Honouring 90 Years of the Pembina Valley Music Festival

The Manitou Opera House is proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone in our region’s cultural landscape: the 90th anniversary of the Pembina Valley Music Festival. Since 1935, this cherished event has played a vital role in encouraging musical growth, education, and performance among young people across the Pembina Valley. Generations of students have taken the stage to share their talents, gain confidence, and receive valuable guidance from professional adjudicators — all in the spirit of learning and artistic development.

Over the decades, the Festival has become much more than a musical event; it’s a longstanding community tradition that continues to bring families, educators, and audiences together in support of youth and the arts. As one of the venues that has hosted Festival performances, the Opera House has witnessed firsthand the dedication and heart that participants bring to each note and every performance.

This 90th anniversary is also an opportunity to recognize the unsung heroes who keep the Festival running year after year. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers and the hardworking festival committee — both past and present — whose behind-the-scenes efforts ensure the continued success of this important event. Their commitment and passion make a lasting impact not only on performers, but on the cultural vitality of the region.

As the Pembina Valley Music Festival celebrates this milestone year, we join the community in reflecting on its legacy and looking ahead to a bright and musical future. Congratulations to everyone who has been part of the Festival’s incredible 90-year journey!