Winnipeg
octo © Festival du Voyageur
A guide to festivals in Winnipeg – includes free fun family festivals, music festivals, food festivals, arts and science festivals, international events and more!
Click on the month below to go directly to the specific month’s festivals. Festivals that span two months are mentioned under the month which the festival begins. For example: Winnipeg New Music Festival (January end through February beginning) is mentioned under the month of January.
January; February; March; April; May; June; July; August; September; October; November; December
Please verify all details from official websites.
More To Do
January
Solo &Ensemble Festival
An adjudicated non-competitive festival which offers a performance setting for woodwind, brass and percussion players. Details
465 Stafford St, Winnipeg
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Big Fun Festival
Showcasing the best of Manitoba’s current and upcoming artists as well as some hand picked acts from across Canada, the five day festival presents multiple genres of music. Details
$60 – $80
Winnipeg New Music Festival
A celebration of new music in North America with art, food and adventure to stimulate and challenge. Details
Regular $25 – $40; Student $12 – $25;
Passes: Regular $99
February
Royal MTC Master Playwright Festival
The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre provides artists and audiences with the opportunity to celebrate the work of important playwrights. Details
Ibsen Pass $90
Forthwith Festival
$40
Shart International Comedy Film Festival
A night of comedy short films from around the world along with music, games and of course beer. Details
Early Bird $10; Regular $15; Super Deluxe $25
Festival du Voyageur
Western Canada’s largest winter festival for the whole family with lots of entertainment including music, dancing, jigging, French-Canadian food, meeting historical characters, sculptures and much more. Details
Adult (18 – 59): 10 AM to 6 PM Pass $40; All Day Tickets: $25; Voyageur Pass $75
Youth (13 – 17)/Senior (60+): 10 AM to 6 PM Pass $25; All Day Tickets: $15; Voyageur Pass $50
5 & under: Free admission
6-12 years old: $10 for a Voyageur Pass or $5 for All Day Ticket.
Winnipeg Real To Reel Film Festival
A time to enjoy cool, clean and compelling feature films, documentaries and shorts from around the world. You can also meet filmmakers who can answer any questions you might have about films. Details
$5.00/person/day, $15.00/person festival pass, $15.00 family/day, $30.00/family/festival pass
Kids 12 and under have free entrance
Optimist Concert & Jazz Band Festival
Optimist Clubs of Winnipeg International Band Festival. Details
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Winnipeg Music Festival
Season Pass: $25.00 (Choral Excellence not included)
Admission per Session: $5.00 (Children 12 and under Free)
Choral Excellence: $5.00 (Children 12 and under Free)
Cluster: New Music + Integrated Arts Festival
Cluster is Canada’s most dynamic take on contemporary art and sound. Presenting thought-provoking events and an annual core festival in Winnipeg, Cluster is a platform for artists to create, to experiment, and to collaborate. Cluster is propelled by strength found in numbers and the energy created by integrating diverse artistic communities – combining collective mentality with individual sensibility. Details
Festival Pass $30 – $60
March
Freeze Frame International Film Festival
This unique festival presents films from all over the world, exciting workshops, and free events for the whole family. Programming is offered in both French and English. Details
Single Day ticket $10/person; Single Senior Film Ticket: $4/ person; Family Day Ticket: $25/maximum four people; Family Festival Pass: $45/ maximum four people; Single Festival Pass: $25/ person
Winnipeg Whiskey Festival
A one-of-a-kind event supporting the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. Over 130 products will be featured including Scotch, Irish, Bourbon, Tennessee, Welsh and Canadian Whiskies along with some Cognac, Rum and Tequila. Details
General admission: $199.00 /person + Fees
Early bird VIP admission: $275.00 / person + Fees
Winnipeg Scottish Festival
Celebrating Scottish Heritage with bagpipers and drummers, vendors and cultural display! Details
Free and ticketed events
Evening Ceilidh: Adults (18 & up) $15.00 advance, $20.00 door; Junior (13-18) $10.00advance, $15.00 door; Kids 6-12 yrs FREE
Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival
Showcasing the best new indigenous film and video, WAFF celebrates indigenous storytelling. Details
WAFF All Access Festival Pass: $30
Daytime Screening Tickets: $5
Evening Tickets: $10
April
Manitoba Comic Con
Celebrate the best in comic books, science fiction, gaming, anime, fantasy, horror, and pop culture. Details
Manitoba MetalFest
Metal Music Festival. Details
Pass:$50.00
Winnipeg Comedy Festival
