No matter the genre, our province is chalk full of some of the most exciting, heartfelt, toe-tapping, get out of your seats and dance music you will ever hear. From Juno winners whose names you may recognize to bands who you’ve never heard of before, Manitoba has been well known for producing some of Canada’s most famous music since the early 1960’s.

The Guess Who, Neil Young, Tom Cochrane, Harlequin, the Crash Test Dummies, Chantal Kreviazuk, The Weakerthans, Doc Walker and so many more made their start playing in small clubs and music festivals in our province.

Unless you are an avid independent music lover or frequent the local clubs and festivals, there is also a long list of amazingly talented artists whose name you just don’t know. William Prince, Sweet Alibi, Patrick Alexandre Leclerc, Dustin Harder & The Dusty Roads Band, Richard Inmann, and so many more. And the only way to connect with their music is to get to know them at some of the music festivals happening this summer!

This weekend, Eastern Manitoba is host to one of the provinces largest music festivals, The Winnipeg Folk Fest, kicking off a summer full of great festivals to check out, and incredible talent to get to know.

5 Reasons to Join the Crowd

#5 The Experience is Unforgettable. There is no better way to describe a music festival, other than to say, you just have to get out there and experience it for yourself. The music, the crowds, the good vibes — they are all infectious. From the moment you walk through the festival gates, to the very last performance, you’ll be laughing and dancing, singing along and having a great time.

#4 The Community of People. Contrary to what you may think, the majority of people who attend music festivals are amazingly friendly and outgoing. I never thought it possible, but I have made countless friends from around the world by visiting the numerous music festivals in Eastern Manitoba. I’ve connected with artists, stagehands, volunteers, and even future business partners by sharing my love of music.

#3 Lasting Memories are Created. You never really know what’s going to happen at a live performance and being part of the crowd as new music legends make their debut performance or having a chance meeting with those considered music icons is remarkable.

#2 The Music is Outstanding. The most spectacular thing about independent artists is that they are absolutely outstanding live! I even go as far as saying that seeing these artists on the stage is much better than listening to their recorded albums and videos. There’s nothing quite like feeling the music as the thumping of the drums beats in your chest, the bass guitar floods through your entire body, and the vocals carry your thoughts away in stories.

#1 You are Never too Old to Be Apart of the Crowd. Having been introduced to the music festival scene well into my thirties, I can attest to this fact. Shed the thought that music festivals are only for the younger generations because they aren’t. I have been surrounded by people from Generation Z to Baby Boomers at all the festivals I have attended.

A Summer Full of Eastern Manitoba Music Festivals

Winnipeg Folk Fest: July 6-9, Birds Hill

Don’t let the name fool you, The Winnipeg Folk Fest is one of Eastern Manitoba’s hottest summer events! This internationally acclaimed celebration of people and music features over 60 acts, six daytime stages, evening main stage, family area, artisan tent and food court.

Summer Winds Family Music Festival: July 21-22, Victoria Beach

The Summer Winds Family Music Festival is held at the Victoria Beach Sports Field on Highway 59, Victoria Beach. Offering great entertainment and fun activities that are affordable, family-friendly, multicultural music covering many genres and age groups. From reggae to alternative, to country, to rock, we bring to life the songs from your personal playlists, as well as support emerging artists and their original music. And all this happens in a relaxed and natural outdoor setting located just over an hour north of Winnipeg among some of Canada’s best beaches.

IRAL Summer Jam Fest: July 14-16, Hilltop Resort

The International Afro Caribbean Latin Music & Arts (IRAL) Summer Jam Fest returns to the Hill Top Resort on July 14-16, 2023! Early Bird Tickets Are Available Now! These tickets are time sensitive and limited! Let’s create great memories together this summer!

Howl at the Moon: August 4-6, Hilltop Resort

Join us under the moon for three jam-packed days of some of the best country music around. Howl at the Moon Music Festival is a great way to spend a mid-summer Manitoba weekend with friends. Spend the days taking in all of the new music the festival has to offer, kicking back at your campsite or exploring the area. The annual Howl at the Moon music festival features country artists from all over Canada.

Fire & Water Music Festival: August 4-6, Lac du Bonnet

Winner of the 2017 Travel Manitoba Event of the Year, Fire & Water Music Festival is Manitoba’s fastest growing, family-friendly, summer festival featuring the best Manitoba has to offer in Music and Arts. Once a year, we celebrate musicians, visual artists, sideshow performers, dancers and artisans alike. Fire & Water offers music featuring independent Manitoba musicians; playing everything from Roots Country to Hard Rock, that is fun for all ages and so much more.

Rainbow Trout Music Festival: August 18-20, St. Malo

One of the coolest summer indie music festivals that Manitoba has to offer, Rainbow Trout Music Festival is three days of music, camping, good friends, bonfires, dancing, swimming, and so much more.   It’s also 100% volunteer driven and dedicated to promoting local music and arts. RTMF showcases the high level of quality that exists in local music of all genres.  Its unique programming inspires audiences and challenges the listener.  Rock, electro, hip-hop, blues, jazz, folk, garage, funk, reggae, just to name a few.