This boisterous annual festival at Birds Hill Provincial Park attracts artists from around the world for a celebration of music, art, culture and community. Beyond the stages, food stalls, beer tents and unique collaborative performances, thousands turn the festival campground turns into a rip-roaring all night party for kids, and adults, of all ages.
Length of Trip : Evenings for day visitors, 5 days camping, or a week for the hardcore folkies.
Cost : 5 Day ticket: $255 for adults, $145 for youth/senior, $23 kids 5 – 14. Day ticket Wed/Thurs: $65 for adults, $50 for youth/senior, $8 kids 5 – 14. Day ticket Fri-Sun: $85 for adults, $65 for youth/senior, $10 kids 5 – 14. Tickets can be bought online here
Best time to go : Festival takes place annually around mid July
Wheelchair friendly : Yes. Special needs parking is located near the Box Office.
Family friendly : Yes
Where to eat : There are dozens of food trucks inside the festival grounds, offering a wide range of choices.
Official Site : www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca
Where to Stay : Consider the historic Fort Garry Hotel, one of Canada’s grand railway hotels, and independently owned.
Getting There : The festival takes place inside Birds Hill Provincial Park, which is 34 km (20 min) northeast of Winnipeg on Provincial Highway 59 (City Route 20). This will take you to the West Gate. Alternatively, you can take Route 20 to Dugald Road to Hwy 206 to get to the East Gate. Parking is free and close to the Winnipeg Folk Festival site. A Festival Express Bus departs regularly to/from Winnipeg, and your pass gives you access to free local public transport.
Note from Robin : A five-day ticket with festival camping sells out months in advance! The excellent festival website has a great guide for first timers: www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca/festival/camping-at-the-festival/festival-campground