Welcome

The Venue provides entertainment, inspiration, education and mentorship opportunities to seniors, adults, teens and children from all cultural and economic backgrounds.

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Impact

Annual Report

The High River Performing Arts Foundation is leading the development of a 26,000 sq ft accessible, inclusive and collaborative, creative and performing arts hub to advance the appreciation of the arts and provide a public amenity to those living in and travelling through High River and the Foothills region of Southern Alberta.

The Venue will be an economic driver to the town of High River while providing entertainment, inspiration, education and mentorship opportunities to seniors, adults, teens and children from all cultural and economic backgrounds.

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This proposed venture will provide another needed venue for High River

George R

This is an important project, rooted in community, that will
drive and attract engagement, tourism and prosperity.

Mary Zazelenchuk
Director
High River Library

High River is lacking a purpose built performing and creative arts space for creating,
performing, teaching and learning.

Craig Snodgrass

Mayor

High River

To encourage High River's proud cultural heritage.

Anonymous Donor

It's time to Build...together!

Invest in The Venue now...and for generations to come!

Contact

hrpafoundation@gmail.com

403 601 3960

Let's get social

Seniors Week June 2nd - 7th! We are thrilled to announce an assortment of FREE events in collaboration with High River and District Seniors Friendship Centre. See full details on our website (link in bio). Workshop space is limited so act now! Bandstand Sunday sneak peek concert with @crookedpathband and The Venue Summer Series kick off with @ireri.smiles , Bruce Hoffman and Ronnie Kerr! Come out and enjoy a full week of fun 🤠
#seniorsweek2025 #seniorsweekinhighriver #thevenuehighriverseniorsweek

Thank you Daylin for joining us! Such a beautiful voice ✨

Posted @withregram • @daylinjorgensen Long weekend summary!
~Performance in High River @venuehighriver for The Little Britches Parade ✨️ Shoutout to Lori and Michael for fostering a wonderful community and making me feel welcomed to their space.
~Popped by @oldtownairdrie to sing some tunes. Superb staff and they make stellar 🍕
~Had a fantastic chat with the wonderful Lauren & Eric from @cochranenowmorningshow!! Looking forward to the interview and live recording of Ripped Jeans airing on Tuesday May 20th at 7:20am 📻
~And had the opportunity to catch @alexhughesmusic and @tylerlewismusic at The King Eddy (@kingeddyyyc). WOW. They put on an amazing show. Alex sneak peaked some new tunes. Keep your eyes open - these tunes are 🔥

Release Day! Check out our Summer Series 2025 Line-Ups! At The Venue and swipe to see Bandstand Sundays! We are super excited for a wonderful summer of music and theatre!
@hhsbandd @highwoodhigh @senatorrileymiddleschool @bluerockjunction @chartierandchecora @heyitssarahscott @qt_pie_drag @vonbieker @joshandbexmusic Jacquie Drew @shakespeare_yql @thelifeofstephanie_ @kingoffoxesband @erraticplayers @jennieharluk @johnhewittmusic @crookedpathband @riverpoets @handsomeyoungdadsband @ponyjack_band @thewesternthistles @kasci_combo Cadence Creek @sarahcurlemusic @jasonagmusic

#thevenuehighriver2025 #bandstandsundays2025

We have merch for sale! T-shirts, Hoodies and Stickers! Stop by tomorrow after the parade, or any Saturday starting June 7th to purchase your very own Venue Merch!

Coming to the Little Britches Parade Saturday May 17th? Stop by The Venue! We have our Summer Series and Bandstand line ups ready for you to take home and put on your fridge! We also have our shade back up and a new “Office” space where we will post community events and HRPAF news!
Hope to see you Saturday! 🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠

@highriverparades #thevenuesummerseries2025 #bandstandsundays2025 #highrivercommunityevents #littlebritchesparade2025

We’re excited to be participating again this year! Were the smilie face in the middle of it all! 125 5th Ave. Come say hi, enjoy some music @daylinjorgensen and our concession. Food trucks will be set up all along 5th Ave!
Posted @withregram • @townofhighriver Parade Day is Almost Here, #HighRiver!
The Little Britches Parade is set to roll through Town on Saturday, May 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hosted by the High River Little Britches and Santa Claus Parades, this cherished community tradition is sure to delight!

Parade Day Traffic Notice:
To support the event, the Town will be closing roads and enforcing no-parking zones in the downtown area starting at 8:30 a.m. 1 Street (from 12 Avenue SW to Macleod Trail SW) will be closed to all traffic. Volunteers and signage will help direct vehicles, and all closures are expected to be lifted by 3:00 p.m.

