Do you think there is nothing to do in Spring? Think again.
In Manitoba, Spring is a favourite season because it means the end of a long winter, and Summer is just around the corner. Many festivals begin,and places like The Forks get ready for all of their outdoor entertainment.
We have a list of 45 things you might want to do this Spring in Manitoba. From events to tours and places to visit, you’ll want to cram this whole list into the next three months.
Please verify all events, before travelling.
- If you haven’t already, book your Manitoba Parks camping sites. The reservations started on March 23 for the 2020 season with 3 separate phases of booking. It is not yet late to snag your favourite campground for the weekend of your choice.
- The annual Asessippi Slush Cup is on their last day of the skiing season. You’re sure to kick off Spring with a splash as you ski right into the water.
- RBW’s 80 Years – A Retrospective illuminates three artistic directors whose vision each had a momentous role in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s history.
- Compete for the grand prize of $15,000 at the 17th annual Falcon Lake Winter Fish-Off.
- Learn how to make beautiful pysanka at the Oseredok Pysanky Paint Night. Fridays, March 13, 20 & 27, 2020
- Compete in the Bill Bannock Classic Ice Fishing Derby on April 4, 2020 at Clearwater Lake.
- Visit Saint Pierre Jolys Museum, to celebrate the arrival of spring and the production of local Manitoba Maple Syrup. Learn first-hand about the production of maple syrup, taste delicious “taffy on the snow”, taking a tour of the museum and the Goulet House, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride! and go home laden with maple candies, maple syrup and all things maple!
- From March 28 to April 3, see the very best international variety artists, acrobats, jugglers, and magicians at the Festival of Fools.
- See the world’s most prestigious advertising awards at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity Encore from April 1 to 4, 2020.
- Test your wit and teamwork skills as your group of 3-6 people try to escape the Arthur E. McGavin’s doctors office in 1918? Don’t miss Escape room from April 8 – May 8, 2020 @ Fort la Reine Museum, Portage la Prairie.
- If you’ve never had the chance to view the ice breakup on Lake Winnipeg, you’ll want to do that this spring. At Gimli, it’s one of the best places to see the spectacle of the ice crackling and popping as it breaks apart.
- McCreary’s Manitoba Maple Syrup Festival celebrates by experience the local producers, the culture, the heritage and the land that dominates this region. April 4 – 5, 20120
- As the snow melts and the sun shines, it’s time to get things that cool us down. Ice-cream is a wonderful spring and summer treat, and as spring blooms, many of the seasonal ice-cream shops open their windows. Try out one of these popular ice-cream places in Manitoba.
- All Nations Tribal Days is a combination of activities for the Portage la Prairie area and surrounding communities. It engages sports, entertainment and provides a new opportunity to build and enhance relationships.
- Watch the spring migration of amazing hawks and eagles through Manitoba’s scenic Pembina Valley. La Riviere Raptor Festival 2020, which will be held over two days. The first day will focus on youth and children programs and activities, including nature walks, virtual reality technology and live wildlife raptor ambassadors! Explore and celebrate the Pembina Valley as one of North America’s top site for spring migrating Red-Tail Hawks and other raptors on the second day. Dress for the weather, bring camera and binoculars and enjoy some time outdoors.
- From April 17 to 18, enjoy Manitoba Metalfest.
- Spring is a great time to go outside. Although the greenery hasn’t bloomed yet, the breaking and melting ice leaves behind picturesque scenery. Go for a hike and enjoy Spring!.
- Enjoy the Wines of Argentina at the Winnipeg Wine Festival. There is a full week of festivities for you to enjoy with many WineDown Events, Gala Dinner & Auction, and signature Public Tastings. April 26 – May 2, 2020
- Canada’s funniest comics converge on Winnipeg for seven days of hilarious stand-up, sketch, and improvisational comedy. This nationally televised festival delivers the laughs at venues throughout Winnipeg ranging from large theatres to intimate clubs.
- The Architecture + Design Film Festival (A+DFF) presents critically acclaimed films focusing on the importance of architecture and design in everyday life.
- Plan to attend the annual Rippin’ and Roarin’ Bull Riding held at the Shamrock Centre in the Paterson Arena. The bulls and riders as well as the rodeo clown put on a great show for the crowd on May 2, 2020.
