If you're seeking an opportunity to delve into Manitoba's culture and history, look no further than these six must-visit festivals happening throughout the province in all seasons. Embrace winter at Festival du Voyageur, find your inner Pioneer at the Northern Manitoba Trapper’s Festival, dance your folkin’ heart out at the famous Winnipeg Folk Festival or witness an epic Viking battle at Islendingadagurinn (don’t worry, you can also call it the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba). Let's dive in and explore the vibrant gatherings that will make your trip to Manitoba unforgettable!
And the best part? Some of our festivals even celebrate a special anniversary in 2025!
Northern Manitoba Trapper’s Festival
When? February 12 – 16, 2025
Where? The Pas
The Pas is home to the Northern Manitoba Trapper’s Festival, Manitoba’s oldest winter festival, established in 1916. It is an homage to the strong heritage, proud traditions and steadfast resilience of the people who call the area home. With activities such as World Championship Dog Race, King & Queen Trapper events, a top-notch Arts and Crafts show, snow sculpting, chainsaw competitions and tons of family events, the festival celebrates the rich history and cultural heritage of the northern pioneers!
Festival du Voyageur
When? February 14 – 23, 2025
Where? Winnipeg
Embrace winter at Festival du Voyageur, Western Canada’s largest winter festival, where you can admire giant snow sculptures, dance and jig to lively music, attend concerts, enjoy French Canadian foods and meet historical characters of Fort Gibraltar. This is a kitchen party not to be missed that bonds the traditions of the past with the vitality of the Franco-Manitoban community of today.
Manito Ahbee Festival
When? May 16 – 19, 2025 (tbc)
Where? Red River Exhibition Park, Winnipeg
Manito Ahbee, which is Ojibway for "where the Creator sits," is one of the largest annual gatherings of Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island. The festival features Nations from across the North American continent, coming together every year on the May long weekend in Winnipeg to celebrate Indigenous arts, culture, music, dance, filmmaking and food and to kick off the powwow season across Turtle Island. Not to be missed is The Grand Entry, where dancers and elders formally open the event. It is one of the world’s largest Pow Wows, where people from different Nations showcase their talents and passion in the form of Traditional, Grass, Jingle and Fancy Shawl dances. Other activities include a Tipi raising contest and the huge Manito Ahbee Marketplace where you can purchase items from Indigenous creators like regalia, mukluks, clothing, jewellery, music, art, food and much more.
In 2025, Manito Ahbee celebrates its 20th anniversary!
Winnipeg Folk Festival
When? July 10 – 13, 2025
Where? Birds Hill Provincial Park, Winnipeg
Often called the festival of the summer, The Winnipeg Folk Festival attracts tens of thousands of guests every year. Bringing together emerging and well-established artists, the Winnipeg Folk Festival is at its core, a celebration of folk music! Drum circles and fire dancers are all but common in this 4-day party where you can wander around barefoot, grab a bite to eat from a food truck (organic and local options abound!) or catch some of the over 70 acts on nine stages. All this in the beautiful park setting of Birds Hill Provincial Park, just 30 minutes outside the city centre! Since 1974, the Winnipeg Folk Festival has taken place every year on the second weekend of July, with just a short pause during the Pandemic.
It will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025!
Islendingadagurinn
When? August 1 – 4, 2025
Where? Gimli, Lake Winnipeg
Whether you call it Islendingadagurinn or simply the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba - this is one summer celebration you don't want to miss! Head to the town of Gimli in the area known as New Iceland for an extraordinary celebration that pays homage to the Icelandic culture and heritage of the region, home to the largest population of Icelandic descendants outside of Iceland. Prepare to be mesmerized as Viking warriors clash in thrilling re-enactments, transporting you back to a bygone Norse era. Try an Icelandic delicacy like the always-popular Vinarterta. Earn your honorary Icelander title through the thrilling 'Get Dinged' ceremony. Cheer your heart out at the midway. The fun and festivities are endless!
Folklorama
When? August 3 – 16, 2025
Where? Winnipeg
Heralded 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, Germany or the Caribbean? For 14 days in August, Folklorama offers just a small taste (but oh, such a good one) of cultures around the globe. Over 40 pavilions are scattered around the city in the two-week period, and with incredible vibrancy, energy and delicacies – you will definitely want to visit as many as possible!
Further information can be found at www.travelmanitoba.com.
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