High Country News

Swap Donkey Presents: String the Musical
2025-10-17 19:00 (America/Edmonton)
Join us for our production of String!
SYNOPSIS:
String is a captivating musical where myth and modernity intertwine. After angering Zeus, the Fates, the goddess sisters who spin, measure, and snip the strings of life for every human on Earth, find themselves banished to a modern office building in the mortal world, where they continue their work hidden among the mortals whose destinies they weave into one giant, glorious tapestry. When eldest sister Atropos accidentally loses her pair of scissors in the building, she meets Mickey, the building’s overnight security guard. Soon love gets the better of her, and she finds herself falling for him, stealing his string to keep him immortal and defying all of the rules she has to follow as a goddess. This exception to the rules begins to disrupt the natural order—can the tapestry of the Universe and her sisters stand this flaw? Fall for this original, uplifting, and belty musical about fate, love, and the imperfections that make us human (synopsis from broadwaylicensing.com).
String is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing Global (www.broadwaylicensing.com).
PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES:
Performances October 17 to 19 and October 24 to 26, 2025:

Friday, October 17, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Friday, October 24, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

PRODUCTION INFORMATION:
Please note that all tickets are for rush seating.
Theatre doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
This musical is suitable for audience members of all ages.
Run time is approximately 2.5 hours.
TICKETS:
https://swampdonkeytheatre.ca/string-tickets/

‘ArtWorks!’ Fall Show
2025-10-31 14:00 - 18:00 | De Winton Community Hall, 114 Macleod Trail E, De Winton, Alberta, T0L 0X0, Canada
Another Fall Show by ‘ArtWorks!’
Once again, ArtWorks is planning a show this fall at the DeWinton Community Hall. Dates this year are Fri. Oct 31st, Sat. Nov 1st and Sun. Nov 2nd, with the hours being 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Fri., and 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sat. and Sun.
Based in DeWinton and comprised of members living in and around the area, ‘ArtWorks!’ is a group of local artists and artisans that strives to present a fine-quality show pleasing to many tastes. Looking for that perfect painting or photograph to go above a couch or on a feature wall? Come and view our original pictorial representations of places and/or subjects dear to your heart. Looking for that unique piece of jewelry, pottery, or hand-woven clothing? Come and choose from the wide selection our artisans have on display. Looking for a good book to read? We have a novelist there as well, an official ‘Goodreads’ author, whose entire book proceeds go to support mental health. At ArtWorks, there is truly something for everyone.
A love and appreciation for local art is the only entry fee. This year’s participating artists will include Angie Denovan, David Kitler, Elizabeth Ellis-Bassett, Fran Porter, Kim Berlie, Lynda Vowell, Lorraine Martinka, Peter Freeborn, Jasper Jensen, and Chester Lees. We’ll all be ready to welcome you at DeWinton Community Hall. There’s never any pressure to buy– though be warned, you may find something you can’t live without! We hope you’ll stop in and see us, and we look forward to welcoming you.

Festive Foothills Art Sale + Sneak Peek
2025-11-07 15:00 - 18:00 | Leighton Art Centre, 282027 144 Street West, Foothills, Alberta, T1S 0Y4, Canada
Join us at the Leighton Art Centre for our Festive Foothills Art Sale, a holiday art sale featuring unique, handcrafted gifts by over 70 Alberta artists! From November 8 to December 20, explore original paintings, pottery, glass, textiles, jewellery, and more, all in a stunning foothills setting. Want early access? Don’t miss our Sneak Peek Event on November 7 (3–6 PM) with live music, warm drinks, a raffle filled with local goodies, and the chance to shop before the crowds. Admission by donation; bring a food bank item to support the Okotoks Food Bank!

