On the road to excellence

Visit High River

If you’re attending a High River Gift of Music event for the first time, welcome! We’re delighted to have you join our friendly musical community and hope you’ll take some time to explore our vibrant town nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Most of our concerts take place in our home venue, the High River United Church. While we are not affiliated with any religious organization, we are grateful to partner with this warm and affirming community space.

We encourage you to enjoy all that High River has to offer. We have beautiful trails and parks, charming accommodations, and a variety of unique local shops. Plan to spend the day or even stay overnight if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway. If you’d like to have lunch or dinner before the concert, consider arriving a few hours early. High River offers many excellent restaurants, and convenient fast-food options are also available if you’re short on time. See our list below for some nearby locations.

map of High River showing two High River Gift of Music venues

Mainstage Venue

High River United Church
123 Macleod Trail S.
High River, AB

Community Stage Venue

Munroe Barn
Sheppard Family Park
1201 5 Street SE High River

We occasionally have pop-up outreach concerts at other places around town. These locations will be listed with the event details.

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. The location where the church now stands is deeply connected to the traditions of the First Nations people. When the Blackfoot people traveled across the prairies each year following the buffalo, they looked for the line of cottonwood trees marking a place 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 home to Buck Smith’s Stopping House. It served as 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.

This year, some of our free community events will be held at Munroe Barn in Sheppard Family Park (see map above). 

If a concert or outreach activity takes place at another location, you’ll find directions on the concert page.

Get directions to the High River United Church.

Where do I park?

Parking is free in the church lot, on the street and in the town lot southwest of the church. 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.

View parking map

Where do I get tickets?

Please see our event pages for individual ticket links.

Tickets are also available in person at the High River United Church
123 MacLeod Trail South, High River, Alberta
Monday -Thursday 9:00 am -3:00 pm

Tickets may be purchased at the door but quantity may be limited.

Seating opens 30 minutes prior to showtime and is first come, first serve.  Early arrivals are welcome to mingle and sit on benches in the foyer but will not be permitted access until the doors open.

We are pleased to offer some seats reserved for those with mobility aids, wheelchairs or a vision impairment however they are limited. If you require additional accommodations, please contact us before the day of the concert at info@highrivergiftofmusic.com. On the day of the event any questions, concerns or requests may be directed at our staff and volunteers who will be happy to assist you.

Is there an intermission?

Many audience members tell us that the warm conversation and welcoming atmosphere during the break are among the highlights of attending a High River Gift of Music concert.

Most of our concert programs run just under two hours and include a short intermission. During this time, we offer tea, coffee, water, and light snacks by donation.

Are youth welcome?

We love to see young music enthusiasts at our concerts. We do need to be respectful of the performing musicians, so children should be old enough to sit quietly and enjoy the performance.  

Younger children may enjoy our free events, where they can move and interact more freely. 

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.

I live outside of High River. Is it far?

For many communities, High River is just down the road! For others, this scenic road trip will take the same amount of time as driving downtown and parking at a city venue. 
Okotoks to High River – 23 minutes
Turner Valley to High River – 29 minutes
South Calgary to High River – 35 minutes
South Calgary to north Calgary – 36 minutes
Calgary Zoo to High River – 43 minutes
Chestermere to High River – 45 minutes
Langdon to High River – 45 minutes
Airdrie to High River – 57 minutes
Strathmore to High River – 1 hour
Lethbridge to High River – 1 hour 34 minutes
Canmore to High River – 1 hour 46 minutes

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.

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.

Passes and concert tickets are transferable. You’re welcome to share the gift of music with a friend if you’re unable to attend.

Make a night of it!

 

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

Lunch Only

Colossi’s
114 4 Ave SW
(403) 652-2181

Lunch and Dinner

Evelyn’s Memory Lane Cafe
118 – 4 Ave SW
phone 403-652-1887

Knee Deep Bar and Grill
134 Macleod Trail SW
403.652.0328

PH Family Restaurant
327 Macleod Trail SW
403-601-3802

Rio Alta
118 3 Ave SW
(403) 652-1261

South Fork Restaurant
110 1 St SW
(403) 652-2282

The Vinyl Cafe and Lounge
114 3 Ave SW

Restaurants just a short drive away

Indian Pan Flame
1103 18 St SE
(403) 603 0033
*Show your concert ticket at the time of purchase and receive 10% off

My Pizza Steakhouse
503 1 Street SW
403.652.2262

The Noble Teahouse
440 Macleod Trail SW
(403) 978-7391

Foxes Den Golf Course
400 7 St NW
(403) 603-6365

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Places to Stay

House on the Park B&B
Luxury accommodation at a reasonable price

CanAlta High River
Thoughtful amenities for business and leisure travellers

Super 8 High River
Comfort and convenience

Curious about our outreach programs and music education activities?