Share This Story

[spacer height=”40px” id=”3″]

🎡 The Carnival’s Back at Grant Park

Alright, just putting this on your radar because I almost missed it myself—the Select Shows Carnival is rolling into Grant Park Shopping Centre again, and yeah… it’s one of those “might as well stop by” kind of things.

It’s happening May 1–3 and May 8–10, and the best part (especially these days)… you don’t have to pay to get in. You can literally just show up, wander around, and decide if you’re in the mood for rides or just there for mini donuts and people-watching.

🎠 What it’s actually like

If you’ve lived here a while, you already know the deal. It’s not fancy. It’s not trying to be fancy. It’s just… carnival.

Bright lights, music that’s a bit too loud, kids running around hyped up on sugar, and that one ride you swear you’re too old for—but might still go on anyway.

  • Rides for little kids
  • A few that’ll spin you around enough to regret your life choices
  • Games where you definitely think you can win (you won’t… but you’ll try)
  • And yeah… mini donuts, cotton candy, the usual

Honestly, even just walking through it at night is kind of the whole vibe.

🕒 When to go

  • Friday: 5:00 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 PM

No official closing time posted—basically depends on weather and how busy it gets. Classic Winnipeg event energy.

💰 Prices (so you’re not surprised standing there)

Coupons:

  • $1 each
  • 10 for $10
  • 20 for $20
  • 40 for $40

Most rides are 3–5 coupons, so yeah… it adds up quicker than you think.

Wristbands:

  • $40 for unlimited rides (per day)

If you’ve got kids, or you’re going with someone who will not stop riding things, this is probably the move.

🎟️ Random deal (if you’re already in the mall anyway)

There’s this thing they’re doing:

If you spend $50+ on Grant Park gift cards, you get a free ride wristband. Gift Cards are available for purchase in person at Grant Park Shopping Centre Admin office, you can access via stairs or elevator located next to Landmark Cinemas/ Lottery Booth.

Pick Up Hours
Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm

BUT… (there’s always a but):

  • Max 2 per person
  • Weekday office hours only
  • Can’t combine purchases
  • Limited quantities

So yeah, not the simplest deal in the world, but if you were already buying gift cards, it’s a nice little bonus.

⚠️ The usual fine print stuff

  • No refunds (of course)
  • Weather can mess things up (also of course… this is Winnipeg)
  • Some rides won’t run if it’s wet
  • Wristbands are still good for about an hour after they stop selling them

Basically—if the weather’s decent, you’re good.

🤔 So… worth it?

Honestly? Yeah.

Even if you don’t go all-in on rides, it’s one of those easy, low-effort things where you can just show up, walk around for a bit, maybe grab a snack, and call it a night.

If you’ve got kids, they’ll love it.
If you don’t… you’ll still probably end up there anyway.

That’s kind of how these things go around here.

[spacer height=”40px” id=”3″] Upcoming Events

15 July 2026

2026 Winnipeg Fringe Festival at Old Market Square

Don't miss the epic 12-day Winnipeg Fringe Festival at Old Market Square (July 17-28, 2024) in Winnipeg's Exchange District! Free outdoor entertainment includes live music, street performers, food trucks, and artisan vendors. Catch lunchtime concerts or dance to bands from 8 pm to midnight. Public washrooms, ATMs, and a beer tent are available for your convenience. While entry is free, consider tipping the performers!

Find out more
Old Market Square, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
+ Google Map
24 July 2026

Crave Nite Festival

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 Find What You Crave Presented by Alark Co. | Summer 2026 Experience a reimagined

Find out more
The Forks, FORKS MARKET RD
Winnipeg, R3C 4L9 CA
+ Google Map
24 July 2026

Manitoba Sunflower Festival

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 Thursday & Friday Thursday 6:00pm – Festival Kick Off BBQ for Community sponsored by

Find out more
Altona Centennial Park, 227 10th Ave. NW
Altona, Manitoba R0G0B0 Canada
+ Google Map
24 July 2026

Weekend Round-Up: 10+ Free Events in Winnipeg. July 24-26

A list of free things to do in Winnipeg during the weekend including activities for the family, live music, arts, movies, and more.

Find out more
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
+ Google Map
26 July 2026

Open Corydon – Little Italy

Spend your Sunday exploring Open Corydon – Little Italy, where Corydon Avenue becomes a pedestrian-only destination filled with restaurant patios, local shops, public art, live music, and free summer fun from July 5 to September 6.

Find out more
Corydon Avenue, Corydon Avenue between Lilac St and Daly St.
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
+ Google Map
27 July 2026

Purple Room Open Mic at The Cube

**Excerpt:**

Enjoy free live entertainment every Monday this summer at the Purple Room Open Mic at The Cube in Old Market Square. Watch local musicians, poets, comedians, and dancers perform—or take the stage yourself in this welcoming community event.

Find out more
The Cube Stage (Old Market Square), 124 King Street, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1H9
Winnipeg, R3B 1H9 CA
+ Google Map
28 July 2026

Free Family Fun at Assiniboia Downs

**Excerpt:**

Enjoy **Family Fun Nights at Assiniboia Downs** with free admission, bouncy castles, face painting, live children's entertainment, and exciting thoroughbred racing. Join the fun every Tuesday in July and August, plus Manitoba Derby Night on August 3, for a memorable family evening in Winnipeg.

Find out more
Assiniboia Downs, 3975 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg, R3K 2E9 CA
+ Google Map
28 July 2026

Bachata Nights inthe Park

Looking for free outdoor dancing in Winnipeg? Bachata Nights in the Park returns to Cargo Bar at Assiniboine Park every Tuesday in July and August with live DJs, free dance lessons, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Find out more
29 July 2026

WAG Wednesday Nights

WAG Wednesday Nights offers free admission every Wednesday evening from 5:00–9:00 PM at WAG-Qaumajuq, starting January 2026, with live music, interactive activities, and rotating cultural programming in the heart of downtown Winnipeg.

Find out more
Qaumajuq – Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Blvd.
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
+ Google Map
30 July 2026

Bee Amazing Free Kids Activities

Enjoy free family fun every Thursday at 11:00 AM this summer at Garden City Shopping Centre. Meet a different special character each week and create unforgettable memories at this free kids' event.

Find out more
Garden City Shopping Centre, 2305 McPhillips Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
+ Google Map
Load More