Celebrate Good Times with the Best Festivals in Winnipeg
Winnipeg festivals are like a good book—you dive into one, and before you know it, hours have flown by. This city has mastered the art of creating moments that pull you in and keep you coming back for more.
From outdoor concerts that have you swaying under the summer sun to cultural celebrations bursting with flavor and energy, each festival tells its own story.
It’s hard not to get caught up in the good vibes, the delicious food, and the unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or exploring the scene for the first time, Winnipeg has an event that’s just right for you.
Cultural Festivals
Folklorama
– Media credit: folklorama
Month: August
Location: Various locations throughout Winnipeg
Contact: [email protected]
Folklorama features over 40 pavilions. Each one is dedicated to a different culture that pops up all over the city.
Community centers and halls transform into temporary embassies of music, food, and art. This festival is worth checking out if you’re interested in exploring different cultures.
Some pavilions also offer storytelling sessions, showcase traditional clothing, and even host workshops where you can learn something new.
The performances are impressive, too. You’ll see traditional dances and drumming groups. A few pavilions even bring in artists from other countries, which is really cool.
| Pro Tip: Consider booking a VIP Tour. These tours provide transportation between pavilions, saving you time and eliminating the hassle of navigating on your own. |
Festival du Voyageur
– Media credit: fdvoyageur
Month: February
Location: Fort Gibraltar in St. Boniface
Contact: +1 204-237-7692
This festival celebrates Canada’s fur-trading history and French heritage through a variety of activities. You’ll find live music, dance shows, snow sculptures, and food.
The shows are especially family-friendly. Kids will love the variety of activities designed just for them. There are interactive games and hands-on workshops that bring culture to life.
One thing to keep in mind is the parking situation. It’s limited and costs $10. Organizers strongly recommend using shuttle buses, carpooling, or taking a cab to avoid any hassle.
| Pro Tip: For a quieter experience, try visiting on a weekday. This allows for more meaningful interactions and a less crowded festival ground. |
Manito Ahbee Festival
– Media credit: manitoahbee
Month: May
Location: Various locations throughout Winnipeg
Contact: +1 204-956-1849
The Manito Ahbee Festival is a vibrant showcase of Indigenous culture. It features a diverse range of events, including the International Pow Wow and Indigenous Marketplace. These events blend traditional practices with contemporary expressions.
The International Pow Wow draws huge crowds. It’s recognized as one of the largest of its kind in North America. With hundreds of dancers and drum groups participating, it’s a visual feast of traditional regalia and movement.
The festival also places a strong emphasis on youth through its NextGEN program. It focuses on cultural education and leadership development.
Meanwhile, the Indigenous Marketplace offers a chance to explore and purchase unique crafts directly from Indigenous artisans.
| Pro Tip: Make the most of your Manito Ahbee experience by witnessing the Lighting of the Sacred Fire. This powerful ceremony sets the stage for the entire celebration. |
Music Festivals
Jazz Winnipeg Festival
– Media credit: jazzwinnipeg
Month: June
Location: Burton Cummings Theatre and Knox United Church
Contact: [email protected]
The Jazz Winnipeg Festival is the city’s biggest music bash. It draws massive crowds to the historic Exchange District every year. They cover the entire jazz spectrum, from smooth and mellow to downright funky.
The shows take place at various downtown venues. It includes the elegant Burton Cummings Theatre and the cool Knox United Church.
For those new to the genre, the festival offers “How to Listen to Jazz” sessions. It’s designed to help newcomers understand and appreciate jazz music.
| Pro Tip: Looking for a free event? The opening weekend at The Cube is the place to be. You can enjoy outstanding jazz performances under the open sky without spending a dime. |
Winnipeg Folk Festival
– Media credit: winnipegfolkfestival
Month: July
Location: Birds Hill Provincial Park
Contact: [email protected]
The Winnipeg Folk Festival is a major event, drawing over 70,000 music lovers each year.
They showcase a wide range of genres. It includes traditional folk and world music, with performances across multiple stages.
It’s more than just a summer event—they also run the Folk School. It offers workshops and classes on instruments, songwriting, and other folk arts. Families are also welcome, as kids 12 and under get in free.
For those eager to dive into the festival vibe, on-site camping is available. However, if you’re bringing an RV or trailer, you’ll need to secure the required permits in advance.
| Pro Tip: Pre-purchase your tickets online a few weeks before the festival. It’s the easiest way to avoid long lines and ensure you don’t miss out on the fun. |
Winnipeg New Music Festival
– Media credit: wnmfestival
Month: January
Location: Centennial Concert Hall
Contact: +1 204-949-3999
Tired of the same old tunes? The Winnipeg New Music Festival (WNMF) is your portal to a world of groundbreaking compositions and electrifying performances.
The festival boasts a series of captivating concerts. Each one showcases the cutting edge of contemporary music.
Opening night sets the stage with a performance conducted by acclaimed Canadian composer, Samy Moussa.
Throughout the event, the renowned Attacca Quartet takes center stage. Their performances build anticipation for the grand finale, Absolute Jest. Conducted by WSO Music Director Daniel Raiskin, this final performance promises to leave a lasting impression.
| Pro Tip: Want to dive deeper into the music? Many WNMF concerts include pre-concert talks with composers and performers. These sessions offer insights into their creative process and inspiration. |
Theatre and Arts Festivals
Winnipeg Fringe Festival
– Media credit: winnipegfringe
Month: July
Location: Exchange District
Contact: [email protected]
Ever heard of organized chaos? That’s the Winnipeg Fringe in a nutshell. This theater festival has grown into North America’s second-largest since its start in 1988, just behind Edmonton’s Fringe.
