June 10, 2025– Downtown Winnipeg BIZ invites everyone to choose downtown as their destination this summer with five signature events that offer a variety of ways to celebrate the season. The lineup—including the Downtown Sounds Concert Series, Downtown Outdoor Farmers’ Market, Downtown Furry Fridays, Downtown Family Movie Night presented by The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba, and Chinatown & Dim Sum Tours—provides unique and fun experiences for residents, workers, students and visitors alike.
“Downtown Winnipeg is the place to be this summer to build connection, champion local businesses and foster pride in our community” says Olivia Billson, Director of Marketing, Engagement and Communications for Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. ”From live music and local markets to pet-friendly events and a family movie night, we’re creating moments that bring people together and showcase what makes our neighbourhood unique and special.”
The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s 2025 Q1 Snapshot report showed the high visitation rate from 2024 continued into 2025, noting downtown saw a nearly 30 per cent increase in pedestrian traffic in Q1 of 2025 (from Q1 2024).
“With Portage and Main reopening to foot traffic next month, and the transformation of Graham Avenue into a pedestrian-friendly hub featuring new installations and activations, it is an exciting time to be downtown, and we’re thrilled to build on that positive momentum,” Billson adds.
The 2025 summer lineup brings more to explore, with expanded offerings and exciting new downtown locations.
Downtown Sounds Concert Series
FREE live performances every Tuesday from June 17 to August 26, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s Concert Series features a new venue, on-site activations and pop-ups from local businesses, and an interactive Q&A with the musicians!
The Forks – Johnston Terminal Steps – 1 Forks Market Road
- June 17 – JC Campbell
- June 24 – The Astronomics
Richardson Centre Plaza – 1 Lombard Place
- July 8 – The Love Letters
- July 15 – Orvis & His Higher Guns
- July 22 – The Band at the Bottom of the Sea
The Workers’ Compensation Board of Manitoba Building Outdoor Space – 333 Broadway
- July 29 – Ingia (Joyce German)
- August 5 – Zoot Suit
- August 12 – Viento South
NEW Celebration Zone, Graham Avenue – Between Carlton & Donald
- August 19 – Drum Café
- August 26 – Nelson Little
Downtown Outdoor Farmers’ Market
Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the south side of Manitoba Hydro Place along Graham Avenue, find local, home-grown and homemade food and goods! New this year: we’re celebrating Indigenous culture and artists at every market with special live performances, workshops and activations! Details will be released on a weekly basis.
- July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31
- August 7, 14, 21, and 28
- September 4, 11, 18, and 25
- October 2
Downtown Furry Fridays – July 25 and August 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., True North Square
The Dog Days of Summer Market has a new name and date! Curated local vendors will be offering a variety of goodies for dogs (and other furry friends), from tasty treats to fun toys and accessories. Folks are encouraged to bring their dogs to splash around in the puddle pools and meet some furry friends. The event also features special guests from animal rescues, giving people a chance to meet adorable adoptable dogs.
Downtown Family Movie Night, presented by The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba – August 29
Enjoy a FREE family-friendly movie night at Bonnycastle Park! This popular event includes programming and activities before the feature film and a variety of food options. This year, we’re excited to present The Wild Robot — an animated movie that follows the journey of a robot on an inhabited island. Based on the New York Times bestselling book, this movie is a story for all ages.
Led by local Dim Sum aficionado Carter Chen, participants will experience the customs of dim sum, from ordering etiquette to cultural insights, while exploring the historic Chinatown neighbourhood on foot. Tickets for this tour are in high demand, be sure to get yours as soon as they go on sale!
- May 31 (Tickets on sale May 10)
- June 21 (Tickets on sale May 31)
- July 12 (Tickets on sale June 21)
- August 23 (Tickets on sale August 2)
- September 20 (Tickets on sale August 30)
- October 18 (Tickets on sale September 27)
CULINARY STOPS:
- Dim Sum Garden – 245 King Street
- Sam Po Dim Sum Restaurant – 277 Rupert Avenue
For more details on Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s programs and events, visit downtownwinnipegbiz.com or follow @downtownwinnipegbiz on social media.
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Media Contact:
Olivia Billson
Director of Marketing, Engagement and Communications
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ
C: 204-806-2506
E: olivia@downtownwinnipegbiz.com