Old favourites and new adventures. That’s what this week of events looks like here in Manitoba. Folklorama continues this week with pavilion after pavilion of fare, fun and exciting introductions to new cultural experiences. Flin Flon is also gearing up for a brand new festival: the Blueberry Jam Music Gathering. For your weekly round-up of it all, check out what’s hot in Manitoba.
Go on a guided experience in Riding Mountain National Park
ends August 30
Wasagaming, Riding Mountain National Park
Explore the rocky Manitoba escarpment by foot; hear the sounds of the Anishinabe fiddle; paddle along the shore of Clear Lake; and discover the hidden history of Riding Mountain National Park. Parks Canada summer guided experiences run until August 30, with new fall programs starting in September!
Feast at Folklorama
on now
various venues, Winnipeg
Where can you find lively music, great food, hearty laughter, rich culture and vibrant colours all under one roof? Well, 44 pavilions, to be exact. The point is that the countdown to Folklorama is over and this cultural extravaganza is back for another exciting year! So get going! You only have two weeks to feast your way through all these amazing cultures.
Snuggle in to a B&B
August 10 to 12
Ponemah, Interlake
There’s a new bed and breakfast in the town of Ponemah. Aaron’s on the Lake is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway, with its lakefront views and opportunities for a scenic stroll or kayak adventure. Snuggle in to this new kid on the block for some good old Interlake hospitality.
Celebrate human rights and Mandela
on now
Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is honouring the memory of Nelson Mandela with a riveting exhibit. Mandela: Struggle for Freedom looks at Mandela’s life and his efforts to end apartheid.
Circle a circus
August 6
Fairgrounds, Carberry
Machine de Cirque is making a stop in Carberry for a live outdoor performance of its original modern circus show Truck Stop. Get ready for live musical accompaniment inspired by the regions represented. Show includes various circus disciplines.
Discover northern Manitoba in acrylic
August 6 to 13
Sam Waller Museum, The Pas
Flin Flon artist Lois Pedersen is exhibiting her work at the Sam Waller Museum. The exhibit, located in the Susan MacCharles Gallery, showcases various acrylics that feature northern Manitoba’s scenery. Regular admission rates apply.
Have a few laughs at Rumor’s
August 7 to 11
Rumor’s Comedy Club, Winnipeg
Looking for a good way to release after a stressful day? Rumor’s Comedy Club is bringing the laughs this week with American comedian Darryl Lenox, who has made appearances on the likes of the Conan O’Brien and Comedy Central.
Hit the free concert series in Portage la Prairie
August 9
Island Park, Portage la Prairie
The free Concerts in the Park series continues this summer in Portage la Prairie. Head to Island Park this Thursday evening for some great live performances by Neil Keeps and Ashes & Dreams. Don’t forget your lawn chair!
Dine on a pop-up patio
August 2
Assiniboine Park and Zoo
The Pavilion at Assiniboine will be transformed into a pop-up patio this Thursday again. Head to the patio for a drink with friends, or savour the hearty fare, or a lighter meal.
Make lunchtime a music-filled one in MacLean Park
August 10
MacLean Park, Thompson
MacLean Park is bringing back its fun Concerts in the Park series! Take a break for lunch and head to this free and fun event of live entertainment with the talented folks around Thompson.
Snack on fries in Portage la Prairie
August 10 and 11
Rotary Republic Park, Portage la Prairie
Celebrate the land and agriculture in Portage la Prairie this weekend. The annual Portage Potato Festival on this Friday and Saturday with live music, beer gardens, tonnes of kids’ activities, a car show and, of course, free fries.
Explore a lake
August 10 and 12
FortWhyte Alive Adventure Site, Winnipeg
Muir Lake is calling your name this weekend and FortWhyte Alive has a kayak or canoe just for you. All that’s required is that you register in advance for this 40-minute exploration of the lake. No experience is required.
Have family fun in Winkler
August 10 to 12
Winkler Arena, Winkler
Winkler’s Harvest Fest bids you a warm welcome this weekend. This free, family festival will feature four entertainment stages with something for everyone. There will also be a midway, amazing food, a parade, fireworks, and a strong man competition.
Make your way to Melita
August 10 to 12
various venues, Melita
Three days of family fun await you in Melita. The town’s Banana Days caters to kids of all ages with face painting, laser tag, carnival games, reptile gardens and more. This year’s event will also feature a golf tournament, beer garden, an old-fashioned tea party, and much more.
Have a sweet time in Kleefeld
August 10 to 12
Kleefeld Park, Kleefeld
Kleefeld has been celebrating its Honey Festival since 1970. Join the town as it celebrates this weekend with a Friday movie night and a free pancake breakfast followed by a parade on Saturday. There will also be the well-loved chili cook-off and a carnival for the kids.
Check out a new festival
August 10 to 12
Tourist Bureau and Campground, Flin Flon
Flin Flon is pulling out the stops for what will be its first annual Blueberry Jam Music Gathering. The newest addition to the Manitoba festival scene is all about music lovers, camping, meeting new people, while dancing and enjoying Flin Flon’s beautiful scenery.
Rock out in Morris
August 11
Manitoba Stampede Grounds, Morris
Just off the heels of its stampede, Morris is getting ready to rock the Stampede Grounds with its Rockin’ Horse Music Festival. This one-day festival features a mix of country and rock music, and will an exciting lineup of artists.
Get in stride at Oak Hammock
August 12
Oak Hammock Marsh, Stonewall
Oak Hammock is gearing up for marsh madness with its Duck and Run event. Stride past muskrat huts, journey down the boardwalk, sprint along a path lined with cattail stands and bring along a friend or two.
Shop a night market
August 12
Assiniboia Downs, Winnipeg
If you love to shop, then Assiniboia Downs is the place to be this Sunday. The Manitoba Night Market and Festival kicks off at 3 p.m. with over 100 vendors, and 20-plus food trucks. There will also be live music, a beer garden and activities for the kids.
