10+ Free Winnipeg Weekend Events September 4-7

Crave Nite Festival brings food, local culture, artistry and entertainment together at The Forks. The late-night festival features Manitoba flavours, immersive hands-on activities, a vibrant night market, live DJs and local entertainment. Additional activities and local artists are still to be announced.

Enjoy free vehicle entry to Manitoba provincial parks over the Labour Day long weekend. Visitors can explore hiking and walking trails, beaches, day-use areas and other outdoor spaces without purchasing a provincial park vehicle permit. Regular camping fees, accommodations and separately priced activities or services are not included, and the offer does not apply to national parks.

Celebrate light, culture and community at the Winnipeg Lantern Festival. The free, family-friendly festival features illuminated lantern displays, cultural performances, live entertainment, family activities, lantern activities and workshops, food vendors and local artisan vendors. Food, merchandise and other vendor purchases cost extra.

Explore more than 150 years of Winnipeg policing history through exhibits featuring historic uniforms, equipment, photographs, forensic displays, and unique artifacts. Admission is free.

Celebrate Manitoba's sporting heritage through exhibits, memorabilia, photographs, and stories featuring hundreds of outstanding athletes, builders, and championship teams. Admission is free.

Enjoy free general admission to the Manitoba Museum's Museum Galleries, Planetarium and Science Gallery. September programming includes a Bison on the Move scavenger hunt, The Paper Trail to the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act exhibition, a paleontology pop-up, hands-on activities with Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum, live Planetarium shows, Science Gallery activities and the Living Laboratory. No ticket is required for First Friday programming unless otherwise specified.

Explore galleries, artist studios, museums, shops and creative spaces during First Fridays in the Exchange. September activities include exhibitions, gallery openings, opportunities to meet local artists, select live performances and a paper lantern activity at Old Market Square. Free street parking is available after 5:30 PM.

Celebrate Labour Day with a family-friendly afternoon presented by the Winnipeg Labour Council. Activities include games, light refreshments, face painting, bouncy castles, a dunk tank, union solidarity and additional surprises.

Shop handmade goods from local makers and connect with creators at this three-day market at The Forks Market. The event showcases local creativity and craftsmanship in a community marketplace setting.

Enjoy a family-friendly movie night featuring Moana 2. Bring blankets, comfy seating and your favourite movie-night crew and settle in for an evening at the community centre. A cash canteen will be open with snacks and treats available for purchase.

Learn about Manitoba's owls during this free, all-ages drop-in event. Listen to owl calls, examine pellets and feathers, compare your wingspan with different owl species and discover more about these fascinating birds. Drop in anytime during the event and stay as long as you like.

Celebrate independent comics, graphic novels, zines and the artists who create them at the 10th anniversary of Prairie Comics Festival. Visitors can discover work from comic artists, illustrators, writers and publishers, browse creator-made publications and artwork, and connect directly with independent creators.

Watch live Manitoba harness racing at The LOOP at Red River Exhibition Park. Visitors can watch and wager on the races, with snacks and refreshments available for purchase. Parking is free.

*Admission may be required when a separate ticketed event is taking place at Red River Exhibition Park on the same date and time.

Discover Manitoba food, shopping and entertainment at A Taste of Manitoba. The festival features sample-sized offerings from 20 local restaurants, more than 30 Vendor Village booths and over 30 Manitoba entertainers. Admission is free, while food and other purchases cost extra.

Enjoy a live late-night performance by Almost Famous Duo inside Loft 180 at McPhillips Station Casino. This 18+ event offers a relaxed atmosphere with optional venue purchases.

Catch a night of live music with Joe Maxim Band on the Mainstage at McPhillips Station Casino. This 18+ event features a lively atmosphere with optional venue purchases.