a winter PUBLIC arts festival in Winnipeg’s Exchange District
From brick and terracotta building facades, to storefronts and alleyways, Lights On the Exchange – Allumez le quartier invites you to explore our iconic neighbourhood and engage with a collection of artwork by over 30 contemporary Canadian and Manitoban artists, featuring installations, large-scale digital projections, and live performances and events.
VIEW 2026 ARTWORKS AND MAP HERE
Lights On the Exchange 2026 is produced by the Exchange District BIZ, in collaboration with our curatorial partners: Artspace Inc, Manufacturing Entertainment, PLATFORM Centre for Photographic and Digital Arts, and Winnipeg Film Group.
EVENTS
Lights On Opening Reception
January 23, 6:30–8:00 pm | 52 Albert St.
Join us at the historic Gregg Building at 52 Albert for the opening of Lights On the Exchange 2026, featuring music and visuals by DJ Del-fi (aka Delf Gravert) and catch a first glimpse of the works selected for this year’s inaugural PLATFORM Member’s Lightbox: 22×22.
This event is free to attend!
Please RSVP by securing a zero dollar ticket here.
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WFG: Lights On the Catalogue
February 13, 7:00 pm | Dave Barber Cinematheque | 100 Arthur St.
A screening of 13 short films from the Winnipeg Film Group distribution catalogue, curated by Jillian Groening and Skye Callow, featuring work by Ryan Steel, Charlotte Clermont, Kristin Snowbird, Samy Benammar, Jaimz Asmundson, and more. Read more about Lights On the Catalogue here, and read more about the full program of films screening, here.
This is a ticketed event. Tickets are available through the Dave Barber Cinematheque.
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Sound Like Light
March 6, 8:00 pm–midnight | 555 Main St. (Sound Bites Room)
Returning for the second year, Sound Like Light is an evening of music, performance and light-based art, featuring performances by Compost and Colby Richardson, alongside music from a roster of DJs selected by DJ Hunnicutt, and digital projections by Manufacturing Entertainment. Last year’s event
This is a ticketed event. Buy your tickets here!
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Lights On Closing Reception
March 13, 7:00 pm | Cordova Tapas & Wine | 93 Albert St.
Join us for a closing reception for Lights On the Exchange, 2026, at Cordova Tapas & Wine. The evening will include a live poetry reading by Rehman Abdulrehman and Rosanna Deerchild, for The Poet Box v.4, at 8:00pm at the Exchange District BIZ office, 492 Main St.
This event is free to attend!
Please RSVP by securing a zero dollar ticket here.
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GUIDED WALKING TOURS
Experience all the installation and projection work at the festival through our First Fridays guided walking tours. Tours will start at 201 Portage Ave and wind their way through the District, arriving at the Exchange District BIZ offices at 492 Main St.
Friday, February 6
6:00 pm + 7:00 pm
Friday March 6
6:30 pm + 7:30 pm
Click here for tickets and more info!
2026 Festival Sponsors