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. Details
Free & Ticketed Events
Winnipeg Wine Festival
From unique and fun ‘wine down’ events to Gala Dinner and Auction, there’s something for every wine lover at this year’s Festival. The week-long festival culminates with a signature Public Tasting. Details
Gala Dinner & Auction | May 2, 2019
Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival
Festival features regional, national, and international tellers, and encompasses a School Program and Public Events. Details
Free and open to all
MayWorks Festival of Labour and the Arts
MayWorks Festival of Labour and the Arts is a multi-disciplinary festival that focuses on working class themes. It is held in Winnipeg every year throughout the month of May to honour and promote the many positive contributions of unions and working people in general. Details
Rodarama
Annual car show by The Manitoba Street Rod Association. Details
Public admission ONLY $10 & kids under 12 get in FREE (when accompanied by an adult)
May
Architecture+Design Film Festival
Science Rendevous
Science Rendezvous is Canada’s largest celebration of the amazing feats of science and engineering. Over 6,000 of Canada’s greatest innovators, researchers, engineers, and scientists from 80 partner organizations will open their doors and close city streets to present exciting demonstrations, hands-on activities, and boom explosive experiments. From the physics of rock and roll to the chemistry of ice-cream, Science Rendezvous has something for everyone! Details
Free
Manitoba Drama Youth Festival
The Manitoba Drama Youth Festival is a festival where Manitoba students get together to share their work and participate in workshops led by Manitoba theatre professionals. Details
Registration fee per school of $50 – $70 ($30 -$50 early bird); Attendance fee per student $30 ($25 early bird)
Manito Ahbee Festival
The Manito Ahbee Festival and the Indigenous Music and Arts Program are a celebration of indigenous arts, culture and music. This annual festival features events for the whole family with one of the largest powwows in North America, an Indigenous Marketplace and Trade Show, Jigging and Square Dance competition, Indigenous Music Conference and Indigenous Music Concert!! Details
Free and ticketed events
Winnipeg International Jewish Film Festival
The Winnipeg International Jewish Film Festival presents the best feature-films and documentaries from around the globe, on subjects of Jewish identity, culture, history and diversity. Details
2019 rates TBA
2018 – $8 – $11.50
Pride Winnipeg Festival
Winnipeg’s LGBTTQ communities and their supporters come together during this 10-day festival to celebrate their pride. Details
Free and ticketed events.
Doors Open Winnipeg
Explore some of Winnipeg’s most fascinating buildings and enjoy many walking tours and events. If you love history, and appreciate unique architecture, come discover the tales held within some of Winnipeg’s most impressive walls. Details
Free
Agassiz Chamber Music Festival
Celebrating the anniversaries of composers Erik Satie and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Details
May 27 – June 2, 2019
Free – $30
Asian Canadian Festival
Celebrate Asian culture through song, music, dance, demonstrations of cultural activities and martial arts. Details
Free
Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Teddy Bears’ Picnic in support of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba has become an annual tradition for generations of families. Local entertainment, health and safety information, and fun activities for kids of all ages. Details
Free
Winnipeg Underground Film Festival (WUFF)
Saturday + Sunday @ Winnipeg Film Group Cinematheque, 100 Arthur St., Winnipeg
2019 rates TBA
2018 – $20/full festival pass
June
Community Bands Festival
Showcasing eight of Manitoba’s top community bands from a variety of genres including movie themes, Broadway, classical, marches and band arrangements of jazz and blues. Details
Free
Winnipeg International Children’s Festival (KidsFest)
Winnipeg’s premier family festival with four days of entertainment and activities, featuring artists and groups from throughout the world. A festival that is totally packed full of positive, educational entertainment that is fun to watch in a community environment crafted just for them. Details
2019 rates TBA
2018 – Free – $12.38
Flatlander’s Beer Festival
Beer Festival presented by Manitoba Liquor Marts, in support of the True North Youth Foundation. 18+. Details
2019 rates TBA
2018 – $25 – $69.95
Keeping the fires burning
Keeping the fires burning is one of Manitoba’s largest Aboriginal events that brings 700-800 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people together to honour and celebrate Manitoba’s diverse and dynamic Indigenous cultures. Details
June 13, 2019
Individual Tickets: $150.00; Registration required.
TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival
11 days of the live music from local, national and international artists. Details
Super pass: $350; 4-Show pass: $175; 3-Show pass + CMHR: $225; 3-Show pass: $115; Toe Tipper $60
Red River Exhibition
Manitoba’s largest summer fair featuring nightly concerts, the world’s largest travelling midway, family-friendly attractions and some of Manitoba’s finest agricultural exhibits. Details
Advance: $12 – $49
sākihiwē festival
Free and ticketed
Indigenous Day Live
Family-friendly activities and evening concert in recognition of National Aboriginal Day. Experience the richness of our Peoples through song, music, dance, art installations and demonstrations, storytelling, food sampling, children’s activities and more. Details
Free
Summer Entertainment Series at Assiniboine Park
A popular outdoor entertainment at Assiniboine Park with music, ballet, movies and art exhibitions. Details
Free
Northern Touch Music Festival
Hip-hop/R&B/soul act to play. 25 acts, 2 stages, 2 days of amazing music. Details
2019 rates TBA
2018 – All the events will be a cost of $10 at each venue at the door
1-day Conference Pass: $10.00
3-day Conference Only Pass: $25.00
3-day Music Only Pass: $25.00
All Access Festival Pass (Music + Conference): $50.00
July
Soca Reggae Festival Winnipeg
The Winnipeg Soca Reggae Music Festival is a celebration of Soca Reggae, Calypso and revelry mixed together with Caribbean flavours. Details
Daily Entrance Admission is $ 10.00
Children 12 yrs and Under Free with Parental Supervision!!
Winnipeg Folk Festival
Discover folk music from North America and around the world at the annual Winnipeg Folk Fest. Features a family area, camping, and delicious local and organic food in a beautiful prairie park setting. Details
Single Day Ticket (Thursday): Adult $75.00; Youth/Senior $60.00
Single Day Ticket (Friday/Saturday/Sunday): Adult $95.00; Youth/Senior $75.00
Full Festival 4-day Ticket: Early bird: Adult $208.00; Youth/Senior $139.00; Advance: Adult $238.00; Youth/Senior $154.00
Gate: Adult $258.00; Youth/Senior $164.00
Full Festival 4-day tickets with festival camping/quiet camping rates: $179 – $338
Children 12 and under get in FREE!
Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival
North America’s second-largest Fringe Festival showcases local, national and international theatre companies, offering performances of comedy, drama, improv, dance and more. Details
Freq. Fringer 14: $130
Freq. Fringer 7: $76
MTS Super-Spike
MTS Super-Spike is a combination of Western Canada’s biggest beach/outdoor volleyball tournament, mixed in with a two day concert series, all set in a festival atmosphere. Details
2019 rates TBA
2018 – Weekend Pass: Regular $35
Admission for the general public (i.e. non-volleyball participants) is available by purchasing a Weekend Pass.
MTS Super-Spike is an 18+ event and photo ID is required to gain entry. Minors can attend until 10:00 PM if they are accompanied by a parent at all times.
August
Folklorama
Multicultural event with traditional meals to lively performances by local, national and international entertainers. Experience over 40 cultural pavilions that feature amazing hospitality and a fun, celebratory atmosphere. Details
2019 rates TBA
2018 – Single admission: $6.00 per pavilion; Children 12 and under are Free when accompanied by an adult
Vickar Automotive Group Fun Pack: $54 for 12 tickets
Mini Fun Pack: $25 for 5 tickets
VIP TOURS: $69.95 (3 pavilions) & $54.95 (2 pavilions)
Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition
MEME is Western Canada’s leading electronic music and digital arts festival, featuring four days of concerts, workshops and performances throughout downtown Winnipeg. Expect to hear the latest international sounds of techno, dub, house and experimental music in a festive setting that celebrates creativity through technology. Details
2019 rates TBA
2018 – Advance All Access Festival Pass: $75 (plus fees)
Summer of Sound
Central Canada’s largest electronic music festival. Details
$74 – $128
Winnipeg International Burlesque Festival
A grassroots burlesque festival showcasing burlesque, circus performers, artists and aerialists. Details
2019 TBA
2019 – Flash sale General Admission tickets $15
Winnipeg BBQ & Blues Festival
A multi-day celebration featuring local, national, and international blues performers and a team-based barbeque competition. The festival includes food vendors and beverage offerings, a Sunday morning Gospel Brunch and three concert stages running throughout both days. Details
RibFest
Enjoy some of the best BBQ and music. Details
Winnipeg Classic Rock Fest
2018 – Early bird tickets $55 Advance tickets: $65
Gate tickets: $75
Winnipeg Chinatown Street Festival
Chinatown Street Festival beckons with merchant markets, multicultural performances, food trucks, kid’s zone and petting zoo. Details
September
ManyFest
There are many activities that make up Manyfest including food truck wars, wine & beer garden, movies in the park, live music, farmers markets, kids zone, lights on broadway, ciclovia and much more! Details
