In the first time in seemingly a long time, it feels appropriate to party it up to end this fictitious year of 2022.*
The past year, we saw a number of exciting new attractions arrive and open in Winnipeg, like the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada and The Leaf, while it also marked the return of so many in-person events like Winnipeg Folk Festival. All good things!
In other words: you have our full permission to look back and party. Here’s a few of the main options for NYE.
***
Fireworks and all the fixins’ are back at The Forks
After a few weeks hiatus from having to use “after a two-year hiatus,” we believe we can finally stop introducing events—that were cancelled because of the pandemic—as such. Anyway…
One of the biggest annual events in the city is finally back (… after a two-year hiatus) as NYE at The Forks is once again ready to rock for 2022.
You can expect DJs inside The Forks Market starting at 4 p.m.; a family style outdoor dance party at the CN Stage hosted by DJ K-Chedda and Co-op (not only are they DJs, but super cute parents too!) with fire dancers and hula hoopers; and an early countdown at 8 p.m. at the CN Stage featuring a huge early pyrotechnical production by Archangel Fireworks Inc.
After 8, the party continues until late!
In the Market, catch acts like Tommy Douglas Keenan, The Secret Beach (aka Micah Erenberg), Dr. Henry Band and DJ Bruce Lord and DJ Sallyboo taking you to midnight.
The food kiosks in The Market will all be open to midnight (some until 1 a.m.) and there will be fire pits located throughout Arctic Glacier Park to keep you toasty as you skate throughout The Forks’ enchanting on-land trails.
Make an evening or a weekend out of it and book a packaged stay from Inn at The Forks so all you have to do is walk across the street to enjoy all the festivities.
Here's all the details.
Manitoba Indigenous New Year’s Eve Gala and Social at the RBC Convention Centre
While the Convention Centre won’t be hosting its own signature NYE bash, it will be the site of the “Berens River First Nation Presents: A Manitoba Indigenous New Years Eve Gala.” This event features a four-course meal, dancing and live entertainment from multiple Juno Award-winning musician Charlie Majoh, along with Tracy Bone, The C-Weed Band, Keith Secola, Fred Mitchell, The Mosquitoz and Shades of Dawn. For full details click here.
Burton’s 75th Birthday Bash at Burton Cummings Theatre
Join the legend himself on his actual 75th B-day at his namesake venue. There are still a few VIP seats available at tables near the front of the stage, while proceeds from the event will go to the continued rejuvenation of this iconic venue that has been operating since 1907. You can expect all of Burton Cumming’s biggest tracks, with the show starting at 9 p.m. Here’s the ticket link.
Tom Cochran and Red Rider at Club Regent
Another legend is in town to ring in the New Year too. Catch Tom Cochran with Red Rider and Jennifer Hanson at Club Regent Event Centre. This show was meant to happen last year for NYE, so there are still a few select tickets available here.
New Year’s Eve Gala at Assiniboia Downs
Do The Downs for NYE! There will be dancing until 2 a.m., door prizes, party favours, DJs, free coat check and the legendary buffet (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.) so you can get your prime rib on too.
Full details here.
Top Hats & Tiaras at the Manitoba Children’s Museum - Just for kids/families
This daytime event (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) invites kiddos to have fun in this brilliant edutainment centre while wearing their formal best (with top hats and tiaras available to wear from the museum). Pixels and Giggles will be onsite to take your family photo; there will be a ginger ale toast; ‘za from A Little Pizza Heaven; a festive balloon drop and balloon animals by Balloons by Mike; and live music from The Solutions. Here's the details.
***
*We of course say fictitious, as the whole dating of years like we do now (ex. 2022 AD or CE) was hundreds of years in the making, first starting with Dionysius Exiguus in the 4th century, then later the Venerable Bede in the 800s, before it ultimately became a thing people do to chronicle history. Fun, right? Be sure to use this info as an ice breaker at whatever NYE party you plan to attend. It will go over great.
