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Cronquist House and Festival Hall Rental

Please download either the Cronquist House or Festival Hall Booking Form and return the completed form by:

             Email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

             Fax at (403) 347-8759.

You will be contacted by a representative to set up an appointment time.

Reservations for the Cronquist House Tea Room and Holiday Events

To reserve a spot for dining at the Cronquist House please contact us by:

            Phone at (403) 436-0055

            Email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Who We Were

The Red Deer International Folk Festival Society

The Red Deer International Folk Festival Society was formed in 1969. The Society organized the first Folk Festival Celebration in Western Canada, known today as the Canada Day Celebration. This Canada Celebration was first held at the Lindsay Thurber High School, before being moved to the old exhibition grounds where the arena and curling rink are situated. 

In 1976, the International Folk Festival Society created one of the first multicultural centres in Alberta by saving and re-locating the Cronquist house to its present site in Bower ponds.The Canada Day celebrations are now held at this site and have become a beloved Central Alberta tradition. 2019 will mark the 50th anniversary of both the society's formation, and of Red Deer's Canada Day Celebration!

Who We Are

Becoming the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society

In 1996, the Red Deer International Folk Festival Society changed its name to the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society to better represent its member groups, which include many of Red Deer's ethnic-cultural societies. 

Since its formation, the Society has sponsored and provided entertainment for many local, national and international events through the operation of Cronquist House, Festival Hall, and the production of Canada Day.

Visit Our Museum and Gallery at the Cronquist House!

Learn about the different cultures that inhabit Red Deer at our Multicultural Exhibition & Learning Centre - Opening Soon!

Dance the Night Away at Festival Hall!

Festival Hall is a unique and original space that can be used as a meeting place for your special event or cultural occasion. With a very high ceiling, four huge windows and a mezzanine along the full length of the building, Festival Hall has an unparalleled ambiance.

Historically, Festival Hall was part of the Armory and was used as a shooting range. It was later transformed into an assembly hall, then became a gymnasium used by Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School. In 1992, the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society acquired Festival Hall. In the same vein of renovating the Cronquist House, they proceeded to renovate the old gymnasium and turned it into a warm and attractive community hall.

In 2018, Festival Hall underwent renovations to update its interior.

The updated Festival Hall is now available to rent!

Festival Hall Features:

• A Main Hall with a hardwood floor accompanied by a raised area that can act as a stage,

• A large mezzanine over the main hall,

• An upstairs meeting room, and

• A large kitchen available for food service and storage.

For more information on booking Festival Hall contact the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society at:

A Perfect place for meetings, retreats, parties, weddings, & teas!

Built in 1911 by Emmanuel Cronquist, this 8-bedroom Victorian-style farmhouse has an inviting wrap around porch. Its Queen Anne tower is a familiar icon in and around the        Red Deer area. Surprisingly enough, it is not a brick-built house. It is made completely of wood, with a decorative brick facing that runs all the way around the house on the first two floors.

In 1976, the house was 'rescued' by the Red Deer International Folk Festival Society (now the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society), and was brought across the Red Deer      River to where it stands today, overlooking Bower Ponds. The house has lived many "lives" over that past 100 years: a family home, a tearoom, a multi-cultural center,             and a historical symbol.

The Cronquist House:

• Operates year-round as a private rental space for parties and meetings which can include catering services,
• The Tea House when not booked for a private event usually operates from May - December 11 am to 4  pm, Wednesday - Saturday for lunch, snacks and drinks, besides hot and cold drinks we also offer wine and beer. 
• Holds special holiday functions including the International Christmas Tea, the Victorian Christmas Dinner, and Mother’s Day Tea , etc.