Things to do on Canada Day in Winnipeg

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/06/2024 (444 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Canada Day in the city

Canada Day falls on a Monday this year, capping off the long weekend with an array of special events and experiences. Whether you’re seeking to learn more about history, to discover some great local entertainment, or to take part in festive celebrations, there’s sure to be something going on in Winnipeg that’s right up your alley.

The Forks National Historic Site, where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet, has been a gathering place for time immemorial. On Canada Day, the community hub in the heart of our city comes alive with vibrant celebrations, cultural performances, and live music across multiple stages. Activities cater to all ages with family-friendly options like craft-making, storytelling, games, and children’s entertainers.

There will be dance battles, skateboarding demonstrations, and art workshops. Basketball Manitoba’s three-day tournament at The Forks culminates on July 1 with the championship game, and lead-up events like the wheelchair basketball demo, slam dunk contest, shooting competition, and special guest visits from the Winnipeg Sea Bears. Find out more at theforks.com

Canada Day at Assiniboine Park will feature entertainment and activities throughout Winnipeg’s largest green space. The Lyric Theatre kicks off at 11 a.m. with an Indigenous blessing, followed by a citizenship ceremony that will see new Canadians take their oath. Concerts starting in the afternoon include Viva Brasil Canada, Andrina Turenne, School of Rock, and more. See the full schedule at assiniboinepark.ca

The Happy Solstice Market in the Gardens at The Leaf will feature one-of-a-kind goods from local vendors, while food trucks will serve up a wide range of culinary delights available for picnicking on the park’s lush lawns. Keep the younger ones entertained with kids’ programming, and a visit to the Nature Playground with its interactive play structures and natural elements designed to encourage exploration.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are hosting an action-packed Canada Day celebration at Princess Auto Stadium. The event starts at noon and is free to attend, with no tickets required to access the tailgate party, but space for mainstage entertainment featuring the Sam Roberts Band, Catie St. Germain, Brandy Vezina and more is limited so, while the event is free, people should get tickets at bluebombers.com/CanadaDay. Attendees are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for Manitoba Harvest. Enjoy live music from DJs and local artists, cultural demonstrations, a local makers market, food trucks, magicians, and inflatables. A dazzling display of fireworks at dusk will light up the stadium and city skyline in full force before fading off into the darkness.

Mondays are race days at Assiniboia Downs and Canada Day will be no exception, with post-time set for 7:30 p.m. The evening’s races will conclude with a fireworks display and family activities such as face-painting, bouncy castles and more will begin at 6:30 p.m. See asdowns.com for more info.

For all you runners out there, the Canada Day Road Race Series is running several events on July 1 in the downtown waterfront district. Hosted by the Running Room, the races kick off at 9 a.m. with a one-kilometre Kids Run, and 5K and five-mile events. All participants who cross the finish line will receive a commemorative Canada Day finisher’s medal to add to the collection. More details are available at raceroster.com

Whatever you choose to do, may you get to spend the day with your favourite people, and take a little time to celebrate and reflect on the country we live in. While it may not be a perfect place, or have a flawless past, I’m still grateful to call Canada home. No matter where I roam.