What to do in Manitoba this long weekend: you have options

WINNIPEG — The long weekend is underway in Manitoba and there are definitely more ways than one to spend it.

The list is long, but some of the main attractions include:

FOLKLORAMA

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Folklorama starts July 31 and runs until August 13. It’s the largest and longest-running multicultural festival of its kind in the world and it’s taking over Winnipeg at more than 40 different pavilions. Check it out to get your fix of live entertainment, culture, and ethnic cuisine.

BALLET IN THE PARK

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The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is popping up in Assiniboine Park Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Cost? FREE

Take a lawn chair, grab a blanket, some bug spray, maybe even pack a night time picnic, and soak in some unique outdoor ballet by Winnipeg’s finest.

HARRY POTTER PARTY

Saturday, July 30th join all of Winnipeg to celebrate the day before Harry Potter’s birthday, J.K. Rowling’s birthday, and the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

The Harry Potter themed party kicks off at 9 p.m. and runs until midnight at Assiniboine Park, which is when Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two will officially be released.

PRAIRIES COMIC FESTIVAL

This new one-day comic festival takes place Saturday, July 30th. It’s a free event for all ages at the Millennium Library from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m..

The comic book festival will give locals the chance to access local comic content by creators in the prairies. The festival will also feature a market where artists and other writers can mingle with fans and sell material. The day is filled with panels in between as well. The party doesn’t end there, a mixer will happen at 7 p.m. at the Elephant and Castle on St. Mary Avenue.

CANADA’S NATIONAL UKRAINIAN FESTIVAL

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The 51st annual festival will run from July 29 – July 31 in Dauphin. There’s a little bit of something for everyone. A colouring and crafts corner, bouncy castles, face painting, milking the cow, lots of authentic ukrainian food to try out, performances throughout the weekend and of course a Polka Party both Saturday and Sunday at 10 p.m.

PIONEER DAYS

Pioneer Days runs from July 29 to August 1 at the Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach. You get the chance to relive the past of Steinbach through a variety of pioneer events, activities, and demonstrations. Of course music and entertainment, mixed with fun food will be on the menu as well. Traditional Russian-Mennonite food will be available at the Livery Barn restaurant. But, you also have the option to pick up and burger or hot dog too.

ICELANDIC FESTIVAL

Thinking of popping over to Gimli this long weekend? The Icelandic festival is a fun free way to spend your long weekend from Friday to Sunday. There’s a sandcastle making contest, a viking battle, music, and fireworks to name a few of the fun options you have at the festival.