Winnipeg Events and Festivals

(Winnipeg, Manitoba - MB, Canada)

Winnipeg has much to offer in terms of seasonal events, local festivals and recreational activities, many of which are held at the Winnipeg Convention Center. One of the highlights during Winnipeg's calendar of events is Canada Day on July 1st, a national holiday, which is celebrated throughout the city, long into the night.

Other popular events and seasonal festivals in Winnipeg include the Festival of the Traveler (Le Festival du Voyageur) in February, the Gay Pride Day each June, the three-day Winnipeg Folk Festival in July, the Winnipeg Fringe Festival in July, and Folklorama in August.

National Public Holidays

• 1st January - New Year's Day
• Third Monday in February - Family Day (Alberta)
• Monday closest to 17th March - St. Patrick's Day (Newfoundland)
• March or April - Good Friday and Easter Monday
• Monday closest to 23rd April - St. George's Day (Newfoundland)
• Monday before 24th May - Victoria Day
• 24th June - Fete Nationale / St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec)
• 1st July - Canada Day (known as Memorial Day in Newfoundland)
• Monday closest to 13th July - Orangeman's Day (Newfoundland)
• First Monday in August - Civic Holiday
• Third Monday in August - Discovery Day (Yukon)
• First Monday in September - Labor Day
• Second Monday in October - Thanksgiving
• 11th November - Remembrance Day
• 25th December - Christmas Day
• 26th December - Boxing Day

Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• There are no significant festivals and events in the month of January at Winnipeg

February

• Festival of the Traveler (Le Festival du Voyageur) - mid-February, a ten-day festival in the St. Bonniface area of Winnipeg, celebrating the travels of early French voyageurs, featuring an enormous street party, many concerts, outdoor activities and a costumed Governor's Ball

March

• Freeze Frame Le Ciné-file Festival - mid-March, lasting around a week, with various screenings at Winnipeg's Globe Cinema and IMAX Theater, together with a number of animation and film making workshops
• Festival of Fools - late March / early April, circus-type acts, magicians and entertainers perform at the Forks Market, watched by large crowds

April

• Through the Eyes of a Child - popular annual exhibition at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, displaying colorful and creative work by children of all ages
• Winnipeg Wine Festival - late April / early May, annual wine tasting charity event held at the Winnipeg Convention Center, with food stalls and more than 500 wines

May

• Beer and Skits - annual charity comedy event, hosted by the Winnipeg Press Club, known for its political satire
• Winnipeg Wine Festival - early May, featuring gala dinners at the Winnipeg Convention Center, wine tastings and other events at this established festival

June

• Gay Pride Day - early June, with ten-day festivities culminating in a major parade, with many lavish and extravagant costumes
• Red River Exhibition - late June, held at the Red River Exhibition Park along Winnipeg's Portage Avenue, a week-long carnival with a large amusement park, fast rides and exhibitions

July

• Canada Day - July 1st, celebrations take place throughout the city on this national holiday, with a range of festivities at Assiniboine Park
• Winnipeg Folk Festival - early July, held over three days, with over 200 concerts, local arts and crafts, and an international food village, held at Birds Hill Park
• Caripeg Carnival - early July, featuring dancers wearing elaborate costumes, performing along Portage Avenue
• Winnipeg Fringe Festival - late July, a 12-day event with international theatrical performances and fringe events, held in the city's Exchange District
• Ai-Kon - late July, a major convention about Japanese animation, with weekend competitions, events, games and displays at the Winnipeg Convention Center

August

• Folklorama - mid-August, a major event celebrating the ethnic diversity of local communities in the Winnipeg area, held over two weeks, with concerts, food stalls and dance performances

September

• Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Concerts - mid-September onwards, the start of the WSO's season, offering many large and well-attended concerts
• Cuisine Canada National Culinary Conference - mid-September, held every two years, with food writers, famous cookery book authors and demonstrations, at Delta Winnipeg along St. Mary Avenue
• Winnipeg International Writers Festival - held mid- to late September for seven days, includes events such as book launches, readings and lectures

October

• International Wine Festival of Manitoba - mid-October, held at the Forks Market, with more than 100 wineries attending from all over the world

November

• Grey Cup Festival - a range of special football-related events at the Winnipeg Convention Center and the MTS Center, including the Grey Cup Gala Dinner and the CFL Player Awards

December

• Canad Inns Winter Wonderland - early December, colorful drive-through Christmas light display, together with ice skating, sleigh rides and food stalls, held at the Red River Exhibition Park
Family New Year's Eve at The Forks - December 31st, featuring a range of winter sports, including tobogganing and ice skating, together with seasonal festivities and fireworks at midnight
• In the Groove, New Orleans Style - December 31st, annual celebrations, with a big band and dancing