Winnipeg Folk Festival

Birds Hill Park | July 9-12

Often called the festival of the summer, The Winnipeg Folk Festival attracts tens of thousands every year, and past performers include megastars such as Brandi Carlile, Emmylou Harris, Death Cab for Cutie and Kacey Musgraves. This year’s lineup is equally stacked with performers like Lucy Dacus, Father John Misty, Of Monsters and Men and many more talents.

Bringing together well-established and emerging artists from around the world, the Winnipeg Folk Festival is, at its core, a celebration of music and togetherness. Set up camp for the entire festival - quiet camping is available, which is great for families - or just drop by for the day. Drum circles and fire dancers are common during this four-day party, where you can wander around barefoot, grab a bite to eat from a food truck, visit the famous trading post and catch many a show. Heads up: tickets sell out quickly!

Folklorama

Winnipeg | August 2 to 15

Known as one of the best festivals in Winnipeg, Folklorama is the largest multicultural event of its kind in the world. Have you ever wanted to travel to Croatia? How about Ireland, Ethiopia or the Caribbean? For 14 days in August, Folklorama offers just a small taste (but oh, such a fantastic taste) of cultures from around the globe, highlighting music, dance and cuisine. Over 40 pavilions are scattered throughout the city in the two-week period, and with incredible vibrancy, energy and culinary delights, you will definitely want to fit in as many shows as possible!

Dauphin’s Countryfest

Dauphin | June 25-28

Dauphin is over 300 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, and at certain times of the year, hordes of people make the trip up. Dauphin’s Countryfest is one of those occasions. Country-lovers from across the province and around the world flock to Canada’s longest-running country music festival, and this year’s performers include stars such as Jelly Roll, Nate Smith and Noeline Hoffman. The festival gets more than 6,000 attendees per day and boasts thousands of campsites across seven distinct camping areas. Don’t forget your cowboy hat… our summers are hot!

Islendingadagurinn (Icelandic Fest)

Gimli | July 31-August 3

To get a taste of Icelandic culture as it once was, attend the 137th annual Islendingadagurinn, otherwise known as the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba. Catch a fashion show of traditional Icelandic garments, enjoy Icelandic horse demonstrations, watch reenactments of Viking weapons and warfare tactics, try traditional food and drink, and last but not least, get “dinged” (AKA become an honourary Icelander). It all happens in charming Gimli, located one hour north of Winnipeg, where you can easily fill your weekend with things to do.

TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival

Winnipeg | June 16-21

Often deemed the ultimate kick-off to summer, the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival transforms Winnipeg’s Exchange District every year, filling its streets with live music. Drawing tens of thousands of people every June, Jazz Fest is a vibrant, lively celebration of sound that showcases Canadian and international musicians across multiple jazz genres. Enjoy concerts at venues throughout the Exchange District as well as free performances in Old Market Square.

Harvest Sun Festival

Kelwood | August 21-23

The Harvest Sun Music Festival, a grassroots festival dedicated to showcasing Canadian musicians and prairie talent, is all about community. Taking place in Kelwood, approximately 2.5 hours west of Winnipeg, the Harvest Sun Festival is geared toward families and has been gaining widespread popularity every summer. Now in its 21st year, the festival offers entertainment, activities and workshops for people of all ages. There is some camping available at the Kelwood Campground, while nearby Riding Mountain National Park is home to many accommodation options.

Fire & Water Music Festival

Lac du Bonnet | July 24-26

Perhaps one of Manitoba’s fastest growing music festivals, Fire & Water Music Festival is a family-friendly gathering where you can hear everything from roots to country to metal on the banks of the Winnipeg River. Celebrating 20 years in 2026, catch performances by Manitoba musicians and beyond on two outdoor stages, or take part in an artists’ workshop. There are also trade shows, children’s programming and plenty of camping spaces so that you can enjoy the gorgeous Lac du Bonnet area.

Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival

Winnipeg | 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 the Winnipeg Fringe, North America’s second-largest fringe festival. Shows take place daily from noon until midnight at more than 30 venues, covering every genre in the book (and a few that simply can’t be classified). Head to Old Market Square in the Exchange District during the festival dates for live entertainment and activities for children/families, as well as shopping, refreshments and much more in the area.

Bring Your Love Festival of Arts

Ledwich Family Farm, Inwood | August 13-17

If dancing your pants off to electronic music is your thing, you will want to attend Bring Your Love Festival of Arts. Taking place on a family farm approximately an hour north of Winnipeg, the festival offers four days of art-infused electronic music featuring over 100 DJs and 30+ performers from around Canada and beyond. Enjoy transformative workshops, food trucks, a vendor village and cutting-edge audio-visual productions at this energetic and memorable festival.

Prairie Wind Music Fest

Cypress River | June 5-7

Found between Winnipeg and Brandon, Cypress River is the ‘little town with the big sound’ thanks to the annual Prairie Wind Music Fest. Celebrating 13 years in 2026, this community-centric festival brings acts in from across the country while also highlighting local talent. Small but mighty, the festival is welcoming, inclusive and unique, with plenty of opportunity to make new friends. There’s also an artisan market, food trucks, workshops and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.

Back 40 Folk Festival

Morden | June 26-27

Deemed “Manitoba’s best-kept musical secret”, the Back 40 Folk Festival is a two-day festival in Morden that is a treat for the senses. From performances by local musicians to songwriter circles to yoga sessions to food trucks, your days fill up quickly here. Established in 1989, the festival’s mission is to “keep homemade music alive.” If you’re looking for a smaller festival with a lot of heart, this is it.

Harvest Moon Festival

Clearwater | September 18-20

If there’s any festival that seems to get outstanding reviews year after year, it’s the Harvest Moon Festival. Held in the stunning Pembina Valley during the weekend of the Harvest Moon, this festival is rich in music, locally sourced food and hands-on workshops, and shines a light on the Harvest Moon Learning Centre. Celebrate the end of summer with Manitoba artists, Manitoba producers and the beauty of the province all around you. You’ll want to purchase your tickets as soon as they go on sale, as this festival tends to sell out quickly.

Blueberry Jam Festival

Flin Flon | August 7-9

Blueberry Jam is a free festival in Flin Flon - say that five times fast - that is beloved by musicians and music lovers alike, and is known as a celebration of creativity and community. Showcasing a mix of music genres, the festival attracts performers from far and wide and always welcomes a fantastic lineup of Manitoba artists. Enjoy live music on two stages, including one main stage and one indoor stage at the Blueberry Wine Bar, food vendors, an artisan alley and - naturally - a few jam sessions.