Top Tuesdays Originally uploaded by AccessWinnipeg
Top Tuesdays is a weekly AccessWinnipeg.com exclusive column that will feature Winnipeg’s top 5 or 10 places, things, people, and everything else. If you have any suggestions for a Top Tuesday feature, please send it to us in the submit news page.
TOP 5 FESTIVALS
One thing I find that people love to do, is complain that there is never anything interesting to do in their home town. Guess what, there are numerous things constantly going on in (or near) Winnipeg. I’m only scratching the surface with this post.
Hit the Read More for my top festival choices.
1. Folklorama
Website: http://www.folklorama.ca/
Date: First week in August
Length: Two weeks
Location: Venues are located throughout the city
Price: $5 per each 30 to 60 minute show. Discount packages available.
Folklorama gives people a chance to experience different cultures from around the world. This is the only festival of it’s kind in Canada. Each week has a different set of pavilions and each pavilion does 30 to 60 minute “shows” every day of the week, multiple times a day. The shows are made up of singing, dancing and other arts/entertainment that is specific to the culture. Before and after the show you can sample the local cuisine and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) or pick up some culture related merchandise. Folklorama has something for everyone!
2. Fringe Festival
Website: http://www.winnipegfringe.com/
Date: Third week in July
Length: Two weeks
Location: Old Market Square in the exchange is the hub with retailers, licensed tents and free outdoor shows. Other venues are located throughout the city. Majority are in the exchange.
Price: $5-$9 per play. Discount packages available.
The fringe festival brings out the best local, national and international theatre. Alongside plays, Old Market Square is bumping throughout the two weeks and also places like the Kings Head. The thing I like best about the Fringe is the fact that 100% of the revenue is given to the crews.
3. Folkfest
Website: http://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca/wp/
Date: Second weekend in July
Length: Four days
Location: Birds Hill Park
Price: $190 for 4 day adult pass. $35 for weekend camping pass. Youth passes and 1 day passes available.
Folkfest gives Winnipegers access to local and international “folk” music. Folk music might sound dull, but Folkfest provides many styles of music, including electronica dj’s. Past performers include: The Weakerthans, Blue Rodeo, Bruce Cockburn, Ani DiFranco, Natalie MacMaster and Rita MacNeil. Folkfest continues on after the stages are shut down in the campground with instruments, local bands, alcohol and drugs. There is also a quiet campground for those who would not like to partake in the festivities. Throughout the festival and camp grounds you will find artist from across Canada selling their home made merchandise.
4. Jazz Festival
Website: http://www.jazzwinnipeg.com/
Date: Fourth week in June
Length: Nine days
Location: Local bars, Centennial Concert Hall, Pantages Playhouse Theatre
Price: As low as $5 for clubs and has high as $60+ for well known performers.
This is the one festival that I have not had a chance to attend. Past performers have included McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, The Neville Brothers, and K-OS.
5. Festival Du Voyager
Website: http://festivalvoyageur.mb.ca/wp/festival-du-voyageur-fr/
Date: Third week in February
Length: Ten days
Location: St. Boniface
Price: $20 for unlimited access. $12 for 1 day access to Voyageur Park.
You can’t forget that the Festival is coming when you start seeing all the snow sculptures erecting throughout the city. Festival has everything, entertainment, drinking, food, demonstrations, tours, hands on workshops for adults and kids! The only negative, IT”S COLD.
