Events
FEBRUARY
13
An Officer and a Gentleman
FEBRUARY
14
Pretty Woman
FEBRUARY
15
Bee Movie (in partnership with Prairie Rose Honey - PRSD)
February
20
Cutting Through Rocks
February
21
The Greatest Showman
FEBRUARY
22
Monsters, Inc.
PRIVATE EVENT – FEBRUARY 27
This date is reserved for a private event and is not open to the public.
Thank you for your understanding.
Thank you for your understanding.
February
28
Yesterday
March
1
Babe
March
7
Simon King
About Us
In the heart of Medicine Hat’s bustling downtown, the Monarch Theatre stands as a timeless testament to the golden age of cinema. Built in 1911, it proudly holds the title of Canada’s oldest purpose-built movie theatre, a beacon of innovation and community spirit.
For over a century, the Monarch has been a cherished venue where generations have gathered to be captivated by the magic of the silver screen. From the enchanting silent films accompanied by live orchestras to the groundbreaking ‘talkies,’ vibrant color films, and the expansive vistas of Cinemascope, the Monarch has evolved with the times, embracing the latest in digital film technology.
The 1990s brought the rise of large-scale multiplexes, casting a shadow over the Monarch’s popularity and leading to its temporary closure in 2007. Yet, the spirit of the community never wavered. In 2009, the City of Medicine Hat, alongside dedicated citizens, rallied to save this historic gem. The City Centre Development Agency acquired the theatre, and the Friends of the Monarch Society was born, dedicated to preserving and celebrating this unique cultural treasure.
In September 2016, the Monarch Theatre was honored as a Municipal Historic Resource, a testament to its enduring significance. The story didn’t end there. In November 2023, the Monarch 1911 Society, formed by Rotarians from the Saamis and Medicine Hat Rotary Clubs, took up the mantle, raising funds to purchase and restore the theatre. Their mission is clear: to breathe new life into this beloved landmark, ensuring it continues to inspire and entertain for generations to come.
The Monarch Theatre is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of resilience, community, and the timeless allure of cinema. As it prepares to reopen its doors, it invites us all to step back in time and be part of its storied legacy.
Our Story
1911
Constructed in Beaux-Arts-style
1912
Beaux-Arts-style “Monarch” vertical sign attached on the north (front façade) most easterly side between the theatre building and the commercial storefront building (now east bay of the Monarch Theatre)
1930
Original movie screen replaced
1935
Front façade of west structural bay renovated to Streamline Moderne-style including the marquee
1956
Readograph neon “Monarch” vertical sign installed on north (front) façade above the marquee Pre-1984: Circular windows infilled on rear façade
1940-1941
Theatre expanded into rear of east structural bay and front façade of east structural bay renovated to match Streamline Moderne-style of west structural bay Circa 1950s: Donnacona panels installed
1986
New projection and sound equipment (Xevon lighting, Kelmar Amps and Altec speakers, new 14’x28’ screen) installed
1986
Seating reconfigured and reduced to 500 seats
1993
Mac’s Cigar Shop closed in October and moved to 3rd Street SE
1995
Mac’s Cigar Store exterior storefront features (door, windows, and tiles) removed and stucco’s in mid-1995.
1993
New movie screens installed by King Cinema
1999
Plywood sheets glued to sanded hardwood floors and new seats installed – seating reduced from 500 to 410
1999
Art Deco (square) sconces removed, and the Façade painted, and marquee refurbished and paintedatre walls covered with burlap curtains
Circa 2010
Readograph neon “Monarch” vertical sign removed from the north (front) façade
2014
New digital projection equipment installed
2023
Purchased by the Monarch 1911 Society - a group of Rotarians from the Medicine Hat and Saamis Rotary Clubs.
2024
Modern vertical “Monarch” sign removed with façade rehabilitation/restoration
2024
North (front) façade rehabilitation of the parapet, stucco finish and restoration
Restoration
Contractors & Donations ...
Monetary Donations ...
Volunteer
Book Now
Bee Movie
(in partnership with Prairie Rose Honey - PRSD)
February 15, 2026
Barry B. Benson, a bee just graduated from college, is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. On a special trip outside the hive, Barry's life is saved by Vanessa, a florist in New York City. As their relationship blossoms, he discovers humans actually eat honey and subsequently decides to sue them.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
where
Monarch Theatre
Doors open
1:00PM
showtime
2:00PM
Halloween
October 30, 2025
Laurie Strode confronts her long-time foe, Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree on Halloween night four decades ago.
ticket admission
$5 (Cash only, pay at the door)
where
Monarch Theatre
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:00PM
Yesterday
February 28, 2026
A struggling musician realizes he's the only person on Earth who can remember The Beatles after waking up in an alternate reality where they never existed.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
where
Monarch Theatre
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM
Monsters, Inc.