Parade-Day Treats: Food trucks will be set up in the parking lot next to the Museum of the Highwood — the perfect spot for a snack while you enjoy the festivities!
For full event details and a site map, visit highriver.ca/events or follow @HighRiverParadeandLightsSociety on Facebook.

Thanks for helping us keep the community safe and festive—see you at the parade!
#LittleBritchesParade #HighRiver #CommunitySpirit #ParadeDay

May 29th, 7pm at The Wales in High River!
@codylefthand @ciffcalgary

We are getting ready! Can’t wait for our summer programming to start. Thank you @olabirch for this beautiful video AND your hard (and really fast) work today 😉#thevenuehighriver2025

Join us after the Little Britches Parade at the Piano Lounge Stage at The Venue -125 5th Ave downtown High River. We are thrilled to present Edmonton Artist Daylin Jorgensen @daylinjorgensen Concession and Bar will be open! Grab your lunch from the food trucks available along 5th Ave and enjoy our seating area and Daylin’s music. Hope to see you there 🤠🤠🤠🤠

#littlebritchesparade2025 #livemusichighriver #thevenuehighriver2025

Posted @withregram • @foothills_pride_official 🌈 Picnic with Pride 🌈
Celebrate Pride Month with an afternoon full of colour, creativity, and community!
🗓️ Saturday, June 14
⏰ 1:00 – 4:00 PM
📍 George Lane Park, High River
Bring a blanket, your friends, and come together to celebrate pride, community, and belonging in the Foothills! 💖
✨ Shop local vendors
🎨 Join in on crafts and creative fun
📚 Explore resources and information
🧺 Enjoy a beautiful day in a welcoming, inclusive space

#PicnicWithPride #FoothillsPride #PrideMonth2025 #2SLGBTQIA #HighRiverPride #PrideInThePark

Remembering when the Piano Lounge arrived to The Venue space! We will have @daylinjorgensen playing the Piano Lounge after the Little Britches Parade May 17th @highriverparades Come by and say hello! 5th Ave will be full of lunch options and our bar will be open. ❤️

You should go! An excellent play by @wtphighriver at @highwoodcentre Well done everyone! Great fight scenes @eventskt !!!

Sunday April 27, 2pm, Friday May 2 dinner theatre, 5:30, Saturday May 3, 7:30. Get tickets @wtphighriver

#supportlocaltheatre #highrivertheatre #wtp

Posted @withregram • @okotoksfilmfestival ARE YOU LOOKING TO MAKE A FILM THIS SUMMER?

We are looking for filmmakers to apply for our mentorship program. To apply simply pitch your 10min or less film.

Selected filmmakers will get workshops with industry professionals, one-on-one chats with a mentor, a chance to screen their film at the @venuehighriver, and we will grant a small amount to your film budget to help get the film made!!

Apply Now! https://okotoksfilmfestival.ca/mentorships/

#albertafilmmaker #highriverfilm #foothillsfilmmakers #highriveralberta #thevenuehighriver2025

Always a great place to meet! Especially before the @wtphighriver Death Trap running until May 3rd. Visit their website for ticket info.

We are set up @highwoodcentre for @wtphighriver play “Death Trap”. Come check out our floor plans, ask questions, and get a sticker! Looking to grow our Building Fund Donors! Every donation helps show community support. Please consider making a monthly, one time, or pledge a donation for a future date. We can’t wait to get the shovels in the dirt!
#itstimetobuildthevenuehighriver

Posted @withregram • @okotoksfilmfestival Have you submitted your idea yet?? Send us your ideas for a film you want to make under 10min...and we will help you do it this summer!!!

Head here to pitch your film and learn more: https://okotoksfilmfestival.ca/mentorships/

We are looking for some help this summer! Interested in the world of Sound Technician? We are looking for some assistants who could lend a hand at our shows. No experience necessary. We are offering an honorarium. Contact Mark for more info hrpaftech@gmail.com

#soundtechassistant #joinusatthevenue #thevenuehighriver2025 #bandstandsundays2025

It’s back! Don’t miss this wonderful, creative celebration of art fusion in High River! @artandsoulgalleryhighriver

Posted @withregram • @senatorrileymiddleschool Donate now to build The Venue @venuehighriver and honour the Senator Riley Band Program - past and present.

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/high-river-performing-arts-foundation/p2p/nameonthevenue/team/donate-now-to-build-the-venue-and-honour-senator-riley-band-program-past-and-present

High River has long been a place where a healthy and vibrant Fine Arts community has flourished. The High River Performing Arts Foundation (HRPAF) has been a driving force in fostering creativity, nurturing talent, and promoting a deep appreciation for the performing arts in High River. As an arts educator, I have seen the excitement, connection, enrichment and value of the Performing Arts and over the last number of years, Senator Riley Bands have performed every June, at The Venue. The Venue has given us a space to play, to collaborate and to perform for our community - a truly unique and special experience.

