The Government of Manitoba is investing more than $1.2 million to support festivals across the province in 2025-26, including more than $359,000 for winter events, Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Nellie Kennedy announced.
“Festivals connect people, celebrate community spirit and support local businesses,” Kennedy said in a news release. “Our government is proud to help communities host events that strengthen neighbourhoods, attract visitors and showcase Manitoba’s culture, especially through Manitoba’s winters.”
Funding is delivered through the Community Festivals and Events program for signature community events, as well as through dedicated funding for major stand-alone festivals.
Among the largest winter investments is $324,600 for Festival du Voyageur Inc. to host the 2026 Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg from Feb. 13 to 22, and $25,000 for the Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival in The Pas from Feb. 18 to 22, 2026. Aurora WinterFest in March 2026 received $3,000, while the Canadian Power Toboggan Championships’ 2026 Canadian Open in March was allocated $7,000.
Major summer stand-alone festivals include $370,000 for Manito Ahbee Festival Inc. for Manito Ahbee in May, $290,500 for Folk Arts Council of Manitoba to present Folklorama in August, and $40,600 for the Valley Agricultural Society’s Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition in Morris in July.
Dozens of community fairs and celebrations across rural and northern Manitoba also received support, most in the $6,033 range. These include the Arborg Agricultural Fair ($6,033.52), City of Winkler Harvest Festival and Exhibition ($6,033.52), Hanover Agricultural Fair ($6,033.52), Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, Islendingadagurinn ($6,033.52), Morden Corn and Apple Festival ($6,033.52), Nickel Days in Thompson ($6,033.52), Niverville Olde Tyme Country Fair ($6,033.52), Norway House Cree Nation Treaty and York Boat Days ($6,033.52), Richer Rough Stock Rodeo and Country Fair ($6,033.52), Sagkeeng Annual Treaty Days ($6,033.52), Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Powwow ($6,033.52), Stonewall Quarry Days ($6,033.52), Summer in the City in Steinbach ($6,033.52), Grandview Mud Bog Weekend and Homecoming ($6,033.52), Victoria Beach Summer Winds Family Music Festival ($6,033.52) and the Virden Indoor Rodeo and Wild West Daze ($6,033.52).
Other supported events span the province and calendar, including the 4P Festival ($1,255.57), Springfield Chicken Daze ($6,033.52), Baldur Summer Solstice Days ($1,263.42), Belmont Jamboree Festival ($486.90), Carrick Days ($1,427.53), Prairie Winds Music Festival in Cypress River ($2,273.43), Eriksdale Creamery Days Fair and Rodeo ($2,973.92), Flin Flon Trout Festival ($2,428.43), Frog Follies in St. Pierre-Jolys ($3,702.77), Harvest Sun in Kelwood ($2,756.11), Canada Day celebrations in Lac du Bonnet ($2,083.37) and Vita ($4,436.44), Lundar Fair ($5,664.26), Threshermen’s Reunion and Stampede in Austin ($6,033.52), MMF Ste. Madeleine ($3,475.30), Whitemud Music Festival in Glenella-Lansdowne ($1,182.57), Festival du Patrimoine Montcalm Heritage Festival ($1,145.42), Pinawa Birthday Celebration ($1,977.79), Plum Coulee Plum Fest ($2,293.94), Holiday Alley in Selkirk ($6,033.52), Reston Fair ($867.62), Dominion City SummerFest ($1,281.52), Mitchell and Area Fun Days ($3,390.23), Blumenort Fun and Fair Days ($2,090.61), Fête de la Saint-Jean-Baptiste in La Broquerie ($2,696.38), Melita Banana Days ($5,472.40), Stony Mountain Family Festival and Canada Day ($352.96), Teulon Rodeo ($3,703.37), Manitoba Sunflower Festival in Altona ($5,322.16) and Prairie Pioneer Days hosted by the Turtle Mountain Flywheel Club ($558.70).
The province noted that the $882,300 invested in 49 summer festivals plays an important role in supporting local businesses, boosting tourism and fostering community pride. With festivals taking place year-round, the government says Manitobans will continue to have opportunities to gather, celebrate culture and experience the province’s diverse and vibrant communities.
