Winnipeg Folk Festival has nine stages throughout the festival which have concerts, workshops and family programming./ALLY GONZALO

The Projector’s Seasonal Arts Brief

By Sarah Vandale

Winnipeg’s arts and culture scene has no shortage of events to help make the most of our short-lived summers. Not sure where to start? Take a look at this list of some of Manitoba’s top festivals and events.

TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival June 18-23

https://www.jazzwinnipeg.com

The TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival puts on concerts around the city, including at Old Market Square, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Burton Cummings Theatre, and more. Jazz Fest also has Jazz for Lunch performances at Parlour Coffee and Old Market Square at noon nearly every day of the festival. Fans of the festival are looking forward to performances by Dirty Catfish Brass Band and Noname with Royal Canoe.

Winnipeg Folk Festival July 11-14

https://www.winnipegfolkfestival.com

One of Manitoba’s biggest music festivals is back this year with a huge lineup. Death Cab for Cutie, Kacey Musgraves, Jason Mraz, Half Moon Run, The Sheepdogs and K’naan are just a handful of the performers who will be at the four-day festival. Looking for the complete Folk Fest experience? The festival has a Quiet Campground for those who want to relax after a day of fun, whereas the Festival Campground offers more of a community atmosphere.

The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival has events and activities for people of all ages, including outdoor musical acts and street performances./LEIF NORMAN

Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival July 17-28

https://www.winnipegfringe.com

When the Exchange District becomes plastered with posters and handbills, you know it’s almost time for the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival. The 12-day festival has over 170 theatre acts from Winnipeg all the way to Australia. The festival often showcases comedy, improv, drama, and dancing. If theatre’s not your thing, you visit Old Market Square to see street performers and concerts, and visit food trucks and street vendors, instead.

Real Love Summer Fest July 26-28

https://reallovewpg.com/reallovesummerfest

Real Love Summer Fest is a three-day outdoor music festival in Teulon, Manitoba put on by Real Love Winnipeg. The independent concert promotion company works to make the city “a more frequent destination for exciting underground and established touring bands” and strives to make sure fans have an enjoyable, affordable and safe experience at their shows. While Real Love Summer Fest’s 2019 lineup hasn’t been announced yet, some of last year’s big acts included indie bands TOPS and Varsity.

Folklorama August 4-17

https://www.folklorama.ca

Looking for a summer getaway without sitting hours on end in the backseat of a car or spending hundreds of dollars on a plane ticket? Experience a taste – figuratively and literally – of Winnipeg’s many cultures at Folklorama, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Enjoy authentic food, art, dancing, singing, and of course hospitality at almost 40 pavilions around the city.

At Folklorama, patrons can watch styles of dance from cultures all over the world, complete with traditional dress and music. Photo courtesy of Folklorama./DWAYNE LARSON

This is only the tip of the iceberg of what Winnipeg’s arts and culture scene has to offer during the summer.

If you have a favourite festival or event you’d like to see covered, tweet us at @rrcprojector.