This June, July and August, every weekend and even some weeks in between are packed with great summer festivals and events. Here is a sample of what you can plan to get out and do this summer.
June 4-August 27, 2011
5th Annual GPS Challenge – Farmers’ Market Extravaganza
Kicking off at the season opening of the St. Norbert Famers’ Market, the 12-week challenge sets participants on the path to farmers’ markets in the Eastman, Interlake and Central Plains regions by using GPS coordinates. Challengers will search for the answer to a question about the area and market vendors at each location. The more answers you get, the better your chances are of winning a Sony Bloggie Touch video camera valued at $230.
www.eastmantourism.ca.
June 5, 2011
Back 40 Festival
Morden Park Bowl, Morden
This folk festival aims to “keep homemade music alive” in southern Manitoba. Features a great mix of performances and workshops from local artists.
www.back40folkfest.com
June 8-12, 2011
Manitoba Summer Fair
Keystone Centre, Brandon
This is “A Family Fair” – see equine attractions, a parade, fireworks and even a demolition derby for some crash-bang good times.
www.brandonfairs.com
June 16-25, 2011
TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival
Downtown & Exchange District Venues, Winnipeg
A range of local, national and international jazz performers will take over venues around Winnipeg, including free programming at Old Market Square.
www.jazzwinnipeg.com
June 17-26, 2011
Red River Exhibition
Red River Exhibition Park, Winnipeg
This is the 60th year people have flocked to the Ex for midway rides, live music and kids’ activities at Prairie Town Adventures.
www.redriverex.com
June 18, 2011
Manitoba Highland Gathering
Selkirk Park, Selkirk
Round up the lads and lassies for Highland games, piping, drumming, dancing and food.
www.manitobahighlandgathering.org
June 30-July 3, 2011
Dauphin Countryfest
Selo Ukrainian Festival Site, Dauphin
Canada’s longest running country music festival features some of the biggest headliners right next door to beautiful Riding Mountain National Park.
www.countryfest.ca
July 7-9, 2011
Carman Country Fair
Dufferin agricultural grounds, Carman
Free entertainment, livestock demonstrations, motor sports, art and crafts and kids’ activities are all part of the fun at this event.
www.carmanfair.ca
July 13-24, 2011
Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival
Various venues, Winnipeg
Get set for the Greatest Shows on Earth at this year’s Big Top Fringe. Head to Old Market Square for free outdoor programming, then choose from a wide variety of shows from local, national and international performers.
www.winnipegfringe.com
July 20-24, 2011
Gimli Film Festival
Gimli
Documentaries and short films from at home and all over the world are shown on the Gimli beach under the starry skies.
www.gimlifilm.com
July 21-24, 2011
Manitoba Stampede & Exhibition
Stampede Park, Morris
This is Manitoba’s only pro-rodeo. Showcasing bull riding, bronco-busting, tie down roping, bareback riding plus chariot and chuckwagon racing.
www.manitobastampede.ca
July 22-24, 2011
Neepawa & Area Lily Festival
Neepawa & Area
This year one of the most beautiful festivals in Manitoba will be a “Fantasy in Bloom”. See the lilies, enjoy the music, food and even the Masquerade party.
www.lilyfestival.com
July 28-31, 2011
Threshermen’s Reunion & Rodeo
Manitoba Agricultural Museum Grounds, Austin
See farm equipment up close and personal with ploughing, threshing and horse power demonstrations. Peruse the farmer’s market and catch the parade of vintage farm machinery.
www.ag-museum.mb.ca
July 28-31, 2011
Rockin’ The Fields of Minnedosa
Minnedosa
Get ready to make some new friends as a range of performers rock out in the natural outdoor concert bowl.
www.rockinthefields.ca
July 29-31, 2011
Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival
Selo Ukrainian Festival Site, Dauphin
Experience the tastes, culture, music, history and hospitality of Ukrainians. Fill up on borscht and perogies and then dance the night away.
www.cnuf.ca
July 29-August 1, 2011
Islendingadagurinn – Icelandic Festival of Manitoba
Gimli
Relive history at the Viking Encampment, enjoy the flavours and culture of Iceland and have fun at the midway, parade, beach volleyball tournament, sand castle building contest and tons of other activities.
www.icelandicfestival.com
July 31-August 13, 2011
Folklorama
Various venues, Winnipeg
Learn about cultures from around the world as you taste their delicious and authentic dishes and drinks, take in their traditional attire and enjoy the dynamic shows that feature world class entertainment.
www.folklorama.ca
August 1-7, 2011
York Boat Days
Norway House
Watch the York Boat races and go back to the fur trading era with this celebration that honours the Cree, Métis and European settlers who carved out the community.
www.nhcn.ca/yorkboatdays/home.php
August 5-7, 2011
Melita Banana Days
Melita
Melita’s giant Banana watches over the fun during this weekend event, including kids’ activities, car show and community barbeque.
www.melitamb.ca
August 12-14, 2011
Winkler Harvest Festival and Exhibition
Winkler Parkland, Winkler
Bask in the bounty of harvest time with family-friendly events like free live music performances, petting zoo, agricultural displays, parade, rodeo and midway.
www.winklerharvestfestival.com
August 20, 2011
Supper in the Field
Riding Mountain National Park
Enjoy a fantastic feast prepared by regional chefs with regional ingredients in the stunning setting at Riding Mountain National Park.
www.parklandtourism.com
August 26-28, 2011
Morden Corn and Apple Festival
Downtown Morden
Come for the free hot buttered corn and free ice cold apple cider, but stay for the great line-up of activities, including show and shine car show, parade, mud racing, live music, farmers’ market and midway.
www.cornandapple.com
September 9, 10, 11, 2011
ManyFest
Broadway, downtown Winnipeg
This community celebration of people arts entertainment and active living will bring together some of Broadway’s most popular events for one great weekend under the canopy of 100 artfully lit majestic elms in the heart of downtown.
Friday, September 9. Giant Movie in the Park: Roll out your blanket in Memorial Park and watch a movie on a giant outdoor screen under the stars!
Saturday, September 10. Lights on Broadway: Stroll beneath Broadway’s 100 artfully lit elm trees, and add your own touch of warmth with your very own glowing candle (quantities limited!)
Saturday, September 10. Big Dance on Broadway: It's a dance party like no other with two stages playing various genres of music. Jive, swing, bop and groove beneath a canopy of light.
Sunday, September 11. Ciclovia: Walk, jog or cycle all the way from Assiniboine Park to The Forks during this eco-friendly festival.
Sunday, September 11. Winnipeg 10+10 Race: Lace on those runners and enjoy the scenic route of a 10 km or 10 mile run that starts and ends in Memorial Park.
Saturday & Sunday. Broadway Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market: Stroll among dozens of vendors, browse handmade jewellery, and pick up some fresh home-grown veggies.
Saturday & Sunday. Kids’ Zone: Bring out the whole family to enjoy bouncers, petting zoo, clowns, giant sand boxes, inflatable slides, crafts, buskers, activities, and much more on Memorial Blvd!
All weekend long. Taste of Downtown Winnipeg Wine & Cheese Festival: Sip cabernets and chardonnays during this wine and cheese event held in Memorial Park. Tasting tickets: $1.00 each. Free entrance.
www.manyfest.ca |