Over 170 theatre companies from around the world descend on the city to share their artistic visions.
You can enjoy hilarious comedies, powerful dramas, and mind-blowing improv. There are also stunning dance performances and kid-friendly shows.
The Fringe operates on a simple yet revolutionary principle: no juries, no censorship. Artists have complete freedom to create whatever their hearts desire. This “anything goes” approach offers an unpredictable and exciting mix of productions.
And here’s the kicker: every penny from ticket sales goes straight to the artists.
| Pro Tip: To maximize your festival experience, consider purchasing a Frequent Fringer Pass. This allows you to attend multiple shows at a discounted rate. |
Nuit Blanche Winnipeg
– Media credit: nbwpg
Month: September
Location: Historic Exchange District, Downtown, St. Boniface & The Forks
Contact: [email protected]
Since its debut in 2010, this all-night art extravaganza has become a beloved Winnipeg institution. It’s like a city-wide art party, drawing crowds to experience art in unexpected places.
The event spans multiple zones. It includes the historic Exchange District, the bustling Downtown core, the charming St. Boniface, and the iconic Forks. Each zone offers a diverse collection of installations, performances, and exhibitions.
But what makes this festival special is its emphasis on interaction. Many artworks are designed to be touched, played with, and experienced. This fun approach creates a dynamic dialogue between the art and the viewer.
The best part? It’s completely free—no tickets, no entry fees. To help you navigate the sprawling art landscape, Nuit Blanche provides free trolley and boat services that connect the different zones.
| Pro Tip: Start your evening in one of the less crowded zones, such as St. Boniface. Then, make your way to busier areas like the Exchange District. |
Winnipeg Comedy Festival
– Media credit: wpgcomfest
Month: April
Location: Gas Station Arts Centre and the Burton Cummings Theatre
Contact: +1 204-284-9477
Launched in 2002 by Lara Rae and CBC Radio’s Tom Anniko, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival has become a cornerstone of Winnipeg’s cultural scene.
Produced by the Gas Station Arts Centre, it’s grown far beyond a weekend event. The festival now includes year-round programs, tours bringing comedy to rural communities, and even TV broadcasts.
The festival showcases various comedic styles, from stand-up and sketch to improv. This attracts top talent from Canada and beyond.
You’ll find performances happening at venues across the city. It includes the Gas Station Arts Centre (their home base) and the grand Burton Cummings Theatre.
For those looking to hone their skills in comedy, you can join workshops on various topics. These range from finding your stage persona (“How to Be Your Authentic Self on Stage”) to practical aspects of the business (“Funny Money”).
| Pro Tip: Don’t risk getting stuck with a less-than-ideal view. Arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime to secure the best seats in the house. |
Food and Beverage Festivals
StrEAT Feast
– Media credit: streatfeast.ca
Month: August
Location: The Forks CN Stage & Field
Contact: You may contact them here
The StrEAT Feast offers a celebration of global flavors in Winnipeg and Manitoba. You’ll find a wide variety of street food and cultural specialties representing different corners of the globe.
The festival also features local vendors (both food and non-food) and live performances by local musicians and artists. It provides a platform for cultural and non-profit organizations to showcase their work.
Throughout the event, various activities and programs are available. It’s designed to be a family-friendly atmosphere filled with entertainment, a bustling market, and plenty to explore.
Best of all, admission is free. You can visit and save your budget for food or other treats.
| Pro Tip: Want to stay in the loop? Follow StrEAT Feast on Instagram for the latest announcements, vendor highlights, and schedule. |
Winnipeg Beer Fest
– Media credit: wpgbeerfest
Month: August
Location: Fort GibraltarFort Gibraltar
Contact: [email protected]
The Winnipeg Beer Fest is a haven for anyone who appreciates a good brew (or cider, or spirit). It’s all about showcasing the best of Manitoba’s craft beverage scene.
The festival offers two sessions: one in the afternoon and another in the evening. This lets you choose a time that suits your schedule.
Your ticket grants unlimited samples from over 20 of Manitoba’s top breweries and distilleries. With more than 60 different products to explore, there’s something for every taste.
If you get hungry, food trucks on-site provide plenty of tasty options to pair with your drinks.
Held against the historic backdrop of Fort Gibraltar, the festival has a unique atmosphere that elevates the whole tasting experience.
| Pro Tip: Check the festival program or website beforehand to maximize your tasting experience. |
Winnipeg Wine Festival
– Media credit: wpgwinefest
Month: September
Location: Various locations throughout Winnipeg
Contact: [email protected]
The Winnipeg Wine Festival isn’t just about getting a good buzz—it’s a key fundraiser for Special Olympics Manitoba and one of Canada’s premier wine events.
Wine is the highlight, but Winnipeg’s craft drinks also draw in beverage lovers. Some of the best breweries in Winnipeg also contribute to this vibrant scene.
The festival offers a range of experiences, from large public tastings to elegant gala dinners. The public tastings are a major highlight. They feature hundreds of wines from around the world, including over 300 selections from 100 producers.
| Pro Tip: For a more curated wine experience, check out the WineDown event. It provides an intimate and unique wine-tasting opportunity to connect with winemakers. |