Band in High River (and Band at Senator Riley) is alive and well, yet The Venue is a place outside of school, within our community, that supports arts and culture. Their commitment to providing accessible and high-quality arts programming has already enriched the lives of so many individuals. Over the years, I have seen the positive results of their hard work on our students and families. As arts educators, we continue to seek opportunities to connect our students with their community, where performing and listening to music becomes life-long.

What can we do? Many community members in High River were students at one time at Senator Riley School. Built in 1953 and destroyed by fire in 1993, its musical legacy continues to live on. We are helping to spearhead a donation drive for our friends at the HRPAF, where donations made on behalf of Senator Riley Bands - past and present - would allow the Senator Riley Band Program to be named as a Founding Donor for The Venue. Supporting organizations like the High River Performing Arts Foundation is important for the continued growth and vitality of our community.

Paul Stelter
Band Program
École Senator Riley Middle School

#thevenuehighriver

What an honour for HRPAF president Dinah VanDonzel to award participants of the Highwood Lions Music Festival with an invitation to perform at The Venue Community Piano Concert! This will be the 3rd year for this very special collaboration. Want to hear amazing local talent? Don’t miss this concert!

🗓️ Sunday June 8th, 2025
⏱️ 2 pm
📍 The Venue - 125 5th Ave Downtown High River

#hlmf #localyouthmusicians #thevenuehighriver

Thank you Dan Marcinkowski of the High River Times for the interview this week. Always appreciate the opportunity to talk about The Venue ❤️ Stay tuned as we are close to releasing our Bandstand and Summer Series line ups, as well as our Open Air Art Gallery Artist Installations! It’s going to be a fantastic season of creative and performing art in High River!

#thevenuehighriver2025 #bandstandsundays2025 #thevenuegallery2025

Posted @withregram • @wtphighriver Drum roll please…the Foothills Region One Act Play Festival is happening soon!

Eight plays (four of them original plays eligible for the Outstanding New Work award) will be presented at the Highwood Centre during three sessions.

The Festival Pass for $30 will get you in to see all of them, or if time is tight, $15 per session. Tickets available at the door.

Stay to the end on Saturday evening and see which play will be going to the Alberta Drama Festival Provincial One Act Play Festival in Medicine Hat in May and see which performers and director did outstanding work.

See you all there!

Our selection committee! What an onerous task of picking a variety of performances for The Venue Summer Series and Bandstand Sundays. Over 70 applicants for 23 slots 😬….AND what an amazing pool of talent to choose from! Thank you so much to Rachel, our Director of Programs, and the whole committee for their time and energy! Can’t wait to share our summer line ups with you all in April!

#bandstandsundays2025 #thevenuehighriver2025

It was cold today dismantling the displays at George Lane Park @highriverparades So thankful for the volunteers who came to help! Put the teepee and cut out snowmen away for another year. Thanks to all who help fill the park with joy each winter, especially Kathy and Chad ❤️who organize the whole thing.

#grateful #highriverlights #georgelanepark #highriverspirit #highrivercommunity

We are looking for a Leather Work Artist who can do a 2 hrs workshop in High River the first week of June. This is a paid opportunity. Contact Lori at 403-601-3960 or email thevenuehighriver@gmail.com

It seems now more than ever we are in need of spaces full of hope and joy. We dream the same dream. The Venue yearns to be such a space. Visit our website to see our dream, consider how you may be a part of this journey.

#itstimetobuildthevenuehighriver #thevenuehighriver

This just in…..

It is with great disappointment that the HRPAF shares that we were unsuccessful in receiving funding from the Provincial Government for the building of The Venue, as outlined in the Provincial Budget 2025. While we did not receive financial funding this year, we remain optimistic and determined in our mission. We are committed to bringing The Venue to life in downtown High River.

Read our full statement on our website.

#itstimetobuildthevenuehighriver

Thank you @heyitssarahscott for sharing your thoughts on the great opportunities The Venue building would have for our community! Visit our website to learn how to donate!

#itstimetobuildthevenuehighriver #thevenuehighriver

The HRPAF has an amazing opportunity to double all donations made during the month of February! Time is running out- please consider making a one-time donation, starting a monthly contribution, or becoming a Pallet Board Founding Donor. We also have peer-to-peer opportunities as well. Visit our website to learn more and make your donation to The Venue Building Fund today! Thank you ❤️

#itstimetobuildthevenuehighriver #thevenuehighriver

The importance of an Arts-Centred Community! Help the HRPAF make this happen for more families like Tyne’s. Donate to The Venue Building Fund this week and your donation will be doubled!

