👋 Hello Neighbours!
Spring is in full swing across the Foothills, and this weekend is absolutely stacked — from a massive farmers' market opening day to live music at a distillery speakeasy, a concert celebrating Canada's rock legends, and a thoughtful community choir performance. Whether you're planning a family outing, hunting for local artisan goods, or just looking for a great excuse to get out of the house — we've got your weekend sorted. Read on!
✨ In Today's Edition:
🎵 The Speakeasy Sessions return at Eau Claire Distillery with live music
🛍️ Millarville Spring Market — over 100 vendors, opening day of the season
🎸 Canada Rocks! — a high-energy tribute to Canadian rock legends
🎶 Foothills Philharmonic Chorus performs "We Can Mend the Sky"
🌳 Community Clean Up & Tree Planting in Okotoks
🔧 Emergency Preparedness Open House in High River
📚 High River Library closes for maintenance — what you need to know
🌟 Community Spotlight
Millarville Spring Market — Opening Day of the Season
It only happens once before summer, and if you've never been, this is the one to put on your radar. The Millarville Farmers' Market Spring Market returns Saturday, May 9th from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Millarville Racetrack, bringing together over 100 local farmers, food producers, artisans, and makers for a single glorious opening-day celebration. Think handmade goods, fresh local food, and the kind of community energy that only shows up when everyone's been cooped up all winter and finally gets to gather in the sunshine. Entry is by donation (suggested $3), parking is free, and it's the perfect way to kick off market season in the Foothills. Pets are not permitted on site. Questions? Reach out to [email protected].
Location: Millarville Racetrack, 306097 192 St W, Diamond Valley
Date: Saturday, May 9, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📰 News from the Foothills
High River Library Closes for Maintenance — May 10 to 24
If you're a regular at the High River Library, mark your calendar: the library is closing its doors for building maintenance from May 10 through May 24. The closure covers nearly two full weeks of programming, meaning all events, workshops, and drop-in sessions at the library are cancelled during this period. The building itself will have reduced access on certain days as work is completed. Regular hours are expected to return on May 25. In the meantime, residents looking for library services can visit the Sheep River Library in Diamond Valley (129 Main St NW) or the Okotoks Public Library (23 Riverside Dr). Both branches have active spring programming running through the month.
Emergency Preparedness Open House — High River Fire Department
Saturday, May 10th brings a valuable community event: the High River Fire Department is hosting an Emergency Preparedness Open House from 10:00 AM at the fire hall (1010 5th St SE). This is a hands-on chance to connect with first responders, learn about emergency planning for your household, and make sure your family is ready for whatever Alberta weather throws at us. Free, open to all ages — well worth a stop if you're already out for the Millarville market day.
📅 Events
🗓️ Friday, May 8
🏪 Showcase High River Business Passport — All day, Participating High River Businesses, High River. Visit local shops and businesses as part of this community commerce event.
🎶 "We Can Mend the Sky" — Foothills Philharmonic Chorus — 7:00 PM, Okotoks Alliance Church, 322183 15 St E, Okotoks. An inspiring choral performance from one of the region's beloved community choruses. (Also performing Saturday May 9 at 3:00 PM at the same venue.)
🎵 High River Legion — Shake Rattle and Roll — 7:00 PM, High River Legion, 25 8 Ave SE, High River. Live music night at the legion.
🔨 Mother's Day Metal Stamping Workshop — 2:00 PM, Okotoks Public Library, 23 Riverside Dr, Okotoks. A fun and creative workshop perfect for making a personalized Mother's Day gift.
🗓️ Saturday, May 9
🛍️ Millarville Spring Market — 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Millarville Racetrack, Diamond Valley. Over 100 local vendors — opening day of the season. Entry by donation ($3 suggested), free parking, no pets. (See Community Spotlight above.)
🌳 Community Clean Up & Tree Planting 2026 — 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 99 Woodhaven Dr, Okotoks. A great way to give back to your community while the morning is fresh — pull on some gloves and help green up Okotoks for the season. Free, drop-in welcome.
🎨 Ladies' Day Out: Papercutting Workshop — 10:00 AM, Okotoks Art Gallery, 53 N Railway St, Okotoks. A creative and relaxing craft workshop for a great morning out.
🏪 3rd Annual Geartrade Garage Sale — 10:00 AM, Geartrade, 6 Fisher Crescent, Okotoks. Score deals on outdoor gear and sports equipment at this popular annual sale.
🎸 Canada Rocks! — 2:00 PM, Viking Rental Centre, 204 Community Way, Okotoks. A high-energy celebration of Canadian rock legends. This sounds like a great afternoon show for music fans of all ages.
🎵 The Speakeasy Sessions: Lucky Sonne & Jed and the Valentine — Doors 6:00 PM / Show 7:00 PM, Eau Claire Distillery, 123 Sunset Blvd, Diamond Valley/Turner Valley. Eau Claire's beloved intimate live music series is back.
🎤 Matt Epp Live in The Listening Room — 8:00 PM, Tribal Connection Market, 41 McRae St, Okotoks. An intimate evening of live music with singer-songwriter Matt Epp in one of Okotoks' most unique venues.
🗓️ Tuesday, May 12
🌿 Gut Health Workshop: "Fix that BLOATING for good!" — 5:00 PM, 46 Elma St W, Okotoks. A practical wellness workshop for anyone looking to improve their digestive health.
🦎 Native Prairie Speaker Series: Diet Analysis of Prairie Amphibians — 12:00 PM, Online (Zoom). A fascinating free webinar for nature enthusiasts and conservation-minded Foothills residents.
☀️ Weather (Foothills Snapshot)
Classic Alberta spring on the way — expect variable conditions with mild afternoons and cool evenings. Typical Foothills highs this time of year sit around 14–18°C with lows near 2–5°C overnight. If you're heading out to the Millarville market Saturday morning, bring a light layer for the early hours. Check Environment Canada's forecast for Okotoks/High River for the most current conditions.
💬 What Locals Are Talking About
🌸 Market Season Opening: The Millarville Spring Market is THE local buzz this week — it's one of those events that signals the real start of spring in the Foothills, and with over 100 vendors, it draws folks from across the region.
🎵 Live Music Back in Full Swing: Between Canada Rocks!, the Speakeasy Sessions, Matt Epp at Tribal Connection, the Foothills Philharmonic, and the Legion's Shake Rattle and Roll — this might be one of the best weekends for live music the Foothills has seen in months.
📚 High River Library Closure: The two-week maintenance closure is already generating questions in the community. Sheep River Library and Okotoks Public Library are your best alternatives in the meantime.
👉 That's your weekend map, neighbours!
Whether you're spending Saturday morning at the market, catching a show, or just enjoying the longer evenings — there's something for everyone this week in the Foothills. Got an event coming up? We'd love to share it — drop us a note at [email protected]. See you next week! 🌄