Visit High River
If you are attending a High River Gift of Music event for the first time, welcome! We are delighted to have you join our friendly musical community, and hope you will explore this vibrant town nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
We encourage you to spend time in High River, which offers gorgeous trails and parks, comfortable bed and breakfast and hotel accommodations, as well as one-of-a-kind shops. Plan to spend the day or even the night if you’re looking for a getaway. Check the description for individual concerts to see if you can take advantage of any of our partner deals.
If you’d like to enjoy dinner, arrive a few hours before the event begins. High River is home to a number of excellent restaurants, and fast food stops are also nearby if you’re in a rush.
Location
Q&A
Where are your events held?
Most of our concerts are held in the High River United Church, right in the heart of High River at 123 Macleod Trail SW.
The location where the church now stands is deeply connected to the traditions of the First Nations people. When the Blackfoot people came across the prairies each year following the buffalo, they would look for the line of cottonwood trees which marked the area where the river could be easily forded. We invite you to learn more about our history and this ancient spot for gathering and healing.
In the early days of the town, this location was the site of Buck Smith’s Stopping House. It offered a place for weary travellers to rest, and the first worship services in High River were held here. We are proud to continue welcoming guests as we celebrate the gift of music.
If a concert or outreach activities takes place at another location, you’ll find directions on the concert page.
I live outside of High River. Is it far?
Where do I park?
Parking is free in the church lot, and there is ample street parking as well. You’ll find friendly faces there to welcome you as you walk in the door, as well as a spot near the lobby to hang your coat if you prefer not to keep it with you.
Where do I get tickets?
You can reserve your seats online before the day of the concert. This option allows you to save on the price of admission.
Although tickets can often be purchased at the door, we encourage you to secure your ticket in advance to ensure you have a spot at the concert. You can also purchase a season ticket to enjoy the whole season for less, and ensure you don’t miss a concert.
When you first arrive at the concert venue, you’ll find a High River Gift of Music representative at a table near the door, ready to answer questions.
Seating is rush. Once the doors open, please take a program and sit where you please! If you have any questions about the process, please contact us and we will do our best to help.
Do I need to dress up?
We want you to feel comfortable, so please wear what you like! Pretty much anything goes, from jeans to dressy outfits.
Is there an intermission?
Yes, Virginia, there is an intermission! In fact, we suspect that the tasty homestyle cookies and friendly conversation that audience members enjoy while waiting for the music to resume might be one of the biggest perks of attending a High River concert.
Most of our concert programs run just under two hours, with a short break.
What happens if I'm late?
In order to allow our artists to focus and other audience members to enjoy the performance, we ask that latecomers watch from the back of the hall, and slip into a seat during a pause in the program.
What if I am unable to attend the concert?
Season passes and individual concert tickets are non-refundable. Credit will only be issued in the event of concert cancellation. You can use that credit to purchase another ticket for our season, or apply it toward a season pass.
Are kids welcome?
Yes, if they are interested in the music and able to listen. Younger audiences often particularly enjoy details our musicians share about how the music was inspired, composed and performed.
Check our season listings to see if we are offering any concerts designed for kids.
Do you know of any good places to eat or stay?
Check out our suggestions for ideas and special offers from some of our local businesses.
Venues
high river united church
123 Macleod Trail Southwest, High River, AB
Map – Directions to High River United Church
highwood golf
400 7 St NW, High River, AB T1V 1M6
Map – Directions to Highwood Golf
We’re glad you stopped by!
On your next trip to High River, spend some time enjoying the amenities of our picturesque town. We’re close to the city of Calgary, and just a short drive from the breathtaking Rocky Mountains.
In the mood for food?
Restaurants within walking distance of our main venue
Colossi’s Coffee House
Delicious beverages and daily specials
Dining Car at High River
Fresh homestyle food served in a train car
Evelyn’s Memory Lane Cafe
As seen on “You Gotta Eat Here” – soups, salads and delicious desserts
Hitching Post
Local homemade burgers and shakes
Narrow Road Home Creperie
Wonderful crepes and teas
P&H
Vietnamese, Chinese & Thai with vegetarian options
Rio Alto
Whistle Stop
Casual elegance in a restored railroad car
Restaurants just a short drive away
Everest Spice Grill
Foxes Den at Highwood Golf
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
Places to Stay
House on the Park B&B
Luxury accommodation at a reasonable price
Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre
Guest rooms with full service amenities
Ramada High River
Thoughtful amenities for business and leisure travellers
Super 8 High River
Comfort and convenience
Local Sights
Museum of the Highwood
The museum doubles as the information centre and is the place to start when exploring High River.
Walk through downtown and enjoy the murals, shops and Maggie’s from the Heartland TV show.
Art & Soul Gallery
Stop by on a warm Sunday afternoon to enjoy a slice of pie in the garden and hear musicians jamming.
George Lane Park & Happy Trails Pathway
The park and pathway are a beautiful spot to wander down into the river, or sit on a bench for a moment of contemplation.
Sheppard Family Park
This historic house of an early settler is worth a peek.
In the Area
- Nanton, a smaller town 20 minutes south of High River, is home to many antique shops and a lovely place to wander for a few hours.
- Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump is an intriguing tourist destination 90 mins south of High River.
- Bar U Ranch, just 30 minutes west of High River, provides an opportunity to learn about traditional ranching life in Alberta.
- Longview, a small quaint town 30 minutes west of High River, is the jumping off point for beautiful Kanasaskis Country nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.