It’s time to tighten your sashes and raise your glasses (of caribou, that is) to toast the long-awaited, full return of Western Canada’s largest winter festival–Festival du Voyageur! HéHo!
Back in Saint-Boniface, the winter event celebrating the region's fur-trading, Métis, Indigenous and Francophone history through music, visual arts, dance and sculpture, will run from February 17 to 26, 2023 at the Parc du Voyageur for its 54th year. To reignite your Joie de Vivre, festivalgoers can expect some exciting advancements to make this year cooler than ever.
Here’s what’s new
1. More snow and more sculptures
With more sculptures than ever before, attendees can expect to fully immerse themselves in a scene of giant snow-shaped forest animals and other works of art. Plus, the International Snow Sculpture Symposium will see teams from across Canada compete to see who best shapes the snow.
2. Big musical acts inside even bigger tents
Over 200 musical artists will perform throughout the week, celebrating the largest musical programming in the history of the festival. Expect to see local pop star Olivia Lunny, multi-instrumentalist Winnipegger Roman Clarke, local blues-pop stoner Boy Golden, and local legend children's entertainer Al Simmons, among many, many more acts.
Plus, enjoy free concerts leading up to the big event in a traveling concert trailer from February 3 to 5 at The Forks.
3. Indigenous initiatives are at the heart of the event
Collaborating with 15 local and national Indigenous artists, attendees can take in physical and digital art installations throughout the park. Discover winter stories told in Indigenous languages, and heat up beside the Infinity Fire, a gathering place honouring the Red River Métis people.
4. New ticketing structure and a brand new app
Stay warm with reduced line-ups thanks to a brand new ticketing structure. With four types of tickets available, you can choose whichever best suits your timeframe and your budget.
Beat the onsite admission lines by pre-purchasing your tickets on Festival du Voyageur's new mobile app, on which you can also browse schedules, event locations, activities and learn about the artists.
5. New official sites to carry on post-festival
For those looking to celebrate throughout the city, Festival du Voyageur will offer seven official sites hosting everything from fiddling and jigging, to Après Festi at the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain, or Festi Broue served up in Nonsuch Brewing Co.’s taproom.
Keep an eye out for your favourite Francophone spots taking part in the celebration!
************************
In addition to these great new experiences, festivalgoers can look forward to the traditional activities at Festival du Voyageur such as maple taffy making, beard growing contests, ice and wood carving, sleigh rides and more.
Plan your trip and festival experience today at https://heho.ca/!
