Jan-Feb

New Music Festival

Utilizing various Winnipeg venues such as Centennial Concert Hall, Westminster United Church and Winnipeg Art Gallery, this is the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s signature annual event. Over 50 pieces are performed during this week, half of which have been written by local and Canadian composers.

FEB

Festival du Voyageur

A popular 10-day festival, which began in Winnipeg but is now celebrated throughout Manitoba, is a celebration of the vibrant history, natural beauty and culture of the region. Voyageur Park serves as the primary venue, and many visitors choose to spend time at historic Fort Gibraltar as well. Traditional foods and drinks are offered, including pea soup, pouline, and maple taffy, along with caribou, a fortified wine served in an ice glass. See traditional costumes, enjoy French Canadian music and shop for cool souvenirs. Voyageur Park is located in Saint-Boniface, Winnipeg.

Feb-Mar

Winnipeg Music Festival

Three weeks of outstanding musical performances comprise this popular fest, featuring outstanding choirs, amazing concerts and some of the best vocalists you have ever heard. The festival has been celebrated for nearly a century, growing to one with thousands of entries in hundreds of classes. Most of the participants hail from Manitoba, Ontario and the northern U.S. A variety of Winnipeg venues are utilized for this enormous festival.

MAR

Freeze Frame International Film Festival

Two locations and three venues are utilized for this annual festival of film held in Winnipeg. Twenty-five of the best films created especially for children and young adults from all over the world are offered, and admission prices are quite reasonable. Workshops are offered in conjunction with this fest.

APR

WPG Comedy Festival

This yuck-a-thon is the flagship event of the Gas Station Arts Centre. Free performances are offered at downtown malls and public library, while ticketed events are held at The GSAC and other venues. The website offers a nice schedule of performances with ticket and location information.

JUN

Winnipeg International Jazz Festival

An outstanding array of talented musicians head to Winnipeg in June to celebrate this fantastic jazz festival. Several venues are utilized, including the Burton Cummings Theatre, Old Market Square, King’s Head Pub and the West End Cultural Centre, among others.

Kidsfest

Head to The Forks in downtown Winnipeg for this popular children’s festival, boasting a ton of hands-on activities for kids. Four tents are set up with performers scheduled to entertain the whole family.

Aboriginal Day Live and Celebration

This yearly fest draws 30,000 people who enjoy free, family-friendly events such as storytelling, kids' activities, live art and demonstrations, music and dance, plus lots of delicious food. A live concert is offered in the evening; all festivities take place at The Forks in downtown Winnipeg.

The Red River Exhibition

The Ex is held annually in June, a family-friendly summertime fair. Enjoy outstanding live concerts, a fun midway, animal shows and exhibitions, fireworks, a parade and of course, the best food! The fair is held at Red River Exhibition Park.

JUL

Winnipeg Folk Festival 

One of North America’s premier outdoor music festivals, the Winnipeg Folk Festival attracts more than 70,000 music fans to Birds Hill Provincial Park, located just northeast of the city. Complementing the music are dozens of artisans who sell homemade creations in the Hand-Made Village, with a number of eateries providing all sorts of mouthwatering dishes prepared using local and organic foods. Free bus service to the fest is provided from downtown Winnipeg. 

Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival

This particular Fringe Festival is North America’s second largest of its type, and it’s been going strong for a quarter of a century. Independent performances are offered by over 170 companies who come here from across the country and around the world, giving audiences something to cheer about and something to think about. Indoor and outdoor locations are utilized, including the historic Old Market Square. Kids Fringe features lots to do and see for families and their children. The website is a great source of information.

AUG

Folklorama

This celebration of diversity was inaugurated in 1970, expanding to two weeks with more than twenty pavilions scattered throughout the city. Visitors enjoy talented live performers and storytellers who offer an insight into various cultures from across the world. Come widen your perspective and learn something new!

SEP

Winnipeg International Writers Festival

Also known as “Thin Air”, this annual festival celebrates writers and readers, inspiring people to read and dream, sparking curiosity, conversations and imagination. Attend readings, lectures, interviews, book launches and other events.

NOV

Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade

This parade is a great way to kick off the holidays with your family! Held in the evening at The Forks in downtown Winnipeg, the parade is complemented by entertainment and fireworks. Other businesses in the area join in the fun as well. Food vendors are located along the parade route. This parade has been going strong for over a hundred years.