Folklorama 2023 is held over a two-week period in Winnipeg, Manitoba, annually in August. It has been acknowledged as the longest multicultural festival running in the world. Dozens of cultures from many countries are featured at the festival via individual pavilions where home-cooked traditional fare, specific customs and traditions, and events are featured by countries who have chosen Winnipeg their permanent home base.

Folklorama History and Facts

Since August of 1970, Folklorama in Winnipeg has enticed visitors with an exciting schedule. Conceived as a one-time event, the festival was such a hit, it came back annually by popular demand. The first Folklorama was only a week in length and highlighted more than 20 unique countries drawing more than 70,000 visitors. In 1988, festival organizers decided to add a week onto Folklorama and it became a two-week event. Since 2007, only five of the festival’s earliest pavilions open each year; Ukraine-Kyiv, German, Scandinavian, Greek, and Philippine-Nayong Pilipino.

Canada Map

Over the two-week course of Folklorama in Winnipeg 2023, kicking off at the end of July, there are usually about 40 individual pavilions open. Each specific country is deemed an assigned pavilion which is located in a designated area within the city. Visitors can anticipate enjoying cultural dances and songs, viewing traditional items, and tasting delicious ethnic food. Most pavilions also offer cultural keepsakes for sale, imported alcoholic beverages, and a chance to enjoy traditional customs like henna tattoos.

Tickets to Folklorama

Tickets to Folklorama 2023 in Winnipeg can be purchased in advance or onsite. Single Admission for each pavilion is one low price available directly at each pavilion. Transferable Family Pack tickets are available for a lower price than individual tickets in packages of twelve. Kids twelve years and younger enjoy free admission if accompanied by an adult. Anyone wanting to visit all pavilions can purchase a VIP World Tour ticket that includes by-passing waiting lines, cultural meals, VIP seating, and transportation via a luxury bus.

Directions to Folklorama

To get to the Folklorama Main Office, take Highway 1 (Trans Canada Highway) from either the west or the east, right into Winnipeg. From the west, Highway 16 also spans across British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan and merges with the Trans Canada traveling directly into Winnipeg. From the west, Highway 1 (also called Highway 85 within the city) turns into Portage Avenue. Once past the City Centre, make a left at Kennedy Street and proceed to 183 Kennedy, the festival’s main office where the festival Travel Guide is also available. From the east, follow Highway 1 to onto Main Street and pass Bonnycastle Park before turning left onto Broadway passed The Fort Garry Hotel. Make a right onto Kennedy Avenue and proceed to 183 Kennedy, the main festival office.

Lodging near Folklorama

All Winnipeg hotels have something specific to offer, whether it’s a standard low rate, vacation packages, or close proximity to city attractions. The Holiday Inn & Suites Winnipeg is located in the downtown area, which is generally host to many of the 40 or so pavilions featured by Folklorama in Winnipeg. The Fairmont Winnipeg is a choice in luxury hotels that offers plenty of pampering with great services and fantastic onsite restaurants. The Fort Garry is the best choice when looking for a historic hotel for Folklorama 2023 that is equal parts grand and accommodating.