Our Collective Journey

05/14/2026

As Rise Up 2026 gets closer, we would love to see the festival through your camera roll.

Some of the best moments from Rise Up live on through the photos shared by this community. Whether it is balloons rising over Medicine Hat, glowing evening skies, or memories made with the people you came with, your pictures capture the heart of the festival in a special way.

📸Drop your favourite photos from past Rise Up weekends in the comments, and once this year’s festival begins, keep sharing your moments using so we can all experience the magic together.

🗓️ May 21–24, 2026

05/10/2026

🚨Last day to sign up - May 14🚨

OCJ’s Rise Up Community Day has moved locations for 2026.

On May 23, 2026, ALL Community Day events will take place at Medicine Hat College. This special, community-focused day will now be fully hosted on campus, with the Official Rise Up Vendor Market happening on the main concourse outside the theatre. We are expecting this to be the biggest Community Day yet, so don't miss out! This market directly supports OCJ's valuable services aimed at supporting youth in our community.

👉🏼 Secure your official Rise Up Vendor Market spot here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6jG2RcDusivbMZNgQ95X0HxgMrzJ5iP46QkQF5bBpcrg5BA/viewform

Stay tuned for the full Community Day schedule as events are finalized.

❓If you have questions about vendor registration, DM us, and we'll connect you directly with the OCJ organizer.

Lastly, share this post and help make this the best Community Day yet!

05/08/2026

Hey! We know these guys! Thanks, Alexandra Middle School for having Coach Hannah and Derrick for your resource fair!

05/07/2026

These moments don't happen alone. 🎈

Behind every balloon glow, community gathering, shared laugh, and memory made at Rise Up are local sponsors who choose to invest in connection, hope, and people.

We're incredibly grateful to our ✨Platinum Sponsors ✨ for helping bring OCJ's 5th Annual Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival to life. Your support helps create experiences that bring our city together in a powerful way.

Community. Connection. Hope.
That's what Rise Up is all about.

💙 Thank you for helping our community rise together

05/07/2026

Want to be a part of the Community Day Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival market? You have until May 14 to register! Check the post below for the link to get YOUR business or non-profit in front of thousands of people and be a part of one of Medicine Hat’s most exciting community events!

🚨Last day to sign up - May 14🚨

OCJ’s Rise Up Community Day has moved locations for 2026.

On May 23, 2026, ALL Community Day events will take place at Medicine Hat College. This special, community-focused day will now be fully hosted on campus, with the Official Rise Up Vendor Market happening on the main concourse outside the theatre. We are expecting this to be the biggest Community Day yet, so don't miss out! This market directly supports OCJ's valuable services aimed at supporting youth in our community.

👉🏼 Secure your official Rise Up Vendor Market spot here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6jG2RcDusivbMZNgQ95X0HxgMrzJ5iP46QkQF5bBpcrg5BA/viewform

Stay tuned for the full Community Day schedule as events are finalized.

❓If you have questions about vendor registration, DM us, and we'll connect you directly with the OCJ organizer.

Lastly, share this post and help make this the best Community Day yet!

05/05/2026

Which one are we watching together? 👀🎬

At Rise Up, it’s more than a movie… it’s about what it means.

✨ 1 - Sing 2
✨ 2 - Moana 2
✨ 3 - Zootopia 2

All different stories. Same truth: you keep going.

🗳️ Drop your choice (1, 2 or 3) in comments below
🎥 3PM | MHC Theatre

Because sometimes the biggest comeback… starts with just showing up.

05/05/2026

Who could resist this face? 🫠 Youth 11+ head down to Kickstand this afternoon for a fiesta!

AFD Sarabi is eagerly awaiting your arrival for tonight's festivities. 💃🕺

Join us from 3:30-6 PM for Fiesta night
🌮Free tacos
🍹Mocktail margaritas
🎉DIY Piñata

05/04/2026

Check out this week’s lineup with our friends at Kickstand Medicine Hat! Youth 11+ are encouraged to come hang out with our Resilience Coaches as we do some cool activities this week. 😊

We’re kicking off May with a full week of connection, creativity, and fun 🌟
From Fiesta Night to True Colours Movie Night, there’s something happening every day at Kickstand!

Drop in, try something new, and bring a friend, we can’t wait to see you.

🗓️ May 4–8
📍 Kickstand Medicine Hat
💬 Free, drop-in programs for young people

This week's programming is brought to you by: Medicine Hat Family Service, Our Collective Journey, SEAFAN FASD Network, MyPlace/HUG, Ever Active

05/01/2026

50/50 Raffle Starts Today!

We’re excited to launch our 50/50 Raffle, with all proceeds supporting OCJ’s Resiliency Coaching Program; helping youth build the skills, confidence, and support systems they need to navigate life’s challenges.

When you purchase a ticket, you’re not just entering to win, you’re investing in stronger, more resilient young people in our community.

📅 Draw Date: May 23
🎉 Prize: Take home 50% of the total jackpot!

Every ticket makes a difference. Every ticket helps us continue walking alongside youth as they build resilience and create brighter futures.

Get your tickets today and help us make an impact! Click the link below to be one step closer to winning! 👇

https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/ourcollectivejourney

04/30/2026

A brand NEW way to experience the magic of Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival. 🤍

🌅✨ NEW for 2026: Sunrise & Skylines VIP Experience ✨🌙

This isn’t just a stay, it’s your all-access pass to Rise Up 🎈

✔ 1-night stay at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Medicine Hat
✔ VIP trolley rides to launches & glows (transportation is part of the experience)
✔ Curated onboard treats + surprise moments
✔ Front-row access to the most unforgettable festival views

Choose your night:

🌙 Friday – Kick off the weekend + Saturday morning magic

🌅 Saturday – Peak festival energy + Sunday sunrise

💰 $499 + tax (double occupancy)
⏰ Very limited packages — booking closes May 11

No parking stress. No guessing schedules. Just show up and experience Rise Up the way it was meant to be.

👉🏼 Secure your VIP experience now at our website before it sells out. https://www.ourcollectivejourney.ca/rise-up/skylines

PLEASE SHARE

Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival
🗓 May 21-24, 2026
📍Medicine Hat, AB

04/29/2026

April 29 has a nice ring to it.

Starting your sober journey can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to do it alone. Wherever you are right now, whatever your story looks like, today can be the day things begin to change.

At Our Collective Journey, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way without judgment, at your pace, and with support that meets you where you’re at.

💛 Recovery Coaching – one-on-one support from people who truly understand
💛 Pathways to Recovery – a safe, welcoming space to connect with others
💛 Resiliency Coaching – building the tools to navigate life and stay strong
💛 Community & Resources – connection, guidance, and ongoing support

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to take the first step.

Reach out anytime: intake@ourcollectivejourney.ca
403-866-8118

We’ll be here walking with you.