Winnipeg really comes alive in the warmer months. The longer days and fresh energy in the air make it the perfect time to slow down a little and enjoy everything the city has going on. If you’re raising a family here, or even just trying to make your weekends feel a little more memorable, local festivals are one of the easiest ways to get out of the house without a ton of planning.
When your summer calendar starts to fill up with all the fun, it helps to know your child’s dental care is in good hands, too. The team at Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is known not just for their expertise, but for how warm and genuinely caring they are with every family who walks through the door. Dr. Adriana Salles and Dr. Saffana are dedicated pediatric dentists who make appointments feel calm and approachable, while Dr. Alvaro Salles helps make orthodontic care at our St. Anne’s Road and Portage Avenue offices feel less overwhelming and more doable.
Folklorama | August 3-16, 2025
Folklorama is one of those events you try once and then start planning around every summer after that. It’s a two-week celebration of cultures from around the world, hosted through pavilions across the city. You’ll find traditional dancing, handmade art, music, and—let’s be honest—food that you’ll be thinking about long after the event.
If you have kids, it’s an easy win. Many pavilions offer early showtimes, and the performances are engaging enough to hold their attention (even after a long day). Plus, you can skip the screen time and still feel like you did something special. The best way to enjoy it:
- Pick 2–3 pavilions instead of trying to cram them all in
- Check schedules ahead—some nights are less crowded
- Bring cash for small vendors and snacks
- It’s local, it’s educational, and honestly, it’s fun for everyone involved.
Winnipeg Folk Festival | July 10-13, 2025
Held just outside the city in Birds Hill Provincial Park, this one’s worth the short drive. The Winnipeg Folk Festival has been around for over 40 years, and there’s a reason it draws huge crowds every year.
The energy is relaxed, the music is top-notch, and the kids’ area is set up so that parents can actually take a breath. From instrument workshops to arts and crafts, there’s always something going on. You can stay for a single day or go all in and camp overnight if you’re up for it.
You don’t need to be a hardcore music fan to enjoy this one. It’s more about the experience:
- Eating something delicious on a picnic blanket while live music plays in the background
- Watching your kids dance barefoot in the grass
- Running into people you haven’t seen in a while
Right around this time, Dr. Alvaro Salles at Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics usually sees a lot of parents trying to book last-minute checkups before school prep sneaks up again. It’s a good reminder to take a second for yourself before summer flies by.
Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival | July 16 – 27, 2025
This one might not be the first festival that comes to mind if you have kids, but it’s more family-friendly than it sounds.
What to Expect
The Fringe Festival features live theatre performances from groups around the world. While some shows are geared toward adults, there’s a dedicated Kids Fringe with performances, crafts, and activities made for younger audiences.
Why It’s Worth It
- It’s creative and weird in the best way
- Kids get to experience live storytelling
- It breaks up the usual summer routine with something different
Shows fill up fast. If something catches your eye, buy tickets early. Also, bring snacks because there’s something about sitting through a show that makes kids hungry five minutes in.
Canada Day at The Forks | July 1, 2025
This is one of the busiest events of the year, but also one of the most exciting. Canada Day at The Forks brings out food trucks, live performances, pop-up activities, and a serious crowd. You’ll want to get there early if you want a good parking spot and a chill place to sit.
What makes it worth the effort:
- Fireworks that are genuinely impressive
- Kid-friendly games and performances throughout the day
- Plenty of food options for picky eaters
If your kids haven’t experienced a big fireworks display before, this is a solid one to start with, but be ready for the post-show bedtime crash.
Some Tips for a Low-Stress Festival Day
Create a simple “festival backpack” you can grab and go with. Stock it with:
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Wipes
- Water bottles
- Snacks
- A small towel or blanket
- Cash and a card (some booths only accept one or the other)
- A portable phone charger
It sounds basic, but having your essentials pre-packed means you’re more likely to say yes to spontaneous plans, and less likely to be caught off-guard by heat, hunger, or boredom.
Easy and Friendly Care, Even During a Busy Summer
Winnipeg knows how to do summer right. If you’re trying to fit in a dental checkup somewhere between all the fun, Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics makes it easy. The Winnipeg office is built with families in mind, and Dr. Alvaro Salles has a way of putting kids at ease, even if they’ve been avoiding the dentist for a while.
Summer doesn’t have to be hectic. Sometimes, it just takes knowing where to go and who to call when life gets busy. Contact us to schedule an appointment at our St. Anne’s Road or Portage Avenue office.