With the streets being cleaned, the warm wind blowing and the patios being reassembled, it is only a matter of time for the summer festival season to hit. It’s a great time of year to stroll downtown on those warm evenings, taking in the performances. For some, that means returning to the tried and true pavilions at Folklorama; for others, it’s taking in the best of the Fringe Festival. No matter if you’re a seasoned attendee or a novice festival-goer, we’ve got your bases covered.
May 26 – June 4
Pride Winnipeg Festival
Now in its 34th year, the Pride Winnipeg Festival has been growing ever since its inception. The Forks hosts the culminating party event after the parade, but there are many diverse events happening all over the downtown. There is the flag raising at city hall to begin the 10 day festival; as well as a vigil, a rally, and of course, the parade. With celebration and solidarity, the Pride Winnipeg Festival is one outstanding celebration.
June 8 – 11
Winnipeg International Children’s Festival
For those of you who have small children, the Winnipeg International Children’s Festival happens in early June. Based at the Forks, using outdoor stages and MTYP. There are performers of all sorts including acrobats, actors, jugglers and even appearances by Fred Penner (of course!). If you have children in need of excitement or wonder, this is the place to go.
June 14 – 24
TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival
A Winnipeg staple for concert season is the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. While concerts are held in many great downtown venues like the Burton Cummings Theatre or the Centennial Concert Hall, the hub is in Old Market Square. From the kick-off on the 14th of June, to the final night on Saturday the 24th, there are a host of free performances at the Cube. All kinds of jazz can be heard, turning the little greenspace into a neighborhood jukebox.
July 19 – 30
Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival
When the hot, hot summer begins to warm up the city, the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival comes to town. Old Market Square is again transformed into a central hub for the listings and ticket sales for all the venues. With food trucks, a vendor market and free, live performances at the Cube, there is something for everyone. Be it a one-person play or an improv troupe from Scotland, one can surely find a play worth seeing.
August 6 – 19
Folklorama
Initially founded as a way of celebrating diversity within Winnipeg, Folklorama has become an annual event looked forward to by many. With different communities coming together to showcase the cuisine, culture and traditions of their heritage, every year offers something different. Volunteers of all ages work together to present the best parts of their country’s unique contributions to the world stage. With pavilions all over town, you won’t be far from the action.
Winnipeg is a gem of a city that many sorts of people call their home. These festivals are a small slice of the diversity and variety of experiences Winnipeg has to offer. Do yourself a favour and find a new event to attend this year. It will be worth it.
