Winnipeg’s outdoor live music guide

Winnipeg is home to artists like Neil Young, The Guess Who and Begonia, who all got their start on one of Winnipeg’s stages. There is nothing better than vibing to some live music outside in a Winnipeg summer — you never know — you might just be watching the next big stage act.

Some big talent is set to hit the stage this summer under bigger prairie skies.

Assiniboine Park (opens in new window)

If sitting barefoot in the park with your toes in the grass is your jam, head to Assiniboine Park this summer for some FREE outdoor summer entertainment. It’s the perfect chance for a family night out or a summer date night.

Enjoy the Lyric Theatre’s concert series every Thursday and Sunday, where you’ll find music for every taste, from a Lilith Fair tribute to Winnipeg’s own Dirty Catfish Brass Band.

On Sunday afternoons, enjoy some music while you’re surrounded by Leo Mol’s iconic sculptures with the Jazz in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden series.

On Saturday mornings in July, nestled among orchards and flowers, with trees blowing in the breeze, you’ll find outdoor music in the Performance Garden outside The Leaf. Make sure your kids tag along for the Wackydoodle Dance Party for Kids later in the month!

Full details on the whole entertainment series can be found on their website, which also includes updates on any weather-related cancellations. The Summer Entertainment Series begins July 4, 2026 and is free to attend, with donations gratefully accepted.

Blue Note Park (opens in new window)

Just outside of Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club sits Blue Note Park, one of Winnipeg’s legendary outdoor live music venues. Here you’ll find theme nights, tribute bands and Juno-winning groups all under the same roof…well, maybe sky.

Thursday to Saturday this stage is set throughout summer, with plenty of guitar-forward programing along with homegrown talent like JD Edwards Band and local a cappella group, Those Guys. ABBA tribute band, Super Troupers, will hit the stage later this summer, along with a “The Stones vs The Beatles” show hosted by The Honeysliders on June 27.

The Cube in Old Market Square

The futuristic Cube stage in Old Market Square has always been a summer hot spot, showcasing the best of Winnipeg’s jazz, reggae and theatre. With ample seating and a setting right in the middle of the Exchange District surrounded by patios, this area was made for a free show.

From June 16-21, the TD International Jazz Festival (opens in new window) will welcome up to 30,000 concert goers across the city. For these six days at 4:30 p.m., you can catch the largest free shows of the year at the Cube, with a diverse range of local, national and international acts playing until midnight.

During Winnipeg’s Fringe Festival (opens in new window) (July 15–26), Old Market Square turns into a bit of a circus – with the Bell MTS Outdoor Stage (aka The Cube) at the centre of it all. Free performances start with a noon hour concert series, and then the Square turns into one big dance party featuring band performances, starting at 6 p.m. on July 15.

Then, on August 7 & 8, Mega Island Fest (opens in new window) (formally the Soca Reggae Festival) brings its steel drums and reggae riffs that sound so tranquil in the summer sunshine to the Cube stage.

Sunset Terrace at Fort Garry Hotel (opens in new window)

Adjacent to Winnipeg’s historic Fort Garry Hotel is its Sunset Terrace. This plant-studded patio gives the city’s castle a little resort flavour, while each night (Tuesday to Saturday) you can catch live acts to accompany your craft cocktails, crisp white wines and delicious dishes. Music offerings include swing and blues from Curtis Newton, jazz classics sung by Nadia Douglas and creative musical arrangements from Connor Derraugh.

Burt Block Party (opens in new window)

Each year in August, the Burton Cummings Theatre brings in big name acts to headline the Burt Block Party, all while transforming the area into one of the city’s biggest street parties.

From August 13-16, 2026, you can catch Lights, The Tragically Hip’s Paul Langlois and The Beaches – one of Canada’s biggest acts who are currently taking over the world, as they rock with Winnipeg’s biggest music lovers downtown.

The Beer Can (opens in new window)

The Beer Can has to be hands down one of the hottest summer patios in Winnipeg. Located just across the bridge from Osborne Village, The Beer Can offers the finest in Winnipeg’s craft beer and beverage scene that can be savoured along with burgers, tater tots and incredible burgers and wraps.

This enchanting tree-shaded setting is the place to be for live DJs, trivia nights, World Cup watch parties and other performances from local artists. Make sure to stop by after a Sea Bears game for their epic afterparties.

Red River Exhibition Park (opens in new window)

The Red River Exhibition Park is host to the Red River Ex carnival and midway every June, marking the unofficial start to summer in Winnipeg. Expect outrageous midway food, fun rides and games, and the chance to hear plenty of live local music.

With four different stages, there is sure to be an artist for every type of music lover in your family. This includes classic rock, with tribute acts for The Beatles, Elvis and AC/DC, while country music fans can kick up their boots to Catie St. Germain, Desiree Orvis and Indigenous performer Jerry Sereda on June 21.

The Ex is also all about the kids, with K-Pop and Frozen Live concerts, dancers, live wrestling and of course, face painting.

Le Patio 340 (opens in new window)

In the heart of Winnipeg’s Saint-Boniface neighbourhood, you’ll find plenty of lively Francophone festivities, including bilingual open-air concerts, movies under the stars and karaoke nights. Enjoy a beverage and some snacks with the whole family, including pets!

Resto Gare (opens in new window)

Iconic Saint-Boniface’s restaurant-on-a-train Resto Gare perfectly blends classic French food (think moules-frites, escargot and refreshing salads made with local ingredients) with Winnipeg musicians. Wednesday evenings are devoted to the best jazz offerings in Winnipeg, to be enjoyed on the patio while you eat some New Orleans-style beignets and a perfectly complemented wine. Wednesday evening performances take place rain or shine, so please dress accordingly!

Meanwhile, on Friday evenings you can enjoy live piano music, during a series called Live at the Station. Elegant French food is the perfect pairing for a date night out on one of Winnipeg’s finest patios.

Winnipeg Folk Festival (opens in new window)

Just outside of the city, Birds Hill Park is home to the annual Winnipeg Folk Festival, beginning July 8, 2026. Among the birds and the trees, some incredible artists flock together to perform for over 75,000 music fans. In addition to the music, enjoy local food vendors, a handmade goods market and a family area to keep even the smallest music lover entertained.