@tfoxstudio #itstimetobuildthevenuehighriver #thevenuehighriver

🎬 Pasha

The need for an accessible space. Thank you Cahina for continuing to bring inclusive programming to High River. Let’s build you The Venue!
@highriveraccessiblerec

#letsbuildthevenuehighriver #thevenuehighriver

Thank you @olabirch for supporting The Venue building fund with your art! Ola’s Moodies are available through her online store… which you can find linked to our website. Support an artist support The Venue AND double your dollars until the end of February!

#letsbuildthevenuehighriver #thevenuehighriver

The need for a purpose-built venue… The Venue! Hear Katie Fournell describe the need for @erraticplayers Donate to The Venue building fund during the month of February and your donation is doubled!
#thevenuehighriver #letsbuildthevenuehighriver

We agree! We would love to continue our work in providing space and support for our local artists all year long! Let’s build The Venue ❤️

🎬 Pasha

#itstimetobuildthevenuehighriver #thevenuehighriver

Show Your Love for The Venue - all February it’s Double your Dollars! A gift of $20 becomes an investment of $40 to our Building Fund. Help us make The Venue a year round reality ❤️🩷💜💙

In today’s High River Times! Read all about our campaign to BUILD THE VENUE! Double your dollars all February AND still get a 2024 tax receipt thanks to a federal government Charitable Tax extension! Now’s a great time to Show Your Love for The Venue ❤️❤️

#itstimetobuildthevenuehighriver #thevenuehighriver

Once The Venue is built, it will house a beautiful wall of pallets in our foyer (a homage to our outdoor beginnings) that will display names of founding supporters like Jim and Darlene. A visual reminder of those who generously helped create The Venue building. If this interests you, please consider reaching out through our website, or DM us and we can set a time to discuss this important contribution.

#itstimetobuildthevenuehighriver #thevenuehighriver

Join Darlene and Jim in becoming monthly donors to our Building Fund! Visit our website for more info or contact Pam at hrpaffunddevelopment@gmail.com

Let’s build The Venue!

#itstimetobuildthevenuehighriver #thevenuehighriver #monthlydonor #makeitmonthly

Calling all artists! The Venue is home to a seasonal, outdoor, Art Gallery and we would love to hear your ideas about installing your art for 2025! And… WE PAY! Visit our website to learn more.

#outdoorartgallery #thevenueartgallery2025

A huge THANK YOU to @randle_handles_horticulture for chipping The Venue’s Festival of Trees again this year! Thank you again to all businesses, organizations and families that sponsored and/or decorated the trees! We were able to raise over $900.00 towards our 2025 programs! Thank you!

#thevenuefestivaloftrees2024 #thevenuehighriver #thevenuehighriver2025

Have you donated to The Venue Building Fund? We need your help to show community support for the brick and mortar of all we do. Please consider a financial contribution today! Visit our website (link in bio).

#letsbuildthevenue #thevenuehighriver #supportlocal

Have you got your tickets yet? Don’t miss this opportunity to see our very own @calumgrahammusic

#supportlocalmusicians #supportlocallivemusic #highrivermusic #highrivermusicians

Interested in seeing your art at The Venue? Our Open Air Art Gallery is looking for installations! Visit our website to apply! Contact Cathy at hrpafgallery@gmail.com if you have questions.

#thevenuehighriver2025 #thevenuegallery2025

It’s time! We are looking for performers - be it music, theatre, spoken word, circus, dance, cultural, anything - for our upcoming 2025 Summer Series and Bandstand Sundays! All levels of experience welcome! Link in our stories, or through our website. Applications due end of February.

#thevenuesummerseries2025 #thevenuehighriver2025 #thevenuehighriver

Happy New Year indeed! Here’s to hoping this year is THE YEAR and a building is on the horizon. Thank you to all have helped so far in our Capital Campaign. Haven’t yet? Please consider making a donation. Every bit helps show Government deciders that the community is supportive of The Venue. Visit our website to donate today.

#letsbuildthevenue #itstimetobuildthevenuehighriver #thevenuehighriver

Merry Christmas from The Venue and High River Performing Arts Foundation! Wishing you all peace, rest, joy, laughter and love this holiday season. Looking forward to many great endeavours in the New Year, including closing in on our building! Thank you all who have contributed to our Building Fund. We are so grateful for the support and encouragement ❤️🎅🎄

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Welcome

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It's time to Build...together!

Contact

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@venuehighriver

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