Recipients announced for 2025 Re-Imagine Downtown Activation Grant

Downtown Lethbridge comes alive in 2025!

The Re-Imagine Downtown Activation Grant will support several events in the coming months. The program began in 2021, through the Heart of Our City Committee. The Grant focuses on activating vacant and underutilized private and public spaces. It helps businesses, entrepreneurs, organizations and community-focused people run initiatives, events and programs.

Total funding available in 2025 is $120,000. Galt Gardens Park will be a focus again this year. Events held in the park are eligible for up to $15,000 per initiative. Events outside of Galt Gardens can qualify for up to $10,000 per initiative.

A total of 17 applications were received, with funding requests totaling more than $150,000. A review panel prioritized grant funding based on the criteria in the application package. 16 projects are receiving partial or full funding:

• Foodie Fest (Downtown BRZ). A free, week-long event includes food trucks stationed around Galt Gardens and downtown restaurants offering free samples at their brick-and-mortar locations. There's even a Latin America Street Party along 6 Street South.
• Voices of the Tipi Circles (Honouring Traditions and Reconciliation). Free monthly events in Galt Gardens, open to people from all walks of life. Events include campfires, traditional drumming and Elder teachings.
• 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 diverse range of cultural sounds. It’s a family-friendly celebration with activities tailored for kids and a permitted 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 humorous story follows four couples through their romantic misadventures. The play features 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). An event to kick off the Christmas season, including Santa and snacks.
• Afro Fest (Southern Alberta Ethnic Association). A free event, held in Galt Gardens, that celebrates the African culture in our city. Includes food, beer gardens, music and children’s games.
• Latin Fest (Southern Alberta Ethnic Association). Also held in Galt Gardens, this event honours the local Latin culture. Includes 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. Festival Square hosts free performances July 4 and 5, showcasing local musicians.
• Ice Breaker Outdoor Concert (U of L Singers). One-hour daytime performance at Galt Gardens featuring the 30+ University of Lethbridge Singers. They're joined by alumni guests, student percussionists, brass players and community musicians. Join us for this joyful early spring celebration in the park!
• LEMF Reunion (Lethbridge Electronic Music Festival Events). This free, family-friendly downtown festival features live music from DJs and bands in Galt Gardens. Enjoy beer gardens, food trucks, live art, a Kids’ Zone with 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. Everyone is welcome to explore the history and stories shaping our urban experience.
• Word on the Street (Lethbridge Public Library). The 15th annual literary street fair sees seven venues host author readings, workshops and performances. 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 engage with horses, Blackfoot Elders and drummers.

Applicants who were not successful, or received less funding than anticipated, may be interested in learning more about the Community Event Support Grant. While this grant cannot be stacked with the Re-Imagine Grant, it may be an alternative and larger funding source for event organizers.

More information about the Re-Imagine Downtown Activation Grant, as well as other support grants and incentives, can be found on the City’s website.

Further event information can be found on the City of Lethbridge Community Calendar and the Downtown BRZ calendar.

For Public Inquiries:
Call or chat 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.