As the host of Canada Pride, Winnipeg invites all from across the country to join our GSRD (gender, sexual and relationship diverse) community. With a rich history of inclusion, support and recognition, Winnipeg has staged Pride annually since 1987 and was the first major North American city to elect an openly gay mayor, Glen Murray (1998-2004).
Winnipeg’s Canada Pride Week operates in an accessible, sustainable, inclusive and diverse fashion. The festival provides ASL services, family friendly areas, accessible entrances, and beverage and information tents. With sustainability as a core foundational value, the festival encourages alternative transportation, the distribution of compostable products, increased placement of recycling bins and a plastic water bottle-free event.
Pride Winnipeg respectfully recognizes that the event occurs on Treaty 1 Territory: the traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis.
The Peg is prepared to host inclusive, respectful and safe events to celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community for Canada’s Pride Week 2022.
Here is your robust guide to Canada Pride Winnipeg 2022, which runs from May 27 – June 5, 2022.
The Fierté Canada Pride Festival will be held at The Forks and Parks Canada Grounds in the following zones: FCP Canada Village, the Winnipeg Festival Field and the Indigenous 2 Spirit Field.
FCP Canada Village hosts the Canada Stage which consists of beer gardens, food vendors, booths and sponsors. The Winnipeg Festival Field is located at The Forks grounds, which includes the Winnipeg Stage, beer gardens & substance-free zones, vendors, sponsors and a KidsZone. The Indigenous 2 Spirit Field is located behind the Johnson Terminal and is the largest dedicated Indigenous Festival grounds in Pride Winnipeg history.
Thursday, May 26: Pre-pride kickoff - Drag Show featuring Kendall Gender
McPhillips Station Casino and Pride Winnipeg are thrilled to celebrate Pride Week 2022 with local and national entertainment, including Canada's Drag Race's Kendall Gender who is performing for the first time in Winnipeg. The show will include local performers Satina Loren, Cake, Cheron Sharelike, Feather Queen, Purple Haze, Dirt, Glimmer and Genesis too. There will be two shows back-to-back at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Be sure to get your tickets to this double header to see double the drama, double the glam and double the drag. Tickets available here.
Friday, May 27: Be there to raise the rainbow flag!
To kick off Pride Week, Winnipeg’s City Hall will host the rainbow flag raising ceremony. Head to 510 Main Street at noon to hang out with members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and listen to speakers share what to expect for Canada’s Pride Week 2022.
Friday, May 27: FemToba Film Fest
Join in on the watch party! The Winnipeg Art Gallery will be screening short films created by womxn, non-binary and trans men filmmakers from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Grab your tickets here and head to the WAG (300 Memorial Blvd.) from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Catch live music by housepanther following the session, along with snacks and beverages.
Friday, May 27: QUEERLY BELOVED Comedy Night
Queerly Beloved, we are gathered here today to laugh uncontrollably. Wee Johnny’s Irish Pub (177 McDermot Avenue) will host the 18+ stand-up comedy show, featuring comedians from the community including Abby Falvo, Danielle Kayahara, Raymond Geronimo, Angie St. Mars, and Veronica Gingles. Kick off Pride week with a laugh and a Guinness. Show starts at 9 p.m., doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets available at the door for $10.
Friday May 27 to Saturday May 28: Pitch for Pride baseball
Come watch 16 teams compete on the diamond at Northwood Community Centre. There will be beer gardens, an auction, mini market and games at this family-friendly event that is celebrating over 20 years!
Saturday, May 28 and 29: Drag Brunch- SOLD OUT
Drag and Brunch? Name a better duo, we’ll wait. Presented by GORGE and Synonym Art Consultation, the Tallest Poppy will host Drag Brunch on May 28 and 29. Catch the fabulous talents of Prairie Sky, Feather Talia, Elle-Eganté, Purple Haze, Cheron Sharelike, Lamour and Special K while enjoying dishes like the iconic chicken and waffles, latkes, and cocktails. Let’s be honest, brunch wouldn’t be brunch without mimosas. Don’t miss out on the most EXTRA brunch of the year.
Saturday, May 28 and Sunday May 29: A Women's Event (AWE) Dance Party
Head to the Pyramid Cabaret for a night of dancing and reconciliation featuring DJ KG Fresh, DJ Kaptain and Drag King Orion Sbelt. All humans welcome and full event details here.
Tuesday, May 31: Being and Living as Two-Spirit Evening Lecture
Presented by the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Education and the Manitoba Teachers Society, the Winnipeg Art Gallery (300 Memorial Boulevard) will host a special lecture with John Sylliboy (Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance). The lecture will offer L’nuwey perspectives on Two-Spirit Identity development, while providing an educational experience for Two-Spirit youth. The event will run from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The WAG’s space offers wheelchair access and ASL if required. Get your free tickets here!