Medalta Pottery Auction
2025-11-09

The Traditional Sale Auction
2025-11-10

Country Market
2025-11-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Red Deer Lake United Church, 96187 Spruce Meadows Green SW, Calgary, AB, T1S 2R9, Canada
November 15, 10 am – 4 pm
We are expanding the market this year! In addition to our great crafts/ beautiful handwork, homemade goodies and Gift Baskets, we are adding outside vendors to the market.
The tables will be available to people who have services or items to sell which are unique and non-competing with each other and our own items. The tables will be rented for $50 each. Interested in renting a table/space? Visit us at www.reddeerlakeuc.com/fundraisers to book your table/space today.

Swap Donkey Presents: Alice in Wonderland Jr.
2025-11-21 19:00
Join our youth musical theatre course participants for our production of Alice in Wonderland Jr.!
SYNOPSIS:
Fall down the rabbit hole with Alice as she navigates the curious world of Wonderland on a journey of self-di scovery. When young Alice finds herself in a strange world where everything seems upside down, she must find her way home…and find herself along the way. As she travels through Wonderland, she encounters all of the iconic characters that audiences have come to love: including the ever-tardy White Rabbit, the grinning Cheshire Cat, a cool Caterpillar, the wacky Mad Hatter, and the hot-tempered Queen of Hearts.
Alice in Wonderland Jr. features Disney favourites such as “The Golden Afternoon,” “The Unbirthday Song,” and “Painting the Roses Red” along with brand-new songs, including music from the 2010 live-action film. Whether this is your first experience with Alice or your hundredth, you’ll fall in love all over again with this timeless story of adventure, imagination, and pure fun! (synopsis from mtishows.com)
Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, New York, NY, 212-541-4684 mtishows.com.
PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES:
Performances November 21 to 22, 2025:

Friday, November 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

PRODUCTION INFORMATION:
Please note that all tickets are for rush seating.
Theatre doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
This musical is suitable for audience members of all ages.
Run time is approximately 1.5 hours.
TICKETS:
https://swampdonkeytheatre.ca/string-tickets/

BCPA Presents: Dani Moon & Friends
2025-11-22 | Snowbird’s Chalet, 19 Balsam Avenue, Bragg Creek, Alberta, T0L 0K0, Canada
Bragg Creek Performing Arts Celebrates It’s 43rd Season
On September 12, 2025 Bragg Creek Performing Arts celebrated the opening of its 43rd season with a sold-out dinner concert at the Bragg Creek Snowbirds Lounge with Woodshed ( John Wort Hannam and T. Buckley performing).
The season continues on November 22, v 2025 with a dinner concert featuring Bragg Creek’s own, Dani Moon and friends performing.
Dani Moon’s music spans various genres, reflecting a blend of contemporary sounds, appealing to a diverse listener base.
Look forward to our Spring 2026 concert series featuring Shaye Zadravec and Dave Gunning.
Tickets for all concerts are available at: braggcreekperformingarts.com or call Ticketpro at 1-888-665-9090

DeWinton Christmas Market
2025-11-22 10:00 - 16:00 | De Winton Community Hall, 114 Macleod Trail E, De Winton, Alberta, T0L 0X0, Canada

The Boars Head
2025-11-28 19:00
Join Shakespeare’s most beloved drunken clown Falstaff as he tries to keep the favour of Prince Hal and his kinsmen in “The Boar’s Head”.
The team at The Shakespeare Company have woven together a collection of the bard’s best comic scenes set in a tavern, and partnered with Eau Claire Distillery to create a fun and immersive theatre experience!
For 4 nights Only, “The Boar’s Head” will take over the Speakeasy at Eau Claire Distillery in Turner Valley.
Come early to enjoy some food and drink and then sit back with a cup of sack and enjoy the show.
Doors open at 6pm – Bar and food service available
Show starts at 7pm – approx 75 min
Speakeasy remains open until 10pm
Friday November 28, Saturday November 29, Friday December 5 & Saturday December 6

Beneath the Arch: The Hearts
2025-11-29 19:30 - 21:30 | Flare ‘n Derrick Community Hall, 129 Main Street NE, Turner Valley, Canada

