The city is in bloom, meaning summer is right around the corner. Winnipeggers know summer is fleeting, and we do our best to maximize every moment. We’ve rounded up a list of the top activities, events, and experiences you can take advantage of in the Exchange District this summer. Whether you’re planning a staycation, visiting from out of town, or are looking for something new to check out on a sunny weekend, this list has you covered.
Reference this list for your summer adventures, and subscribe to our newsletter to get event updates directly to your inbox each month!
1. Caravan at the Cube
June 23, June 30, July 7, August 4, August 11, August 18, August 25
On select Mondays from May to September, the Cube stage in Old Market Square comes alive with CaRaVaN Open Mic + Open Stage! Musicians, poets, dancers, comedians, jugglers – you name it – are invited to sign up and share their talents in a fun, welcoming space where anything goes. Try your hand as a performer, or go to soak it all in.
2. Catch a guided Tour of the Exchange District
Curious to learn the history behind iconic buildings and landmarks in the Exchange District?
Check out our Historic Walking Tours, where a knowledgeable guide will explain hidden histories and untold stories. Choose from: History of the Exchange District, Death and Debauchery, Strike! The Walking Tour, and Historic Architecture: Bank Halls to Brutalism.
If a walk and a snack are more your thing, our Culinary Tours are sure to impress. You’ll get world-class cuisine and delicious beverages at some of the best restaurants in the Exchange.
3. Explore heritage buildings at Doors Open Winnipeg
Get a peek behind the doors of heritage buildings, cultural institutions, and historic streetscapes at Doors Open Winnipeg! This annual event offers free tours of historic spaces throughout Winnipeg, offering a glimpse into the past and highlighting important stories.
This year in the Exchange, you can explore:
- 75 Albert Street, A Community Story
- Costume Museum of Canada presents Shape-Shifting: The History Worn Beneath
- Mariaggi’s Theme Suite Hotel and Spa & Cake-ology Cafe
- Across the Ocean to Canada at 389 Main Street
Or, check out our free walking tour:
History of the Exchange
May 24th at 10:30am, 1:00pm, and 4:00pm
4. Get Active with Sport Manitoba
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
Get active outside at Stephen Juba Park and 201 Portage! This summer, alongside Sport Manitoba, we’ll offer weekly activations in the park and at the plaza. Practice sun salutations under the sun with yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or try bootcamp at the 201 Portage Plaza on Wednesdays.
5. Go patio hopping
The Exchange District is home to the most patios in Winnipeg, all within a ten-minute walk from one another! It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon sampling libations and snacks from the unique local restaurants and watering holes. Get some inspiration from our Patio Guide, which even highlights which patios are pup-friendly!
6. Dance to live music at Memetic Meme
June 5-7
Join MEMETIC (the Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition of Technology, Innovation & Creativity) for their annual festival, MEMETIC MEME, which celebrates digital creativity in sound, music, and audio-visual art. Their free outdoor event at Old Market Square on June 6 features talent from Manitoba and around the globe, an outdoor beer garden, and as much dancing as your feet can handle. This year, they partnered with the Costume Museum of Canada to showcase The History of Canadian Rave Streetwear. Check out the free exhibit from June 6-7!
7. Journey to art and culture at First Fridays Bike-ins
June 6, July 4, August 2, September 6, and October 4
Cycle to the Exchange with new friends at First Fridays Bike-Ins! On the first Friday of every month, we host a group bike ride to the Exchange District. Each month, we’ll start from a new neighbourhood, giving you the opportunity to learn safe and convenient bike routes throughout the city. Once in the Exchange, a world of art and culture awaits at First Fridays!
8. Celebrate the joy of cycling at Bike Week
June 8-14
Calling all bikes and all riders! Bike Week Winnipeg is a citywide celebration of cycling, and a week stacked full of events and activities. Join group rides, workshops, pit stops at breweries, challenges, and more. Don’t miss Bike to Work Day on June 10 or the group ride around the central bike loop with a stop in the Exchange District on June 14. Enjoy community, connection, and the joy of two wheels.
9. Groove Together at Winnipeg International Jazz Fest
June 17-22
The annual TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival is the city’s biggest music event and the perfect way to kick off summer! It transforms Old Market Square into a festival experience, complete with a beer garden, food trucks, and incredible headliners from around the world. Soak up the energy of live music, discover new artists, and connect with a community of music lovers. Free outdoor shows at The Cube run from June 17-22, with indoor shows taking place at venues across the city. Come for the vibe, stay for the love of jazz!
10. Explore Alleyways in the Exchange
June 20, July 18, August 22
Three Fridays. Four lanes. Infinite exploration. On the third Friday of each month, Alleyways in the Exchange lights up the Exchange District with curated markets, live performances, and hidden gems. Visit Alleyways Market to shop for treasures from local vendors, Alleyways Sounds for immersive auditory experiences, Alleyways Lounge for pop-up installations that bring spaces to life, and Alleyways Tango to show your moves on the dance floor.
11. Plan a picnic at Stephen Juba Park
Enjoy a meal and good company in the sunshine with a picnic at Stephen Juba Park! This waterfront park has plenty of people and river watching possibilities, plus some lovely trails to walk post-lunch. With tons of great takeaway options in the Exchange, like Bodegoes, King + Bann, or Blufish Sushi, you can easily enjoy a nosh in nature. Just bring a blanket and you’re set!
12. Find Inspiration at Blur Fest
July 5
13. Laugh your heart out at the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival
July 16-27
The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival is a summer staple in the Exchange, showcasing bold, original performances you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll find everything from musicals to stand-up to dance, improv, spoken word, and more. With shows happening at venues across the district and free entertainment daily at Old Market Square, there’s something for everyone. Catch live music, street performers, food trucks, a vendor market, and free performances at Old Market Square throughout Fringe.
14. Explore the Exchange on a Pedal Pub
Hop on a Pedal Pub and explore the Exchange District in the most fun way possible — by bike and with your crew! Cruise down scenic Waterfront Drive, take in the charm of century-old buildings, and stop at some of the best local bars and pubs along the way. With good tunes, great drinks, and unbeatable views, it’s the perfect way to experience the Exchange.
15. Take a tour with Winnipeg Waterways
May to October
See Winnipeg from the water with Winnipeg Waterways Tours and Transit! Hop aboard a riverboat tour to take the city’s rich history, architecture, and natural beauty from a new perspective. Prefer a quieter ride? Book a private tour just for your group. The Waterbus can also be used as transportation, and with a stop at Stephen Juba Park, it’s an easy and scenic way to travel to and from the Exchange District. Starting on May 31st, morning sailings are 50% off, so you can start your day on the water!