summercalendar A guide to the season’ s hottest events
Pinawa Float and Paddle Fringe Festival
JUNE
To July 5 – As You Like It and An Iliad at Shakespeare in the Ruins Desire blooms as lovers discover the transformative power of love in Shakespeare’ s great comedy of exile and disguise. The beautiful Trappist Monastery Heritage Park provides the perfect setting. This summer’ s companion piece, a moving adaptation of Homer’ s poem, The Iliad, brings the ancient story of the Trojan War to light for modern times, where conflict is a common language. 204-891-9160, shakespeareintheruins. com
June 25-Jul 12 – Jesus Christ Superstar at Rainbow Stage This supercharged rock opera continues to wow audiences with its contemporary telling of Jesus’ s last week of life. Themes of fame, betrayal and power are set against the backdrop of 1970s rock. 204-989-0888, rainbowstage. ca
Jun 25-28 Countryfest Giddy up to annual outdoor familyfriendly music festival amplifying local and big-name talent Jelly Roll, Nate Smith, Tyler Hubbard and Brett Kissel in Dauphin. 1-800-361-7300, countryfest. ca
JULY
Jul 1 – Canada Day at Princess Auto Stadium Free Family-friendly celebration at the home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Princess Auto Stadium heats up Canada day with mainstage headliners, fireworks and more. bluebombers. com
To Aug 24 – Purple Room Open Mic at the Cube Every Monday at 7pm Old Market Square’ s stage welcomes song, dance, comedy, magic, and more for an open mic showcase. purpleroom. ca
Jul 9-12 – Winnipeg Folk Festival Discover local and big-name talent Adam Baldwin, Billy Bragg and Jesse Welles at this mega-hit music fest at Bird’ s Hill Park. 204-231- 0096, winnipegfolkfestival. ca
Jul 3, Aug 7, Sep 4 – First Fridays in the Exchange Exchange District shops, restaurants and galleries keep their doors open late. firstfridayswinnipeg. org
Jul 15-26 – Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival Annual alternative theatre festival takes over Winnipeg’ s arts district for the multi-venue showcase of independent talent. 204-943-7464, winnipegfringe. com
Jul 17-20 The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival Get ready to laugh under the open sky as comedy takes centre stage outdoors at Assiniboine Park. Event is 18 +. greatoutdoorscomedyfestival. com
Jul 17-18 – Super Spike Canada’ s largest outdoor volleyball tournament with live music, food trucks and beer draws impressive athletes and fans. Maple Grove Rugby Park. 204-925-5785, superspike. ca
Jul 17-19 – Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition Manitoba’ s only pro rodeo showcasing bucking broncos, live music and Midway fun is found in Morris. 204-746-2552, manitobastampede. ca
Jul 17-19 – Boardwalk Days The glory days of Winnipeg Beach are revived with a Midway, expansive vendor market and food trucks galore. winnipegbeach. ca
Jul 17, Aug 21 – Alleyways Market Exchange District alleyways transform into outdoor evening market strips bustling with local vendors. 204-942-6716, exchangedistrict. org
Jul 19, Aug 23 – Manitoba Night Market and Festival The outdoor evening market hosts local vendors, entertainment and a beer garden. Assiniboia Downs, 204-885-3330, asdowns. com
Jul 22-26 – Gimli Film Festival Cinephiles and flick enthusiasts will delight in more than 100 movies, docs and shorts. 204-642- 7790, gimlifilm. com
Winnipeg Folk Festival
6 ciao! / summer / two thousand twenty-six