10+ Free Winnipeg Weekend Events September 18-20

Celebrate arts, culture and creativity during Culture Days Manitoba 2026, with more than two weeks of activities taking place in Winnipeg and communities across the province. The festival brings together artists, cultural organizations, museums, galleries and community groups for accessible and participatory arts and cultural experiences.

Programming varies by date and location and may include visual arts and exhibitions, live performances and music, hands-on workshops, Indigenous arts and traditional practices, heritage activities, storytelling, interactive installations, community celebrations, open houses and family-friendly activities. Culture Days Manitoba also includes Nuit Blanche Winnipeg, its annual free celebration of contemporary art.

Bring the whole family to St.Amant’s annual Free the Spirit Festival for a free day of music, activities, food, an artisan market and more. Everyone is welcome to take part in the community celebration.

The festival also includes optional fundraising activities in support of the St.Amant Foundation. Participants can collect pledges and join the accessible 2K walk or roll, or take part in the 5K run. Funds raised help support programs and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, autism and acquired brain injuries.

Celebrate fall at the RM of West St. Paul Giant Pumpkin Fest with a full day of family activities. Festival highlights include giant pumpkin entries, a petting zoo, inflatables, face painting, balloon twisting, a photo booth, pumpkin decorating, cotton candy, a craft and vendor market, food, and entertainment.

Families can also catch Sleepy the Clown’s kids show and roaming entertainment, try line dancing, visit the West St. Paul Fire Department showcase, and watch the pumpkin and apple pie tasting contest. Winners of the giant pumpkin competition will be announced at 1:30 PM.

Celebrate the season at Tyndall Community Market’s Fall Feast, a free two-day community event featuring food trucks, food vendors, music and entertainment at Tyndall Park Community Centre and grounds.

The celebration also includes a free movie night on September 19, a free marshmallow roast, prizes and more. Everyone is welcome.

Explore the history of policing in the city with a visit to the Winnipeg Police Museum. The museum features historical artifacts, photographs, uniforms, equipment and exhibits highlighting the development of the Winnipeg Police Service.

Admission is free, making it an easy downtown activity for anyone interested in local history and policing.

Discover Manitoba's rich sporting history at the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. Explore exhibits celebrating athletes, teams and builders who have made significant contributions to sport throughout the province.

Visitors can see memorabilia, photographs and displays covering generations of Manitoba sports history. Admission to the Hall of Fame is free.

Spend the day at The Forks for Chāpān Games and Teachings, a free community gathering featuring traditional games, cultural teachings, entertainment and activities.

The day includes Grand Entry, Elders and Kokums, a sharing circle, dancers, Chāpān traditional kids games, prizes, live entertainment, drag performers, storytellers, skateboarding demonstrations and lessons, a free art workshop and an Indigenous maker market. Free food from Winnipeg Centre of Hope – The Salvation Army will be available while supplies last, along with food trucks and a grand finale.

Head to the WAG-Qaumajuq Rooftop Sculpture Garden for BPM x WAG-Qaumajuq, a free evening of live music and community connection featuring INGIA, Konfam and DJ Zuki.

Presented as part of the National Black Canadians Summit, the event combines live performances with a community mixer in the rooftop setting.

Come together at The Forks for the We Are All Treaty People Celebration, a free community gathering celebrating Treaty relationships through music, culture, learning and conversation.

The 2026 celebration features performances by Don Amero, Anne-Marie Williott, Ryan Richard and Hinode Taiko, along with opportunities to learn from Niigaan Sinclair and Allen Sutherland.

Enjoy a free family evening featuring dinner, popcorn and a screening of Disney Pixar's Ratatouille. Space is limited to 40 participants and registration is required.

Registration is first come, first served, with no waitlist available once the event reaches capacity.

Bring the family for a free outdoor movie night at Riverview Health Centre featuring Disney Pixar's Up. Pre-movie activities begin at 6:30 PM, followed by the movie at approximately 7:40 PM.

Activities include a 360 camera, face painting and airbrush tattoos. Concessions will also be available for purchase.

Explore the work of local artists during the Harte Trail Artist Studio Tour. This free, self-guided weekend tour gives visitors an opportunity to meet artists, explore their creative spaces and discover locally made artwork.

The 2026 tour features 23 local artists at 20 studio locations throughout southwest Winnipeg.

Discover the fascinating world of seasonal migration at the Living Prairie Museum. This free drop-in event invites visitors of all ages to learn more about migration and the natural world.

Explore the museum and prairie preserve while discovering how wildlife responds to the changing seasons.

Celebrate 80 years of West Kildonan Community Centre with an afternoon of family activities and entertainment. The anniversary kickoff includes a performance by circus entertainer Sarah Teakle from 11:00 AM to noon, bouncy castles, community programs and instructors, and free dance tryouts.

BBQ food will be available for purchase. The celebration continues with Family Bingo from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with bingo cards available for $2 each.

Clear out unwanted electronics and bring them to Kildonan Place for a free e-waste collection event presented with the Electronic Recycling Association.

The collection provides a convenient opportunity to responsibly dispose of eligible unwanted electronics while helping keep electronic waste out of landfills.

Watch live Manitoba harness racing at The LOOP at Red River Exhibition Park. The September 19 race day features the 4-Year-Old Stake, with post time scheduled for 1:00 PM.

Admission and parking are free. If a separate ticketed event is taking place at Red River Exhibition Park at the same date and time, admission to the grounds may be required.

Give your finished puzzles a new home at this casual outdoor puzzle exchange. Bring puzzles you are ready to trade and browse the selection brought by other participants.

Participants are asked to clearly mark puzzles that have missing or damaged pieces. The exchange takes place outdoors and is weather-dependent.

Explore Canada's aviation heritage at this free outdoor park beside 17 Wing. Visitors can see historic aircraft and memorials while walking through the landscaped grounds.

Aircraft on display include the CF-101 Voodoo and CF-104 Starfighter, along with monuments recognizing Canada's military aviation history.

Check out an evening of cars at the Sunday Night Car Shows at Grant Park. The September 20 edition features JDM, Import and Euro vehicles.

Car enthusiasts can walk through the display, check out the vehicles and enjoy the atmosphere during one of the final Sunday car shows of the season.

Enjoy a live late-night performance by Derek Robertson 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 Geoff Erickson & The Rockets on the Mainstage at McPhillips Station Casino. This 18+ event features a lively atmosphere with optional venue purchases.

Catch the action of UFC 331 with a free screening at Loft 180 inside McPhillips Station Casino. Fight fans can settle in and watch the event on the big screens beginning at 9:00 PM.

Admission to the screening is free, and guests must be 18 years of age or older to attend. Event details and scheduling are subject to change.

Enjoy live music featuring local bands across rock, country, and blues genres in a lively weekend atmosphere. This recurring event is a popular nightlife option in the city.