Get ready for a week-long celebration as the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes face off in the Grey Cup Festival, running from November 10 to 16.
Credit: Grey Cup Festival
This will mark the fifth time Winnipeg welcomes the championship, following successful events in 1991, 1998, 2006, and 2015.
The festival will transform downtown Winnipeg into a lively mix of concerts, culinary showcases, and family-friendly activities, drawing thousands of visitors from across the country. With events spread across key city venues, including the RBC Convention Centre, University of Winnipeg campus, and Princess Auto Stadium, the 112th Grey Cup Festival promises to be one of the city’s largest sporting and cultural celebrations yet.
Here are a few things fans can look forward to during Grey Cup Festival Week:
- Coors Light Concert Series
From November 13–15, the Coors Light Concert Series will fill the RBC Convention Centre with top Canadian talent. The Watchmen headline “Manitoba Night” on November 13, Alan Doyle performs on November 14, and The Reklaws close the series on Country Night, November 15. Supporting artists include DJ K Chedda, The Treble, Dirty Catfish Brass Band, and Catie St. Germain.
- CIBC Taste of the CFL – A brand-new addition to the festival, CIBC Taste of the CFL takes place on November 14. Chefs from all nine CFL cities will compete for the title of Best Game Day Fare in Canada, serving creative dishes inspired by football culture. Fans can sample and vote for their favourites while enjoying live entertainment.
- CFLAA Legends Luncheon – The CFL Alumni Association Legends Luncheon on November 14 offers fans a chance to meet over 60 CFL alumni. The event celebrates the sport’s history, honours the Indigenous Champion of the Year, and raises funds for the CFLAA Alumni Support Fund and Winnipeg Blue Bombers Alumni. Guests can also bid on exclusive memorabilia during a silent auction.
- CFL Awards Night – The CFL Awards will be held on November 13 at the Club Regent Event Centre, hosted by Kate Beirness and Milt Stegall. The ceremony will honour top performers, including recipients of the George Reed Most Outstanding Player, Most Outstanding Canadian, and Rookie of the Year awards.
- Grey Cup Gala – Presented by Payworks and Johnston Group, the Grey Cup Gala on November 15 promises a high-energy evening of fine dining, entertainment, and dancing in the City View Ballroom overlooking downtown Winnipeg.
- Tri-Indigenous Energy Pre-Game Tailgate – Game day celebrations kick off early on November 16 at the Tri-Indigenous Energy Indoor Tailgate inside the Max Bell Centre. This heated, indoor event will feature food, drinks, and a sustainability showcase, including a solar-powered Gator.
- Wawanesa Street Festival – This free street festival, running November 13–15 on the University of Winnipeg campus, will include local food vendors, entertainment, and interactive sponsor booths. Performances by Indian City, Zoon, Jade Turner, and Mama Cutsworth’s Family Dance Party will headline the schedule. Activities include games, contests, and giveaways from brands like Tim Hortons and Old Dutch.
- Canada Life Family Zone & CFL Fan Experience – Families can enjoy hands-on fun at the Canada Life Family Zone and CFL Fan Experience at the Axworthy Health & RecPlex from November 13–15. The free event features football challenges, inflatable obstacle courses, and sponsor exhibits by GMC, TELUS, and Peak of the Market. Kids can race, kick field goals, and test their athletic skills in friendly competitions.
- TDS Law Outdoor Social – Adults looking for an evening out can head to the TDS Law Outdoor Social, open from November 13–15 near York Avenue. The area will feature DJs, heated patios, food trucks, and unique attractions like the Watson Gloves Human Claw Machine. Sponsors including Red Bull and World Vision will host interactive experiences and giveaways.
- GMC Cheer Extravaganza – The GMC Cheer Extravaganza on November 15 at the Duckworth Centre will showcase CFL cheer teams performing elaborate stunts and dance routines from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
- Calgary Grey Cup Committee Pancake Breakfast – The Calgary Grey Cup Committee will serve up free pancake breakfasts on November 14 and 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Wawanesa Street Festival. Fans can enjoy classic western hospitality while celebrating the national championship spirit.
- Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade – Rounding out the weekend, the Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade returns on November 15 at 5:00 p.m., bringing festive cheer to the city’s downtown streets.
- The Game – The highlight of the week is on Sunday, November 16th, at the Princess Auto Stadium at 5:00 p.m. Global superstar Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) will headline the Bud Light Grey Cup Halftime Show, with Canadian rock band Our Lady Peace energizing fans during the SiriusXM Grey Cup Kickoff Show, and rising country artist Catie St. Germain performing the Canadian national anthem to open the event.
To ensure accessibility and safety, the Downtown Safe Ride Gold Route Shuttle will offer free transportation between major Grey Cup Festival sites. Sponsored by SGI Canada and the Insurance Brokers Association of Manitoba (IBAM), shuttles will operate from November 13–15, running every 15 minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 p.m.
Key stops include:
- RBC Convention Centre (PlayNow Grey Cup HQ)
- University of Winnipeg (Wawanesa Street Festival, TELUS CFL Fan Experience, Canada Life Family Zone)
- Downtown hotels such as the Delta, Radisson, Fairmont, and Fort Garry
- Designated Grey Cup Festival venues
The service provides fans with a convenient and safe way to move between events and accommodations throughout the week.
Calgary will host the 113th Grey Cup, set to take place at McMahon Stadium, home field of the Stampeders.
Grey Cup Festival – Winnipeg
Date & Time: November 10 – 16, 2025
Schedule of Activities on Nov 16
2 pm to 5 pm | Tri-Indigenous Pre-Game Indoor Tailgate
3 pm to 8 pm | Princess Auto Pre-Game Tailgate
5 pm to 9 pm | 112th Grey Cup Game
View Comments (2)
They had fireworks at the street festival.
sooooooooooo sad to have wpg mb host a grey cup party and not have FIREWORKS?