8 Small-Town Music Festivals in Manitoba That You Need to Tune Into

Posted April 19, 2024 | Author Keeley Braunstein-Black

For many Manitobans, warm weather means one thing: music festivals. Beyond perennial favourites like the Winnipeg Folk Festival and Dauphin’s Countryfest are lesser known gems that draw in visitors to towns and communities across the province for weekends of toe-tapping and audible enjoyment.

These small-town festivals offer the chance to see performances (often from local talent) on a more intimate scale, set against prairie backdrops that exude rural Manitoban flair. This year, we challenge you to attend one or more of these small town music festivals in Manitoba. 🎶

Prairie Wind Music Festival in Cypress River

Prairie Wind Music Festival

June 7-9, 2024

Cypress River is the ‘little town with the big sound’ during the 6th annual Prairie Wind Musical Festival. This community-centric festival brings acts in from across the country while also highlighting local talent.

Back 40 Folk Festival in Morden

Community gathered on the sunlit grass, immersed in the music and embracing the shared experience with smiles and relaxation.
Garnie Ross

June. Specific dates TBA.

This one-day festival in Morden is a treat for the senses. From performances by local musicians to songwriters circles to yoga and food; it’s easy to spend the entire day on festival grounds at the Back 40 Folk Festival.

Real Love Summer Festival in Teulon

July 26 to 28, 2024

After a number of incredibly successful years, it’s no surprise that Real Love Summer Fest is back again. With a growing fan base, this music extravaganza has secured a new location in Teulon, Manitoba, with promises of beautiful scenery and shaded camping in the forest. This summer, watch performances, wander through art installations from local artists and take in the experience that is Real Love.

Bring Your Love Festival On The Ledwich Family Farm

Bring Your Love Festival

August 15-19, 2024

If dancing your pants off is your thing, you will want to attend Bring Your Love Festival. The festival is four days of art-infused electronic music featuring over 100 DJs, both local and touring.

Rainbow Trout Music Festival in Roseau River

Nate Forest Rainbow Trout Music Festival

August 16 to 18, 2024

Always the third weekend in August, you can safely bet that the Rainbow Trout Musical Festival will be one of the best of the summer. Set on the banks of Roseau River (south of St. Malo), the festival focuses on local music of all genres – from rock, to hip-hop, to folk to reggae and so on. The festival is known for its pristine festival site and its down-to-earth and friendly atmosphere. Camping tickets sell out fast, but day tickets are available for day-trippers or people looking stay nearby.

Harvest Sun Music Festival in Kelwood

August 17 to 18, 2024

This sunny Kelwood music festival is focused on one goal: to showcase Manitoban musicians, growers and makers. With a truly grassroots vibe, the Harvest Sun Music Festival offers plenty of activities for people of all ages – from the group of indie music fans to the young family looking to spend a day outdoors.

GentleFolk in Teulon

Zack Freeman Gentle Fest

August 23-25, 2024

This wacky good time is the annual festival of GentleFolk, a collective that organizes arts and music events throughout the year. A weekend of camping, arts, and music it has a new theme every year!

Harvest Moon Festival In Clearwater

Harvest Moon Festival

September 13-15, 2024

If there’s any festival that seems to get outstanding reviews year after year – it’s the Harvest Moon Festival in the stunning Pembina Valley during the weekend of the Harvest Moon. This fall festival is rich in music, locally-sourced food and hands-on workshops. You’ll want to purchase your tickets as soon as they go on sale as this festival tends to sell out quick.

About The Author

Hi, I’m Keeley. I love dogs, tea, yoga, and taking photos. Every time you talk to me, I have a new hobby. You can find me haunting local music venues any night of the week, so long as there is a show. My favourite thing about Manitoba is the community.

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