Free
Prairie Love Festival
September 7 – 9, 2018
2019 TBA
2018 – Early bird 3-day Pass: $225; 2-day pass $175; Friday only: $90; Saturday/Sunday only: $110
Manitoba Dragon Boat Festival
Free
Winnipeg Design Festival
Free
Peace Days
Free
Winnipeg VegFest
Free
Manitoba Fibre Festival
Free
FemFest
FemFest is a national festival celebrating women theatre artists. A celebration of plays by women for everyone providing exposure to our most talented local female theatre artists. Details
2019 – TBA
2018 – Single shows/Cabaret/Skill Development Workshops: $15
Platinum Pass (3 shows): $30
Festival Pass (Entire Festival): $50
Winnipeg International Writers Festival- Thin air
Winnipeg’s annual week-long literary festival with readings, school shows, and book signings for readers of all ages! THIN AIR features new and established writers, and is enjoyed by thousands of Manitobans of all backgrounds in both English and French. Details
Varies with event
Culture Days
Free
Nuit Blanche
An all-night art party celebrating contemporary art attracting thousands of people to the downtown area. Nuit Blanche Winnipeg is supported by Culture Days Manitoba. Details
Free
October
WNDX Festival of Moving Image
Varies with the event
Winnipeg Improv Festival
Winnipeg’s Improv festival. Details
Flash Photographic Festival
Winnipeg’s only festival dedicated to photography. Details
send+receive: A Festival of Sound
send + receive is an international festival that investigates the disciplines of experimental music and sound art, and is one of the longest standing media arts festivals in North America focusing exclusively on sound-based work. Details
Reel Pride Film Festival
REEL PRIDE exists to celebrate queer media arts and to contribute to community vitality by programming materials that focus on issues of importance to Winnipeg’s queer community. We promote queer media arts to foster dialogue on issues of importance to our community in a public, accessible and safe space, as well as celebrating queer artists and stories both locally and from around the world. Details
Winnipeg Irish Festival
Celebrating Irish traditional music. Details
2019 TBA
Introductory workshops and activities: Free
Advanced and intermediate workshops: $15/workshop cash at the door
Gala Concert: $25
Central Canada Comic Con
With more than 46,000 fans from around the world attending, the Central Canada Comic Con (C4) is the largest convention of its kind in central Canada. Celebrate the best in comic books, science fiction, gaming, anime, fantasy, horror, and pop culture. Details
Halloween
From ghost tours to freaky flashlit night experiences navigating corn mazes to haunted houses, there are plenty of events to get spooked out during Halloween in Winnipeg.
Free & Ticketed Events
Polish Fest
One weekend, two days filled with cultural entertainment, great food and good times. Details
2019 rates – TBA
November & December
Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade
The Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade combines the magic, wonder and excitement that heralds in the holiday season and wraps it up in one big event. A moving panorama of lights, colour and music, the parade inspires delight in the eyes of the children and those who are young at heart. Details
November 17, 2018
Free
Tarbut: Festival of Jewish Culture
Featuring both local and out-of-town performers, Tarbut showcases the best of Jewish culture through a variety of mediums. Details
Rady Jewish Community Centre, 123 Doncaster Street, Winnipeg
Varies with event
ChoralFest Manitoba
ChoralFest Manitoba provides choirs and conductors an opportunity to work with acclaimed adjudicators and expert clinicians from across the continent in a non-competitive annual festival. ChoralFest spans all levels and styles of choral singing including vocal jazz. Details
November 19 – 29, 2018
2019 TBA
2019 – ChoralFest Gala Concert: Adult $10; Student $5
Christmas Lights
Take a tour of decked up Winnipeg, enjoy Christmas Lights across Canada or enjoy concerts during Canadian Pacific Holiday Train’s stop in Winnipeg. Details
General: Free & Ticketed Events
Christmas Markets & Fairs
Enjoy ice carving demonstrations, fire pits, and holiday entertainment while you shop for that unique gift for your loved ones. Details
General: Free & Ticketed Events
Canad Inns Winter Wonderland
Canad Inns Winter Wonderland is Manitoba’s largest drive-thru light show and provides a brilliant presentation of over one million lights in 26 different theme areas. Details
November 30, 2018 – January 5, 2019
Advance: Family vehicle: $12
Gate: Family vehicle: $15
New Years Eve in Winnipeg
Free & Ticketed Events
I am an author, and I want to enquire about your festivity. I want to be able to buy a table where I can display my books/
I live right here in Winnipeg, and am interested in representing Jesus Christ Limitless.
Thanks,
H Idonije
Hi Henry,
We do not organise any festivals. You need to contact the organisers directly. Go to the respective festival’s website an use “Contact us” section.