Teghan's top 5 things to do this weekend in Winnipeg (June 2-4)
Outdoor stuff includes a market in an alley and Pride Winnipeg Festival; indoors there’s comedy, art and music
Pride is the big thing this weekend, but there's also a lovely art show in the basement of Forth, a women's open mic in a basement a few doors down and a farmers market in an alley.
If you don't see anything you like in this list, there's also the Winnipeg Underground Film Festival, First Fridays, that Table for 1,200 thing and Shakespeare in the Ruins.
WHAT: SHOP — Alleyways Market in the Exchange
When: Friday, June 2 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: On Elgin Avenue between Lily and Bertha
A big market is going up on Elgin Avenue Friday night with stuff from local farmers, artisans and designers.
This is the first of four nights planned over the summer where you can go buy fresh produce and a bunch of locally made stuff in the Exchange.
It's super rare to get a chance to hit a farmers market/pop-up at night, so get your weekend groceries done before you go out and buy something pretty to support local and celebrate the weekend.
WHAT: ART — Rosalind Breen and Corri-Lynn Tetz's Golden Hour
When: Friday, June 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Lisa Kehler Art + Projects at 171 McDermot Ave.
Cost: FREE
There's a new exhibition at Lisa Kehler Art + Projects this weekend.
Golden Hour will have work from Toronto's Rosalind Breen and Montreal's Corri-Lynn Tetz.
The opening reception is Friday night, and both Breen and Tetz will be there.
This one is competing with a lot of First Friday parties, but try to stop by because it's the last exhibition for Kehler at 171 McDermot Ave.
Once you're done, hop across the hall for a few fancy cocktails at Forth.
WHAT: COMEDY — Women's Open Mic
When: Friday, June 2 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Wee Johnny's at 177 McDermot Ave.
Women's Open Mic Comedy is back at Wee Johnny's Friday night.
As usual, the comedy powerhouse Dana Smith is hosting and drinks and snacks are super cheap.
It's an open mic so you'll see some sets from more established comics, some brand new ones and new material from some folks you've seen before.
This one is free, but they do ask that you bring a box of pads, tampons or other hygiene products to donate to local women's shelters.
This is one of my favourite comedy nights in the city but it fills up fast, so go early if you want to get a seat.
WHAT: MUSIC — The Pack A.D. at Handsome Daughter
When: Saturday, June 3 at 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Handsome Daughter at 61 Sherbrook St.
Cost: $15
The Handsome Daughter has The Pack A.D. Saturday night, and the Solhounds are opening.
This is a garage rock show that won't be too heavy, and it's one of Pride Winnipeg Festival's community events, so it's a good chance to check out the fest if you can't make it to the daytime stuff.
You could see them do a short day-time set at The Forks on Sunday, but I think the Handsome Daughter is a perfect venue for this, so you should check it out.
WHAT: FEST — Pride Winnipeg Festival
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: FREE to $30
The Pride Winnipeg Festival continues this weekend with three days of events, including the big parade on Sunday.
There are a bunch of free shows on at The Forks Saturday and Sunday with Mulligrub and Ghost Twin playing Saturday evening and Lanikai, William Prince and The Pack A.D. playing on Sunday.
Sunday also has a drag show on the same stage, which should be great.
Of course, all the usual stuff will be on. There are Pride runs, a pancake breakfast, art shows and a whole bunch more. A lot of the stuff this weekend is free, too, so go celebrate and do fun stuff for free!
Outside of Winnipeg …
WHAT: FEST — Prairie Wind Music Festival
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Where: Cypress River, Man.
Cost: $35
If you have the means to get to Cypress River — about 150 kilometres west of Winnipeg — this weekend, you should go check out the Prairie Wind Music Festival.
The lineup is pretty amazing with Lanikai, The Reverend Rambler, Joey Landreth (amazing!) and the Middle Coast.
Plus, there's a pancake breakfast, a farmers market, bubble soccer, bocci ball and a big party at the campground after all the music is over.
If you can get out of town this weekend, I would do it.