Winnipeg
© 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; Decembera
Please verify all details from official websites.
More To Do
January
1. Solo &Ensemble Festival
An adjudicated non-competitive festival which offers a performance setting for woodwind, brass and percussion players. Details
1315 Gateway Road at Springfield, Winnipeg
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2. 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
Festival pass: $70.00
3. Winnipeg New Music Festival
A celebration of new music in North America with art, food and adventure to stimulate and challenge. Details
Regular $25; Student $12
Festival pass: Early bird: Regular $69; Student $39
Festival pass: After Jan 9: Regular $89; Student $49
Hub opening night after party ticket: $15
February
1. 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
Varies
2. Shart International Comedy Film Festival
Enjoy an evening of comedy and laughter as you watch the screening at Shart International Comedy Film Festival. Details
Free and Ticketed screening
3. 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
Park Day Pass: $9 – $18
10-day Pass: $11 – $32
4. 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, $10.00 family/day, $25.00/family/festival pass
5. Optimist Concert & Jazz Band Festival
Optimist Clubs of Winnipeg International Band Festival. Details
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6. 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)
March
1. 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
Feature/Shorts: $6.00 / person; Family tickets (5 people or more): $5.00 each
Family Pass : $45.00 (unlimited screenings for up to four people); Individual / Film Fanatic Pass: $20.00 (unlimited screenings for one person)
2. 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: $210.00 /person
VIp admission: $315.00 / person
3. 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
4. Cluster: New Music + Integrated Arts Festival
Cluster is Canada’s most dynamic take on contemporary art and sound. Details
Single Events $15 / $10 Student
Festival Pass $50 / $40 Student
5. Manitoba Ukrainian Dance Festival
The Manitoba Ukrainian Dance Festival strives to create an experience that will allow dancers and instructors to grow and develop under the constructive criticism of our accomplished adjudicator, while having the opportunity to perform for an audience in a theatre atmosphere. Details
Showcase Performance- $10 – $15
6. French Cinema Festival
French Film Festival is organized by Alliance Française du Manitoba and Cinematheque to mark the 21st edition of the French Language and Francophony week. It is an invitation to discover films from different times and experience some sophisticated, vibrant and daring films from France. Details
$6.00 – $9.00
7. Festival of Fools
Held during school spring break, this 7 day free family festival features jugglers, clowns, acrobats, swinging trapeze and circus workshops and tons of hilarious shows! Details
Free
April
1. Manitoba Comic Con & Sci Fi Expo
Celebrate the best in comic books, science fiction, gaming, anime, fantasy, horror, and pop culture. Details
2. 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
$32+charges
3. Manitoba MetalFest
Metal Music Festival. Details
4. 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
5. Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival
Festival features regional, national, and international tellers, and encompasses a School Program and Public Events. Details
Free
6. 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
7. 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
1. Dance Manitoba Festival
Dance Manitoba Festival features performances by more than 1,600 dancers from all over Manitoba. The Provincial Dance Festival is a high-profile, non-competitive event that affords its participants opportunities for learning through adjudicators’ critiques, workshops and master classes, as well as the chance to meet with other dancers and the experience of working in a professional theatre with a professional crew. Details
$10.00 Regular, $8.00 Dance Manitoba Members
2. Architecture+Design Film Festival
3. 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
4. Spur Winnipeg 2017
Join thinkers and scholars, artists and activists, journalists and entrepreneurs – from across the country and beyond – to share ideas worth spurring into action. Details
Festival pass for Spur Winnipeg is $25
5. 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
Lighting of the Sacred Fire: Free; International Pow Wow: $10; Indigenious Music Concert $20
6. 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
Varies
7. 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)
8. 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.
9. 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
10. Asian Canadian Festival
Celebrate Asian culture through song, music, dance, demonstrations of cultural activities and martial arts. Details
Free
11. 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
June 2017
1. Dragon Boat Festival
Presented by the Canadian Cancer Society and the Manitoba Paddling Association, Canadian Cancer Society River City Dragon Boat Festival is a fantastic opportunity for fun, entertainment, racing, and most importantly, to support the cancer fight by gathering pledges. Details
Free admission
2. Jazz & Blues Film Festival
From Juke Joints to Church Halls: Jazz and Blues Film Fest. Details
$6 – $10
3. Agassiz Chamber Music Festival
Celebrating the anniversaries of composers Erik Satie and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Details
Single Tickets: $30 Adults. $15 Students & Under 30
Noon Concerts: $15 Adults. $5 Students & Under 30
Masterclasses: FREE
4. 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
5. 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
Tickets: $9 – $15
6. Flatlander’s Beer Festival
Beer Festival presented by Manitoba Liquor Marts, in support of the True North Youth Foundation. 18+. Details
$39.95 & $44.95
7. 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
Individual Tickets: $150.00; Registration required.
8. TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival
11 days of the live music from local, national and international artists. Details
Jazz Pass: $100.00
Super Pass: $225.00
9. 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
Gate admission purchased in advance from May 16 to June 26: $10 for all ages; Children 6 & under are free
Pay-One-Price Ride All Day Wristband (includes all-you-can-ride-midway-rides plus one gate admission) purchased in advance from June 17 to June 26: $43
Gate admission: $15 for all ages. Children 6 & under are always Free. Arrive at The EX any weekday before 5 p.m. and pay only $7.50.
10. Aboriginal Day Live & Festival
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
11. Summer Entertainment Series at Assiniboine Park
A popular outdoor entertainment at Assiniboine Park with music, ballet, movies and art exhibitions. Details
Free
12. Northern Touch Music Festival
Hip-hop/R&B/soul act to play. 25 acts, 2 stages, 2 days of amazing music. Details
Friday Showcase Ticket: $10.00
Friday Seminar Pass: $15.00
Saturday Demo Listening Pass: $15.00
Full Weekend Conference Pass: $25.00
Full Weekend Music Pass: $15.00
All Access Festival Pass (Music + Conference): $35.00
July, 2017
1. 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 Per Person
Children 12yrs and Under Free with Parental Supervision!!
2. 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
Advance tickets on sale till June 30
Single Day Ticket (Thursday): Advance: Adult $68.00; Youth/Senior $53.00
Gate: Adult $73.00; Youth/Senior $58.00
Single Day Ticket (Friday/Saturday/Sunday): Advance: Adult $88.00; Youth/Senior $68.00
Gate: Adult $93.00; Youth/Senior $73.00
Full Festival 4-day Ticket: Advance: Adult $229.00; Youth/Senior $145.00
Gate: Adult $249.00; Youth/Senior $155.00
Full Festival 4-day tickets with festival camping and quiet camping rates: $180 – $324
Children 12 and under get in FREE!
3. Winnipeg Fish Festival
The “how to’s” of fishing, where to fish and how to handle your catch will be some of the seminars offered during the day as well as activities for children of all ages. Details
Free
4. 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: $123
Freq. Fringer 7: $63
5. 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
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, 2017
1. 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
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
2. Summer of Sound 2017
Central Canada’s largest electronic music festival. Details
$74 and up
3. 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
All Access Festival Pass: $70 (plus fees)
4. Winnipeg International Burlesque Festival
A grassroots burlesque festival showcasing burlesque, circus performers, artists and aerialists. Details
General Admission, rush seating: $22 – $30
General Admission Weekend Festival Pass: $55
5. Interstellar Rodeo
With music, wine and local food, this is an event like no other. Details
6. 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
7. Oddblock Comedy Festival
Block party style, four-day comedy festival. Details
8. RibFest
Enjoy some of the best BBQ and music. Details
9. Winnipeg Classic Rock Fest
September, 2017
1. 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
2. Winnipeg Chinatown Street Festival
Chinatown Street Festival beckons with merchant markets, multicultural performances, food trucks, kid’s zone and petting zoo. Details
3. Manitoba Fibre Festival
Free
4. 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.
5. Winnipeg Irish Festival
Celebrating Irish traditional music. Details
Festival Pass: $55 (Includes admission to the Friday Festival Kick‐off Céilí, unlimited Saturday workshops, and Saturday Gala Concert)
Kick‐off Session (Friday): $10 at the door
Arts & Culture Workshops (Saturday and Sunday): $10 per workshop at the door
Gala Concert (Saturday): $25
Céilí (Sunday): Free
6. Winnipeg Comic & Toy Expo
Celebrate the best in comic books, science fiction, gaming, anime, fantasy, horror, and pop culture. Details
7. 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
Single shows/Cabaret/Skill Development Workshops: $15
Platinum Pass (3 shows): $30
Festival Pass (Entire Festival): $50
8. WNDX Festival of Moving Image
Varies with the event
9. Culture Days
Free
10. 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 2017
1. Winnipeg Improv Festival
Winnipeg’s Improv festival. Details
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
November & December
1. Polish Fest
One weekend, two days filled with cultural entertainment, great food and good times. Details
2017 rates – TBA
2016 – Saturday pass – $5; Sunday pass – $5; Weekend pass – $8
2. 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
Free
3. 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
4. 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
2017 – TBA
2016 – ChoralFest Gala Concert: General $10; 12 and under: Free
5. Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival
Showcasing the best new indigenous film and video, WAFF celebrates indigenous storytelling. Details
WAFF All Access Festival Pass: $40
Individual Screening Tickets: $5
Individual Event Tickets: $5
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
Advance: Family vehicle: $10
Gate: Family vehicle: $15
9. New Years Eve in Winnipeg
Free & Ticketed Events