A handful of local groups have received grants from the City of Lethbridge.
The funding comes from the 2025 Re-Imagine Downtown Activation Grant program, which started in 2021 through the Heart of Our City Committee.
It focuses on utilizing vacant and underused private and public spaces, helping successful applicants host different events and programs.
For 2025, officials say Galt Gardens Park will be the area in focus, with $120,000 in total funding available. Events held in the park are eligible for up to $15,000 per project, and those outside of the park can qualify for up to $10,000.
The City says 17 applications came in, with requests totaling over $150,000. Following a review, 16 projects are set to get full or partial funding. The City did not specify how much each successful applicant is getting, but the following will be getting financial help:
- Foodie Fest (Downtown BRZ) – this is a free, week-long event that includes food trucks stationed around Galt Gardens and downtown restaurants offering free samples at their locations. The event includes a Latin America Street Party along 6 Avenue South.
- Voices of the Tipi Circles (Honouring Traditions and Reconciliation) – free monthly events in Galt Gardens that are open to people from all walks of life. Activities include campfires, traditional drumming and teachings from Elders.
- Pride Fest (Lethbridge Pride Fest Society) – the annual Pride Parade on Saturday, June 28 moves into Pride in the Park. The family-friendly event in Galt Gardens features southern Albertan entertainers from diverse backgrounds.
- Mosaic Music Festival (Mosaic Music) – this event in Galt Gardens showcases a wide range of cultural sounds. It’s a family-friendly celebration with activities tailored for kids and a beer tent for adults.
- Love’s Labor’s Lost (Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society) – Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “Love’s Labor’s Lost” has 12 showings. The story follows four couples through their romantic misadventures, with the play featuring many University of Lethbridge theatre students and alumni.
- Doors Open 2025 (Lethbridge Historical Society) – walking tours in the Downtown will explore buildings of historic significance.
- Christmas Tree Lighting (Downtown BRZ) – this is an event to kick off the Christmas season and will feature snacks and an appearance from Santa.
- Afro Fest (Southern Alberta Ethnic Association) – this free event in Galt Gardens celebrates the African culture in the city. Afro Fest includes food, beer gardens, music and children’s games.
- Latin Fest (Southern Alberta Ethnic Association) – this event honours the local Latin culture and features food, beer gardens, music and children’s games.
- Arts Days (Allied Arts Council) – Arts Days brings the community together in lively public spaces. Activities include outdoor music and performances on Rotary Square, two cabaret-style events, and a mural and busking project pairing local artists with businesses.
- Centric Music Festival (Primo Music Association) – this annual festival runs from July 3 to 6, with Festival Square hosting free performances July 4 and 5, highlighting local musicians.
- Ice Breaker Outdoor Concert (U of L Singers) – one-hour daytime performance at Galt Gardens features the 30-plus University of Lethbridge Singers. They’re joined by alumni guests, student percussionists, brass players and community musicians.
- LEMF Reunion (Lethbridge Electronic Music Festival Events) – this free, family-friendly downtown festival features live music from DJs and bands in Galt Gardens, with beer gardens, food trucks, live art, a Kids’ Zone with a bouncy castle and an Artisan Market by Lethbridge Handmade Market.
- Jane’s Walk (Environment Lethbridge) – join Lethbridge’s 14th annual free, citizen-led walking conversations from May 2 to 4. Local leaders guide neighbourhood walks on diverse topics, fostering community connections and discussions.
- Word on the Street (Lethbridge Public Library) – the 15th annual literary street fair sees seven venues host author readings, workshops and performances. You can enjoy Indigenous presentations, street performers, an exhibitor marketplace and much more.
- Equine Connection (Homefire Health and Wellness) – community equine activities help with emotional well-being and cultural connections. They focus on nervous system regulation. Participants can engage with horses, Blackfoot Elders and drummers.
More information about this grant, and others available to local groups, is available at the City of Lethbridge website.
