As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, the Exchange District comes alive! There’s nothing quite like summer in the Exchange, a season filled with unforgettable events and experiences for every audience. Shine up your dancing shoes at one of the incredible outdoor music festivals, or prepare for deep belly laughs with live comedy. If history is more your style, take a walking tour and explore the untold stories of the Exchange.
Dive into the heart of Winnipeg’s arts and culture scene and discover what Summer in the Exchange has in store! Whatever your style, there’s something waiting to be checked off your summer bucket list right here in the Exchange.
CreativeMornings
The last Friday of every month
CreativeMornings is a vibrant, volunteer-led breakfast lecture series celebrating Winnipeg’s diverse creative communities. On the last Friday of every month (except July), you can catch feature speakers from different social and economic realms who are at the forefront of inspiring and creative things in the city. Everyone is welcome at CreativeMornings which is a free and accessible event.
Check out the next CreativeMorning:
✨ A Vibrant Vision: The Creative Journey of an Indigenous Entrepreneur with Michelle Cameron
🗓️ May 24th, 2024, 8:15 AM
📌 Launch Co-working Space, 167 Lombard Street, 5th Floor
Website: https://creativemornings.com/cities/WPG
Instagram: @cm_winnipeg
CaRaVaN at The Cube
May 13, May 27, June 10, July 8, August 12, August 26, September 9
CaRaVaN Open Mic + Open Stage welcomes artists of all styles and skill levels to share their talents! Whether you’re a musician, poet, writer, comedian, magician, dancer, or any other creative individual, you’re invited to sign up and showcase your artistry.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purpleroom.wpg
Event Details: https://www.exchangedistrict.org/event/caravan-at-the-cube/
Tour Season
May 21 (Walking Tours), Food Tours (June)
It’s almost time for Tour Season in the Exchange District! Our dynamic and knowledgeable tour guides will take you on a journey through time as you learn the storied histories of the buildings and events of the Exchange District!
The Historic Walking Tours launch on May 21st and include the topics: History of the Exchange District, Death and Debauchery, Strike! The Walking Tour, and Historic Architecture: Bank Halls to Brutalism.
Stay tuned for the launch of Food and Beverage Tours in June. Watch our site and social channels for updates!
Walking Tours: https://www.exchangedistrict.org/historic-walking-tours
Food Tours: https://www.exchangedistrict.org/food-tours/
Doors Open Winnipeg
May 25-26
Doors Open Winnipeg invites you to explore heritage buildings, cultural institutions, and historic streetscapes like you’ve never seen before! Every May, this free event opens doors to historic spaces the public does not always have access to and highlights important stories.
We’ll be running free tours of the Exchange District during Doors Open Winnipeg!
Check it out:
📌 Free Tours by the Exchange District BIZ starting at 492 Main St
🗓️ Saturday May 25th, 2024
🕜 Tours start at 10:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm
Register for a FREE walking tour: https://doorsopenwinnipeg.ca/event/exchange-district-walking-tour/
Stay up-to-date with other Doors Open events: https://doorsopenwinnipeg.ca/
Exchange Summer Fitness
June 4 – August 29 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 12-12:45pm
Get active outside at Stephen Juba Park! This summer, alongside Sport Manitoba, we’ll be offering weekly activations in the park. Practice sun salutations under the sun with yoga or check out some fun yard activities and dance-inspired fitness!
See the full schedule: https://www.exchangedistrict.org/summerfitness/
First Fridays Bike-Ins
First Fridays: June 7, July 5, August 2, September 6
Head to First Fridays in style with a group bike ride to the Exchange District! Each month, the ride will start in a different neighbourhood and lead to the heart of the Exchange, where you’ll be set to explore the exciting arts and culture events of First Fridays. You’ll learn convenient routes and gain confidence in riding throughout the city!
