Events
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
March
8
The Little Rascals
PRIVATE EVENT – MARCH 12
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.
March
13
8 Seconds
MARCH
14
The Princess Diaries
march
15
The Flintstones
PRIVATE EVENT – MARCH 19
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.
march
20
Walk the Line
march
21
American Pie
MARCH
22
Lion King
MARCH
26
The M Factor
MARCH
27
Grumpy Old Men
March
28
Grumpier Old Men
march
29
The King of Kings
April
17
Rise Up: A Documentary of Resilience an Rising Together
April
18
Rise Up: A Documentary of Resilience an Rising Together
April
19
Rise Up: A Documentary of Resilience an Rising Together
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 ...
Book Now
Walk the Line
March 20, 2026
A chronicle of country music legend Johnny Cash's life, from his early days on an Arkansas cotton farm to his rise to fame with Sun Records in Memphis, where he recorded alongside Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.
where
Monarch Theatre
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM
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
The Princess Diaries
March 14, 2026
Mia Thermopolis has just found out that she is the heir apparent to the throne of Genovia. With her friends Lilly and Michael Moscovitz in tow, she tries to navigate through the rest of her fifteenth year.
This is in partnership with Ending Period Poverty Campaign - The Medicine Hat College and The Root Cellar
We have a raffle that for every box of period products brought in they can receive one raffle entry to win one of the prizes.
Prize sponsors are: Starbucks, The Lodge, Matt Teel's Real Estate Team and Elizabeth McNally’s team at Real Brokerage
We have a raffle that for every box of period products brought in they can receive one raffle entry to win one of the prizes.
Prize sponsors are: Starbucks, The Lodge, Matt Teel's Real Estate Team and Elizabeth McNally’s team at Real Brokerage
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
where
Monarch Theatre
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM
Grumpy Old Men
March 27, 2026
A lifelong feud between two senior citizens only gets worse when a sexy new female neighbor moves in across the street.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
SHOW STARTS
7:00PM
where
Monarch Theatre
Grumpier Old Men
March 28, 2026
Just as John Gustafson and Max Goldman resolve to save their beloved bait shop from turning into an Italian restaurant, the establishment's new female owner catches Max's attention and arouses his libido.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
EVENT Starts
7:00PM
Rise Up: A Documentary of Resilience an Rising Together
April 17, 18 & 19, 2026
"RISE UP: A Documentary of Resilience and Rising Together is a powerful community-focused film experience presented by Our Collective Journey's the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival in Medicine Hat.
This documentary explores themes of community, connection, and hope, highlighting the strength that emerges when individuals and communities come together.
Join us at the historic Monarch Theatre for this meaningful screening event and be part of a collective moment centered on storytelling, unity, and rising together.
This documentary explores themes of community, connection, and hope, highlighting the strength that emerges when individuals and communities come together.
Join us at the historic Monarch Theatre for this meaningful screening event and be part of a collective moment centered on storytelling, unity, and rising together.
ticket admission
GET TICKETS!
showtime
April 17 - 7:00PM
April 18 - 7:00PM
April 19 - 2:00PM
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
The Little Rascals
March 8, 2026
Alfalfa is wooing Darla and his "He-Man-Woman-Hating" friends attempt to sabotage the relationship.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:00PM
showtime
2:00PM
The King of Kings
March 29, 2026
Through a father's vivid storytelling, a boy journeys through Jesus' life, from humble beginnings to ultimate sacrifice. Along the way, he discovers the transformative power of faith.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:00PM
showtime
2:00PM
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
American Pie
March 21, 2026
Four teenage boys enter a pact to lose their virginity by prom night.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM
The Flintstones
March 15, 2026
In a parallel modern-day Stone Age world, a working-class family, the Flintstones, are set up for an executive job. But they learn that money can't buy happiness.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:00PM
showtime
2:00PM
The M Factor - Hosted by the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat
March 26, 2026
ticket admission
REGISTER HERE
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM
8 Seconds
March 13, 2026
This movie chronicles the life of Lane Frost, 1987 PRCA Bull Riding World Champion, his marriage and his friendships with Tuff Hedeman (three-time World Champion) and Cody Lambert.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:15PM
showtime
7:00PM
Lion King
March 22, 2026
Lion prince Simba and his father are targeted by his bitter uncle, who wants to ascend the throne himself.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:00PM
showtime
2:00PM
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