Spring has officially arrived in Winnipeg, and with it comes a vibrant lineup of events that showcase the city's rich culture, culinary delights, and architectural heritage. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, these happenings offer a fantastic way to connect with the community and experience the best our city has to offer. Here are my top four picks for this month:
🩰 Bolero with Angels in the Architecture & Hikarizatto – Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Dates: May 1–4, 2025
Location: Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main Street
What to Expect: Experience a dynamic triple bill of contemporary ballets showcasing the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's versatility. The program features Mark Godden’s Angels in the Architecture, Stephan Azulay’s Bolero, and Itzik Galili’s Hikarizatto. This performance also marks the final curtain for Artistic Director André Lewis after 50 years with the RWB, making it a historic event not to be missed.
🎨 Winyan by Lita Fontaine at WAG-Qaumajuq
Dates: May 3 -May 17, 2025
Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery – Qaumajuq, 300 Memorial Blvd
What to Expect: Winyan (the Dakota word for “woman”) is a solo survey exhibition by Dakota/Anishinaabe/Métis artist Lita Fontaine. The exhibition brings together both seminal and recent works, celebrating Indigenous femininities through collage, textiles, and medallion-style paintings. Fontaine's art serves as a resistance to colonial practices, incorporating symbols of assimilation and gender-discriminatory policies while honoring her sisters, matriarchs, and Dakota culture.
🎉 Cinco de Mayo Carnival at Assiniboia Downs
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Location: Assiniboia Downs, 3975 Portage Avenue
What to Expect: Celebrate Mexican culture at the Cinco de Mayo Carnival, hosted by the Mex y Can Association of Manitoba Inc. Enjoy a day filled with authentic Mexican cuisine, live music, traditional dances, and family-friendly activities. It's a vibrant cultural experience that brings the community together in celebration.
🚚 MB Food Truck Battles at Assiniboia Downs
Dates: Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25, 2025
Location: Assiniboia Downs, 3975 Portage Avenue
What to Expect: Prepare your taste buds for a weekend of culinary competition! Winnipeg's top food trucks will battle it out for the title of Food Truck Champion. Enjoy a variety of delicious eats, live music, kids’ activities, and a vibrant festival atmosphere. It's a foodie’s paradise and a family-friendly event all in one.
🏛️ Doors Open Winnipeg 2025
Dates: Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25, 2025
Location: Various sites across Winnipeg
What to Expect: Explore Winnipeg's architectural gems and hidden historical sites during this annual city-wide celebration. From iconic landmarks to lesser-known treasures, Doors Open Winnipeg offers free access to buildings and guided tours that showcase the city's rich heritage. It's a fantastic way to connect with the community and discover the stories behind our built environment.
Whether you're immersing yourself in Indigenous art, indulging in culinary delights, celebrating cultural festivals, or uncovering the city's architectural history, Winnipeg offers a diverse array of events this May. These experiences not only enrich our cultural landscape but also highlight the vibrant community spirit that makes our city unique.
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