Summer Starts Here

Hey everyone! Honestly, I’m already checking the forecast and dreaming of summer, so seeing the Select Shows 2026 route pop up today was the highlight of my week.

If you’re around Winnipeg or anywhere in rural MB/Northwestern Ontario, you know these guys. They’re basically the official signal that winter is finally, finally dead. I wanted to share the dates so you can start planning your weekends—it’s always a bummer to realize you missed the carnival at your local mall by like… one day.

The Lowdown (Prices and entry fee are subject to change)

The best part about Select Shows—and why I always tell people to go—is that entry is usually free. Unlike the Ex, you don't have to drop twenty bucks just to walk through the gate and smell the mini donuts.

• Ride Wristbands: If you’ve got kids (or you’re a ride warrior), based on previous years these usually run $30 to $45. It’s the way to go if you plan on staying more than an hour.
• Tickets: Usually a buck a piece. Most big rides take like 4–6 tickets, so it adds up fast if you aren't careful.

A Tiny Catch:
If they’re parked at a mall (like Grant Park or Garden City), it’s free entry. But if they’re part of a bigger bash like the Morris Stampede, you might have to pay the fair's gate admission to get in.

2026 Route: Where they’ll be

They usually start testing the rides in Winnipeg parking lots around mid-to-late April, but here’s the confirmed schedule for the season:

May: The “Finally, It's Spring” Phase

• May 1–3 & 8–10: Grant Park Shopping Centre (Wpg) — Double weekends here!
• May 15–17: Garden City Carnival (Wpg)
• May 22–24: Neepawa Chamber Fair
• May 29–31: Springfield Chicken Daze (Oakbank)

June: Festival Season Kicks Off

• June 5–7: Transcona Hi Neighbour (Wpg) — Always a classic.
• June 12–13: Lundar Agricultural Fair
• June 18–21: Thompson Nickel Days
• June 26–28: Dauphin Agricultural Fair

Mid-Summer to Final Stop

July: Mid-Summer Road Trips

• July 3–5: Portage Ex (Portage la Prairie)
• July 10–12: Selkirk Triple S Rodeo
• July 17–19: Manitoba Stampede (Morris)
• July 23–26: Northwest Round Up (Swan River)

August: Heading “The Other Way” (Ontario)

• August 5–9: Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (Thunder Bay)
• August 13–15: Emo Fair
• August 20–22: Dryden & District Fair
• August 28–30: Red Lake Fall Fair

September: One Last Hurrah

• September 4–6: Falcon Lake — Perfect for a long weekend trip.
• September 11–13: Double B Rodeo (Beausejour)
• September 18–20: Brandon Fair

Why we care

Look, it’s not just about the rides (though the Ferris wheel is a vibe). It’s about that first bag of warm mini donuts and just being outside with the community. Whether you're heading to Grant Park for a quick outing or making the drive out to Beausejour for the rodeo, it's just a solid way to spend a Saturday.

Hope this helps you guys plan out your summer! See you at the midway. 🎡✨