If you’re visiting Winnipeg over the summer, then you’ll likely to encounter some kind of festival while you’re there. When the sun is shining in Winnipeg, it is such a beautiful place to be, and there’s always plenty going on in the many parks and of course in The Forks, which is always a happening spot whatever time of year you are there. Here’s a round-up of some the this year’s Winnipeg summer festivals to help you plan your trip over the next few months:
TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival
runs from June 16th through 25th and this year features a fantastic line-up that includes Kamasi Washington, Jill Barber, Taniki Charles and many more artists. Happening in the historic Exchange District, last year more than 40,000 music fans attended the festival.
Aboriginal Day Live takes place on June 25th, and is Canada’s largest celebration of Aboriginal Day. Held in The Forks, this all day celebration of aboriginal culture spills into an epic free concert in the evening with a fireworks finale. Expect to see some of the biggest aboriginal cultural icons and musicians in attendance.
Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival is the second biggest fringe festival in North America and attracts some incredible talent. Running from July 13th through 24th, there will be more than 170 theatre companies from across Canada and the world performing plays, plus a host of musical and street performance acts playing on outdoor stages too. If you love theatre, this is an awesome event to attend.
Folklorama is such a cool and much-loved Winnipeg festival. Running from July 31st until August 13th, you can catch performances from amazing acts from around the world, see cultural displays, and fill your face with so many different types of food (and drinks too). Folklorama is the largest and longest-running event of its kind, and because there are so many different pavilions to visit (each dedicated to a certain country/ culture) you’ll want to dedicate at least a few days to checking it out.
Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition (MEME 2016) If electronic beats are your thing, then you’ll definitely want to be in the ‘Peg from August 11th through 14th. Whether you’re into hard techno, happy house, dub, or experimental music, this festival is super cool and offers you lots of opportunities to hang out with likeminded people, dance your heart out, and discover new artists.
Summer Entertainment Series at Assiniboine Park isn’t exactly a festival, but it is a celebration of summer that offers superb free programming throughout July and August (well starting June 26th with a jazz performance). There are open air movies and concerts Thursday through Sunday, and these make such a fun thing to do with a picnic and a blanket (though you may also want to take bug spray too).
Winnipeg BBQ and Blues Festival runs on August 19th and 20th, and what’s not to love when a street party involves the messiest and most delicious finger food possible paired with lots of great music? There’s also a BBQ Pitmaster contest with a purse of ten grand in prize money, so you know the eating will be good there.
Are you planning a Winnipeg trip this summer? We have excellent accommodations that are perfect for just you, or your whole family. Check out our luxurious Winnipeg Suites and contact us to see how we can help you have an amazing home base while you explore the city.
Photographs courtesy of Tourism Winnipeg.