Bombers promise ‘Canada’s biggest social’ for Grey Cup 2025

With the bold declaration the 112th Grey Cup in Winnipeg will be “Canada’s biggest social,” the countdown has officially begun for a week when the heart of the prairies will pulse with football fever and a provincewide party spirit.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers were awarded the 2025 Canadian Football League championship game more than two years ago, but on Friday, in front of a packed Pinnacle Room at Princess Auto Stadium, details around some of the festivities leading up to Grey Cup Sunday’s grand event began to finally take shape.

“A Manitoban Social is more than just a party — it’s a beloved community tradition where friends, family, and neighbours come together to share great food and drinks, dance to live music, and enjoy an unforgettable night of fun,” said Barb Gamey, Festival Co-Chair. “Much like a social, the Grey Cup Festival brings people together from all across the country for an incredible shared experience.”

The official 2025 Grey Cup Festival and 112th Grey Cup game logos were also made public, with the unveiling ceremony a spectacle of Manitoba pride. The new logo was inspired by Manitoba’s vibrant northern lights, intertwined with the familiar silhouettes of boreal forest pines, all cradling the iconic Grey Cup trophy.

Adding a unique and meaningful layer to the event was the announcement of the co-hosts: the Manitoba Métis Federation and Treaty One Nations. The partnership underscored the football club’s commitment to reconciliation, while weaving the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture into the heart of the Grey Cup festivities.

It was a symbol of unity and shared celebration, a sentiment that was acknowledged by leaders from both groups, each of which have put up $125,000 as platinum sponsors of the festival. The province, expecting the Grey Cup to generate millions of dollars in revenue for Manitoba, is investing up to $5.5 million, with the City also pledging notable support through various grants and services.

“The 2025 Grey Cup Festival is more than just a celebration; it’s an opportunity to showcase and build our community while continuing to fulfill the Winnipeg Football Club’s commitment to working with First Nations, Inuit and Red River Métis communities,” said Wade Miller, President and CEO of the Winnipeg Football Club. “We look forward to welcoming fans, celebrating Indigenous heritage, and creating an unforgettable Grey Cup Festival that reflects the diversity and spirit of Manitoba.”

The week promises plenty of fun for people of all ages.

There’s the Wawanesa Street Festival — a dynamic outdoor street party filled with live music, food vendors and interactive experiences.

For those wanting more of a football environment, there’s the CFL Fan Experience, featuring meet-and-greets with CFL legends, immersive football experiences and exclusive Grey Cup content.

If you’ve got kiddos and or are just young at heart, you will want to check out the Canada Life Family Zone, where it offers a bevy of fun games and entertainment offers.

“The Grey Cup Festival is a chance for fans, families, and visitors to come together in a way that only Winnipeg can deliver,” added Miller. “With the support of our incredible partners, we’re creating a Festival experience that is welcoming, vibrant, and true to the spirit of our province.”

More details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks and months. You can get all the latest information on the Grey Cup festival by visiting www.greycupfestival.ca. Tickets for the game, which is scheduled for Nov. 16, can be purchased on the Bombers’ website.

Jeff.Hamilton@freepress.mb.ca