February 22, 2026
In order to power the city, monsters have to scare children so that they scream. However, the children are toxic to the monsters, and after a child gets through, two monsters realize things may not be what they think.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
where
Monarch Theatre
Doors open
1:00PM
showtime
2:00PM
Stuart Little
January 18, 2026
When the Littles adopt Stuart, the mouse, George is initially unwelcoming to his new brother, the family cat, Snowbell, is even less enthusiastic. Stuart resolves to face these difficulties with as much pluck and courage as he can muster.
ticket admission
$5 (Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:00PM
SHOW STARTS
2:00PM
where
Monarch Theatre
Sing
January 25, 2026
In a city of humanoid animals, a hustling theater impresario's attempt to save his theater with a singing competition becomes grander than he anticipates even as its finalists find that their lives will never be the same.
ticket admission
$5 (Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:00PM
EVENT Starts
2:00PM
An Officer and a Gentleman
February 13, 2026
A young man must complete his work at a Navy Officer Candidate School to become an aviator, with the help of a tough Gunnery Sergeant and his new girlfriend.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00AM
Cutting Through Rocks
February 20, 2026
First female councilor in her Iranian village, Sara Shahverdi challenges tradition by teaching girls to ride motorcycles and fighting child marriage, while facing doubts about her motives.
TICKET ADMISSION
$5 (Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM
Beetlejuice
October 24, 2025
The spirits of a deceased couple are harassed by an unbearable family that has moved into their home, and hire a malicious spirit to drive them out.
ticket admission
$5 (Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:00PM
A Paw Patrol Christmas
December 6, 2025
When Santa comes down with a sickness, Rubble steps up to rescue the holiday spirit while racing against Mayor Humdinger's sneaky plan to swipe everyone's gifts.
ticket admission
Adults - $5 (Cash only, pay at the door)
Kids get in FREE
Doors open
2:15PM
showtime
3:00PM
A Paw Patrol Christmas
December 10, 2025
When Santa comes down with a sickness, Rubble steps up to rescue the holiday spirit while racing against Mayor Humdinger's sneaky plan to swipe everyone's gifts.
ticket admission
Adults - $5 (Cash only, pay at the door)
Kids get in FREE
Doors open
9:45AM
showtime
10:30AM
The Greatest Showman
February 21, 2026
Celebrates the birth of show business and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM
Pretty Woman
February 14, 2026
A corporate raider hires a hooker to act as a business escort in Beverly Hills, California.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM
Simon King
March 7, 2026
Get ready for an unforgettable night of comedy with Simon King! Known for his bold, high-energy style and sharp storytelling, Simon brings an uncensored stand-up show that’s guaranteed to push boundaries and keep you laughing all night.
⚠️ 18+ ONLY
UNCENSORED SHOW – Adult language and dark subject matter
UNCENSORED SHOW – Adult language and dark subject matter
ticket admission
GET TICKETS!
Doors open
7:00PM
showtime
8:00PM
The Holiday
December 6, 2025
Amanda lives in LA and is a movie trailer editor. Iris lives in Surrey and is a journalist. The two decide to swap houses for two weeks at Christmas - both trying to forget their troubled love lives, until love finds them anyways.
ticket admission
$5 (Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:15PM
showtime
7:00PM
Arthur Christmas
December 7, 2025
Santa's clumsy son Arthur sets out on a mission with Grandsanta to give out a misplaced present to a young girl in less than two hours on Christmas Day.
ticket admission
$5 (Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:15PM
showtime
2:00PM
Love Actually
December 19, 2025
Follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England.
ticket admission
$5 (Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:00PM
It's a Wonderful Life
December 20, 2025
Follows the lives of eight very dAn angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman see the value of his own life.ifferent couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England.
ticket admission
$5 (Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:15PM
showtime
7:00PM
The Grinch
December 21, 2025
A grumpy Grinch plots to ruin Christmas for the village of Whoville.
ticket admission
$5 (Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
12:15PM
showtime
1:00PM
Babe
March 1, 2026
Gentle farmer Arthur Hoggett wins a piglet Babe at a county fair. Narrowly escaping his fate as Christmas dinner, Babe bonds with motherly border collie Fly and discovers that he too can herd sheep. But will the other animals accept him?
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:00PM
showtime
2:00PM