Bring the whole family to Art in Motion!

🕛 12–5 PM | 📍 First Street Downtown

Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon the kids will love! Start your adventure at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre, then stroll down First Street to explore a world of creativity. Watch artists in action, make your own masterpieces at hands-on stations, and browse unique finds at the Open Air Art Market.

Enjoy live music, dance and cultural performances, and join in playful activities led by local community groups. With something for every age, Art in Motion is the perfect way to celebrate art, movement, and family fun right in the heart of downtown!

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See what makes Art in Motion one of Medicine Hat's favourite community celebrations.

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Festival Highlights

There's something to discover around every corner at Art in Motion! Explore interactive art activities, watch artists create live, enjoy performances throughout the day, visit local organizations, browse the Open Air Art Market, and grab a bite from a variety of food trucks.

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Hands-On Art Activities

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Hosted by the Esplanade, these free creative experiences invite visitors of all ages to get inspired and make something memorable.

• Window Painting (Paint-by-Numbers & Freestyle)
• Giant Pendulum Painting
• Mystery Button Factory
• Selfie Doodle Station
• Watercolour Painting & Tree Gallery
• Giant Building Blocks
• Community Weaving Tent
• Community Rock Garden‍

Live Art

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‍Medicine Hat Mural Fest

Watch five talented artists create live postcard murals throughout the afternoon along First Street.

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Jeff Goring – My Graffiti Hat

Become part of a collaborative community artwork by adding your own creativity to Jeff Goring's interactive graffiti wall.

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Live Entertainment

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‍Danczilla

Enjoy exciting dance performances on the Esplanade front lawn near the Buffalo Rubbing Stone.

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Performance Times

• 12:30–1:30 PM
• 2:15–3:15 PM
• 4:00–5:00 PM

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Fizzlewit's Famous Fairy Finding Tours

Join Fizzlewit for a magical fairy-finding adventure beginning near the Danczilla stage before exploring the grounds around the historic Ewart-Duggan House.

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Tour Times

• 12:15 PM
• 2:00 PM
• 3:45 PM

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The Cultural Catwalk

Back by popular demand! Hosted by The Connection, The Cultural Catwalk is a multicultural fashion show where heritage meets contemporary style.

Showtimes

• 1:30 PM
• 3:30 PM

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Puppet Stuff Canada

Keep an eye out for Puppet Stuff Canada bringing roving entertainment throughout Art in Motion.

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Family Fun

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Bring the whole family and enjoy free activities happening throughout the festival.

• Sunshine Learning Station Bus
• Zen Zone featuring a hammock, sensory toys, headphones, cooling fans and giant games
• Bounce Castle
• Obstacle Course
• Foam Pit
• Chalk Zone hosted by Pop Up Parks
• Free Face Painting
• The Pedal Tractor Farm

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Medicine Hat Public Library Fun Zone

Drop in and enjoy free family activities including:

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Paint a Bookened

Help create a community art project inspired by the joy of reading. Decorated bookends will become part of the Medicine Hat Public Library collection.

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Giant Board Games

Play oversized favourites including Connect Four and Jenga.

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Ping Pong

Challenge your family and friends with paddles provided by the library.

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Explore Inside the Esplanade

Discover local artists, demonstrations, and interactive experiences throughout the building.

Featuring:

• Medicine Hat Photography Club
• PRAXIS
• Live Painting from Art Room on 2^nd
• RM Fluid Arts Acrylic Pour Activity with Roxanne Moman
• Hat Art Club
• Medicine Hat Wood Carving Club Demonstrations
• Heritage Resource Working Group Information Booth
• Made4Me Glitter Tattoos
• Medalta Community Clay Project

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City Hall

Continue your Art in Motion adventure at City Hall.

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Creative Freedom Art Hub

Watch slip casting demonstrations throughout the afternoon.

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Medicine Hat Urban Sketchers

Meet artist Leanne Stock and members of Medicine Hat Urban Sketchers creating artwork live throughout the festival.

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Acoustic Music

• 2:00–3:00 PM — Christie Kurpjuweit

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Food Trucks

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Take a break and enjoy a variety of local favourites throughout the afternoon.

• Freshly Squeezed Lemonade
• Flamingo Fuel Stop
• Kona Ice
• Camp Ice Cream
• Road Runner Smash & Dash
• Millie's Sodas & Sweets
• El Super Taco Food Truck
• Pooty's Poutine

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Open Air Art Market

Browse handcrafted artwork, pottery, jewellery, woodworking, home décor, baked goods, gifts, and more from talented local artists, makers, and community organizations.

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See You Downtown!

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‍2026 Vendor Information

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Looking to be a market vendor at Art in Motion on September 12, 2026? Review the Terms and Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions document in the PDF linked below. Use the Apply to be a Market Vendor link to submit your application. 

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Art in Motion 2026 Street Market – Fill out form