Canada Day celebrations
• Vita Canada Day: June 27 & 28
This annual festival has become one of Southeast Manitoba’s biggest summer draws, attracting visitors from across the region. Festival-goers can expect food vendors, live music, kids’ activities, beer gardens and the community’s well-known fireworks display. Returning attractions include the Strongman competition, CWE wrestling, rodeo events and the increasingly popular mud races. There really is something for everyone.
• Winnipeg: July 1 If you don’t want to venture too far from the city but you’re looking for food, fun and fantastic fireworks, you don’t want to miss Princess Auto Stadium’s third annual celebration. This has quickly become the event of choice on the big day, tying only with Assiniboia Downs if you expect to see spectacular fireworks on July 1. If you’re not a fan of the flash-bang, check out The Forks.
The Winnipeg Football Club will host Canada Day celebrations at the stadium starting at noon. A tailgate celebration featuring family-friendly activities and performances kicks it off and runs to 5:30 p.m. At 5 p.m., the main stage inside the stadium will open up for more performances. The free event will conclude with a fireworks display above the stadium. Free online tickets are required for the main stage event.
If Canada Day isn’t complete without cheering on live horses as they charge around a track, check out Assiniboia Downs. The horse racing will start at 7:30 pm and will be capped off with a breathtaking fireworks show at 11 pm. Arrive early to this free event to get the best seats and enjoy some fantastic food. Parking is free until 7:30 pm and then $10 if you arrive after that time.
Assiniboia Park along with many neighourhoods throughout the city and surrounding area also offer Canada Day celebrations on the day, like West St. Paul, West Kildonan, Transcona, Bridgwater Lakes, Sage Creek and Fort Whyte Alive, to name just a few. If you don’t mind venturing further out, take a drive to Tyndall, Steinbach, La Salle, Lower Fort Garry, Gimli or many other places to choose from. There’s a celebration for everyone’s tastes.
• Lac du Bonnet Canada Day: July 3-5
The town may be small but their celebration is always a big event for the area. Experience a family fun zone, pancake breakfast, pickerel fry and beer garden. The always fun parade takes place on Sunday starting at 12:30 pm and will be followed by a car show. And if you missed the Red River Ex, you can catch Wondershows’ midway running all weekend from Friday to Sunday. Don’t forget to watch the fireworks from the town dock over the water on Saturday.
More summer festivals
After the Canada Day festivities wrap up for the season, there are still plenty more festivals and events to experience throughout the summer months.
• Carman Country Fair: July 9-11
For those who may be new to the event, the Carman Country Fair might just end up being the highlight of your summer. The fair features a lively midway filled with rides and games, complemented by traditional fair entertainment including a foam party and an animated performance by Sleepy the Clown. Visitors can also enjoy the bustling street fair, colourful parade, dirt bike/quad racing, a demolition derby, dog show, live music and more.
• Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival: July 15-26
Every summer, the streets of downtown Winnipeg come alive with the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival. Performers travel from all over the world to participate in North America’s second-largest fringe festival. Shows take place daily from noon until midnight at more than 30 venues, covering every genre. Head to Old Market Square in the Exchange District during the festival dates for live entertainment and activities for children and families, as well as shopping, refreshments and much more.
• Manitoba Stampede & Exhibition: July 17-19
The Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition in Morris brings professional rodeo to Manitoba, with a full schedule of traditional rodeo events including bull riding, barrel racing and more. Alongside the rodeo action, the event boasts a vibrant exhibition with agricultural displays, craft stalls and food vendors offering local fare. Families can enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment and interactive activities that ensure there’s excitement around every corner.
• Winnipeg Beach Boardwalk Days: July 17-19
Boardwalk Days in Winnipeg Beach is a quintessential summer celebration, where the charm and nostalgia of the boardwalk come alive against the backdrop of Lake Winnipeg. Hit the beach and hear live music echoing from the bandstand, local artisans displaying their crafts and food vendors offering both classic and innovative beachside treats.
Stroll along the midway which runs parallel with the boardwalk and take in the fantastic views of the lake from the ferris wheel. The highlight of the festival might just be the dazzling fireworks display over the lake, creating a spectacle of light that reflects on the water.
• Islendingadagurinn: July 31 to Aug. 3
Head to picturesque lakeside Gimli to get a taste of Icelandic culture as it once was by attending the 137th annual Islendingadagurinn, otherwise known as the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, one of the oldest continuous ethnic festivals in North America. Watch reenactments of Viking weapons and warfare tactics, try traditional food and drink, ride the midway, visit the harbour, and last but not least, get “dinged” (become an honourary Icelander).
• Folklorama: August 2-15
Known as one of the best festivals in Winnipeg, Folklorama is the largest multicultural event of its kind in the world. For 14 days, Folklorama offers just a small taste of cultures from all around the globe, highlighting music, dance and cuisine. Over 40 pavilions are scattered throughout the city during the two-week period, and with each one’s unique energy and culinary delights, you will definitely want to fit in as many shows as possible.
• Stonewall Quarry Days: Aug. 14-16
Stonewall Quarry Days centers around the historic limestone quarries, pivotal to the town’s development.
Explore educational displays that delve into this history and enjoy activities ranging from live music performances and stree dance to a parade to family-friendly games, a midway and a car show. Don’t miss the fireworks on Friday night — one of the most popular (and spectacular) events during the festival.
• Morden Corn and Apple Festival: August 28-30
The Morden Corn & Apple Festival is a Manitoba summer tradition that celebrates the bountiful harvests of the region with a weekend full of fun and feasting. Enjoy free, fresh, locally grown corn and crisp apple cider, along with lively music performances, art and craft exhibitions, carnival rides and a variety of vendors showcasing homemade goods and delicious treats. With its warm, community-focused atmosphere, the Morden Corn & Apple Festival offers a perfect slice of rural charm and a celebration of Manitoba’s agricultural heritage.
Visit travelmanitoba.com and tourismwinnipeg.com for even more fantastic summer festivals and fairs around Manitoba, plus many other summer activities and places to experience.