic stop for many in Medicine Hat. Since 1984, ice cream cravings make their way to the walk-up window to find over 75 flavours to choose from. *This location has dairy-free options.
MEDICINE HAT SUMMERS FEATURE: Cookie Dough Arctic Swirl
Over 400 flavours of tea line the walls, from green, black, herbal, oolong, white, and healthy herbs. Mix n match, combine two teas, and ask the owner for your favourite flavours and preferences. She’ll know which tea is just right for you.
This summer, stock up on electrolytes and BCAA’s with the TruMe Whole Health drink collection. Find powders, drops, or carbonated locally canned beverages to keep you hydrated this summer. *This product is sugar-free. To find a location that sells TruMe Whole Health type in “Medicine Hat” here.
Indigenous gatherings this summer celebrate culture, community, and coming together to enjoy Indigenous traditions under the summer sun! Here are 5 events happening from June to September!
It's signature menu items that chefs and owners have personally selected and paired together for locals and visitors to try, for the first time or maybe the twentieth.
Along with choosing menu items that pair well together, they also chose another local business that pairs well with them and their customers.
Guests can grab a meal and then head to an art studio, or dine around and be introduced to a local service-based business.
This May, local businesses are spreading local love throughout Medicine Hat Pairs Well.
Cup of Coffee or Cappuccino pairs well with Chocolate Truffles.
Annegret’s Fine European Chocolates pairs well with local business, Boylan Imaging.
It all pairs well together.
Wedge Caesar Salad pairs well with Custom Designed Pasta and d'Carlo Homemade Cheesecake with Caramel Topping and Limoncello Apperitif. Or, Italian Creme Soda Blood Orange pairs well with Pistachio Pasta.
d’Carlo Pasta House pairs well with local business, Hat News and Specialty Market.
Birria Tacos pairs well with Consommé. Or, Bistek Ranchero Platillo pairs well with Fresh Tortillas and House-Made Salsas.
El Super Taco pairs well with local business, Benchmark Geomatics.
Smoke and Silk Meatballs pairs well with the Midnight Bramble Old Fashioned.
Mike's Meats Smoked Trout pairs well with Savasana Cocktail or Mocktail.
Hometown Culinary pairs well with local business, Yoga Revolution.
Steak Sandwich pairs well with Any Wine.
LOCAL Public Eatery pairs well with local business, Labels.
Char-grilled Bulgogi Burger pairs well with the Golden Girl German Pilsner MHBC.
Medicine Hat Brewing Company pairs well with local business, Chisholm Lighting Contractors Ltd.
Iced Strawberry Matcha pairs well with the Falafel Wrap.
MT Nest Cafe & Market pairs well with local business, Botanicals.
Stop in to try what pairs well.
Deli Counter Sandwich pairs well with Medicine Hat Brewing Company Twin City Lager. Or, the “Tin Is In" pairs well with "their story: charming & white".
note: comfort food + drink pairs well with local business, Art Room on 2nd.
Dirty Sodaz pairs well with Locally-Made Cookies.
Stop in to try what pairs well.
Madri Spanish Lager pairs well with Breaded Shrimp. Or, Granville Island Brockton IPA pairs well with Bone‑In Dry Ribs.
Rossco's Wing House pairs well with local business, Dynamic Industrial Solutions.
Coconut Shrimp pairs well with the Banana Flambéed Pie
Rustic Kitchen + Bar pairs well with local business, Boylan Imaging.
Tomato Basil Bruschetta pairs well with Smoked Sausage Rigatoni Pasta.
Nitro Coffee pairs well with a Slice of Cheesecake.
Station Coffee Company pairs well with local business, DYL Thrift.
Country Crumbs Shortcake pairs well with Swirls Sundae to make the Strawberry Shortcake Sundae.
Swirls Ice Cream pairs well with local business, Country Crumbs Bakery & Cafe.
Smoked Duck Ramen pairs well with Takoyaki.
Takumi Japanese Restaurant pairs well with local business, Heights Liquor Store.
Zesty Tulfi Tea pairs well with Mullein Herb for an immune boosting blended tea.
Teas R Me pairs well with local business, Country Crumbs Bakery & Cafe.
Untidy Jose Sandwich pairs well with the Guava Lime Blonde.
Travois Ale Works pairs well with local business, Fortress of Cheese.
Doner Kebab Wrap pairs well with Medicine Hat Brewing Company Blood Orange. Or, Nicoise Salad pairs well with the Strawberry Rhubarb Ginger Brew.
Rambo Melt pairs well with the Mushroom Soup.
The Hat’s Olive Tap pairs well with local business, Country Crumbs Bakery & Cafe.
Pizza Crescent Rolls pair well with Brownies.
The She Shed Bakery pairs well with local business, Teas R Me.
Snickers Old Fashioned pairs well with Sticky Pork Belly.
BBQ Platter pairs well with the Blueberry Whisky Sour.
The Yard Patio & Eatery pairs well with local business, Gravity Sports.
The Kombucha, Pre & Probiotic Soda, Water Kefir, and Kombucha Gummies all pair well together.
Soup Du Jour pairs well with ZB’s Housemade Hummus and Grilled Bread (add veggies if you're feeling virtuous or sub veggies if you're gluten free). Or, Cafe Americano pairs well with the Outrageous Brownie (GF always).
Zucchini Blossom Market & Cafe pairs well with local business, Fortress of Cheese.
A free hot air balloon festival in Southern Alberta.
Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival is a free, family-friendly event happening in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Up to 35 balloons will float above the city from May 21-24, 2026!
Please Note: All flights are weather dependant. Follow @RiseUpYXH on Instagram and Facebook for updates and locations for each scheduled take-off, before and during the festival. Balloon rides are not available for 2026.
6am Flight: Location to be announced prior to flight on social media pages.
6pm Flight: Location to be announced prior to flight on social media pages.
6am Flight: Location to be announced prior to flight on social media pages.
6pm Fight: Launch location is Kin Coulee Park
Dusk (8:30ish) Balloon Glow Neon Theme: Located in Kin Coulee Park, sponsored by CF Industries
6am Flight: Location to be announced prior to flight on social media pages.
6pm Fight: Launch location is Kin Coulee Park
Community Day: Located at the Medicine Hat College
Dusk (8:30ish) Balloon Glow Neon Theme: Located in Kin Coulee Park
6am Flight: Location to be announced prior to flight on social media pages.
The Sunrise & Skylines VIP Experience is available on two exclusive nights; each paired with evening and morning festival transportation.
All stays include:
✔ One-night hotel accommodation (based on double occupancy)
✔ Evening & morning VIP Sunshine Trolley transportation
✔ Curated goodies onboard the Sunshine Trolley
✔ Front row access to RISE UP festival moments
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