- The ever so popular St. Norbert Farmers’ Market heads outdoors in May. This market has been around for 30 years and is still one of Manitoba’s most popular markets
- Celebrate Arbor Day with tree plantings and tree climbing demonstrations along with games and activities for kids on April 24, 2020. On May 10, 2020, bring Mom to the International Peace Garden for our Mother’s Day Brunch. Enjoy and roast beef and chicken buffet and then take in our world class collection at The Conservatory which is one of the largest unique species collections in the world boasting over 5000+ unique species. Peace Garden
- Ignite your spirit and join over 800 dancers at the 2018 Manito Ahbee International Pow Wow! In addition, the Manito Ahbee Festival features an indigenous marketplace and trade show, jigging and square dance competition. May 14 – 17, 2020
- Manitoba’s premier Science Fiction & Fantasy Literary Convention focuses on science fiction, fantasy and related literary genres in any form. Keycon 2020 on May 15 – 17, 2020.
- The Forks in Winnipeg really becomes alive in Spring into Summer. If you’ve never been to The Forks, you should go during the Spring months to listen to the buskers. Hundreds of buskers compete to against one another to be one of the handfuls of buskers who can perform. You’ll be entertained with music all day.
- Experience an up-close encounter with amazing stingrays at Stingray Beach! Dip your hands in the shallow pool to feel cownose and southern stingrays flutter past your fingers.
- Participate in the Epic East Gate Trail Run on May 30, 2020 at the Riding Mountain National Park.
- Pride Winnipeg is one of the largest celebrations between Toronto and Vancouver of LGBTTQ people and their allies, supporters and friends. May 22 – 31, 2020.
- The warmer it gets in spring, the closer you get to the snakes emerging from their dens at the Narcisse Snake Dens. Snake viewing lasts until about the beginning of June before they head back to their dens over the summer months. Mid-to-late May is the best time to go in spring.
- Celebrate Manitoba Day at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum & Campground. After Singing “Happy Birthday Manitoba”, wander through the Homesteaders’ Village and discover the life of the Pioneers who created their Homesteads in what would become the province of Manitoba!
- The annual Falcon Lake Walleye Masters Cup is on June 6th. Grab your fishing buddies and enter in a team to try and win the fishing derby.
- Celebrate the kick off to summer with midway rides, fair food, traditional Home Craft competitions, classic car show, demo derby and quality family entertainment. Manitoba Summer Fair on June 3 – 7, 2020 in Brandon.
- Watch The Winter’s Tale at this year’s Shakespeare in the Ruins. Presented in French and English, the cultures of Sicily and Bohemia are re-imagined as Anglo-Franco relations in modern day Manitoba.
- Spring can get busy, so take a weekend with the family to relax and unwind. Head to Falcon Trails Resort to enjoy one of the most beautiful areas of Whiteshell Provincial Park.
- Join the migration of returning Snow Geese. and explore the excellent birding opportunities to be found in Churchill. See a wide variety of bird species, while keeping a sharp eye out for such rarities as the Ross’s Gull, Bohemian Waxwing and Harris’s Sparrow. Led by a birding expert, this 6-day program is focused on full-time birding! June 4 – 9, 2020 at Churchill Northern Studies Centre. Spring’s Wings: Birding in Churchill.
- Manitoba’s largest Truck & Tractor Pull takes place from May 29 to 30.
- Explore ocean habitats, meet fascinating creatures, and use the powers of science and teamwork to solve problems, help marine animals, and foil the villains’ nefarious plans in the exhibition based on the popular PBS Kids’ series, Wild Kratts®.
- Manitoba’s largest Filipino community event, the Manitoba Filipino Festival takes place on June 13 – 14, 2020. There will be community parade, cultural celebrations and performances.
- Enjoy 4 fun filled days of activities, educational opportunities, performances and more at the Winnipeg International Kidsfest.
- The Dream Factory River City Dragon Boat Festivalon June 5- 6, 2020 is a fantastic opportunity for fun, entertainment, racing, and most importantly, to help us to Make more Dreams Come True!
- The 12th annual Chickendaze Event falls on June 12-14, 2020. Come on out and see all the great floats at the Chickendaze Parade. Children can enjoy Al Simmons, rides, baseball tournament, glitterbug family, and a petting zoo.
- Hit Main Street Steinbach to taste and see the world in highlighting foods from around the world and watch some cultural performances. Have some fun on the midway, visit the food trucks, eat mini donuts, shop the vendor booths. Summer in the City on June 19 – 21, 2020
- Join nearly 11,000 runners in a Celebration of Fitness, Family, and Fundraising on June 21, 2020 at the Manitoba Marathon.
- Is Red River Ex, a spring festival or a summer one? Which ever list it belongs to, the festival is a great way to welcome Summer! From June 12 to 21, enjoy hundreds of new and favourite events and activities at the Red River Ex.