It’s been 157 years since confederation, why not mark the occasion at a festival, on a free tour, attending a tailgate party at Princess Auto Stadium (with fireworks!), or in one of the city’s pretty parks where the festivities won’t stop?
Two of the city’s biggest gatherings – the festival at The Forks and the celebrations at Assiniboine Park – will be directly connected throughout the day via a free Winnipeg 150 shuttle bus (more on that below), while you’ll also note there are events in many other spots throughout the city.
Here’s what’s up on July 1, Canada Day in Winnipeg.
Big Festivals
The Forks
Winnipeg’s epicentre of all things celebratory is marking July 1 with a family and community focus –– along with a side order of hoops and cultural performances on offer.
Everywhere you look at The Forks, you’ll see something going on or something you can take part in – with all the entertainment free! Here’s what’s in store:
For live entertainment, The Forks has partnered with the Tunngasugit Inuit Resource and 2Spirit Manitoba who will be kicking off the day at 11 a.m. at the Oodena Celebration Circle with a presentation followed by throat singers. Later in the Circle, Elder Barb Neepinak will host a hand drumming workshop (2 p.m.) followed by interactive Inuit Games at 3 p.m.
On the Hill Stage (right behind the Inn at The Forks), live music starts at 11 a.m. with Cree singer-songwriter and hand drummerDarryl Buck, followed by Inuit games, throat singing, performances from 2Spirit Manitoba and Red River Métis fiddling phenom Morgan Grace. Following this, more intimate musical performances will take place on The Forks’ massive riverside patio. Starting at 5 p.m., performers will include the Folkroots Bhangra Academy, Jovelle Balani, Ben Tamana, Mattmac and Kelly Bado.
Basketball Manitoba – along with some guest appearances from members of theWinnipeg Sea Bears – will be taking over the Forks Market Parking Lot from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This area will stage a youth tournament championship game, a shooting competition, a wheelchair b-ball demo, a slam dunk contest and an adult championship game. During all this, there will also be open courts manned by Sea Bears players and live DJs. For more sports, the area’s world-classskateboarding park (The Plaza) will host lessons, open sessions, and a best trick contest, starting at 11 a.m.
On the main CN Stage (located beside the WINNIPEG sign), starting at 11 a.m. you can catch acts all manner of dance and live DJs. This includes DJ Fuzzy Paws, the Punjabi Dance Academy, an Afro dance workshop from BOMA, and a dance battle featuring many local groups. This is all being put on in partnership with GeNie BOSS Dance Company (for a taste, just check out all the dance battles onGeNie Baffoe’s Insta – that man can break it down).
For full details from The Forks, head tohttps://www.theforks.com/blog/396/july-1-canada-day-at-the-forks.
Assiniboine Park
The city’s biggest park also has plenty of free performances and programs tailor made for the whole family from noon to 5 p.m. Its Lyric Theatre will host performances by Andrina Turenne, Son of Dave, the School of Rock, Zrada, and Viva Brazil Canada – all starting with an 11 a.m. citizenship ceremony which is by far the most touching way to start your Canada Day. The Lyric Stage will be emceed by the always hilarious, Jane Testar, who many will recognize from CBC Radio andOutside the Joke Improv.
Of course, in front of the stage on the vast field you will also find food trucks, plenty of activities to keep your kids entertained, and yes, bouncy castles. On top of that, there will be informative booths from the likes of Folklorama, Parks Canada and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
The Gardens at The Leaf will also feature some great live entertainment, along with the Happy Solstice Market where you can shop for items like Métis bead jewelry, aroma therapy items, eco-friendly kitchen items, paintings and other works of art.
For performances, host Cassidy Mann will introduce to a number of performers including Jace Bodner, Dom Adams and Onna Lou. The Winnipeg Chinese Cultural Centre will kick it all off at noon with some drumming, while they will also be presenting cake and fortune cookies in the Kitchen Garden starting at 2 p.m.
The Indigenous Peoples Garden will have Fire Teachings with Cree Crowchild from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Here’s thefull run of show.
As to that 150 Shuttle that connects The Forks and Assiniboine Park… It will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., leaving every 30 minutes. The shuttle will pickup and drop-off people at The Forks in front of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, while you can catch it across the Assiniboine Park Foot Bridge on Portage Avenue at Overdale Street for the Party at The Park.
The Cube stage at Old Market Square
You can catch some island vibes in The Exchange District all long weekend as the Socca Reggae Festival returns to the Cube stage in Old Market Square. While the main festival takes place on June 28-29—featuring headliners like Charly Black, AFRO B, Jahmiel, and Motto (here’sthe ticket link)—on July 1 there will also be a block party event with tickets just $15 (18+ for entry). Performers will include Turbulence, Billy, DBreezy, Drux and more, while it all starts at 3 p.m.
Find the whole weekends’ details on theSocca Ragge Fest Insta page.
Princess Auto Stadium
Just when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers organization couldn’t get any better, they’ve decided to host a free event at the stadium featuring Sam Roberts Band!
The event starts at noon, with food trucks, local music acts and family friendly activities as part of the tailgating activities. From there, the crowds can move into the stadium where the mainstage performers start at 3 p.m.
Sam Roberts Band will headline, while locals like Indian City, Doc Walker, Brandi Vezina, Catie St Germain and Neighbour Andy taking the stage throughout the day.
For the kiddos, you can expect face-painting stations, bouncy castles, storytelling and more
And because you are probably reading this and asking, “but where are the fireworks?” – well my friend, they are here. At dusk, there will be massive firework show that will be perfect to watch from the stadium and surrounding area.
For full details, including links to reserve your free ticket and transportation information,go here.
Osborne Village
Block party vibes are coming back to the Village on Canada Day, in a quainter format at the Bell Tower. Starting at 1 p.m., there will be live local acts including TiBert et Douzie, Bubble Barn, The Spectacles, and Mr Circus –– all capped off with a performance at 5 p.m. by the Dirty Catfish Brass Band. This family friendly concert is all free(!), plus there will giant sidewalk games, along with installations like Indigenous art vendors on the Must be the Place patio, and fun things hosted by Kawaii Crepe and Zaytoon. There will also be live music at The Toad in the Hole starting at 3 p.m., along with performances at The Osborne Taphouse.
Here’sall the details.
Free Tours
Some of the city’s biggest attractions are offering free admissions on Canada Day.
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
July 1 will be dedicated to “Celebrating our Indigenous strength and Canadian connections.” The event starts at 11 a.m. and will allow visitors to make their own mini ribbon skirt, shirt or pants, with the programming offered in English and French. Here’smore details.
Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mintis offering free tours on Canada Day. From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. tours will depart every 15 minutes (max 25 people per tour) so you can see how billions of coins have been made for countries around the world. There will also be mini-doughnut and hot dog vendors on site, along with lawn games.
Here’sthe deets.