Saturday, June 4: Winnipeg Frontrunners Pride Run
Winnipeg Frontrunners proudly presents the Pride Run to celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community. If you’re in the mood for a run, a walk, or even a roll, make your way to The Forks in front of Neon Cone, the ice cream shop. The event stretches 5km in length and participants are encouraged to dress in all the colours of the rainbow. Sashay your way to The Forks at 9 a.m. to hang with fellow community members. Pre-registration is not required.
Saturday, June 4: Dykes on Bikes (18+ event)
Dykes and Bikes Winnipeg presents the 2022 Ride for Pride Poker Derby in support of Sunshine House. As a non-profit organization, Dykes on Bikes welcomes all to support 2SLGBTQ+ communities by empowering diversity through motorcycle rides and charity events. The organization works to create a strong and connected community of women motorcyclists.
The event starts and ends at Club 200 (190 Garry Street), running from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bring a feminine/menstrual hygiene product as a donation and receive a free extra poker hand. The first 100 registrants will also get a loaded swag bag and giveaways from event sponsors. Come to claim prizes, indulge in an optional finish line meal and participate in 50/50 draw and cash prizes.
Don’t own a motorcycle? No problem. Hop in your car and join on the road to collect cards for your poker hand at specific pit stops in the city for a chance to win cash prizes. Tickets range from $25-$35. Get yours here today and secure your early registration rate!
Saturday, June 4: Cocktails Off Broadway
A Winnipeg patio in June? Chef’s kiss! Head to 129 Spence Street for cocktails to celebrate Pride Week. Grab a seat in the outdoor bar or the indoor piano bar from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. to celebrate the colours of the rainbow! Indulge in hors d'oeuvres prepared by Capital Bar & Grill. Tickets ($35) available online here.
Saturday, June 4: ROOM Service Patio Party
Sponsored by RIOT Cycle & Strength, ROOM Service is back with the Pride Patio Party. Dance the night away in the parking lot of Confusion Corner Bar & Grill from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. with tons of food and drinks. Come prepared to watch performances by Victoria Lush, Lady Fortuna, and Glimmer.
To celebrate, RIOT is giving away four VIP tickets. Contest ends Tuesday May 10. Click here to see how to enter.
Don’t miss the most glamorous night of the year!
Saturday June 4 and Sunday June 5: Festival at the forks
The Forks will stage several areas to welcome and celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community:
Head to the Queer beer Beverage Tent, where Little Brown Jug will serve its new Queer Beer.
The Canada Pride Stage will house the Manitoba liquor mart patio and the Canada Pride Beverage tent.
Bring your kids! There will be live entertainment at the Kidszone from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Your kids will love the Winnipeg Blue Bombers giant inflatable course and the splash pad (open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on both June 4 and 5).
Sunday June 5: Pride Rally and Parade
Strut your stuff! Bring your rainbow flag and join the Pride Rally and Parade. Gather and listen to speakers share celebrations and advocacy of Winnipeg’s Pride Week and celebrate Canada Pride 2022. The rally will begin at 10 a.m. at the Manitoba Legislature building and the parade will begin at 11 a.m. starting at the corner of Memorial Boulevard and Portage Avenue and ending across from Shaw Park.
Sunday June 5: Free live music at The Forks!
Free live music for all ages. Whether you’re five or 85, you’re not going to want to miss these headliners. Head to The Forks to watch the Kid's Stage headliner, Jessee Havey, the Grammy and Juno-winning singer, songwriter and ukulele player of the folk-fusion band, The Duhks, and the Banana Band. Show starts at 4:15 p.m.
Stick around for the Winner of Canada’s Drag Race, Priyanka! Born in Whitby, Ontario, Priyanka was the first web host of the show, “The Next Star” and has performed in every major city across Canada. She was recently named “Number One Drag Entertainer” on the cover of Now Toronto. Catch her as the Canada Stage headliner giving charm, charisma and full glam at 5:15 p.m. Check out her Instagram here.
End the night with a DJ dance party with the headliners of the Winnipeg Pride Main Stage, the House of Gold Diamonds. The party-starting DJ duo, Mamacutsworth and DJ J. Jackson, will be spinning tracks starting at 5:45 p.m. The pair will be pumping classic numbers by Whitney Houston and Madonna. Calling all Material Girls and Queens of the Night, this will be one to remember. Check out their Insta here.
If you manage to have some extra time to celebrate, be sure to check out some of these Winnipeg businesses that proudly wave the rainbow flag:
Black Market Provisions (550 Osborne Street)
Little Brown Jug (336 William Avenue)
Oh Doughnuts (326 Broadway and 1194 Taylor Avenue)
The Goodwill Social Club (625 Portage Avenue)
The Tallest Poppy (130 Sherbrook Street)
Capital Grill (275 Broadway & 3116 Roblin Boulevard)
VG Restaurant (2 Lombard Place)
Club 200 (190 Garry Street)
.... And check out the Pride Winnipeg app for up-to-date info on all the events above, along with maps, and more info!
