Prairie Barge Festival

Our prairie summers are a precious commodity and before this one draws to a close, we've joined forces with our neighbours to the west for Prairie Barge Festival – a Labour Day weekend of free fun, music and arts for the whole family.  

From August 29 – 31, take a wander down to The Forks Historic Port to see this showcase of Manitoba and Saskatchewan music, art and culture - part of Manitoba’s Year of Music celebration.

Thanks to the Winnipeg Arts Council, Manitoba Music and Creative Saskatchewan, over the course of the weekend, you can catch the likes of JUNO Award-winning soul/pop outfit Chic Gamine, the hilarious improv comedy of Hot Thespian Action, an awesome outdoor performance by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers, singer/songwriter and former Waltons front man Jason Plumb, and alt-country favourites The Deep Dark Woods.

Throughout the weekend, themed workshops will take place on the Barge: The Floating Folk Jam will feature the fantastic Allyson Reigh, Alexix Nordman, Rosie & the Riveters and Daniel & Daniel of Red Moon Road, whereas Blues on the Barge will be hosted by Joey Landreth, Jack Semple and Sol James. Keep your eyes peeled for the full line-up coming out soon!

You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase or admire artwork from Saskatchewan’s Larry Trast, who creates soapstone sculptures, Gwen Fehr’s beeswax candles, Manitoba’s Boomerang 360 clothing, Blokland Pottery, One Plus One Designs and many more creative artisans at the outdoor art market that weekend.

Sunday from 11am until 1pm will feature a pancake breakfast from The Forks Market's own, Pancake House.  For only $5 families can enjoy a delicious plate of pancakes and sausages on seat in The Port, or on a bale of hay under the Canopy.

And while we've got all the feel-good sharing going on on the barge, we can't ignore the rivalry that is the Labour Day Classic! So we’re joining up with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to have the game projected on a giant screen - so feel free to wear your blue and gold and cheer your team at The Forks!

Bring your lawn chairs, or picnic blankets, sunscreen, and warm clothes for when it cools off at night, and make a weekend of celebrating the beautiful prairies we live in, and the vibrant talent that surrounds us!

Complete line up for the Prairie Barge Festival can be found HERE.

See you and your Prairie pride at the Barge!