Coats on Finlay, Pumpkin Run, Haunted Houses, and a Province-Wide Day of Protest
A packed stretch of spooky-season events — plus an overnight coat drive and a province-wide demonstration on a very busy Saturday.
MEDICINE HAT, Alta. — From a costume-clad run through Police Point Park to a textile haunted house in a historic home, Medicine Hat has plenty on offer over the next few days. Saturday, October 17, in particular, is stacked.
Coats on Finlay Returns
Courtesy of Coats on Finlay
One of Medicine Hat's most beloved homegrown traditions is back. Coats on Finlay runs Saturday, October 17 at 1st St SE and 2 Ave NE, collecting warm clothing for Hatters in need before the cold truly sets in.
The event runs noon Saturday through 8 a.m. Sunday — an overnight window that lets donations flow in well past dark.
Coats on Finlay was the brainchild of Kym Porter and Helen Snortland, who came up with the idea around New Year's in 2018 and held the first event that same year. Inspired by a group in Ireland, the organizers describe it simply: "Hatters are bringing love and generosity before it gets really cold out there!"
The effort has grown steadily. In 2019, organizers collected about 200 coats. By 2021 that number had jumped to 1,000, and in 2024 they estimated another 1,000 coats were donated. Over the years, support has come from friends who volunteered, college nursing students, and the college rec department, which collected coats at a hockey game. This summer, the Coats on Finlay crew ran a similar footwear drive called Take a Walk in the Park.
Those wishing to help or donate can reach the organizers through their Facebook page.
Fright Night at Medalta: Little Shop of Horrors
Something strange is growing at Medalta. The Historic Clay District hosts a screening of the original "Little Shop of Horrors" (1960) — a wonderfully weird cult classic with a little horror, a lot of dark comedy, and one very unusual plant.
When: Thursday, October 15 — doors at 6:30 p.m., movie at 7 p.m.
Where: Medalta, Historic Clay District
Admission: Free, donations gratefully accepted
Come as you are or get into the Halloween spirit and dress up. Popcorn, pop, water, and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
The Great Pumpkin Run
Lace up — and optionally, dress up. The Great Pumpkin Run takes over Police Point Park on October 17 with 5K and 10K options, open to all ages and abilities.
Run or walk, and wear your best Halloween costume if you like. Costumes are optional. Registration closes Oct 16 at noon
Textile Haunted House at the Ewart Duggan House
Artist Shanell Papp transforms the Historic Ewart Duggan House into a softly spooky, immersive haunted house this October, inviting visitors to explore works reflecting on impermanence, grief, and the things that haunt us.
File photo - Owl News
Through her research-driven practice in textiles, sculpture, and multimedia, Papp creates an environment balancing eerie playfulness with thoughtful reflection. It's a come-and-go experience, so you can wander at your own pace. Admission is free.
Open house dates:
October 17: 1–4 p.m.
October 24: 1–4 p.m. (paired with the annual Great Pumpkin Smash)
October 30: 7–9:30 p.m.
October 31: 1–4 p.m.
Also part of the experience: a Giant Ghost installation appeared October 7 atop the 20-foot chess piece between the Medicine Hat Public Library and the Courthouse. It remains through the first week of November — an Instagram-worthy stop for spooky season.
Alberta-Wide Day of Protest at College Avenue Overpass
Medicine Hat residents will join a province-wide Day of Protest on October 17, gathering at the College Avenue overpass from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The campaign is a project of the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL), Alberta's largest worker advocacy organization, representing unionized Albertans working in every sector and every community in the province.
In a statement, the AFL said it organized the campaign and the Day of Protest out of a belief that "the current government is taking all of us down a very dangerous path."
"We don't pretend to speak for all Albertans on all issues — but we're convinced that the vast majority of Albertans agree that the Smith government is exceeding the mandate they were given in the last election," the organization said.
The AFL describes the event as a platform for Albertans to voice concerns publicly: "As members of Alberta civil society, we are simply creating a platform for our fellow Albertans to say publicly what many are saying privately: 'This is not what we voted for. It's time for all of us to push back and demand better.'"