Bookmark this page to stay up-to-date on each Friday’s route:
https://www.exchangedistrict.org/first-fridays-bike-in/
And check each month’s First Fridays lineup:
Website: https://www.firstfridayswinnipeg.org/
Instagram: @firstfridayswinnipeg
Rainbow Harmony Project Pride Choir
June 3, July 11, August 15
Join Winnipeg’s 2SLGBTQIA+ choral community this summer at the Cube! Rainbow Harmony Project is back with their free all ages drop-in choir. All are welcome to sing, hang out, and make new friends.
Website: https://www.rainbowharmonyproject.ca/
Instagram: @rainbowharmonyproject
Memetic Meme
June 7-8
MEMETIC (or the Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition of Technology, Innovation & Creativity) is a pioneering force dedicated to fostering digital creativity in sound, music, and audio-visual art. MEMETIC hosts the Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition (or MEME), a free outdoor event at Old Market Square that features talent from Manitoba and around the globe. MEME is a leading electronic music and digital arts festival that brings together people from all walks of life to enjoy a vibrant soundscape and visual feast at the Cube Stage. Bring your dancing shoes!
Website: https://www.memetic.ca/
Instagram: @memetic_meme
Bike Week
June 9-15
Bike Week is about celebrating the joy of cycling! With a variety of events and activities hosted by Bike Week Winnipeg and its partners, there’s something for everyone, whether you cycle for recreation, fitness, transportation, or just for fun. Join group rides, workshops, and cultural events across the city, and get ready to pedal your way to a week of fun and community spirit.
Website: https://bikeweekwinnipeg.com/
Instagram: @bikeweekwinnipeg
Winnipeg International Jazz Festival
June 14-22
Get ready to groove together at Jazz Winnipeg’s annual TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival! Winnipeg’s Jazz Festival celebrates the art of jazz and creative music through a concert series held at various venues in the city. Check out free concerts at The Cube, or more intimate shows at the Royal Albert Arms and other spots throughout the Exchange.
Stay up-to-date with festival news:
Website: https://www.jazzwinnipeg.com/
Instagram: @jazzwinnipeg
Alleyways
June 21, July 19, August 23
Three Fridays. Four lanes. Infinite exploration. Alleyways in the Exchange is back and better than ever! Explore Alleyways Market to shop local treasures, Alleyways Sounds for immersive auditory experiences, Alleyways Lounge for pop-up installations in the Artspace dray way, and Alleyways Tango to tear up the dance floor in a back lane!
JUNE 21. JULY 19. AUGUST 23
Watch this space for updates: https://www.exchangedistrict.org/alleyways/
Soca Reggae Festival
June 28-29
Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms and rich culture of the Caribbean at the Winnipeg Soca Reggae Music Festival! The Cube in Old Market Square hosts this celebration of Soca Reggae, Calypso, and Caribbean flavours. It’s a colourful party filled with music, performances, and dancing.
Instagram: @socareggaefest
Tickets: https://www.ticketgateway.com/socafest2024
Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival
July 17-28
The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival is an alternative theatre festival that showcases independent productions. You can check out unique performances you won’t see anywhere else, ranging from musical theatre, stand-up comedy, spoken word poetry, dance, plays, improv, and more! The festival takes place at various locations throughout the Exchange, including free shows at Old Market Square!
Website: https://www.winnipegfringe.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winnipegfringe/
Check out our guide to Fringe:
https://www.exchangedistrict.org/2023/06/27/explore-the-winnipeg-fringe-theatre-festival/
Pedal Pub
Try exploring the Exchange on a Pedal Pub! Gather a group and take a ride down Waterfront Drive as you explore the sights, sounds, and sips of the Exchange District. You’ll get a chance to check out gorgeous heritage building views and sample tastes from incredible local bars and pubs.
Learn more and book your tour:
https://www.pedalpub.com/winnipeg-mb/route/exchange-district-tour/
Winnipeg Waterways Taxi & Tours
Discover Winnipeg’s captivating history, architecture, and natural beauty on a scenic riverboat! Take a guided tour to learn about the city’s landmarks and their stories, or catch a taxi to travel to your destination in style. There will be a stop at Stephen Juba Park, so you can travel to and from the Exchange District with ease.
Watch for updates and booking information:
https://winnipegwaterways.ca/water-bus/