From artworks covering every wall of the University Centre for the Arts, to theatre performances taken out in the open, to concerts held in unexpected places, Vibe Fest was an explosion of contemporary arts for the southern Alberta community.
More than 2,500 people joined the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts for Vibe Fest, an experimental, immersive and all-access celebration of artistic excellence.
Showcasing the creative work of students, alumni and faculty, Vibe Fest transforms the spaces and places in the Faculty of Fine Arts into vibrant, interactive art experiences that are open, inclusive and free to the public.
Presented by Stringam Law, Vibe Fest features engaging performances and experimental installations, as audiences explore the full spectrum of emerging art practices across disciplines.
More than an event, Vibe Fest builds community connections, celebrates creative innovation and advocates for the value of arts education by bringing people directly into the world of contemporary artmaking.
A Look Back at Vibe Fest 2026
Photos by Angeline Simon (BFA - Art '18) and Vasya Omelchuk.
Vibe Fest 2026 had attendees exploring the building, making connections with artists and taking part in a myriad of activities.
Each area of the Fine Arts — art, cinema and media, drama, music, new media — had featured events, plus the ULethbridge Art Gallery held the opening of its new exhibit, Parallels, and the Conservatory of Music hosted a number of musical performances in the Dr. Margaret (Marmie) Perkins Hess Gallery space.
Monica Lockett
Monica Lockett
Monica Lockett
Monica Lockett
Monica Lockett
Also part of Vibe Fest was a curated local artisan market, presented by the University of Lethbridge Students' Union.
Among the event highlights were the annual Department of Art Student Awards, a New Media Student Showcase, Exit Light by Drama 4000 students, and the presenting of the Emerging Voices Playwriting Prize for high school students.
Photos by Angeline Simon (BFA - Art '18) and Vasya Omelchuk.
Vibe Fest was another resounding success for the Faculty of Fine Arts, spotlighting the Faculty as a top-tier place for arts-based education and highlighting the artistic talents that students, faculty, staff and alumni hold.
Thank you to our volunteers, staff, community partners, sponsors and friends for your support of Vibe Fest and the arts in southern Alberta.
We look forward to celebrating again in 2027!