Festivals in Manitoba

Anchored in the geographic heart of Canada, where the open Prairie gradually surrenders to lakes and boreal forest, the province of Manitoba nurtures a festival scene that is both rugged and warm, built for short but blazing summers. In Winnipeg, the capital, the legendary Winnipeg Folk Festival has spread its stages across Birds Hill Provincial Park for half a century, earning its place as one of the most respected folk gatherings in North America. Further west, in the farm fields of Dauphin, Dauphin’s Countryfest lays claim to being the country's longest-running outdoor country festival, while Rockin' the Fields of Minnedosa sets its namesake town roaring to the sound of guitars and grit.

Yet Manitoba's identity stretches beyond wide-open spaces: it is also Métis and proudly French-speaking, celebrated every winter at the Festival du Voyageur, the largest winter festival in Western Canada, which warms the Saint-Boniface district through February's biting cold. From the country headliners of Country Thunder to the thundering riffs of Manitoba Metalfest, the province spans a surprisingly broad range for those willing to explore it. FestT calculates your FestiScore — the affinity between a lineup and your favourite artists — and keeps dates, headliners and ticketing up to date for every one of these Manitoba gatherings.