Top 5 things to do in Winnipeg this weekend (June 12-14)
Teghan Beaudette | CBC News | Posted: June 12, 2015 10:30 AM | Last Updated: June 12, 2015
Jazz fest kicks off, the RWB does a fundraiser on a roof and Pride Fest rolls down Broadway
The weather will be sort of a mixed bag this weekend, but if you are brave and pack an umbrella on Sunday, there is a ton of fun stuff to do outside.
The Winnipeg Jazz Festival is finally here with all its amazing music, food and crowded beer tents.
Pride Fest is now in full swing, and there's even a rooftop parkade party for a good cause in the heart of downtown.
It's all going to be fabulous. Do your laundry, put on a cute outfit and celebrate the unofficial start to Winnipeg's festival season!
WHAT: MUSIC — Winnipeg Jazz Festival
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Where: Old Market Square at 133 Albert St.
Cost: FREE
Jazz fest is taking over Old Market Square this weekend with a ton of local acts all up for free.
My top pick is the late-night sets on Sunday with Alfa, The Noble Thiefs and The Lytics.
Saturday has some decent local stuff – especially with Vikings at 10:30 p.m. And Friday night if you want to catch a quick act, stop by for Mariachi Ghost.
As usual, go early to make sure you get into the beer tents, slather on the bug spray and don't be a jerk when your friend wants to stop for poutine at Smoke's.
Be a helpful friend and suggest hitting Peasant instead. Their poutine is pretty much the same price and their gravy tastes like bacon. Bacon, you guys. Oh, and did I mention their new cocktail menu just landed? Yay!
WHAT: DANCE — Rooftop parkade party
When: Saturday, June 13 at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Parkade rooftop at 380 Graham Ave.
Cost: $60
This sounds like a fun party.
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is hosting a fundraiser in the form of a parkade-top party downtown this weekend.
Mama Cutsworth is DJing, Attica Riots is playing and everyone's going to dress a little fancy.
Tickets are a bit pricey at $60 each, but it's a fundraiser for ballet, so it's not hard to justify the price.
Bring your dancing shoes, guys.
WHAT: PARADE — Pride Fest parade
When: Sunday, June 13 at 12 p.m.
Where: Manitoba Legislative Building at 450 Broadway
Cost: FREE
It's finally time for the pride parade, and there are not enough yays in the world for how excited I am about it.
Everyone's getting together at noon at the legislature on Sunday, and then the parade will head down Memorial to York to Main and back down Broadway.
There are also a bunch of official parties planned that night and some great stuff planned at The Forks – including beer tents stocked with Half Pints Queer Beer.
If you haven't been, I really think you should go check it out. It's going to be an amazing time!
WHAT: FEST — MEC BikeFest
When: Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: MEC at 303 Portage Ave.
Cost: FREE
Bike Week starts on Saturday in Winnipeg so it's a dece time to get your ride fixed up, and a super easy place to do that is at BikeFest this weekend.
All the usual stuff is happening; there's a bikeswap, gearswap, maintenance classes, an injury prevention clinic, bike decorating stations for kids, a few group cycles and Parlour Coffee.
The whole thing is free, so you can mosey down whenever.
One important note: The fest is at MEC this year instead of at The Forks – I'm guessing because The Forks is hosting Pride celebrations all weekend.
WHAT: MUSIC — FINN, Somebody Language at The Park
When: Saturday, June 13 at 9 p.m.
Where: The Park Theatre at 698 Osborne St.
Cost: $10
The Park Theatre has booked another amazing Saturday night for their locals only showcase.
FINN, Somebody Language and The Way it Feels, Benowa and Okay Mann are all on the bill.
I'm a big fan of FINN, and Somebody Language just makes some insanely enjoyable music.
There will also be local beer and the whole thing should wrap up at a decent time if you want to head back into the Village for a night cap. Have fun!
UPDATE: Somebody Language cancelled — but you can still see FINN, Benowa and Okay Mann. Also, Suitcase Shoes will be playing in Somebody Language's place.