Mural making is bigger and better this year! All weekend, six artists will work on 12 ft x 8 ft murals. There will be two community mural walls where audiences get to join in the creativity. When they’re complete, the murals will be displayed in the community for all to enjoy. 
 

The much-loved multidisciplinary art duo derdie returns to YXE Urban Games with their motohoops installation and more! This is where art meets sport, with opportunities to play and interact. Also featuring artist Lautaro Reyes whose work makes the festival site burst with color. 

Art battles are dynamic, creative experiences where four artists have 20 minutes to create a new artwork in front of a live audience. DJs keep the music pumping and emcees from Art Bar keep the energy high and hilarious, while audiences cheer on their favourite artists! The winners of each battle move on to a final championship. We’ll host four Art Battles (two adult and two youth rounds) on Sunday, July 20 of the YXE Urban Games so come cheer them on.  You don’t have to be a professional artist.
 

From the Opening Ceremonies to the final medal ceremony on Sunday evening, the stage at the YXE Urban Games will feature artists and athletes that will engage and excite you! DJ Catfish the Wizard will keep the energy high during the breaking competitions. Local rappers will host a cypher and you’ll see performances by Happy Jamaly, Rowan, RUGA.PIE, ZHE the Free and more! 

The main stage on Saturday night will feature the old school hip hop sound of Big Tones (https://www.instagram.com/bigtones.oto) and award-winning artist Ray the Nihilist (https://www.instagram.com/raythenihilist/). From the stirring spoken word poetry of Ahmad Majid to the playful K Pop dance stylings of the Jazz Me Club, there is never a dull moment!

The weekend will be infused with Indigenous art, culture and ceremony. Traditional Indigenous dancers and drummers will get us started during the Grand Entry and Opening Ceremonies on Friday, and you’ll see them perform again throughout the weekend during medal ceremonies. Visual art by Audrey Armstrong reminds us of the significance of hosting YXE Urban Games on Treaty 6 territory and the traditional homeland of the Métis.
 

Artist Kent Ness will showcase his graffiti skills and facilitate workshops with visitors who want to try their hand at graffiti! This installation is always a big hit at YXE Urban Games. (Artist hours are Saturday 1pm - 7pm and Sunday 1pm - 5pm.)