Hodgins Fine Art Auction
2025-12-01

Square Butte Christmas Concert
2025-12-07 17:30
Planning has begun for Square Butte’s Christmas Concert! We are looking for talented people to take part. If you or someone you know would love to share your gift, please reach out! Talents can include: pianists, singers, storytellers, musicians, dancers, family skits or plays. A huge part of our concert is a basket raffle to support a local family in need. If you would like to donate an item for our raffle baskets, please contact Kristen Coles at (403-874-1943) Come for some festive fun. Christmas carols, cookies and hot chocolate. PLEASE BRING YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY APPETIZER FOR EVERYONE TO SHARE AND ONE SMALL GIFT PER CHILD TO PUT IN SANTA’S SACK. (FREE BEVERAGES WILL BE PROVIDED)

Wine & Spirits Auction
2025-12-08

The Diamond Valley Singers 2025 Holiday Concert
2025-12-14 14:00 | Sheep River Library, 129 Main Street NW, Turner Valley, Alberta, T0L 2A0, Canada
The Diamond Valley Singers Present Their 2025 Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 14, at 2:00 p.m. at the Sheep River Library
Hosted by Doris Daley with special guests The Christmas Belles
Admission is free; donations are gratefully accepted. Light refreshments will follow.

Swap Donkey Presents: Nuncrackers Holiday Musical
2025-12-18 19:00
Nuncrackers – December 18-21, 2024:
The Christmas musical, Nuncrackers, was a hit last season! Audiences loved it so much we are bringing it back to our theatre this holiday season.
It stars the nuns you love, plus Father Virgil and Mount Saint Helen’s most talented students, in the first TV special taped in the Cable Access Studio built by Reverend Mother in the convent basement. This show is filled with wacky Nunsense humour! Certain to tickle your funny bone and likely to tug at your heartstrings, Nuncrackers is the perfect way to make your holiday season merry and bright (synopsis from concordtheatricals.com).
Nuncrackers runs December 18-21, 2025.Tickets for Nuncrackers and all our musical theatre productions are available on our website at www.swampdonkeytheatre.ca.
Group Tickets:
Are you interested in bringing a group to one of our performances? Please contact us at swampdonkeytheatre@gmail.com about discounted group ticket pricing. We can arrange alternate dates for your group if the performance dates currently offered don’t work for you.
Restaurant and Retail Partners:
Why not spend the day in Bragg Creek? We have partnered with eleven local restaurants, the Bragg Creek Distillers, and a number of local retail shops. Our partners offer discounts on meals and beverages on performance dates when you present your Swamp Donkey performance ticket. A complete list of our partners and their offers is available on our website. We look forward to seeing you at the theatre!

Swap Donkey Presents: Imagine A Dragon The Musical
2026-03-06 19:00
Join our youth musical theatre course participants for our production of Imagine A Dragon!
SYNOPSIS:
The dragon is back in town! Well… not really. That’s the story a ragtag band of innkeepers makes up, desperate to draw questing heroes to the struggling Dancing Dragon Inn. Soon the inn is full of unexpected guests, from an army of princesses out to prove their bravery, to a group of overwhelmed heroes trying to hold onto their fame. But what happens if they all discover the innkeepers’ dragon story is made up? Could there be more than one way to save the day? An epic folk-rock score brings magic to this funny, heartfelt fantasy musical. (synopsis from bbbpress.com)
Imagine A Dragon is presented through special arrangement with Beat by Beat Press (bbbpress.com).
PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES:
Performances March 6 to 7, 2026:
• Friday, March 6, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
PRODUCTION INFORMATION:
Please note that all tickets are for rush seating.
Theatre doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
This musical is suitable for audience members of all ages.
Run time is approximately 45 minutes.
TICKETS:
https://swampdonkeytheatre.ca/imagine-a-dragon-tickets/
