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Winnipeg Tattoo Convention

• Red River Exhibition Park, 3977 Portage Ave.
• Friday, 3-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Tickets: $30 plus taxes at wfp.to/iRw

The air will be filled with the buzz of needle guns as over 250 artists gather at Red River Exhibition Park this weekend for the eighth annual Winnipeg Tattoo Convention.

Whether you’ve been toying with the idea of your first ink or are looking to add to your collection, the three-day event is sure to inspire and excite tattoo enthusiasts and the tattoo-curious. Artists from around the world will be convening at the show — bring your best custom art or choose from pre-drawn designs and go under the needle.

Many of the artists are taking bookings for the weekend in advance — it’s recommended you check out winnipegtattooconvention.com to see their work and whether they’re able to fit you in. Alternatively, some artists will be taking appointments on the spot.

The Winnipeg Tattoo Convention has plenty going on beyond getting inked, including a beer garden, merchandise, a market, food trucks and live music (including Sol James, Jamie Buckboro, Jess Rae, Curtis Newton and Norah Erickson).

Tickets are $30 per day plus taxes, or $70 for a weekend pass at wfp.to/iRw.

— Ben Sigurdson

 

Nikki Glaser

• Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main St.
• Tonight and Friday, 7 p.m.
• Tickets: $62.50-$171.50 at centennialconcerthall.com

For two decades, Nikki Glaser has been putting in the work.

The razor-sharp American comedian, actor, podcast host and celebrity roastess with the mostess has slowly but surely become one of comedy’s heavyweights, cracking the mainstream in 2024 for her biting performance on The Roast of Tom Brady on Netflix.

In 2025, Glaser became the first woman to host the Golden Globes solo, a role she reprised in 2026 and will return to in 2027. Later that year, in front a sold-out crowd in her hometown of St. Louis, Mo., she recorded her fifth comedy special, Nikki Glaser: Good Girl, which came out on Disney+ earlier this year.

Glaser brings her Stunning tour to Winnipeg this week for a two-night stand. Friday night’s show is long sold out, and limited tickets remain for tonight.

— Jen Zoratti

 

St. Vital Agricultural Society Agricultural Fair

• St. Vital Centennial Arena, 580 St. Anne’s Road
• Friday, 2:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Admission $5

This 115th edition of the organisation’s flagship annual event includes gardening, flower arranging, craft and woodcarving demonstrations, a farmers and crafters market, and a pancake breakfast and hot dog lunch.

Society members will showcase their produce and wares for a shot at winning prizes and praise in the judged competitions in categories such as vegetables, fruit, preserves, baking, flower arranging, handicrafts, painting, digital photography and junior gardening.

A seniors afternoon takes place Friday with refreshments provided by Meadowood Seniors. Admission for the afternoon is $3.

— AV Kitching

 

Menno Simone drag show

• Lyric Theatre, Assiniboine Park
• Tonight, 7-9 p.m.
• Free

Menno Simone is the ceiling-smashing drag alter-ego of Winnipeg’s Michael Barkman. This seven-foot-tall inside joke heads to Assiniboine Park for an evening of energetic drag, dance and live music.

The performance is part of the park’s summer entertainment series, with backing by an all-star band of Justin Alcock, Ash Au, Domo Lemoine, Gage Salnikowski and Paulo Diaz-Flores. Dancers Jillian Daien and Erin Meagan Schwartz will keep the crowd moving.

After a sold-out performance in February at Public Domain for her “Vegas Residency,” this Menno Simone show is an accessible, family-friendly opportunity to experience the joy of drag.

The park’s live entertainment series continues at the Lyric on Sunday evening with a free performance by El Leon & the Strangers.

— Ben Waldman

 

Ami Cheon album release

• Friday, 9 p.m.
• Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club, 234 Main St.
• Tickets $27 at highandlonesomeclub.ca

Ami Cheon is a big fan of Winnipeg’s vibrant music scene, often describing the city as the “Nashville of Canada.”

The R&B-pop artist has become a fixture of the scene herself since moving to Winnipeg from Regina in 2017. She is a frequent headliner at events, such as Festival du Voyageur, and has collaborated with Jaywood and other local acts.

Cheon releases her debut EP, aries baby, Friday at the Times Change(d), which she promises to transform into an “ethereal girly-pop oasis” for one night only. The dress code is dramatic and intentionally overdressed.

Ticketholders can expect to hear the five-track album played front-to-back, plus cameos by some special guests.

— Eva Wasney